7 countries Project

By: Erich Schill

Erich Schill Colombia

http://www.33ff.com/flags/worldflags/Colombia_flag.html same hyperlink for flag on slide 5

Country Map

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/maps/south-america/colombia/

Legend:: = River = City = Capital = Beach = Famous Church = National Park

S

NW E

Country Description• Size: Area of 1,138,910

square kilometers and a total coastline of 1,993 mi.

• Rural and Urban residence: 70% of the population lives in cities and 30% in urban areas.

• Climate: tropical and isothermal due to location near to the equator.

•Location: located in northwestern corner of South America. Colombia borders to the west with Venezuela and Brazil; to the south with Ecuador and Peru; to the North with the Panama, the Atlantic Ocean, through the Caribbean Sea; and to the west with Panama and the Pacific Ocean.

Country Description cont…•Population: as of 2009 the population is 45,659,709 people in Colombia.

•Flag: Yellow stripe= all the gold found in ColombiaBlue Stripe= the seas on Colombia’s shoreRed Stripe= blood shed from the freedom fighters of Colombia

Geographic Features- Land Regions

• Land Regions: There are six major land regions in Colombia that include the Andean Region, the Andean Region, Caribe Region (Caribbean Region), Pacific Region, Amazon Region, and the Orinoquía Region.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_regions_of_Colombia

Geographic Features- Bodies of water

• Rivers: There are around 120 rivers all throughout Colombia. Some notable ones include the Cacuca and the Magdalena river.

• Lakes: Some notable lakes include Lake Tota, Calima Lake, and Lake Guatavita.

• Oceans: the Pacific Ocean to the west.• Seas: Caribbean sea to the northwest

Geographic Features-Fauna and Flora

• The fauna and flora of Colombia vary greatly because of its huge diversity and tropical climates.

• Fauna-tigers, deer, sloths, anteaters, bears, monkeys, pigs, weasels raccoons, moose, tapir, rodents, varieties of feline, etc.

• Flora-could be its variety of green-foliage trees. These trees include walnut, cedar, oak, ginger, balsam, mahogany, etc.

Geographic Features- Points of Interest

• Special points of interest in Colombia includes attractions such as the Gold Museum in Bogota.

Or the Walled City in Cartagena (below)

Link for picture above

Link for picture above

History• In 1510 Spaniards founded Darien, a settlement on the American mainland • In 1538 this settlement was brought up to be a colony known as New

Granada which lasted until 1861.• Then in 1824 Bolivar won it in the battle of Boyacá in Colombia and

created the Republic of Greater Colombia. • Then later in 1840 a small civil war broke out after relative peace which

sparked these name changes- 1861 United States of New Granada- 1863 United States of Colombia- 1885 Republic of Colombia • Lastly in 1899 another civil war broke out, the war of a thousand days,

which lasted until 1902 and gained Colombia’s complete independence in 1903.

History cont…

• Colombia contributed anti- efforts such as drug trafficking. Colombia set up an anti-drug group called Plan Colombia to eliminate cocaine trade.

• Another contribution includes the independence for the country of Panama granted by Colombia in 1914.

• In WWII Colombia was with the anti-axis or allied group.

• Major wars include WWII, war of a thousand days, and lastly slightly involved with Spanish Conquest.

Current Events

• A couple of the most current events in the past year include:- Most infamous terrorist group is still existing in

Colombia known as FARC.- Paramilitary Groups are the causes of 70% of

murders in Colombia when they job is to have self defense and protect Colombia.

- Juan Manuel Santos inaugurated 7th Aug 2010.

Political

• Government- Liberal Democracy with Separation of powers into three branches

• Government Leaders- President Juan Santos - Supreme Court

- Congress

http://constitutionalfights.blogspot.com/2010/06/lesson-separation-of-powers.html

Economy

• Free market economy with investment ties to U.S.• Main industries include textile, oil, sloshing, beverages,

chemicals, cement, gold, coal, and emeralds.• Exports: petroleum, coffee, coal, nickels, emeralds• Imports: fuels, electricity, consumer goods, chemicals, paper

products, and industrial/transportation equipment.• Trade Partners: United States, China, and Brazil• Trade Associations: CAN (Andean Community of Nations) and

SACN Union of South American Nations.• Sanctions: Venezuela one of major traders blocks trade with

Colombia in 2009

Daily Life

• The Colombian standard of living has increased over the past three years.

• Labor Force:20.81 million• Unemployment Rate: 11.1%• Population below poverty line: 49.2%• Literacy Rate: 92.7%• Life expectancy: males 69 years and females 74 years• Clothing: trousers, sleepwear, shirts, shorts, polo shirts,

jackets, swim trunks. All according to the weather• Internet Usage: (1993) 0% to (2008) 38.5% of the population

Cultural• Traditions: This all depends upon the region you live on. An example of

some notable ones are: December 7th all houses are lit with candles, also for Christmas most Columbian families make Bunelos with Natilla.

