Seven countries project Alena

Seven Countries Project
Alena Thieu

Country Description
Size:
- Land Area: 9,093,507 sq km
- Water Area: 891,163 sq km
- total: 9,984,670 sq km
Climate:
- varies from temperate in south to subarctic and arctic in
north
Location:
- Canda is located in the northern-most region of North
America. Its southern territories run along the northern border of
the continental United States.
- Geographic cooordinates: 60 00 N, 95 00 W
Population:
- 34,030,589

Geographic Features
Land regions:
- The Western Cordillera
- The Interior Lowlands
- The Arctic Lowlands
- The Canadian Shield
- The Hudson Bay Lowlands
- The Innuition
- The Appalachia Highlands
Rivers (major):
- Athabasca
- Columbia
- Fraser
- Mackenzie
- Nelson
- Ottawa
- St. Lawrence
- Saskatchewan
- Yukon

Geographic Features
Lakes (major):
- Lake Winnipeg
- Great Slave Lake
- Lake Athabasca
- Reindeer Lake
- Great Bear Lake
Oceans:
- The North Pacfic on the west coast
- The Arctic Ocean in the north
- The North Atlantic Ocean on the east coast
Indigenous Fauna:
- Mammals: bats, gray wolves, brown bears, caribou, moose,
wolverines, musk oxen, Canada lynx, and the Northern
American beaver

Geographic Features
- Birds: Canadian geese, snowy owls, ravens, and
whooping cranes.
- Reptiles: gartner snakes, western rattlersnakes, rubber
boas. and painted turtles
- Amphibians: spotted salamanders, pacific salamanders,
true frogs, true toads, and tree frogs.
- Fish: Atlantic and Pacific salmon, rainbow trout, Arctic
char, and brook trout
Indigenous Flora:
- pacific dogswood, wild roses, western red lily, prairie
crocus, white trillium, blue flag, purple violets,
mayflowers, lady's slipper, pitcher plants, fireweed, mountain
avens, purple saxifraga, and maple leaves

Geographic Features: Vacation Tour
Seventy-nine miles north of Vancouver, Whistler Ski
Resort is widely recongized as one of the world's best ski
resorts. Whistler has been a popular torist attraction for 82
years. During the winter, skiers come to Whistler to enjoy
what they love. However, during the summer, its thawed
slopes beckon mountain bikers.

About 1.2 million tourists visits the Bay of Fundy, a
Canadian natural wonder. The main attraction at Fundy is
the world's highest tide and the myriad natural phenomena,
including several species of rare endangered whales.

History
1497 - John Cabot, Italian navigator, reaches the coasts of
Newfoundland and Cape Breton.
1534 - Jacques Cartier explores the St Lawrence river, claims
the shores of the Gulf of St Lawrence for France.
1583 - Newfoundland becomes England's first overseas colony.
1600s - Fur trade rivalry between the French, English and
Dutch; the Europeans exploit existing rivalries between Indian
nations to form alliances.
1627 - Company of New France established to govern and
exploit "New France" - France's North American colonies.
1670 - Hudson's Bay Company established by London traders.
The company holds trading rights for regions whose rivers drain
into Hudson Bay.
1701 - Thirty-eight Indian nations sign a peace treaty near
Montreal with the French, ending 20 years of diplomacy.

History
1756 - Seven Years' War begins, between New France and the
larger and economically-stronger British colonies. After early
French successes, the settlement of Quebec falls in 1759 and
the British advance on Montreal.
1763 - Under the Treaty of Paris, Britain acquires all French
colonies east of the Mississippi including New France, which
becomes the colony of Quebec.
1774 - The Quebec Act recognises the French language and
the Roman Catholic religion in the colony.
1776 onwards - Loyalist refugees from the American War of
Independence settle in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island,
Quebec and Ontario.
1783 - Fur traders in Montreal set up the North West Company.
The company builds up a network of trading posts across the
west and north; its expeditions reach the Pacific coast.

History
1791 - Quebec divided into Lower Canada (present-day
Quebec) and Upper Canada (present-day Ontario).
1800s - Immigration picks up. Thousands of newcomers from
England, Scotland and Ireland arrive each year.
1812-14 - War of 1812 between the US and Britain, largely over
the effects on the US of British blockades of French ports.
Action includes naval battles in the Great Lakes and a US
attack on York (present-day Toronto). But the US fails to realize
its plans to invade Canada.
1821 - Hudson's Bay Company and North West Company
merge, after years of bitter rivalry descend into bloodshed.
1837/8 - Armed rebellions in Upper and Lower Canada, caused
by disaffection with the ruling elites, poverty and social
divisions.
1841 - Formation of the United Province of Canada reunites
Canada East (Lower) and Canada West (Upper) Canada.

History
1867 - British North America Act unites Ontario, Quebec, Nova
Scotia and New Brunswick in the Dominion of Canada.
1870 - Manitoba becomes fifth province, followed by British
Columbia and Prince Edward Island.
1898 - Gold rush along the upper Yukon River; Yukon Territory
given separate status.
1905 - Alberta and Saskatchewan become provinces of
Canada.
1914 - Outbreak of World War I. Canada fights on the side of
Britain and France. Some French-speaking Canadians are
wary of the move.

Current Events
On February 17, 2011, Ottawa’s (providence in Canada) federal cabinet minister stated
that computers in two Canadian government departments were hacked in early January.
China is the main suspect of the crime. Ever since the attack in January, Canada’s
bureaucrats had little or no Internet access until now.
The president of the Treasury Board, Stockwell Day, declared that the hackers had
infiltrated computers in his department, which is liable for the government’s budget and
financial policy. Day believed that the hackers were after Canada’s financial records.
Since January, Canada’s government with great guard isolated their computers in the two
departments that were attacked from the world wide web. Security officials investigated the
individual computers for proof in case of criminal inspection and to eliminate the
compromising software while the computers were left disconnected for nearly two months.
It wasn’t until almost two months after the assault that the public was informed about the
incident. The problem was so reserved that even the employees weren’t allowed to be
updated. Most of the workers had to work at home or go to nearby cafes for Internet
connections.
There are many clues that lead the identity of the hackers are in fact from China.
According to the CBC and other Canadian news organizations, the attackers embraced the
same tactic that was used to steal essentials from the Indian Defense Ministry used by
China last year. It is believed that the hackers used a method known as executive spear
phishing. In order to use this scheme, the hackers would have had to take control of
computers used by the senior officials in the aimed departments.

