This document provides brief summaries of the culture, geography, languages and other key facts about various countries and regions including Africa, Canada, England, India, Northern Ireland, Oceania (New Zealand and Australia), Scotland, The West Indies, United Kingdom, United States of America, and Wales. It includes information on their capitals, currencies, famous people, foods, flags, languages, and other notable cultural aspects. The document is organized alphabetically by location for easy reference.

1. ISFD N°41
“Language and Culture 1”
Longhi, Vanesa
Rapanelli, Romina
Group #11 (1°1°) 2017

2. Index
• Africa …………………………………………………………. Page 1
• Canada ………………………………………………………. Page 3
• England …………………………………………………….... Page 5
• India ………………………………………………………….. Page 7
• Northern Ireland …………………………………………….. Page 9
• Ocenia ……………………………………………………….. Page 11
• Scotland ……………………………………………………… Page 13
• The West Indies …………………………………………….. Page 15
• United Kingdom …………………………………………….. Page 17
• United States of America ………………………………….. Page 19
• Wales ………………………………………………………… Page 21

3. Africa
• Africa is the oldest continent,
the human race originated in
Africa. Most of Africa was
colonised by European
countries: Britain, France,
Belgium, Spain, Portugal,
Germany and Italy. Many of
Africa’s 56 independent
countries were created by
these colonial powers, who
ignored ancient tribal lands
and groups. It is the second-
largest continent after Asia
and is home to 800 million
people.
• Geography: The coastal
plains never stretching far
form the coast, apart from the
lower courses of streams.
Recent alluvial flats are found
chiefly in the delta of the more
important rivers. Elsewhere,
the coastal lowlands merely
form the lowest steps of the
system of terraces that
constitutes the ascent to the
inner plateaus. The Atlas
range orthographically distinct
from the rest of the continent,
being unconnected with and
separated from the south by a
depressed and desert area
(the Sahara).

4. Africa
• Foods: Some of the most distinct foods
are Akara, Chakalaka and Draw soup,
among others.
• Famous people: Nelson Mandela, Kofi
Annan and David Rudisho are ones of
the best known personalities.
• Languages: Africa is the
most multilingual continent in the
world, and it is not rare for individuals
to fluently speak not only multiple
African languages, but one or more
European ones as well. There are four
major language families indigenous to
Africa: Afroasiatic, Nilo-Saharan,
Niger-Congo, Khoisan.
• Weather: The climate of Africa ranges
from tropical to subarctic on its highest
peaks. Its northern half is
primarily desert, or arid, while its
central and southern areas contain
both savanna plains and
dense jungle (rainforest) regions..
Africa is the hottest continent on earth.

5. Canada
• Canada is a country in the
northern part of North America.
It is the second largest country
in the world, Russia is the
largest one.
• Currency: Canadian dollar
• Important cities: Toronto,
Montreal, Calgary, Ottawa,
Vancouver.
• Capital: Ottawa
• Language: Canada is a bilingual
country, the two official
languages are English and
French.
• Famous people: Avril Lavigne
and Michael Bubble
Food: Roast beef with Yorkshire
pudding, baked beans, maple
syrup.
• Weather: The temperature in the
south is subarctic, and it is arctic
in the north.

6. Canada
• Flag: The national flag of Canada
consists of a red field with a white square
at its centre, in the middle of which is
featured a stylized, red, pointed maple
leaf. It is the first specified by law for use
as the country's national flag.
• Sports: Canada's official national sports
are ice hockey and lacrosse.
Golf, tennis, skiing, badminton, volleyball
, cycling, swimming, bowling, rugby
union, canoeing, equestrian, squash and
the study of martial arts are widely
enjoyed.
• Culture: Canada has been influenced
by British, French, and indigenous
cultures and traditions. Through their
language, art and music, Indigenous
peoples continue to influence the
Canadian identity. During the 20th
century, Canadians with African,
Caribbean and Asian nationalities have
added to the Canadian identity and its
culture. Canadian humour is an integral
part of the Canadian identity and is
reflected in its folklore, literature, music,
art and media.

7. England
• Continent: Europe.
• Capital: London
• Important cities: Bristol, Manchester,
Liverpool and Birmingham.
• Currency: Pound Sterling.
• Language: British English. When Britain
became a colonial power, English stole
or adapted many foreign words.
• Famous people: Adele, Sam Smith,
Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Maisie
Williams, among others.
• Food: Toad-in-the-Hole (sausages
covered in butter and roasted), roasted
meats (cooked in the oven for about two
hours).
• Weather: England has warmer maximum
temperatures and minimum throughout
the year than the others areas in the
United Kingdom. It usually rains every
month, and the driest month is May.