• Customs: The variety of tropical fruit, the way they greet people (shaking elbow with their hands), and resentment towards car doors being slammed are examples of some customs practiced in Bogota

• Religions: Catholicism, Islam, Protestants, and Judaists• Foods: mostly meat, Arroz con Coco (rice with milk), Buneuelos,

Quesillos (cream cheese in bananas)• Music: varied from accordion to rap pretty much included all music

types, Porro (big band music) and Cumbia • Dance: Pasillo (waltz), Vallenato (bae guitar dances), Cumbia (African

dance)

Fun Facts

• There are 32 states in Colombia• Colombia’s official name is Republic of Congo • Colombia has 95% of the worlds emeralds in

the city of Boyacá• Peso is he currency of Colombia• Colombia is one of the largest Spanish-

speaking countries in the world• Colombia’s capital and largest city is Bogota

Sporting Event

• The Fifa U-20 World Cup will be held in Colombia after being postponed from Libya due to internal issues.

• Colombia automatically qualifies for this World Cup because they are the host country.

• Colombia has been to the World Cup four times in the past.

• Event will take place between July 29 and August 20.

Wrap-Up

• I fund it interesting that despite the fact that Colombia completely gained its independence around 100 years ago they are constantly excelling in every aspect such as people, economy, technologies, balance of trade, and with their good government and culture.

IrelandErich Schill

http://www.33ff.com/flags/worldflags/Ireland_flag.html

Country Map

http://geology.com/world/ireland-satellite-image.shtml

Country Description• Size: 70,273 square kilometers (27,133 square miles) with a coastline of

1,448 km.• Climate: mild maritime climate due to location near Atlantic Ocean.

Winters are clouds and rain. Summers are warm sunny weather.• Location: an island in the North Atlantic directly west of the United

Kingdom• Population: 4,670,976 million; approximately 169 people per square mile• Flag

Green stripe=the native people of Ireland (most of whom are Roman Catholic)White stripe= represents peace between these two groups of people. Orange stripe= represents the British supporters of William of Orange who settled in Northern Ireland in the 17th century (most of whom are Protestant).

Geographic Features • Land Regions: There are two main regions of Ireland Northern Island and The

Republic of Ireland• Rivers : 10 major rivers of Ireland include Shannon, Barrow, Suir, Blackwater

(Munster), Nore, Bann, Liffey, Slaney, Boyne, and Lee.• Lakes: Lough Neagh, Lough Ree, Lough Derg, Lough Conn, Lough Corrib, Lough

Mask, and Lough Allen. In Irish “Lough” means “loch” or “lake.”• Oceans and Seas: Atlantic Ocean, Celtic Sea, and Irish Sea are where Irish

tributaries lead to and what borders Ireland.• Fauna: -Land: hedgehogs, Irish hare, pine marten, red fox, and badgers

-Coastal: shark, turtle, and dophin - Air: over 400 species of birds, most common is swallow

• Flora: -trees: oak, beech, pine, birch, and palm - plants: land is mostly covered with pasture, wildflowers, fern, and

wild furze,

Geographic Features cont…• Mountains: Antrim Mts., Sperrin Mts., Blue Stack Mts., Ox Mts., Wicklow

Mts., Silver Bloom Mts., Silvermine Mts., Galtee Mts., and Blackstairs Mts.• Points of Interest: some include

St Patrick’s Cathedral The National Museum Celtic Crosses(cemetery)

Link

LinkLink

History• First known settlements of Ireland date all the way back to B.C by

migrating hunter-gatherers.• The early history of Ireland spans from the 5th century to the 8th century.• This span of time involves Ireland when they came out of the protohistoric

(time between prehistory and history where writing was not established period to the Viking Age.

• A lot later in history Ireland’s war of independence (Anglo-Irish War) took place of the IRA (Irish Republican Army) against the British Government

• War lasted from Jan 1919 to July 1921 and the Anglo-Irish Treaty in 1922 resulting in Ireland’s partition.

• After the independence Ireland’s population grew, economy grew, and way of government improved

Ireland’s Impact• Some inventions impacting world: Chemistry (Robert Boyle), first guided

missile (Louis Brennan), and hypodermic syringe (Francis Rynd)• Ireland was part of the United Kingdom during WWI and was part of the

Entente Powers.• Ireland during WWII held a policy of neutrality while neither joining the

Axis or Allies. Ireland was led by Eamon de Valera.• Major Wars by Ireland include the Anglo-Irish War, War in Afghanistan,

Walliamite War in Ireland, and the Nine Years War.• Important current events in the past year include: Bishop of Clogher

Joseph Duffey’s resignation is accepted by Pope Benedict XVI, Dublin was named the fourth city of literature, and Galway City Hall exploded.

Political

• Ireland’s type of government is Parliamentary Republic

• Government Leaders- President Mary McAleesePeople of Ireland • This picture shows that thePeople along with the leaderhave a say in the government

Link

Economy• Knowledge economy focusing on services and high-tech industries• Industries: steel, lead, zinc, silver, aluminum, barite, computer software,

tourism, chemicals, textiles and clothing• Exports: machinery and equipment, computers, chemicals, pharmaceuticals,

animals, and animal products• Imports: data processing equipment, petroleum, textile, clothing and chemicals• Economic Status: Ireland is ranked 48th in economy and imports 63.12 billion

and exports 108.6 billion• Ireland trades with the United Kingdom and the United States mostly. However

they also trade with France and Germany.• Ireland’s trade associations include EU (European Union), WTO (World Trade

Organization), and OECD (Organization for economic and Co-operation development).