Current Events
As soon as the hackers have access, they compose messages, that appears as if it
came from the senior officials themselves, to the departments’ information technology
sections, where they retrieved passwords to different government computer systems. Like
the departments’ information technology sections, the hackers sent emails to the workers
with attachments. When the attachments are opened, concealed programs are sent to find
information on the government networks. Lastly, if the government’s security scanning
software is designed to spot and obstruct harmful hidden programs, the hackers has two
options: formulate programs that are unfamiliar to software security companies or seek a
unusual system of hiding their unwanted computer code.
It is reported that the government pin pointed the hackers to an Internet address in
China. Rafal A. Rohozinski, one of the Munk School researchers who examined the earlier
Chinese attack toward the Indians, believe that it is likely to conclude if China is behind the
attack or if hackers are using China as a cover up.
Since last fall, Canadian government upgraded to a new computer security strategy;
however, very little of the plan has been put into effect, leaving security greatly
uncoordinated and unstable in condition from section to section alleged by RohoziskI

Political
Capital: Ottawa, Ontario
Type of government: a parliament democracy, a federation,
and a constitutional monarchy
Government Leaders:
Head of state: Queen Elizabeth; represented by Governor
General David Johnston
Viceroy:
Governor General of Canada: David Lloyd Johnston
Head of government: Prime Minister Stephen Joseph
Harper

Economy
Industry:
- transportation equipment, chemicals, processed and
unprocessed minerals, food products, wood and paper
products, fish products, petroleum, and natural gas
Exports:
- motor vehicles and parts, industrial machinery, aircraft,
telecommunications equipment; chemicals, plastics, fertilizers;
wood pulp, timber, crude petroleum, natural gas, electricity, and
aluminum
Imports:
- machinery and equipment, motor vehicles and parts, crude
oil, chemicals, electricity, and durable consumer goods
Economic Status:

Economy
Major Trade Partners:
- United States; exports 75.02%, imports 51.1%
- United Kingdom; exports 3.37%
- China; exports 3.09%, imports 10.88%
- Mexico; imports 4.56%
Trade Associations:
- The 1989 US-Canada Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
- The 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)
- European Free Trade Agreement (ETA)

Daily Life
Standard of Living: high
Literacy: 99% of total population can read and write
Clothing: Western-style
Internet Usage: 26.95 million
Languages:
58.8% English (official)
21.6% French (official)
19.6% other
Ethnic Groups:
28% British Isles origin
26% mixed background
23% French origin
15% other European
6% Asian, African, Arab
2% indigenous Indian and Inuit

Cultural
Traditions and Customs: Like America, because Canada is
filled with immigrants in the early stages of Canda, there are
traditions and customs from many parts of the world. However,
there are many old Canadian traditions like:
Thanksgiving: Unlike the Thanksgiving celebrated in
America, Canadian Thanksgiving is held on the first Monday in
October.
The early settlers were so pleased with their first harvests in the
new land that they had a celebration to give thanks.
Guy Fawke's Day: This day is celebrated on November 5
with a bonfire in the evening.
Religions:
42.6% Roman Catholic
23.3% Protestant (including United Church 9.5%, Anglican
6.8%, Baptist 2.4%, Lutheran 2%)

Cultural
4.4% other Christian
1.9% Muslim
11.8% other and unspecified
16% none
Foods: Canadian cusinie is heavily influcenced by American,
British, and French foods.
Poutine: French fries topped with cheese curds and gravy
Traditional Nanaimo Bars: a Canadian bar cookie dessert
made of a wafer crumb-based layer, topped by a layer of light
vanilla or custard flavored butter icing, which is covered in
chocolate made from melted chocolate squares.
Music and Dance: The aboriginals, British, and French have
contributed to Canadian music. In the 21st century, Canada
plays the modern music of Hip-Hop, Rap, etc., but music in the
past reflects the sounds of old times in France or Britain.

Cultural
Unique Facts and Places:
- Canada, like the British and Australians, have a special
argot they use daily.
hoser = loser
take off! = you are kidding, no way!
eh! = multiple meanings like what did you say?, what do
you think?, you're joking!, etc.
- The Quebec Ice Hotel in Quebec City: It's an average hotel
except for the fact temperature inside an ice hotel runs between
-3°C and -5°C. Like an igloo, the 4-foot thick ice walls insulate
the interior and protect guests from the wind.

Winter Olympics
In 2010, Canda did not only participate in the Winter Olympics,
but hosted it in Vancouver. Canada received 26 metals in total:
14 gold, 7 silver, and 5 bronze. They were the third country with
the most number of metals; United States first and Germany
second. While the United States was the winner in the total
medal count with 37, Canada's "Own the Podium" initiative
proved successful, as Canada shattered its gold ceiling (in two
previous Olympics, host Canada failed to win gold), winning 14
gold medals on home soil, a new record for a host country.

Conclusion
Canada could be America's twin. It's diverse and uses the
traditions of it's many ethic groups alive with a modern twist. It
is one of the world's most diverse countries. Today, Northern
Canada is mostly English-speaking while Southern Canada is
French. It may have been a dominion of Britain in the earlier
years, but today, it's a icon for modern living. From all that is to
offer in Canada, it would be exciting to actually travel there,
ehhhh?

