3. Country Description Size: 5.8 square km Climate: warm throughout the year, with hot summers and mild winters Location: southern end of the Iberian Peninsula Population: as of 2010, the population of Gibraltar is 28,750
5. Geographic Features Land Regions: Rock of Gibraltar Rivers, Lakes, and Oceans: Rosia Bay and Catalan Bay Indigenous Fauna: greater white-toothed shrew, greater mouse-eared bat, soprano pipistrelle, Schreiber’s long-fingered bat, European free-tailed bat, barbary macaque, red fox, feral cat, Mediterranean monk seal, common dolphin, long-finned pilot whale, orca, striped dolphin, bottlenose dolphin, sperm whale, fin whale,
6. Geography features (ctd.) Indigenous Flora: Gibraltar Candytuft Special points of interest: Europa Point, Upper Rock Nature Reserve, Gibraltar Museum, Great Siege Tunnels, and Trafalgar Cemetery Vacation tours: Rock of Gibraltar
7. History Early History: Tariq IbnZeyad landed in Gibraltar 711 A.D. and started the Muslim conquest of Iberia from here but there is no known surviving documentation of events in Gibraltar. A permanent settlement wasn’t established in Gibraltar until 1160 A.D., which was 449 years after Zeyad landed there. Abd al-Mumin, the Caliph of the Almohad dynasty, constructed the Madinat al Fath, or City of Victory. He intended for the city to be the resdence of imperial power. Gibraltar was lost to the Castillians in 1309 A.D. during Almohad rule. Muslim rule was re-established in Gibraltar in 1333AD by a new dynasty from North Africa - the Merinids. The city was improved and extended during this time. The city and port of Gibraltar gained most importance after the fall of Algeciras in 1344AD. It became the gateway into Spain for the Merinids, being the only Muslim fortress left on the northern shores of the Strait. The Spanish War of Succession began in 1702. The King of Spain, Charles II, was a man mentally and physically handicapped and when he died without an heir, two rivals laid claim to the Spanish throne.
8. History Early History (ctd.): Louis XIV wanted to see his Grandson, Philip of Anjou, named as King, whilst the Austrians put forward the Hapsburg candidate, Archduke Charles supported England, Holland and the Vatican. On the 4th August 1704, the English fleet, under Admiral Sir George Rooke, entered the Gibraltar Bay. At 3pm 1,800 English and Dutch marines were landed close to the Rock with the Dutch Prince Hesse at the head. After several days of fierce fighting the Spanish surrendered the Rock. The Treaty of Utrecht gave Britain Gibraltar. Soon after its capture in 1704, the first of three Spanish attacks on Gibraltar was launched. The first only lasted six months and the second, in 1725, two years. The end of the Napoleonic Wars brought an end to the sieges and Gibraltar prospered becoming a British Crown Colony in 1830. The opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 increased Gibraltar's strategic value to the Royal Navy and the Admiralty dockyard, with its 440 acre harbour protected by three moles, was constructed on land reclaimed from the sea in 1895-1905.
9. History Impact on world- or world on it: Gibraltar controlled virtually all naval traffic into and out of the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean during World War II. Current Event: The European Commission says the UK government must show that it is acting to curb emissions of tiny airborne particles called PM10. Last June the Commission gave the UK a "final warning" over air pollution in Greater London and Gibraltar, but now it says Gibraltar is within the limits.
10. Political Type of Government: overseas territory of the United Kingdom with one legislative body (Gibraltar Parliament). Government Leaders: Head of State: Queen Elizabeth II, represented by Governor Sir Robert Fulton. Chief Minister: Peter Caruana
11. Economy Industry: Gibraltar Industries Exports: petroleum and manufactured goods Imports: residual fuel Economic Status: international finance centre Major trade partners: Spain, Russia, Italy, UK, France, Netherlands, US, Germany, Turkmenistan, and Switzerland.
12. Daily Life Standard of Living: Gibraltar is currently ranked 183 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live Literacy: literacy rate is 80% Internet Usage: 6200 internet users
13. Culture Religion: Roman Catholic Foods: very diverse selection of foods Music and Dance: multi-ethnic music
17. Country Description Size: 117,400 square km Climate: hot, dry desert strip along Red Sea coast; cooler and wetter in the central highlands (up to 61 cm of rainfall annually); semiarid in western hills and lowlands; rainfall heaviest during June-September except in coastal desert. Location: Eastern Africa, bordering the Red Sea, between Djibouti and Sudan. Population: 5.2 million
19. Geographic Features Land Regions: Eritrea has 6 regions Rivers, Lakes, and Oceans: Anseba River, Barka River, Gash River, Tekeze River, and Mereb River. Indigenous Flora and Fauna: Trees that can be found in this region include olive tree, the sycamore fig tree, dura, bultuc and maize. Abyssinian hare, black jackal, wildcat, ground squirrel and pale fox are the more commonly noticed mammals. Amongst the others are the black cat, Oryx, kudus, crocodiles and klipspringers. There are 537 species of birds including the blue saw wing, osprey and Arabian Bustard.