• Sanctions include Belarus, Burma, Ivory Coast, Iran, Iraq, and Lebanon

Daily Life• Literacy: 99% for men and women; ranked 21 for literacy rates• Clothing: jackets, T-Shirts, khaki shorts, jeans• Life Expectancy: woman is 80 years and for men 75 years.• Internet Usage: around 53% of the population use internet in Ireland as of 2007

Link

Cultural • Ireland’s culture is not homogenous or the same through the

whole country. The cultures are different in the urban and rural areas of Ireland.

• Traditions: St. Patrick’s day, decorate Christmas tree, Halloween, All Saints Day, and during a wedding the man is dressed in a kilt originating from his clan.

• Customs: A custom in Ireland is that a sign of wealth is owning cattle on your farm, mass in homes, Mother’s day is on Sunday April, 3rd.

• Religion: In 2006 a census stated that 86.8% were Roman Catholic, 3% Anglican, 0.8% Islam, 0.6% Presbyterian, less than 5% Jewish, about 1.4% other religion, and 4.4% answered no religion and 2.2% failed to respond.

Cultural cont…

• Foods: Irish potatoes, cabbage, soda bread, bacon, dulse, Boxty, etc.

• Music: songs from accordion, bagpipes, flute, banjo, and flutes. These songs also include drinking songs and Scottish derived music.

• Dance: social dancing (including Ceili and set dancing) and performance dancing (including step dancing and tap dancing)

LinkLink

Fun Facts

• In Ireland punching someone in the face is a friendly way to start a fight but by pouring and wasting alcohol is grossly insulting.

• The three most common symbols of Ireland are the Celtic cross, green shamrock, and a harp.

• Ireland is a country of many rivers and lakes, lakes are referred to as loughs ( pronounced as locks)e.g. Lough Swilly.

• In 1447 mustaches were illegal in Ireland• Ireland’s largest city and capital is Dublin.• Ireland’s language before Irish was Gaelic.

Reaction to Japan

• Irish people helped Japan to rebuild its destroyed nation by donating to charities such as Red Cross (US) or the Shelterbox (UK) charity.

Link

Link

Wrap-Up

• The thing I found the most interesting about Ireland was that of its diverse culture, religion, and the food. Personally I enjoy the food because I eat Irish potatoes and I really enjoy them. The culture is interesting because it is neat how even though the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland are separated they still function as a country. Maybe not as the greatest one but a good one. Lastly I found it interesting about how diverse the religion is with almost every religion being practice and only a 1.4% of “no religion.”

• I have learned that Irish culture is very preserved and even though being pushed around a lot by the British they still keep their strong culture.

Erich Schill Iceland

http://flagspot.net/flags/is-hist.html

Country Map

Legend: = River = City = Capital = Tourist Attraction = National Park

NW E

S

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/maps/europe/iceland/

Country Description• Size: 311,000 sq km (39,729 sq mi), an island many miles of coastline.• Climate: Iceland’s climate is cold oceanic; winters that are extremely cold

and summers that’s highs are 77 degrees. Lowest temperature ever recorded was -39.5°F and the highest temperature ever recorded was 86.9 °F.

• Location: an island located in the North Atlantic Ocean, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, the Bering Strait, and the Greenland Sea.

• Population: 311,058 people

Red=Fire from Iceland’s volcanoesWhite= represents the ice and snowfall in IrelandBlue= stands for the and Atlantic Ocean surrounding Iceland

Geographic Features-Land Regions

Land Regions: 1. Höfuðborgarsvæði (capital region)2. Suðurnes (Southern Peninsula) 3. Vesturland (West)4. Vestfirðir (Westfjords)5. Norðurland vestra (northwest)6. Norðurland eystra (northeast)7. Austurland (East)8. Suðurland (South)

Link

Geographic Features• Rivers: Most of the large rivers arise in glaciers and their flow volume in

summer is much greater than in winter. Some of Iceland’s important rivers include: Þjórsá, Ölfusáá, Jökulsá á Fjöllum, Skjálfandafljót, Jökulsá á Brú, Lagarfljót, Skeiðará and Kuðafljót.

• Lakes: Iceland possesses several lakes those dating back to the tectonic age. Some major lakes include Þingvallavatn, Þórisvatn, and Öskjuvatn.

• Oceans and seas: Iceland is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Denmark Strait, and the Greenland Sea.

• Fauna: fox, reindeer, whales seals, eiderduck, ptarmigan, and cod. Iceland has very few insects and they have no reptiles nor frogs.

• Flora: grass, mosses, and small shrubs.

Points of Interest

Chris Rijk-(photographer)

Links for all photos

Early History• Around 20,000 years ago Iceland formed from eruption of volcanoes.• For a long time Iceland was one of the world’s largest islands uninhabited

by humans. • Naddoddr, according to Landnámabók, officially discovered Iceland and

named it Snowland in the late 800s.• In the mid 1200s Iceland signed a treaty with the Norwegian Monarchy

establishing a union with them.• Then later around 1380 Iceland became under a union with Denmark,

Sweden, and Norway, known as the Kalmar Union.• In 1814 the Kalmar union broke up and Denmark kept Iceland as a

dependency• On June 17, 1944, Iceland became and independent country

Impact on World• Instant Photography discovered by Erasmus Bartholin (right) using an

transparent Icelandic crystal. He discovered that looking through the crystal doubled the objects.