8. England
• Geography: England is generally lower
and flatter than the rest of the United
Kingdom, but it has two main divisions
in its form. The lowland areas of the
South, East, and Midlands are the
more rugged. East Anglia is the lowest
area of England, having no high hills or
mountains and hosting an area of
Fens, the lower area of England. The
highest area of England is the North
West, which contains England’s
highest hills and mountains, including
its highest: Scafell Pike.
• Flag: Its name is Saint George’s
Cross, and it represents England in the
middle age and the Crusades. It is
used since 16th century. The flag
consists of a red cross on a white field.
It became one of the most important
symbols of England. Besides, it was
used as a component in the design of
the Union Flag in 1606.
• Saint Patron: Saint George is the
patron Saint of England. He was
famous because a long time ago he
rescue a beautiful woman by killing a
dragon.

9. India
• India, officially the Republic of India
is a country in South Asia.
• Capital: New Delhi
• Important cities: The most
important cities are Bombay,
Calcuta, New Delhi, Chennai.
•
Language: Hindi and English
• Currency: Indian Rupee
• Weather: The Indian climate is
strongly influenced by the
Himalayas and the Thar Desert.
The Himalayas prevent cold Central
Asian katabatic winds from blowing
in, keeping the bulk of the Indian
subcontinent warmer than most
locations at similar latitudes.
• Culture: Indian cultural history
spans more than 4,500 years.
During the Vedic period, the
foundations of Hindu
philosophy, mythology, theology
• and literature were laid, and many
beliefs and practices which still
exist today, such
as dharma, karma, yoga,
and mokṣa, were established. India
is notable for its religious diversity,
with Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism,
Islam, Christianity,
and Jainism among the nation's
major religions. The predominant
religion is Hinduism.

10. India
• Flag: It represents a tricolour design which
respects an Indian code. The tricolour
rectangle is formed by a deep saffron,
white and India green; with the Ashoka
Chakra, a 24-spoke wheel, in navy blue at
its centre.
• Famous people:
• Clothes: Traditional Indian dress varies in
colour and style across regions and
depends on various factors, including
climate and faith. Popular styles of dress
include draped garments such as
the sari for women and
the dhoti or lungi for men. Use of delicate
jewellery, modelled on real flowers worn in
ancient India, is part of a tradition
• Foods: Rice, whole-wheat flour, and a
variety of lentils, such as masoor (most
often red lentils), toor (pigeon
peas), urad (black gram), and mong (mung
beans).

11. Northern Ireland
• Northern is one of the four
countries of the United Kingdom. It
shares a border to the south and
west with the Republic of Ireland.
• Capital: Belfast
• Important cities: Omagh, Derry
Bangor Dundonald.
• Currency: Pound sterling.
• Language: English, Irish, Ulster
Scots
• Famous people: Colin Farrell, Liam
Nesson, Ben Stiller.
• Foods: Northern Ireland’s best
known chefs include Paul Rankin
and Michael Deane. The best
known traditional dish in Northern
Ireland is the ulster fry. Bacon and
cabbage, skirts and kidneys (a kind
of pork stew), boxty (a kind a potato
pancake) are also common.

12. Northern Ireland
• Flag: The Northern Ireland’s flag is called
Saint Patrick's saltire and represents
Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.
It is formed of two red diagonal lines
which create an 'X-shaped cross' on a
white field.
• Culture: People are a divided population.
The division is religious and political. The
majority Protestant population wish
Northern Ireland to remain part of the
UK. 35% of the population are Roman
Catholic, most of them wish to join with
the Irish Republic to form a United
Ireland
• The Red Hand is one of the emblems in
Northern Ireland used by both the
communities, although it is more
associated with the Protestant
community. Catholics see it as
representing the nine counties of Ulster,
while Protestants see it as representing
the six counties of Northern Ireland. The
Red Hand of Ulster appears on many
murals and flags. Another important icon
of its culture is the famous and tragic
liner Titanic, that was built in Belfast in
1911 by Harland & Wolff in the largest
shipyard in the world at the time.

13. Oceania
• New Zealand is the most isolated
country in the world. Its closest
neighbour is Australia, which is 2000
km away.
• New Zealand’s capital is Wellington.
• Important cities: Wellington,
Auckland, Christchurch
• Currency: New Zealand dollar
• Language: English and Maori
• Culture: It was the first country in the
world where women could vote, and it
was one of the first to introduce
environmental laws.
• Sports: The All Blacks, represent New
Zealand in men's rugby union, which
is regarded as the country's national
sport.
• Foods: Roast lamb, seafood, fish and
chips.