Country Description
Size:
- Land Area: 4,033 sq km
- Water Area: 0 sq km
- total: 4,033 sq km
Climate:
- temperate; warm, dry summer; precipitation meager and
erratic. The sun shines 350 days a year and temperatures
range between 21°C and 29°C. The breeze blows constantly
from the ocean at a relatively low average humidity of 40% to
60%.
Location:
- Western Africa, group of islands in the North Atlantic
Ocean, west of Senegal
- Geographic coordinates: 16 00 N, 24 00 W
Population: 516,100

Geographic Features
Land Regions:
- Barlavento
- Sotavento
Rivers:
- Riberia de Viana
- Riberia de Calhau
- Riberia de Juliao
- Riberia de Garca
- Riberia de Janela
- Riberia de Paul
Lakes:
- there is no significant lakes in Cape Verde
Oceans:
- North Atlantic Ocean

Geographic Features
Indigenous Fauna:
- Mammals: With the exception of bats, there are no native
speices animals because there was initially no animal life on
the volcanic islands. As time past, many mammals such as the
green vervet monkey, small mice, or even wild rabbits
“immigrated.”
- Birds: sandpiper, black-winged stilt, heron, spoonbill,
plover, ruddy turnstone, African broad-billed roller, hoopoe,
sanderling, whimbrel, little egret, cattle egret, northern
wheatear, blue-headed wagtail, and spotted flycatcher
- Fish:Parrotfish, silver shimmering sardines, hake,
squirrelfish, scorpion fish, false-eyed puffer, butterfly, red
trumpet fish, grey mullet, pinkgill, flying fish, East Atlantic
surgeonfish, barracuda, angelfish, wrasse, snapper, ballan
wrasse, coralfish, and hogfish

Geographic Features

Indigenous Flora:
- The Cape Verde Islands were originally without any
vegetation after their formation by volcanic activity. Many seeds
were introduced from West Africa, Latin America, the
Mediterranean region and the other Macaronesian islands
through the ocean current, by birds, human beings, and the
wind.

The island of Sal is part of Cape Verde and in Sal is a
popular place tourist love to see for their own eyes and
capture the moment, Pedra De Lume. Pedra De Lume is
the name given to a crater of the now extinct volcano. Entry
to the crater was made possible by means of a artificial
tunnel built in 1804. The crater is at sea-level, and even
though the sea is 1 km away the water manages to filter in.

Another reason why tourist enoy traveling to Sal, Cape
Verde is because of it's natural swimming pool that fills and
empties according to the tides, Buracona. When the sun is
just right, you can also see the “Blue eye” formed when the
light shines into the cave. When the swell is big watch the
power of the waves as they slam into the cliff, sending
plumes of spray high into the air.

History
1456 - First Europeans arrive in Cape Verde
1495 - Cape Verde becomes a Portuguese crown colony.
1956 - Amilcar Cabral, a native of Cape Verde, co-founds the
African Party for Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde
(PAIGC) in Guinea-Bissau.
1960 - PAIGC-led liberation war begins against Portuguese rule
in Guinea-Bissau, with many Cape Verdeans joining in.
1975 - Cape Verde becomes independent and adopts
constitution envisaging unity with Guinea-Bissau.
1980 - Cape Verde ditches plans for unity with Guinea-Bissau
following coup in latter.
1981 - African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde
(PAICV) replaces the PAIGC and becomes the country's sole
party.
1991 - Antonio Mascarenhas Monteiro becomes president
following Cape Verde's first free election.

History
1992 - A new constitution brings in a multi-party system.

Political
Capital: Praia
Type of government: republic
Government Leaders:
- Chief of State: President Pedro Verona Rodrigues Pires
- Head of Government: Prime Minister Jose Maria Pereira
Neves

Economy
Industries:
- food and beverages, fish processing, shoes and garments,
salt mining, ship repair
Exports:
- fuel, shoes, garments, fish, hides
Imports:
- foodstuffs, industrial products, transport equipment, fuels
- Spain; exports 53.98%, imports 6.1%
- Portugal; exports 22.23%, imports 44.86%
- Morocco; exports 7.13%
- Netherlands; imports 15.51%
- Italy; imports 4.46%
- Brazil; imports 4. 21%

Economy
Trade Associations:
-Camara de Comercio, Industria, Agricultura e Servicos de
Barlavento
- Camara de Comercio, Industria e Servigos de Sotavento

Daily Life
Standard of Living: moderate
Literacy: 76.6% of total population can read and/or write
Internet Usage: 150,000
Languages:
Portuguese
Criuolo
Ethnic Groups:
71% Creole
28% African
1% European

Cultural
Traditions and Customs:Cape Verde's festivals and traditions
are rich, vibrant and a reflection of their colorful history. They
stem from their African roots to the colonial occupation and the
Diaspora through to independence and the hope of the new
democratic Republic of Cape Verde.
Carnival: Carnival is Cape Verde's most famous festival,
which is normally held in February. Carnival is similar to New
Orleans's Mari Garda.
Religions:
about 80% of the population is Catholic
10% are Protestants
the rest belongs to smaller denominations

Cultural
Foods:
- Cachupa is the national dish of Cape Verde; a stew of
hominy, beans, and whatever meat or vegetables may be
available
- Cuscus is a traditional breakfast made of a steamed
cornbread, eaten with honey and milk or coffee.
Music and Dance: Cape Verde is known for their type of music
known as moma, a form of folk music.
It is related to Portuguese fado close cousin, Brazilian modinha.
Lyrics are usually in Creole, and reflect highly-variable themes,
including love and lust, patriotism, and mourning.
Unique Facts and Places: The highest point in the archipelago
is Mount Fogo, a volcano reaching 2,829 meters in height

Winter Olympics 2010

Cape Verde did not participate in the Winter Olympics of 2010.

Conclusion
Cape Verde is such a small country, but it's culture and people
makes it as big as all the other African country. With such a
diverse of culture, it's amazing how different groups of people
in Cape Verde can cope with each other. Cape Verde should
be mentioned more because it's worth mentioning even if there
isn't such a big fuss about it throughout history.