•Another way Iceland impacted the world was unfortunately by their volcanoes threatening widespread damage to occur. This volcano is actually a mid-ocean ridge that comes above sea level and threatens to cause massive damage from its explosion.

Link

Link

Wars

• WWI- In WWI Iceland was very poor and ruled by a Danish king so they did not participate.

• WWII- In WWII Iceland originally fought with Denmark in a personal union, but then Britain and the United States said they would protect them and they cooperated with Britain and the U.S. So all in all Iceland stayed neutral.

• Major war- The Cod War- This war was fought between the United Kingdom and Iceland for fishing rights in the North Atlantic. This war resulted in Britain promising to not fish there anymore.

Current Events

• A current event is one about Mt. Kalmar of Iceland could cause widespread damage if erupting.

• On March 2nd 2011 they celebrated Beer Day which was when beer was legalized in Iceland.

• Currently Iceland is in a cultural season lasting from January to May every year.

Political

• Type of Government: Constitutional Republic• Leaders: President Olafur Ragnar Grimmison, Prime

Minister Johanna Sigurdardottir

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/country_profiles/1025227.stm

Economy• Ranked 129th economically• Currency: Icelandic krona (ISK)• Industry: Fishing, agriculture, metal, tourism, smelting/ aluminum

smelting• Exports: Fish, fish products, metal• Imports: Machinery and equipment, food related items, and petroleum.• Economic Status: currently declining due to financial crisis in 2007-2010.• Trade Partners: European countries, United States, United Kingdom,

Denmark, and Japan.• Trade associations: WTO (World Trade Organization), EEA (European

Economic Area), EFTA (European Free Trade Association), and OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation Development)

• Sanctions: Mackerel traded to Iceland and UK anti-terrorism sanction

Daily Life• Standard of Living: One of the highest in the world because of their

previously well-developed fishing industry and current banking industry is striving.

• Literacy: Ranked 36; male 99% female 99% total population 99% as of 2010

• Clothing: Hooded Sweaters, Hand-Made Sweaters, Woolen caps, scarves, Woolen sweaters, and gloves. These are all due to the cold weather there.

• Internet Usage: As of 2008 the Internet Usage is 90% or a total of approximately 296,100 people.You can see how it has been rising

Link

Internet users as percentage of population

Cultural• Traditions: greet with kiss on the cheek, no tipping in Iceland, when invited to

a home it is traditional to bring a gift of some sort, and it is more likely that you will invite someone to eat at your house not at a restaurant. Also last name adding “son” or “dottir” from the father’s first name.

• Customs: During Christmas there are 13 Santa Clauses. Also during Christmas in Iceland, their function is to come to town bearing gifts and candy (and a prank or two). The first jólasveinn arrives 13 days before Christmas and then the others follow, one each day. After Christmas, they leave one by one. The Icelandic Christmas season lasts 26 days. Thorláksmessa (mass day of St Þorlákur) is celebrated on 23 December.

• Religion: Lutheran, Baptist, Catholic, Jehovah Witness, Mormon, and Muslim• Foods: lamb, dairy, fish, and poultry is considered.• Music: related to the Nordic music, includes mostly folk and pop• Dance: ballet, and contemporary dance

Fun Facts• Capital and largest city- Reykjavík• Half of the population of Iceland live in its capital Reykjavik.• Life Expectancy is 81.3 for females and 76.4 for males. One of the

highest life expectancies in the world.• Iceland’s highest peak, Hvannadalshnjúkur, rises to 2.119 m and

over 11 per cent of the country is covered by glaciers, including Vatnajökull, the largest in Europe.

• 30 post-glacial volcanoes have erupted in the past two centuries.• In Iceland the people traditionally take the last name of their

father’s first name and add “son” or “dottir” to it to make the last name. Example Father is Tom Berger and son is Sam Tomson

Reaction to Japan

• “In Iceland the president has sent the nation’s condolences to the Japanese emperor, Buddhists are meditating for the missing, and the radiation safety authority remains busy analyzing the risk from Fukushima 1 nuclear power station”

Read more: http://www.icenews.is/index.php/2011/03/14/various-reactions-in-iceland-to-japan-catastrophe/#ixzz1HZo6UEuN

Wrap-Up

• While completing the slides on Iceland I have found out that despite their economic rank being 129th they still have well-set industries such as fishing, agriculture, and medicinal. Fishing is their main money-making industry; Agriculture helped them make money as well when laws were passed restricting some of the fishing; Medicinal is good because of the capability of maintaining their high life expectancy.

Erich Schill Turkmenistan

http://www.worldcountries.info/Flags/Flag-Turkmenistan.htm

Country Map

http://www.travelbbb.com/map-of-turkmenistan/

Country Description• Size: 488,100 sq km (188,456 sq mi);

– land size: 469,930 sq km (181,440 sq mi); – water size: 18,170 sq km (7015 sq mi)– Coastline: 1,768 sq km (683 sq mi)

• Climate: Subtropical Desert; Summers: hot, dry and long; Winters: mild, dry, cold, and damp. Slight rainfall year round.