20. Geographic Features (ctd.) Special points of interest: Asmara, Massawa, Keren, Dankalia, Filfil, Senafe, Barentu, Dekemhare, Mendefera, Afabet, and Nakfa. Vacation Tour: Cathedral of Asmara, Asmara Zoo, and Eritrea Markets
21. History Early History: A former Italian colony, Eritrea was occupied by the British in 1941. In 1952 the United Nations resolved to establish it as an autonomous entity federated with Ethiopia as a compromise between Ethiopian claims for sovereignty and Eritrean aspirations for independence. However, 10 years later the Ethiopian emperor, HaileSelassie, decided to annex it, triggering a 32-year armed struggle.This culminated in independence after an alliance of the Eritrean People's Liberation Front (EPLF) and a coalition of Ethiopian resistance movements defeated HaileSelassie's communist successor, MengistuHaileMariam. In 1993, in a referendum supported by Ethiopia, Eritreans voted almost unanimously for independence, leaving Ethiopia landlocked.
22. History Early History (ctd): The two countries hardly became good neighbours, with the issues of Ethiopian access to the Eritrean ports of Massawa and Assab and unequal trade terms souring relations. In 1998 border disputes around the town of Badme erupted into open hostilities. This conflict ended with a peace deal in June 2000, but not before leaving both sides with tens of thousands of soldiers dead. A security zone separates the two countries. The UN patrolled the zone at one time but pulled out, unable to fulfil its mandate. The unresolved border issue compounds other pressing problems. These include Eritrea's inability to provide enough food; two thirds of the population receive food aid. Moreover, economic progress is hampered by the proportion of Eritreans who are in the army rather than the workforce.
23. History Impact on World- World on it: Eritrea fought a war for independence from Ethiopia. Eritrea fought another war with Ethiopia that was caused by border issues. Current Event: Eritrea has four Britons detained and it is refusing to release any information about them to the U.K.
24. Political Type of Government: transitional government Government Leaders: President: IsaiasAfewerki
25. Economy Industry: processed food and dairy products, alcoholic beverages, leather goods, textiles, chemicals, cement and other construction materials, salt, paper, and matches. Exports: skins, meat, live sheep and cattle, gum arabic. Imports: food, military materiel, and fuel, manufactured goods, machinery and transportation equipment
26. Economy Major Trade Partners: Malaysia, Italy, France, U.S., Turkey, U.K., and Russia. Sanctions: a few years ago, the UN imposed sanctions on Eritrea over support for rebels in Somalia.
27. Daily Life Standard of Living: Asmara is currently ranked 238 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations. Literacy: 64.2% Internet Usage: 4.1% of population
28. Cultural Traditions: when there is a wedding, you have a big party that lasts two days. Religions: Islam and Christianity Foods: For a morning breakfast, they usually will have silsi, a peppery fried tomato and onion sauce usually served for breakfast, or legamat (deep-fried dough). Typically, Eritrean cuisine consists of various stews made from vegetables and meat, and served atop a large, flat sourdough bread called injera or tayta. Many vegetarian dishes are available, since a majority of the population observe fasting at some time during the year.
29. Cultural Music and Dance: Traditional dance in Eritrea is popular. The Tiginya dancers slowly move in a counter-clockwise circle, shuffling their feet to the beat of the music and bob their shoulders in a rhythmic fashion. When Tigre and Bilen women dance the sheleel, they shake their long braids so they swing.
31. Conclusion Summary: Eritrea is a country in the Horn of Africa, which is a peninsula in East Africa that juts hundreds of kilometers out into the Arabian Sea and lies on the along the southern side of the Gulf of Aden.
33. Country Description Size: 11,437 sp km Climate: The Climate of Qatar can be described as subtropical dry, hot desert climate with low annual rainfall, very high temperatures in summer and a big difference between maximum and minimum temperatures, especially in the inland areas. Location: Qatar is a peninsula running north into the Persian / Arabian Gulf.