Country Description
Size:
Climate:
- varies from tropical in south to cool temperate in north
Location:
- Eastern Asia, island chain between the North Pacific Ocean
and the Sea of Japan, east of the Korean Peninsula
- Geographic Coordinates: 36 00 N, 138 00 E
Population:
- 126,475,664

Geographic Features
Land Regions:
- Hokkaido
- Tohoku
- Kanto
- Chubu
- Kinki
- Chugoku
- Shikoku
- Kyushu-Okinawa
Rivers (major):
- Tone River
- Isikari River
- Sinano River
- Kitakami River
- Kiso River
- Tokati River

Geographic Features
-Yodo River
- Agano River
- Mogami River
- Tesio River
Lakes (major):
- Biwa Lake
- Kasumigaura Lake
Oceans:
- Pacific Ocean
Indigenous Fauna:
- Mammals: snow monkeys, brown bears, Asiatic black
bears, red foxes, raccoon dogs, Japanese martens, leopard
cats, Iriomote cats, and dugongs.
- Birds: Japanese woodpeckers, copper pheasants, green
pheasants, okinawa rails, izu thrush, and bonin white-eyes.

Geographic Features

- Reptiles and Amphibians: mamushi, habus, sea turtles,
sea snakes, and the Japanese giant salamander.
- Fish: ayu, crucian carp, koi carp, red sea bream,
mudskippers, and parrotfish.
Indigenous Flora:
- Japanese beech, hinoki cypress, Japanese red pine,
Japanese black pine, Japanese red cedar, chrysanthemum,
and bamboo

Kyoto used to be the former capital of Japan. Now, it's
known as one of the most beautiful places in Japan. I's the
place to absorb the maximum amount of architectural
beauty, culture and history in the shortest amount of time.
Some visitors pick Kyoto over Tokyo entirely, spending their
visit among the ancient temples and serene Zen meditation
gardens.

Jigokudani Yaen-koen (Hell Valley Wild Monkey Park) in
the mountains of Nagano, Japan is one of Japan's most
popular tourist attractions. Everyone from around the world
comes to Jigokudani to see the indigenous snow monkey. In
winter, the snow monkeys soak themselves in the natural
hot water while the snow falls on their heads. That is their
way of keeping warm during the cold winters.

History
1894 - Japan goes to war with China. Japan's better equipped
forces win victory in just nine months.
1895 - China cedes Taiwan to Japan and permits Japan to
trade in China.
1904 - Japan goes to war with Russia. Japanese victory in
1905.
1910 - Japan annexes Korea after three years of fighting.
Japan is now one of the world's great powers.
1914 - Japan joins World War I on the side of Britain and her
allies. Japan has limited participation.
1919 - Treaty of Versailles gives Japan some territorial gains in
the Pacific.
1923 - Earthquake in Tokyo region kills more than 100,000
people.
1925 - Universal male suffrage is instituted. The electorate
increases fivefold.

Current Events
On March 11, 2011, at 2:46 p.m., or 12:46 p.m. ET, a powerful 8.9 earthquake shook
upon Japan. When they thought the worst was over, a powerful tsunami swept across
northern Japan. The epicenter of Friday's main quake was positioned off Miyagi
Prefecture, about 230 northeast of Tokyo. The massive waves killed hundreds, swallowed
up towns, hauled residences onto highways, and tossed cars and boats onto land.
Buildings collapsed , but some were lucky to just be shaken by the quake. Along with
collapsing buildings, plenty of flames ignited. Six million homes, more than 10% of the total
in Japan, were without electricity. Thousands of families had no choice but spend the night
at shelters.
Besides the death of citizens, many more are missing. Due to the colossal earthquake,
tsunami warnings were sent to 50 different countries, including California and the states
out in the West Coast. In the company of vigorous earthquakes and overwhelming
tsunamis, there was a radiation leak take place at an atomic power plant. Those who lived
within 6 miles of the power plant was forced to evacuate. There is no definite number of
deaths, but it is predicted to exceed 1,000 as rescue searches continue. The morning after
the earthquake, more than 50 nations offered to aid.
Friday’s earthquake is the strongest earthquake in Japan’s history. Japan isn’t a
stranger to earthquake but haven’t experience anything like that one on March 11. The
previous record was a 8.6-magnitude earthquake in 1707.

Political
Capital: Tokyo
Type of government: a parliamentary government with a
constitutional monarchy
Government Leaders:
- Chief of State: Emperor Akihito
- Head of Government: Prime Minister Naoto Kan
- Minister of Foreign Affairs: Seiji Maehara
- Ambassador to the United States:Ichiro Fujisaki

Economy
Industries:
- among world's largest and technologically advanced
producers of motor vehicles, electronic equipment, machine
tools, steel and nonferrous metals, ships, chemicals, textiles,
processed foods
Exports:
- transport equipment, motor vehicles, semiconductors,
electrical machinery, chemicals
Imports:
- machinery and equipment, fuels, foodstuffs, chemicals,
textiles, raw materials
Economic Status:

Economy
- United States; exports 16.42%, imports 10.96%
- South Korea; exports 8.13%, imports 3.98%
- Taiwan; exports 6.27%
- Hong Kong; exports 5.49%
- Australia; imports 6.29%
- Saudi Arabia; imports 5.29%
- Indonesia; imports 3.95%
Trade Associations:
- Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)
- Japan Foreign Trade Council Inc. (JFTC)

Daily Life
Standard of Life: high
Literacy: 99% of population can read/or write
Clothing: Western-style; Traditional dress of Japan is the
kimono. They are made of silk and has long, large sleeves and
reaches from shoulders to the heels of the feet. Kimono are tied
with a wide belt like called an obi.
Languages:
Japanese (official)
English
Ethnic Groups:
99% Japanese
1% Korean, Chinese, Brazilian, Filipino, and other