• Location: Central Asia (Middle East), bordering the Caspian Sea and bordering Afghanistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan.

• Coordinates: 40 N, 60 E• Population: 4,997,503 as of 2011• Flag: Red design: representing Turkmenistan's

famous carpet industryCrescent: represents bright future and hope5 stars: five regions of TurkmenistanGreen Base: represents IslamOlive Branches: sign of permanent neutrality

Geographic Features-Land Regions

• Land Regions: Ahal, Balkan Welayaty, Dashoguz Welayaty, Lebap Welayaty, and Mary Welayaty.

Link

Geographic Features• Rivers: Turkmenistan lacks a constant water flow and its main rivers are

located in the southern and eastern borders. Some of these rivers are Amu Darya, Tejen, Murgap, and the Atrek.

• Lakes: major lakes include Lake Sarakamysh, Lake Kou-Ata, Lake Mollagara, Lake Yuazkhan, Lake Archman, Berzengi, Bakharden, Lake Rozoviy Porsyghel, and Kara Bogaz Gol.

• Oceans: borders N/A• Seas: Borders Caspian Sea• The Kara Kum or Black Sea desert covers most of the country so there is

not a lot of vegetation or animal life however these are the ones that are there.

• Fauna: goats, camels, and sheep, fishes, diverse birds • Flora: wild fruits, berries, herbs, spices, and honey-bearing plants

Points of InterestNohkur Margush

DekhistanLink

LinkLink

Early History• Turkmenistan was originally part of the Persian Empire.• The Turkmen people were nomads who lived in dome-shaped felt

tents.• In the 11th century it was conquered by Seljuk Turks• In the 13th century it was conquered by Mongols (Genghis Khan)• Then the Khanate of Khiva (Central Asian State) was made part of the

Russian Empire became known as Transcapia. (Turkmenistan) (1868)• Officially obtained its independence on 27 October 1991• Turkmenistan was then later formed out of Turkistan Autonomous

Soviet Socialist Republic in 1922 and became an independent Soviet Socialist Republic in 1925. It is the poorest in the Soviet republics. AKA USSR

Impact on the World

• Turkmenistan’s impact on the world because of it contains the fourth largest reserves of natural gas within a single national boundary.

Wars

• Major War- Cold War- Following the Cold War Turkmenistan was at the point in which they were able to establish their independence and join The Soviet Socialist Republics.

• WWI- part of the Russian empire so they were part of the Allied powers.

• WWII- part of the Allied Powers as part of the USSR. Turkmenistan suffered 70,000 casualties.

Current Events

• Turkmenistan opened 2nd gas link with Iran officially ending Russian complete dominance of Turkmenistan’s energy sector.

• Turkmenistan plans to create an inland desert-sea. • The gold-plated statue of Turkmenistan's late leader,

Saparmurat Niyazov, has been removed from the capital.• Turkmenistan has accused Russia of causing an explosion

on a gas pipeline. • Turkmenistan adopted a new constitution that supporters

say will promote multi-party politics and the market economy.

Political

• Government: defines itself as a secular democracy and a presidential republic; in actuality displays authoritarian presidential rule, with power concentrated within the presidential administration.

• Leaders: Separation of Powers: – Judicial (Supreme Court)– Legislative (National Assembly)– Executive (President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow and

Cabinet of ministers appointed by pres.)

Overview of Economy

• Overview of Economy: largely desert country with only economy existing with agriculture in irrigated oases and a surplus of gas and oil resources.

• GDP (Gross Domestic Product): – Purchasing power party- $36.64 billion– Official Exchange rate- $27.96 billion– Real growth rate- 11%– Per Capita (PPP)- $7,400

Economy • Currency: Turkmen Manat (TMM)• Industries: Natural Gas, textiles, food processing , carpet, and oil• Exports: gas, crude oil, petrochemicals, textiles, and cotton fiber• Imports: machinery and equipment, chemicals, and foodstuffs• Trade Partners: Turkey, Ukraine, China, Russia, Hungary, United

Arab Emirates, Germany, Poland, Germany, Afghanistan, United States, France, and Iran

• Trade Organizations: CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) and ECO (Economic Corporation Organization)

• Agricultural Products: cotton, grain; livestock• Debt: $5 billion

Daily Life• Standard of Living- decent; the small population of Turkmenistan does not

require extensive state investment for the basic requirements of survival • Literacy Rate: Total 99.8%, Male 99.3%, Female 98.3%• Clothing-:long, loose, and tunic style. According to the different level of

classes in society changes the quality of the clothing. • Language: Turkmen• Age Structure:

– 0-14 Ages: 27.5%– 15-64 Ages: 68.4%– 65 Ages and older: 4.1%

• Life Expectancy: Male: 65.57, Female 71.63• Internet Usage:

– 1.5% of population(74,962 people)

Cultural

• Traditions: In Turkmenistan weddings As the bride approaches her future husband's home she must take the first step with the right foot - otherwise, it is said that there will be illness, and quarrels troubles within the in-laws

http://www.silkroadtreasuretours.com/turkmans-culture

Customs: this is the traditional dress

Cultural cont…

• Religion: 89% Muslim, 9% Eastern Orthodox , 2% Unknown• Foods: mutton, carrots, rice, manty (dumplings filled

ground beef), shurpa (meat and vegetable soup), pilav (lamb carrots rice and onions)

• Music: The music of the nomadic and rural Turkmen people is closely related to Kyrgyz and Kazakh folk forms. Important musical traditions in Turkmen music include traveling singers and shamans called bakshy, who act as healers and magicians and sing either a cappella or with instruments such as the two-stringed lute called dutar.