35. Geographic Features Rivers, lakes, and oceans: Qatar has no perennial rivers. Indigenous Flora and Fauna: Asiatic jackal, sand cat, grey dolphin, black finless porpoise, Wagner’s gerbil, and Dugoung. Special Points of Interest: Doha
36. History Early History: Ruled by the Al Thani family since the mid-1800s, Qatar transformed itself from a poor British protectorate noted mainly for pearling into an independent state with significant oil and natural gas revenues. During the late 1980s and early 1990s, the Qatari economy was crippled by a continuous siphoning off of petroleum revenues by the Amir, who had ruled the country since 1972. His son, the current Amir HAMAD bin Khalifa Al Thani, overthrew him in a bloodless coup in 1995. In 2001, Qatar resolved its longstanding border disputes with both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. As of 2007, oil and natural gas revenues had enabled Qatar to attain the second-highest per capita income in the world.
37. History Impact on World – or World on it: Qatar played an important role in the first Gulf War. Current Event: Qatar is taking part in the military operations concerning Libya.
38. Political Type of Government: emirate Government Leaders: Emir: Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifah Al Thani
39. Economy Industry: liquefied natural gas, crude oil production and refining, ammonia, fertilizers, petrochemicals, steel reinforcing bars, cement, commercial ship repair Exports: oil and gas Imports: machinery and transport equipment, food, chemicals Economic Status:
40. Economy Major Trade Partners: Japan, South Korea, Singapore, India, U.S., France, Japan, Germany, Saudi Arabia, U.K., and Italy.
41. Daily Life Standard of Living: compares well with those of Western European states. Literacy: 89% Clothing: traditional clothing is worn on a daily basis Internet Usage: 34% of population
42. Cultural Traditions: people still hold camel races in Qatar. Customs: language Religions: Islam Foods: lobster, crab, shrimp, tuna, kingfish and red snapper. But the favorite food in Qatar of the locals is the traditional meat of Lamb and mutton accompanied by milk from cows or goats which is made in yogurt.
43. Cultural Music and Dance: Music and dance in Qatar is an integral part of lifestyle of the people.
45. Conclusion Summary: Qatar is a peninsula country that juts out into the Persian Gulf. Many of the original traditions and customs that were established when the country formed have remained the same even after all this time.
47. Country Decription Size: 49,033 sq km Climate: temperate; cool summers; cold, cloudy, humid winters. Location: Central Europe, south of Poland Population: 5.4 million
49. Geographic Features Land Regions: Slovakia is split into 8 regions Rivers, Lakes, and Oceans: Vah River, Danube River, Morava River, Nitra River, Hron River, Ipel’ River, Tizsa River, Slana River, Torysa River, Hnilec River, and Dunajec River. Indigenous Flora and Fauna: Over one-third of the land is forest. Some original steppe grassland areas can be found in Slovakia today. Mammals found in the country include fox, rabbits, and wild pig. A wide variety of birds inhabit the valleys of Slovakia. Carp, pike, and trout are found in the country's rivers, lakes, and streams.
51. History Early History: Slovakia's roots can be traced to the 9th century state of Great Moravia. Subsequently, the Slovaks became part of the Hungarian Kingdom, where they remained for the next 1,000 years. Following the formation of the dual Austro-Hungarian monarchy in 1867, language and education policies favoring the use of Hungarian (Magyarization) resulted in a strengthening of Slovak nationalism and a cultivation of cultural ties with the closely related Czechs, who were themselves ruled by the Austrians. After the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire at the close of World War I, the Slovaks joined the Czechs to form Czechoslovakia. Following the chaos of World War II, Czechoslovakia became a Communist nation within Soviet-dominated Eastern Europe. Soviet influence collapsed in 1989 and Czechoslovakia once more became free. The Slovaks and the Czechs agreed to separate peacefully on 1 January 1993. Slovakia joined both NATO and the EU in the spring of 2004 and the euro area on 1 January 2009.
52. History Impact on World – World on it: it sided with Germany during WWII. Current Event: the company Tesco is looking for people in Slovakia to fill jobs in the UK.
53. Political Type of Government: Parliamentary democracy Government Leaders: President: Ivan Gasparovic. Prime minister: IvetaRadicova.