Cultural
Tradtions and Customs:
Tea Ceremony: a ceremonial way of preparing and drinking
tea. The custom is strongly influenced by Zen Buddhism.
Sumo: Sumo is a type of wrestling and Japan's national
sport. In anicent times, it was to entertain the Shinto gods. Big
men use their upperbody strength to try to push their opponent
out of the circle drawn on the ground.
Religions:
- Shintoism 83.9%
- Buddhism 71.4%,
- Christianity 2%
- other 7.8%

Cultural
Foods:
Tempura: Tempura is food deep-fried in vegetable oil after
being coated with a mixture of egg, water and wheat flour.
Among the ingredients used are prawns, fish in season and
vegetables
Sushi: Sushi is a small piece of raw seafood placed on a ball
of vinegared rice. The most common ingredients are tuna,
squid and prawns
Music and Dance:
Gagaku: Ancient court music from China and Korea. It is the
oldest type of Japanese, traditional music.
Biwagaku: Music played with the Biwa, a kind of guitar with
four strings.
Odori
Mai

Cultural
- In a traditional Japanese house, you don't sit on chairs or
sleep on beds.
- Some farmers grow square watermelons in Japan.
- In Japan, the most popular topping for pizza is Squid.
- There are special slippers for restroom usage.
- In Tokyo a bicycle is usually faster than a car for most trips
up to 50 minutes

In the 2010 Winter Olympics, Japan received a total of 5
medals: no gold, three silvers, and two bronzes. One-hundred
eleven Japanese sports officials and coaches accompanied the
94 athletes to the games, a far higher ratio of staff-to-athlete
than most other participating nations.

Conclusion
Japan, one of the busiest and most visited country in the world,
is a meca for technology and modern living. After the 2011
earthquake, Japan is still strong, main citywise. With all the
pride the Japanese have, they will be able to overcome the
horrible event. Japan is full of beautiful scenery from the
ancient temples and houses to the cherry blossom forests.
Japan is without a doubt the top country for excitement and
enjoyment. The Japanese may be one of the world's most
modern countries, but they do keep in touch with their
ancestors, which is a reason why Japan is an outstanding and
thriving country.

Country Description
Size:
- Land Area: 1,030,700 sq km
- Water Area: 0 sq km
- total: 1,030,700 sq km
Climate: desert; constantly hot, dry, dusty
Location:
- Northern Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean,
between Senegal and Western Sahara
- Geographic coordinates: 20 00 N, 12 00 W
Population: 3,281,634

Geographic Features
Land Regions: Mauritania is divided into two main land
regions.
- Northern Mauritania is mostly covered by the Sahara
Desert and a few rocky plateaus.
- Southern Mauritania has two fertile areas—a narrow plain
along the Senegal River and a savanna in the southeast.
Rivers (major):
- Gorgol River
- Karakoro River
- Kolimbine River
- Sagyuiet Al Hamra River
Lakes:
- Lake Alega
- Lake Rkiza

Geographic Features
Oceans:
- Atlantic Ocean
Indigenous Fauna:
- Mammals: dromedary camels, foxes, jackals, and hyenas
- Reptiles and Amphibians: Lizards, scorpions and snakes
- Fish: tuna, barracudas, sea bass, octopus, lobsters, and
mackerel
Indigenous Flora:
- black groves, balanites aegyptiaca, kerdas, and utricularia
stellaris.

Mauritania's coast has 500 miles of beach. However, there
are ledges on the beaches that could be dangerous. Rocks
and waves under cliffs. The coast only attracts those who
enjoy pictures because it is rather beautiful.

Parc National du Banc d’Arguin is a national park with
vast area of islands and coastline located on the Atlantic
desert coast midway between Nouakchott and Nouâdhibou.
The park is one of the world’s largest bird sanctuaries and
provides a shelter for over two million migrant birds from
northern Europe.

History
3rd-7th centuries AD - Berber and Arab migrants displace the
original inhabitants of present-day Mauritania.
9-10th centuries - Empire of Ghana has its capital in present-
day south-west Mauritania.
1076 - Berber Almoravid warriors defeat the Empire of Ghana.
1500s - European mariners and traders establish settlements.
1644-74 - Mauritanian Thirty-Year War: Berbers unsuccessful
in repelling Arab warriors.
1850s-60s - French forces gain control of southern Mauritania.
In 1898 France wins the allegiance of Moors in the region.
1904 - France establishes Mauritania as a colonial territory.
1920 - Mauritania becomes part of French West Africa, and is
administered from Senegal.
1946 - Becomes a French overseas territory.
1957 - Nouakchott established as the capital.

History
1958 - Mauritania becomes self-governing.
1960 28 November - Mauritania becomes independent.
1960 - Mauritania makes territorial claims to neighbouring
Spanish Sahara.
1973 - Mauritania joins the Arab League.
1976 - Mauritania and Morocco divide up Spanish Sahara, now
known as Western Sahara, after Spain pulls out. Guerrillas of
the Polisario front, aiming to establish an independent state in
the territory, fight the forces of both countries.