• Dance: Turkmen Kizi

Fun Facts

• The suffix “–stan” means “land of.” For example Afghanistan land of the Afghans. Turkmenistan the land of the Turkmens.

• Largest city and capital city Ashgabat. • Official language of Turkmenistan is Turkmen.• Turkmenistan ranks 5th in the world terms of

GDP growth rate.

Reaction to Japan

• No physical action but shocked and felt bad for Japan.

• No physical action most likely due to lack of money for themselves.

Wrap-Up

• Overall Turkmenistan is very valuable for its resources and its gross domestic product is very good due to this.

• My favorite thing of Turkmenistan is their clothing. Their clothing is very elegant and fit for the sun there.

Erich Schill Zimbabwe

http://www.dzimba.com/index.php/what-does-the-zimbabwe-flag-stand-for/

Country Map

http://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/map/zimbabwe_map2.htm

Country Description• Size: Total Area: 390, 757 sq km (150,872 sq mi)

– Land Area: 386, 847 sq km (149,362 sq mi)– Water Area: 3,910 sq km (1,509 sq mi)– Coastline 0

• Climate: Tropical; Higher altitude areas receive more rainfall and are cooler than lower areas and vice versa. Also rainfall decreases from east to west.

• Location: Southern Africa; bordering Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia

• Coordinates: 20 S, 30 E• Population: 12, 084, 304 ranked 72nd in the world

Flag description

Green: the agriculture and rural areas of ZimbabweYellow: the wealth of minerals in the countryRed: the blood shed during the first and second Chimurenga (wars)Black: the heritage and ethnicity of the native Africans of ZimbabweWhite Triangle: peaceZimbabwe Bird: the national symbol of ZimbabweRed Star: the nation's hopes and aspirations for the future•These colors are also used on the flag of the ruling Zanu PF party.

Geographic Features• Land Regions: Mashonaland Central Province, Mashonaland East Province Matabeleland North Province, Matabeleland South Province, Masvingo

Province.• Rivers: Major rivers include Zembezi, Mazoe, Sanyati, Sabi, and Limpopo• Lakes: Kariba, Bumhururu, Chivero, Manuchi Dam, and Lake Mutirikwe• The country is mostly savannah but the mountainous east supports

tropical evergreens and hardwood forests.• Fauna: elephant ,lion, buffalo, gorilla, aardvark, fox, porcupine, badger,

sable, anteater, otter, hare, etc.• Flora:

– Trees: mahogany trees, knobthorn trees, msasa trees, baobab trees– Shrubs & Flowers: hibiscus, spider lily, leonotus, cassia, tree wisteria, and dombeya.

Point of Interest

Ruins of Great Zimbabwe

Link

Early History• The Khoisan settle in 200 B.C• During the Middle Ages the region was controlled by the Bantu• Later in the 10 century “Great Zimbabwe” thrived off of gold

trade with the Muslims• Later in the 15th century Zimbabwe is made into a latter kingdom

one kingdom to the north and one to the south.• In the 1850s the first British explorers arrived and named “The

Great Zimbabwe” as Rhodesia after Cecil Rhodes.• In 1980 Rhodesia was a self-governed government with trade

restrictions by the British.• Finally on April 17, 1980 the white minority elected Robert

Mugabe and gained their independence as “Zimbabwe.”

Impact on the World

• Zimbabwe hasn’t influenced the country to much most likely due to the fact of it has only existed for 31 years and that it is a pretty poor country

Wars

• The Rhodesian Bush War AKA the Second Chimurenga- civil war in the foreign country of Rhodesia. The Rhodesian Government fought against the Zimbabwe African National Union. This war ultimately led to universal suffrage.

• WWI- The Rhodesia Native Regiment in the East African Campaign fought for the British side or the “Allies.”

• WWII- Served on behalf of the United Kingdom on the Allies side.

Current Events

• One of the ministers in charge of Zimbabwe's police has told the BBC she is in hiding for fear she would be arrested as part of a state plot.

• Zimbabwe's Energy Minister Elton Mangoma has been detained by police, for unspecified reasons.

• The European Union has eased sanctions on Zimbabwe by removing 35 individuals from a list of people affected by visa bans and asset freezes.

Political• Government type: Parliamentary Democracy• Government Leaders: Separation of Powers:

– Executive Branch-Chief of State Executive President Robert Gabriel Mugabe, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, Cabinet appointed by the president and prime minister.