54. Economy Industry: iron and steel, chemicals, electro-chemical, automobiles, light industry, food processing, back-office support, engineering, building materials. Exports: machinery and energy equipment, electrical equipment, audio/video equipment, vehicles, base metals, mineral products, plastics and rubber, iron and steel, machinery and energy equipment, plastics. Imports: machinery, vehicles, electrical equipment, mineral fuels and oils, audio/video equipment, base metals.
55. Economy Economic Status: In 2006, Slovakia reached the highest economic growth (8.9%) among the members of OECD and the third highest in the EU (just behind Estonia and Latvia). Major Trade Partners: Germany, Czech Republic, France, Poland, Hungary, Italy, Austria, Russia, South Korea, and China. Trade Associations: Association of Glass and Artificial Jewelry Industry, Slovak Craft Industry Federation, and Association of Leather & Shoe Industries of the Slovak Republic.
56. Daily Life Standard of Living: In general, the cost of living (utility costs, prices, etc.) in Slovakia is lower than in west European countries like UK, France or Germany. Living costs vary from region to region and are also dependent on fluctuations in the prices of food, energy and other everyday necessities. Literacy: 99.6% of population
57. Daily Life Clothing: The traditional Slovak clothing is called Kroj. (pronounced kroy, and kroje is plural). Every region has its own disinctkroj. Internet Usage: 66% of population
58. Cultural Traditions: they have multiple traditions for a variety of religious holidays Customs: it’s a custom in Slovakia that if a person invites you to their house you are supposed to bring them a gift Religions: Christianity is the major religion of Slovakia Foods: Halušky, BryndzovéHalušky, and Kapustnica.
59. Winter Olympics 2010 Slovakia won a total of 3 medals at the 2010 Winter Olympics (1 gold, 1 silver, and 1 bronze).
60. Conclusion Summary: Slovakia is located in Central Europe just south of Poland. They have a multitude of customs in their society for different occasions. They also have a variety of unique foods.
62. Country Description Size: 143,998 sq km Climate: Bangladesh has a tropical monsoon-type climate, with a hot and rainy summer and a dry winter. Location: Southern Asia, bordering the Bay of Bengal, between Burma and India Population: 164.4 million
64. Geographic Features Rivers, Lakes, Oceans: about 800 rivers flow through the country. Indigenous Flora and Fauna: royal Bengal tiger, magpie robin, water lily Special points of interest: Sylhet
65. History Early History: Europeans began to set up trading posts in the area of Bangladesh in the 16th century; eventually the British came to dominate the region and it became part of British India. In 1947, West Pakistan and East Bengal (both primarily Muslim) separated from India (largely Hindu) and jointly became the new country of Pakistan. East Bengal became East Pakistan in 1955, but the awkward arrangement of a two-part country with its territorial units separated by 1,600 km left the Bengalis marginalized and dissatisfied. East Pakistan seceded from its union with West Pakistan in 1971 and was renamed Bangladesh.
66. History Impact on world – world on it: the Bangladesh Liberation War was an armed conflict pitting East Pakistan and India against West Pakistan. The war resulted in the secession of East Pakistan, which became the independent nation of Bangladesh. Current Event: AtuarRaham, a 28-year-old Bangladeshi electrician, managed to flee from Libya and return home to Bangladesh.
67. Political Type of Government: Parliamentary democracy Government Leaders: President: ZillurRahmanPrime minister: Sheikh HasinaWajed
68. Economy Industry: garments and knitwear, jute goods, frozen fish and seafood, textiles, fertilizer, sugar, tea, leather, ship-breaking for scrap, pharmaceuticals, ceramic tableware, newsprint. Exports: garments, frozen fish and seafood, jute and jute goods, leather Imports: machinery and equipment, chemicals, iron and steel, textiles, foodstuffs, petroleum products, cement.
69. Economy Economic Status: the economy of Bangladesh is a developing market-based economy. Major Trade Partners: US, Germany, UK, France, Netherlands, China, India, Singapore, Japan, Malaysia
70. Daily Life Standard of Living: standard of living is very high in Bangladesh Literacy: 47.9% of population Clothing: Bangladeshi women habitually wear Sarees. Jamdani was once world famous for it's most artistic and expensive ornamental fabric. Moslin, a fine and artistic type of cloth was well-known worldwide. NaksiKantha, embroidered quilted patchwork cloth produced by the village women, is still familiar in villages and towns simultaneously. A common hairstyle is Beni (twisted bun) that Bangalee women are fond of. Traditionally males wear Panjabis, Fatuas and Pajamas. Hindus wear Dhuty for religious purposes. Now-a-days common dresses of males are shirts and pants.