Political
Capital: Nouakchott
Type of government: military junta
Government Leaders:
- Chief of State: President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz
- Head of government: Prime Minister Moulaye Ould
Mohamed Laghdaf

Economy
Industries:
- fish processing, oil production, mining of iron ore, gold, and
copper
Exports: iron ore, fish and fish products, gold, copper,
petroleum
Imports: machinery and equipment, petroleum products,
capital goods, foodstuffs, consumer goods
Economic status:
- Italy; exports 9.71%
- Japan; exports 7.57%
- Cote d'lvoire; exports 6.16%
- France; imports 14.3%
- Spain; exports 5.63%, imports 4.02%

Economy
- Netherlands; exports 4.32%, imports 10.33%
- Belgium; imports 4.87%
- Germany; 4.04%
Trade Associations:
- Nouakchott Trading Company

Daily Life
Standard of Living: low
Literacy: 51.2% of the total population can and/or write
Clothing: Western-style; Mauritanian attire is influenced by the
desert heat and Islamic norms. Women wear a malaffa, a long
cloak wrapped loosely around the body from head to toe. The
men wear a dara, a long, loose robe over baggy pants known
as sirwal . Some men wear head-coverings, predominantly
turbans or hawli, for protection from the winter cold and
summer heat
Languages:
Hassaniyya Arabic
French
Azayr
Fulfulde
Mande-kan
Wolof

Daily Life
Ethnic Groups:
40% Maur/black
30% Maur
30% black

Culture
Traditions and Customs: Mauritania is called the 'Islamic
Republic of Mauritania' for a reason: the majority of
Mauritanians are Sunni Muslims. The Moors' impression of
Islam is less open-minded than Black people's; it is therefore
preferable to respect their way of life and religious traditions.
Religions: 100% Muslim
Foods:
- Mechoui: roast lamb
- Zrig: camel’s milk
Music and Dance:
The music and dance of Mauritania mainly came from the
country’s largest ethnic group, the Moors. The instruments
they use involves: the tidinit, an hour-glass shape like
four-stringed lute, and the tbal, a kettle drum.

Cultural
- The Ancient city of Chinguetti founded in 777 AD is the
spiritual capital of Mauritania, and is widely considered by
Mauritanians to be the seventh holiest city of Islam.
- The people of the fishing village of Nouamghar use
dolphins to drive shoals of migrating fish towards the shore and
their nets.
- Two-thirds of Mauritania is desert and the desert is
expanding southwards every year


Mauritania did not participate in the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Conclusion
Mauritania is one of those countries you rarely hear about
unless it's mentioned in a textbook or on a map. I bet most
people couldn't even pronounce Mauritania. However,
Mauritania is a fasincating country. Full of people who love their
country and want it to thrive. They don't care about
modernizing. Most cherish their ancestory and try to maintain
their traditions. If you want to visit Africa from the past,
Mauritania is the place to visit. Not much cities, but full of
desert. It'd take you to the past.

Country Description
Size:
Climate: tropical; marine; rainy season during southwest
monsoon (June to August); cloudiness is persistent and
extensive all year
Location:
-Eastern Asia, islands bordering the East China Sea,
Philippine Sea, South China Sea, and Taiwan Strait, north of
the Philippines, off the southeastern coast of China
- Geographic coordinates: 23 30 N, 121 00 E

Geographic Features
Rivers (major):
- Lanyang
- Shuang
- Danshui
- Nankan
Lakes (major):
- Chengcing
- Longtan
- Sun Moon
Oceans:
- Pacific Ocean

Geographic Features
Indigenious Fauna:
Mammals: Chinese pangolin, formosan black bear,
formosan clouded leopard, formosan lesser horseshoe bat,
formosan mountain dog, formosan rock macaque, kano mole,
reeves's muntjac, and sika deers.
Birds: Asian blue quail, Baer's pochard, Chinese
sparrowhawk, fairy pitta, lesser whistling duck, oriental
dollarbird, and yellow tit
Fish: Liosaccus pachygaster
Indigenious Flora: ficua, pandanus, palms, teaks, bamboos,
camphors, and rhododendrons

Tourists fly from different parts of the world to visit Taiwan's
National Palace Museum. It truly is a palace; as soon as
you see the building itself, you'll be in awe. The Museum is
both an art gallery and a museum. National Palace Museum
is believed to house the largest number of Chinese artifacts
in the world.

One of the top hotels in Taiwan is the Crystal Resort Sun
Moon Lake. The resort is positioned on the banks of Sun
Moon Lake. From day to night, you'll gaze at such an
amazing view of the lake you'll be in inner peace. It provides
a timeless world of tranquility enhanced by distinctive
design, fine dining and phenomenal lake views.

History
1540s-1732 - Kingdom of Middag established;

Political
Capital: Taipei
Type of Government: multiparty democracy
Government Leaders:
- Chief of State: President Ma Ying-jeou; Vice President
Vincent Siew
- Head of government: Premier (President of the Executive
Yuan) Wu Den-yih; Vice Premier (Vice President of Executive
Yuan) Sean Chen

Economy
Industries: electronics, communications and information
technology products, petroleum refining, armaments,
chemicals, textiles, iron and steel, machinery, cement, food
processing, vehicles, consumer products, pharmaceuticals
Exports: electronics, flat panels, machinery; metals; textiles,
plastics, chemicals; optical, photographic, measuring, and
medical instruments
Imports: electronics, machinery, crude petroleum, precision
instruments, organic chemicals, metals
Economic Status:
- Hong Kong; exports 13.8%
- United States; exports 11.5%, imports 10%
- Japan; exports 6.6%, imports 20.7%
- South Korea; imports 6.4%

Economy
Trade Associations:
- Taiwan Chamber of Commerce
- Chinese Taipei Business Council of the ICC
- France Taiwan Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Daily Life
Literacy: 96.1% of the total population can read and/or write
Clothing: Western-styler;Taiwan is very influenced by the
Chinese culture and heritage so their clothing would be similar.
Qipao/Cheongsam: a traditional Chinese dress that is tight-
fitting. The female and male dresses are similar except for the
fact male cheongsam (changshan) are usually long-sleeved.
Languages:
Chinese (Mandarin-official)
Hakka dialect
Ethnic Groups:
84% Taiwanese
14% mainland China
2% aborigine

Cultural
Traditions and Customs: Taiwan's tradtions and customs are
the same as the Chinese. Taiwan is heavily influenced by
China from customs, clothing, to the lanugage.
Lunar New Years: Like in America, there is a big celebration
for the new year. However, in Asia, there is a big celebration for
the new moon and good harvest each year. Lunar New Years
last for 15 days and each day there is precise traditions for that
specific day. For example, the day before Lunar New Years is
cleaning day. The house must be clean in order for good spirits
and good luck.
Religions:
93% mixture of Buddhist and Taoist
4.5% Christian
2.5% other

Cultural
Foods:
- Bah-uan: meatballs in large dumplings
- Taichung: suncake, puff pastry with a sweet center often
honey or molasses
Music and Dance: Taiwan music is also influenced by the
Chinese. It's the sound from mountain-dwelling tribes and
polyphonic vocals that made the aboriginal music distant. Like
every modern music, upbeat and load music is heard
throughout Taiwan replacing the old anicent ways. Traditional
Taiwanese dance is a delicate form comprising mainly of foot
movements. The original dance form has however,
considerably altered in the 20th century, and Taiwan today
stages a number of commendable performances of modern
dance.