14. Oceania
• Australia’s capital is Canberra
• Important cities: Canberra, Sydney,
Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide.
• Currency: Australian dollar
• Language: Australian English
• Foods: Vegemite, Chiko roll, tim tamns
• Flag: It shows a blue field with the Union
Jack in the canton and a large white 7-
pointed star known as the
Commonwealth Star. The fly is a
representation of the southern cross
constellation.
• Weather: By far the largest part of
Australia is arid or semi-arid. Rainfall is
highly variable, with frequent droughts
lasting several seasons.
• Famous people: Hugh Jackman, Nicole
Kidman.
• Culture: Western culture: Evidence of a
significant Anglo Celtic heritage includes
the English language and democratic
system. Christianity is the dominant
religion.

15. Scotland
• Scotland is a country that
is part of the United Kingdom and
covers the northern third of the
island of Great Britain. It shares a
border with England to the south.
• Capital: Edinburgh.
• Language: English, Scots,
Scottish Gaelic. The Gaelic
language is important only in the
extreme northwest of the
Highlands and in the Western
Isles.
• Geography: Scotland consists of
two very distinct regions:
Highlands and Lowlands. The
Highlands region is to the north
and west of the country, and it is
much more mountainous than the
lowlands. Lowlands region is the
most populated.
• Foods: Strawberry, roast haunch
of venison, and smoked salmon.
• Famous people: Susan Boyle,
Sean Connery, Robbie Coltraine.

16. Scotland
• Flag: It is also known as St Andrew's Cross
or the Saltire. It has a white cross over a blue
background. It represents the cross where
Saint Andrew, the Scotland's patron saint,
was crucified. The flag first appeared in the
16th century and it has seen some changes
since then. This flag, is the officially
recognized flag of Scotland and it flows on
public buildings and is used by Scotland
teams in international competitions. It also
can be used by any individual, local authority,
school or hospital without obtaining express
consent.
• Culture: Whisky is a Scottish cultural icon
recognized the world over. Whisky,
Scotland’s national drink plays a vital role in
the Scottish economy. This industry
generates £800 million of income in Scotland
and supports over 41,000 Scottish jobs.
Another important icon of Scottish’s culture is
the thistle: According to a legend the thistle
became Scotland’s national emblem a very
long time ago when Scotland was ravaged by
Viking invaders. One night, as the marauding
Vikings approached a group of Scots; they
stood on a patch of thistles with their bare
feet and, of course, let out cries of pain as
the thorns dug deep. The Scots woke up and
were able to fight off their assailants.
• Clothes: Traditional dress of Scotland is
called the highland dress, and it changes our
understanding of men's costume.

17. The West Indies
• The Caribbean, or the West Indies is an
archipelago of at least 7000 islands. The
islands have a colonial past and some of
them are still colonies today. In 1492
Christopher Colombus landed on San
Salvador, now called the Bahamas.
• Some countries which belong to the West
Indies are: Jamaica, Cuba, Bahamas,
Saint Lucia, Saint Martin, Guyana,
Grenada, Domina, Barbados, among
others.
• Language: English is spoken on most of
the islands along with Creole. Other
languages are Spanish, French, Dutch,
Caribbean Hindustani.
• Foods: Pelau, Ackee and saltfish, callaloo.
• Weather: The climate of the area is tropical
to subtropical in Cuba, the Bahamas and
Puerto Rico. Rainfall varies with elevation
size, and water currents. Hurricane season
is from June to November.
• Geography: Some islands in the region
have relatively flat terrain. The Atlantic
Ocean and Caribbean Sea at the north of
the Island of Puerto Rico, is the deepest
point in all of the Atlantic Ocean.

18. The West Indies
• Famous people: Bob Marley, who
was a Jamaican singer-
songwriter, musician and guitarist
who achieved international fame.
Starting out in 1963 with the
group the Wailers, he forged a
distinctive songwriting and vocal
style that would later resonate
with audiences worldwide.
Another really important
personality is Fidel Castro, who
was a Cuban revolutionary and
politician who governed
the Republic of Cuba as Prime
Minister from 1959 to 1976 and
then as President from 1976 to
2008. Politically a Marxist–
Leninist and Cuban nationalist,
he also served as the First
Secretary of the Communist
Party of Cuba from 1961 until
2011. Under his administration,
Cuba became a one-
party socialist state; industry and
business were nationalized,
and state socialist reforms were
implemented throughout society.