72. Cultural Traditions and Customs: The customs and traditions of Bangladesh are varied and fascinating. Some are rooted in its little-known prehistory and some have been carried through the ages by hundreds of aboriginal tribes who came to the subcontinent from many parts of the old world.
73. Cultural Religions: Islam and Hinduism are the major religions Music and Dance: Classical forms of the sub-continent predominate in Bangladeshi dance. The folk, tribal and Middle Eastern traits are also common.
75. Conclusion Summary: Bangladesh is in Southern Asia, bordering the Bay of Bengal, between Burma and India. Originally Bangladesh was East Pakistan but the name was changed after the Bangladesh Liberation War.
77. Country Description Size: 21 sq km Climate: The climate of Nauru can be described as a typical warm, tropical climate with two different seasons. Location: Oceania, island in the South Pacific Ocean, south of the Marshall Islands Population: 10,000
79. Geographic Features Rivers, Lakes, and Oceans: Black Lagoon Indigenous Flora and Fauna: coconut palms, pandanus, hibiscus, frangipani, noddies, terns, and frigate birds. Special Points of Interest: Central Plateau, Buada Lagoon, and Anibare Bay.
80. History Early History: The exact origins of the Nauruans are unclear since their language does not resemble any other in the Pacific. The island was annexed by Germany in 1888. Its phosphate deposits began to be mined early in the 20th century by a German-British consortium. Nauru was occupied by Australian forces in World War I and subsequently became a League of Nations mandate. After the Second World War - and a brutal occupation by Japan - Nauru became a UN trust territory. It achieved independence in 1968 and joined the UN in 1999 as the world's smallest independent republic.
81. History Impact on world - world on it: The Nauruan Tribal War was a conflict among the twelve indigenous tribes of Nauru between 1878 and 1888. Current Event: there was a political deadlock in Nauru between two factions within the country.
82. Political Type of Government: Republic Government Leaders: President: Marcus Stephen.
83. Economy Industry: phosphate mining Exports: phosphates Imports: food, fuel, manufactures Major Trade Partners: South Korea, India, New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, United States, Russia, Australia, Germany, and Japan.
84. Daily Life Standard of Living: The Standard of Living in Nauru has been described as the worst in the world, ranking lower than Sierra Leone and the Abu Ghraib prison.
85. Cultural Customs: Nauru Customs are the integral part of the life of Nauru people. The colorful life of these people reflects their spirit. All the activities done by them are in perfect harmony with their lifestyle. The customs followed by them can be traced back to their past though some aspects of modernity are blended with them.
86. Cultural Religions: Christianity is the major religion Foods: Nauru Food is delicious and healthy at the same time. Since it is an island Nauru Food mainly includes seafood dishes. Fishes are easily available and a variety of preparations can be explored. The authentic dishes are loved for generations. But Food of Nauru is influenced by the many cuisines like German, Australian, Chinese, and British etc. Music and Dance: Nauru music demonstrates its Micronesian heritage.
88. Conclusion Summary: Nauru is a small oval-shaped island in the western Pacific Ocean, located just 42 kilometers (26 mi.) south of the Equator. It is one of three great phosphate rock islands in the Pacific Ocean--the others are Banaba (Ocean Island) in Kiribati and Makatea in French Polynesia. Nauru has no official capital.
92. History Early History: Transnistria is a breakaway territory located mostly on a strip of land between the Dniester River and the eastern Moldovan border to Ukraine. Since its declaration of independence in 1990, and especially after the War of Transnistria in 1992, it is governed de facto as the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic (PMR, also known as "Pridnestrovie"), an unrecognized state which claims the territory to the east of the river Dniester, the city of Bender and its surrounding localities located on the west bank. The Republic of Moldova does not recognize the secession and considers territories controlled by the PMR to be part of Moldova's autonomous region of StîngaNistrului ("Left Bank of the Dniester"). Transnistria'ssovereignty is unrecognized by any United Nations member state and it has no diplomatic relations with them.
93. History Impact on World – or World on it: Transnistria was conquered by the Axis Powers during World War II
94. Political Type of Government: Republic Government Leaders: Transnistria is headed by a president, who is supported by a vice president, positions currently occupied by Igor Smirnov and AleksandrKorolyov
95. Economy Industry: machinery construction, food industry and light industry, and production of construction materials.
97. Conclusion Summary: not much information can be found online about Transnistria because it is not considered a separate country by any other country in the world. Moldova does not accept the secession of Transnistria.