Cultural
- Taiwan won the 1996 Little League World Series in the U.S
city of Williamsport. Baseball is the national sport in Taiwan.
- Taiwan hosted the Miss Universe pageant in 1988.
Ironically, Miss Taiwan, Jade Hu Fei-tsui, did not even make
the semi-finals.
- After Cold War, Taiwan emerged as one of the most
powerful economies in the Third World.


Taiwan did not participate in the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Conclusion
Taiwan is a mixture of old and new China. Everyday life
includes new and old methods of living. Because Taiwan is so
heavily influenced by China, the people may be considered
Chinese. However, the people might feel offended if they were
called Chinese. They take pride in their country. Taiwan isn't
just filled with beautiful scenery that would take your breath
away, it's filled with pride even if most of their culture is
Chinese

Country Description
Size:
Climate: tropical; modified by altitude; rainy season (October to
April)
Location:
- Southern Africa, east of Angola, south of the Democratic
Republic of the Congo
- Geographic coordinates: 15 00 S, 30 00 E

Geographic Features
Rivers (major):
- Kafue
- Kalambo
- Luapula
- Lusemfwa
- Zambezi
Lakes (major):
- Bangweulu
- Kariba
- Mweru
- Mweru Wantipa
- Tanganyika
Oceans: Zambia is in the middle of Africa; therefore, it is not
near any ocean.

Geographic Features
Indigenous Fauna:
Mammals: Cookson's wildebeest, Senga Kob, Thronicroft
giraffe, zebras, rhinoceros, elephants, baboons, monkeys,
hyenas, wolves, and lions.
Birds: eagles, gulls, terns, kingfishers, swifts, redwings,
larks, babblers, sunbirds, weavers, redbilled queleas, and
storks
Reptiles: crocodiles, tortoises, turtles, terrapins, geckos,
agamas, nonvenomous pythons, mambas, vipers, and adders.
Fish: bream, snoutfish, butterfish, tigerfish, bottlenose,
gorgefish, mudfish, catfish, barbel, "vundu," squeaker,
whitebait, perch, carp, bass, and "utaka"
Indigenous Flora: Acacia trees, baobab trees, thorn trees, and
Zambian teak (Baikiaea plurijuga)

Victoria Falls is the world's largest waterfall. Tourists visit
Victoria Falls for its stunning scenery. For daring
travelers, they have the chance to swim in the "devil's pool,"
a spot where people are able to go in the water, near the
edge of the falls.

Near Victora Falls, Mosi Oa Tunya National Park is a
popular tourist attraction because travels can have
the chance to exprience to ride on back of elephants. They
are able to interact with one of the world's biggest animals.

History
12th Century - Shona people arrive in the area, later
establishing the empire of the Mwene Mutapa, which includes
southern Zambia.
16th Century - Arrival of peoples from Luba and Lunda
empires of Zaire to set up small kingdoms.
Late 18th Century - Portuguese explorers visit.
19th Century - Instability generated by migration as well as
slave-trading by Portuguese and Arabs.
1851 - British missionary David Livingstone visits.
1889 - Britain establishes control over Northern Rhodesia,
administering the area using a system of indirect rule which
leaves power in the hands of local rulers.
Late 1920s - Discovery of copper, which later encourages an
influx of European technicians and administrators.

History
1953 - Creation of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland,
comprising Northern Rhodesia, Southern Rhodesia (now
Zimbabwe) and Nyasaland (now Malawi).
1960 - UNIP (United National Independence Party) formed by
Kenneth Kaunda to campaign for independence and dissolution
of federation dominated by white-ruled Southern Rhodesia.
1963 - Federation dissolved.
1964 - Independence, with Kaunda as president.
Late 1960s-1970s - Key enterprises nationalised. Private land
nationalised in an unsuccessful agricultural improvement
programme.
1972 - Zambia becomes a one-party state, with UNIP as the
only legal party.

Political
Capital: Lusaka
Type of government: republic
Government Leaders:
- Chief of State: President Rupiah Banda
- Head of government: President Rupiah Banda; Vice
President George Kunda

Economy
Industries: copper mining and processing, construction,
foodstuffs, beverages, chemicals, textiles, fertilizer, horticulture
Exports: copper/cobalt 64%, cobalt, electricity; tobacco,
flowers, cotton
Imports:machinery, transportation equipment, petroleum
products, electricity, fertilizer, foodstuffs, clothing
Economic Status: average
- Democractic Republic of Congon; exports 8.55%, imports
4.22%
- South Africa; exports 6.96%, imports 51.78%

Economy
Trade Associations:
- Livingstone Chamber of Commerce
- Zambia Association of Chambers of Commerce and
Industry
- Lusaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Kitwe Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Daily Life
Standard of Living: low
Literacy: 80.6% of the total population can read and/or write
Languages:
English (official)
Bemba
Kaonda
Lozi
Lunda
70 other indigenous languages
Ethnic Groups:
98.7% African
1.1% European
0.2% other

Cultural
Tradtions and Customs:
-Traditionally made pots and baskets in the more populated
areas however, are being replaced by commercially
manufactured utility items made of plastic or tin.
-Gifts are often offered to a visitor as
a sign of honor, friendship or
gratitude. One should never refuse a
gift and accept it with both hands at
the same time expressing thanks.
Religions:
- 50%-75% Christian
- 24%-49% Muslim and Hindu
- 1% indigenous beliefs

Cultural
Music and Dance: Quiet beauty, bustle, bounding life or
overflowing joy distinguish many aspects of music and dance in
Zambia. Highlighting varies from gasping acrobatic display
among drumming to fine sensitivity of sound and movement.
- Zambia's former name was Northern Rhodesia.
- There are 74 tribes in Zambia.