– Legislative Branch-Senate– Judicial Branch- Supreme Court; High Court

Link

Economy• Industries: mining (coal, gold, platinum, copper, nickel, tin,

diamonds, clay, numerous metallic and nonmetallic ores), steel; wood products, cement, chemicals, fertilizer, clothing and footwear, foodstuffs, beverages

• Exports: platinum, cotton, tobacco, gold, ferroalloys, textiles/clothing• Imports: machinery and transport equipment, other manufactures,

chemicals, fuels, food products• Economic Status: growing at a brisk pace despite political confusion.

Problems faced include large external debt burden and insufficient formal employment

• Major Trade Partners: Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Africa, Botswana , China, Zambia, Netherlands, UK

• Trade Associations: WTO (World Trade Organization

Daily Life• Standard of Living: Desperate for the basic necessities of life• Literacy Rate: total country 90.7%; Male 94.2%, and Female 87.2%• Clothing:

– Women: traditional dresses of the women of Zimbabwe are decked up with beautiful beads and large sized ornaments.

– Men: The main part of the male attires of Zimbabwe is the “breastplate” which is also known as “Iporiyana” which is worn around the neck. This is made of animal skin. The animal skin that is used to make “Iporiyana” differs with tribes. However, the common are the skin of hyena, and civet.

– Note that the people of Zimbabwe rarely wear the traditional clothing and they have adopted the modern style clothing.

• Internet usage: 11.4%

0.114* 12,084, 304= 1,377,610 people

Link

Cultural• Traditions: Use of totems and the use of the mbira (musical instrument) in

ceremonies.• Customs: Mashiki Dancers and the mukanda (Circumcision Ceremony)• Religions: syncretic (part Christian, part indigenous beliefs) 50%, Christian

25%, indigenous beliefs 24%, Muslim and other 1%• Foods: Tiny dried fish called kapenta are a common snack. Another food is

biltong , which is sun-dried, salted meat cut into strips similar to beef jerky. Beef or game, such as kudo and springbok (both members of the antelope family), may be used.

• Music: folk, pop, rumba, soukuos, and rock and roll based on the mbira• Dance: Mbira dance(ritual dance with mbira), Dinhe dance (religious

dance),Jerusarema and Muchongoyo dance (traditional dance with drums) Mbira

Fun Facts

• Zimbabwe literally means “great houses of stone” derived from the Shona language.

• The official language of Zimbabwe is English but Shona and Sindebele are widely spoken.

• Capital city and largest city is Harare• The armed forces of the country comprise of the Zimbabwe

National Army and the Air Force of Zimbabwe.• Ethnic Groups: African 98% (Shona 82%, Ndebele 14%,

other 2%), mixed and Asian 1%, white less than 1%• Nationality Zimbabwean• Currency is Zimbabwe dollar 1 dollar= 100 cents

Reaction to Japan

• No physical action but shocked and felt bad for Japan.

• No physical action most likely due to lack of resources for themselves.

Wrap-Up

• Overall Zimbabwe is a country of poorness suffering from illnesses such as HIV and AIDS , and are suffering economically due to this. They do not have a large amount of money nor do they have a lot necessities just to survive.

• I found it most interesting that Zimbabwe is ranked number one in population growth rate. This is most likely due because it is a young country with a big area. However receiving a big population can hurt the country by having shortages on food etc.

Erich Schill United Arab Emirates

http://www.globosapiens.net/country/united-arab-emirates_flag.html

Country MapLegend: = City = Capital

NW E

S

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/maps/middle-east/united-arab-emirates/

Link

Country Description• Size:

– Total- 83,600 sq km (32,278 sq mi)– Land- 83,600 sq km (32,278 sq mi)– Water- 0 sq km– Coastline- 1,318 km (819 mi)

• Climate: desert; cooler in higher altitudes such as mountains• Location: Middle East; bordering Oman and Saudi Arabia• Population: 5,148,664• Coordinates: 24N and 50E• Flag:

Green: FertilityWhite: NeutralityBlack: Oil wealthRed: Unity

Geographic Features-Land Regions

• Sharjah, Ajman, Abu Dhabi, Umm al-Quwain, Ras al-Khaimah, Dubai, and Fujairah

Link

Geographic Features• Rivers: there is not any important rivers in Zimbabwe due to it mostly

being desert. Mostly all of the water is received from Ocean destination plants which covert saltwater to freshwater

• Lakes: “ .”• Does not border any oceans or seas.• Gulfs: Persian Golf and Golf of Oman• Fauna: Fox, wolf, jackal, wildcat, lynx, vast reptiles, gulls, flamingos, eagles,

falcons, kites and owls.• Flora: salt-loving vegetation of marshes and swamps, dwarf mangroves,

and desert plants.

Red Dwarf Mangrove Forest Kite (Bird)

Points of Interest

The Abu-Dhabi is a very beautiful place to visit

LinkFor All Pictures

More sightseeing

Early History• Back in 3000 B.C. agriculture in the region started with control of

the Magan civilization• In 3rd century A.D. it came under control of the Sassanian Empire

followed by the Umayyads who introduced Islam in the 7th century.• Later the next documented event was the Portuguese arriving in

the 17th century A.D. followed by the British• In 1892 it came under British rule after the Trucial Coast.• In 1971, six of these states - Abu Zaby, 'Ajman, Al Fujayrah, Ash

Shariqah, Dubayy, and Umm al Qaywayn - merged to form the United Arab Emirates (UAE). They were joined in 1972 by Ra's al Khaymah

• Independence day is 2 December 1971

Impact on the World

• United Arab Emirates became a founding member of the GCC or Gulf Cooperation Council. GCC was an economic alliance directed against Iran.