19. United Kingdom
• The United Kingdom of Great Britain
and Northern Ireland, commonly
known as the United Kingdom (UK)
and colloquially Great Britain (GB) or
simply Britain, is a country of country.
It’s made up of four countries:
England, Scotland, Wales and
Northern Ireland.
• Important cities: London, Edinburgh,
Black Pool, Manchester, York.
• Currency: Pound Sterling.
• Language: English, Welsh, Scottish
Gaelic, Irish and Cornish.
• Famous people: David Beckham,
Simon Cowell, Emma Watson, Mick
Jagger, among others.
• Saint Patron: Saint George is the
patron Saint of England, Saint
Andrew is the patron Saint of
Scotland, and Saint Patrick is the
patron Saint of Northern Ireland.
• Culture: United Kingdom is a
multicultural country according to the
different ones that form it as they saw
better employments.
• Weather: The climate in the United
Kingdom is defined as a temperate
oceanic climate, a classification it
shares with most of northwest
Europe.

20. United Kingdom
• Religion: Although a majority of
citizens still identify with Christianity,
immigration and demographic change
have contributed to the growth of other
faiths, most notably Islam, that’s why
UK is a multi-faith country of countries.
• Sports: Football, tennis, rugby, golf,
boxing, netball and cricket.
• History: A single Kingdom of Great
Britain resulted from the Union of
Scotland and England (which already
comprised the present-day countries of
England and Wales) in 1707. More
than a hundred years before, in 1603,
King James VI, King of Scots, had
inherited the throne of England, but it
was not until 1707 that the Parliaments
of the two countries agreed to form a
unified state. In 1801, Great Britain
united with the neighbouring Kingdom
of Ireland, forming the United Kingdom
of Great Britain and Ireland, which was
renamed The United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Northern Ireland after the
Irish Free State seceded in 1922.
• Flag: The flag is called “The Union
Jack”. This flag combines the crosses
of the 3 countries united under one
Sovereign. The kingdoms of England,
Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

21. United States of
America
• Christopher Columbus is generally
given the credit for discovering
America, but by the time Columbus
arrived there were 1 million Native
Americans in the USA. United States
is the fourth largest country in the
world. It is so big that it has a huge
variety of natural landscapes and
climates.
• Capital: Washington
• Important cities: New York, Los
Angeles, Dallas, Chicago, Texas,
among others.
• Language: American English
• Currency: American dollar
• Foods: Deer, buffalo, wild turkey,
hamburgers, bacon.
• Famous people: American pop stars
such as Presley, Michael Jackson,
and Madonna have become global
celebrities

22. United States of
America
• Flag: The stars and the stripes are
the symbols of this flag. The fifty
stars represent its fifty states, the
thirteen stripes represent the
thirteen British colonies that are
now first states in the US. The
blue rectangle means union.
• Weather: West: Mostly semi-arid
to desert. Northeast: Humid
continental. Southeast: Humid
subtropical.
• Religion: Christianity is by far the
most common religion practiced in
the United States of America, but
other religions are followed, too.
Researchers and authors have
referred to the United States as a
"Protestant nation“.
• Sports: Some of American’s
favourite sports are American
football, Basketball, Baseball, Ice
Hockey.
• Music: Rhythms such as rock and
roll, country music, folk, blues are
the most listened music.

23. Wales
• Wales is the smallest country in Great
Britain. It is the only country in the United
Kingdom not to be represented in the
Union Jack Flag.
• Language: Wales is a bilingual country
and 20% of the people speak Welsh as
their first language, and English is also
spoken.
• Capital: Cardiff is the capital city.
• Important cities: Cardiff, Newport,
Swansea, Wrexham.
• Currency; Sterling pound.
• Foods: Lamb, Seafood, Leek.
• Weather: Wales has warmer
temperatures than Scotland, and has
milder winter minima than England, but
cooler winter maxima than Northern
Ireland.
• Geography: Wales is located on the
western side of central southern Great
Britain

24. Wales
• History: Wales was first separated from
Great Britain by Offa’s Dyke, a huge
wall. Wales was divided into a number of
smaller regions, until it was united in
1216 by Llywelyn. He crowned his son
Prince of Wales. In 1283 Wales was
conquered by Edward I of England and
his son became the Prince of Wales.
• Flag: Wales’s flag is named “Ydidraig
Goch”, that means “The Red Dragon”. It
was created in 1959. The green and
white stripes were added by the “House
of Tuddor”, a dynasty that held the
English throne from 1485 to 1603,
• Culture: Welsh have a strong sense of
national identify. They are proud of their
language and all the road signs are
bilingual. There are also lots of Welsh
language programmes on TV and radio,
and students can go to all-Welsh
schools.
• In recent years the arts in Wales have
become very important. It makes young
people proud to say they are from
Wales.
• Famous people: Lady Di, Courtney Fox,
Vinnie Jones, Richard Burtton.