Zambia did not participate in the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Conclusion
Zambia, another African country that stays away from media.
Like Mauritania, it's closely attached to it's past. For the
exception of technology and clothing, Mauritania is suck in the
past. Their culture and traditions decides how they live their life.
With vast land and wild animals, the people of Zambia aren't
use to the technology we have today. They lack so much and
never complain while we complain about the simpliest things.
Zambia shows courage. Even though Zambia isn't as clean or
organized as America, those living there keep their heads up
high.

Country Description
Size: 958 sq km
Climate: tropical maritime climate; There is a short rainy
season from October to January. Average temperature ranges
are from 24 degrees Celsius to 32 degrees Celsius all year.
Location: Caribbean, two island groups in the Caribbean Sea -
composed of five islands, Curacao and Bonaire located off the
coast of Venezuela, and Sint Maarten, Saba, and Sint
Eustatius lie east of the US Virgin Islands
Population: 210,134

Geographic Features
Land Regions:
- Bonaire
- Curacao
- Saba
- Saint Eustatius
- Saint Maarten
Rivers (major):
- Linge
- Wilhelm
Lakes (major):
- Gotomeer
Oceans:
- Atlantic Ocean

Geographic Features
Indigenous Fauna:
Birds: groove-billed ani, vermilion flycatcher, white-tailed
hawk, purple martin, lesser nighthawk, and palm warbler
Indigenous Flora: abrojo colorado, nectandra krugii, and apple
guava

Hilma Hooker is a shipwreck in Bonaire, Netherland
Antilles. Tourists come to dive underwater and see the
extremely popular wreck diving site.

Saint Maarten is one of the most lively island in the
Netherland Antilles. With beautiful view, it was the perfect
place for amazing pictures and memorable events. Full of
excitement and beauty, no wonder Saint Maarten is one of
the most visited islands in the Antilles.

History
1493 - explored by Christopher Columbus
1527 - claimed by Spain
1643 - claimed by the Dutch
1845 - the six islands officially formed the Netherland Antilles
1994 - the islands voted to preserve their federation with the
Netherlands
2010 - the Netherlands Antilles was dissolved; Saint Maarten
and Curacao became constituent countries within the Kingdom
of the Netherlands. The islands of Bonaire, Saba, and Saint
Eustatius became special municipalities of the Netherlands
proper.

Political
Capital: Willemstad
Type of government: constitutional monarchy
Goverment Leaders:
Chief of State: Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands
Head of Government: Prime minister Emily de Jongh-
Elhage
Governor: Frits Goedgegrad

Economy
Industries: oil refining
Exports: Petroleum products
Imports: Crude petroleum, manufactured and consumer
goods, food.
- Venezuela; exports 35.3%
- United States; exports 21%, imports 17.5%
- Mexico; exports 9.8%
- Italy; exports 5.4%
- Netherlands; exports 4.8%
- Brazil; exports 3.1%
- Guatemala; imports 8%
- Costa Rica ; imports 6.5
- Bahamas; imports 4.6%
- Jamaica; imports 4.1%
- Chile; imports 3.4%

Economy
Trade Associations:
- A & A Supply
- Alico
- Antek
- St. Maarten Harbour Holding N.V.
- St. Maarten Marine Trades Association

Daily Life
Literacy: 97% of the total population can read and/or write.
Languages:
Dutch (official)
Papiamento
English
Spanish
Ethic Groups:
85% mixed African
Carib American
White
East Asian

Cultural
Traditions and Customs: Reflects regional differences as well
as the foreign influences thanks to the merchant and exploring
spirit of the Dutch and the influx of immigrants.
Superstitious beliefs abound. For example, a red ribbon
placed above a door of a home or office keeps the evil eye
away.
Religions:
Roman Catholicism
various forms of Protestantism
Judaism
Seventh-Day Adventism
Foods:
Funchi: corn porridge
Pan bati: a maize-floured pancake

Cultural
Music and Dance: Tumba is the music of the zumbi class,
which is African-derived and not modern or European. Tumba
was first sung by slaves on the island expressing their pain and
sorrows. Going along with this type of music would be clapping
and blowing of a cow’s horn.
- Aruba used to be part of the Netherlands Antilles until
1896.
- The Netherlands Antilles used to be called "the Dutch
Antilles."

Netherlands Antilles did not participate in the 2010 Winter
Olympics.

Conclusion
The Netherland Antilles are a group of islands with beautiful
scenery and life. Who knew such little islands could have so
much to do in them. With all the tourists visiting, those in the
Antilles try to show them the traditions of the islands. Everyone
has heard of the United States' Virign Island, but no one has
really heard of the Netherland Antilles even though they are so
close to each other. Netherland Antilles are island that connect
modern to old. From this project, what I learned about the
Netherland Antilles is that there is actually a group of island
called the Netherland Antilles.

http://www.eepcindia.org/trade-association-detail.asp?
ccode=170
http://www.nationsencyclopedia.
com/economies/Americas/Netherlands-Antilles-and-Aruba.
html
http://www.advantagecanada.com/Canada_Traditions.htm
http://members.shaw.ca/kcic1/canisms.html
http://www.everyculture.com/
http://www.zambiatourism.com/travel/hisgeopeop/people.
htm#Customs
http://www.factmonster.com/ipka/A0107666.html
http://www.factmonster.com/
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/
http://www.state.gov/

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