Link

Wars

• Gulf War- war between the Coalition Forces and Iraq/Ba’ath Party Loyalists. In this war United Arab Emirates were part of the Coalition Forces. They were part of the Arab League in the Coalition Forces. Their role was to control the Gulf. With this role they created the GCC.

• WWI- Back then, modern day parts of the United Arab Emirates joined the Allied Side.

• WWII- back then the Trucial States fought for the Allied Powers against the Axis. Also The Trucial States were under British rule during that time.

Current Event Monday-United Arab Emirates

http://www.uaeinteract.com/docs/UAE_updates_support_to_UN_resolution_1973_/44931.htm

UAE updates support to UN resolution 1973This article is describing how the United Arab Emirates Minister of Foreign

Affair's highness Sheikh Abdulla bin Zayed Al Nahyan stated that the United Arab Emirates is fully engaged with humanitarian operations in Libya. Included within the operations is the addition of six F-16 and six Mirage aircraft to the impending no fly zone over Libya. Lastly he states that these changes will take place in the coming days.

Political

• Government: “federation with specified powers delegated to the UAE federal government and other powers reserved to member emirates”- Link

• Leaders: Separation of Powers:– Executive Branch- President KHALIFA bin Zayid Al-

Nuhayyan , Prime Minister and Vice President MUHAMMAD bin Rashid Al-Maktum

– Legislative Branch- FNC or unicameral Federal National Conference

– Judicial Branch-Union Supreme Court appointed by president

Economy• Industry: textiles, fishing, aluminum, cement, boats and boat

building materials.• Exports: crude oil, natural gas, reexports, dried fish, and dates• Imports: machinery and transportation equipment, food, and

chemicals• Economic Status: UAE has an open economy with a high per

capita income.• Major Trade Partners: Japan, South Korea, India, China, and

United States• Trade Organizations: OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum

Exporting Countries) and WTO (World Trade Organizations)•

Daily Life• Standard of Living: United Arab Emirates’ population enjoy a high

standard of living because of their oil wealth. • Literacy: total population 77.9%, male 76.1%, and female 81.7%• Life Expectancy: total population 76 years, male 74 years, female

80 years.• Clothing: Male; regular clothes include trousers, shirt, jeans.

Traditional clothes include Egal, Guthra, Kundura Na-aal, or Woozer etc. Female; regular clothes include shirt, trousers, or long skirt. Traditional clothes include Abaya, Burqa, Gishwa, Gafaaz. Descriptions of clothes

• Internet Usage: 65.2%3,356,928 people

Cultural• Traditions: for weddings the finalization of the wedding date marks the

beginning of the preparations for bride's grooming for her wedding. Also during weddings she is not supposed to be seen for forty days other than by her family. The marriage is more of contractual in nature rather than being religious.

• Customs: shisha pipe smoking, men wear the dishdasha or khandura, a white full-length shirt-dress

• Religions: Muslim 96% and others 4%.• Foods: foods are served with different types of bread and a huge platter of

fresh salad and vegetables. Arabic Mezze, Kebab Kashkash, matchbous, and coffee is very popular in the UAE

• Music: Folk music with drums, strong-beat music, and tambourines. • Dance: dance accompanied with tambourines, girls dance by swinging their

black tresses and swaying their bodies to the strong beat of the music, men re-enact battles fought or successful hunting expeditions

Fun Facts

• The Trucial states referred to the 19th-century truce between the United Kingdom and several Arab Sheikhs. Sheikhs is a word or honorific term in the Arabic language that literally means "Scholar".

• In the United Arab Emirates, firing squad is the preferred method of execution.

• UAE’s currency is United Arab Emirates dirham (AED)

Reaction to Japan

• No physical action but shocked and felt bad for Japan.

• No physical action most likely due to lack of resources for themselves.

Wrap-Up

• Overall the United Arab Emirates is a country surviving off the foundation of their oil-wealth and enjoys a good lifestyle due to it.

• The thing I liked the most about the United Arab Emirates is there architecture that they currently have as showed in Slide 100

Republic of the Erich

Schill Congo

http://tofocus.info/flag-of-Republic-of-the-Congo.php

Country Map

Erich Schillhttp://www.africa.upenn.edu/Country_Specific/Congo.html

http://www.countryreports.org/Republic%20of%20the%20Congo.aspx

Country Description• Size:

– Total Area: 342,000 sq km– Land Area: 341, 500 sq km– Water Area: 500 sq km– Coastline: 169 km

• Climate: “tropical; rainy season (March to June); dry season (June to October); persistent high temperatures and humidity; particularly enervating climate astride the Equator”- Link

• Location: Western Africa; bordering Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic , Democratic Republic of the Congo , Gabon

• Population: 4,243,929• Flag:

Represents the official Pan-Africa colors

Geographic Features

• Land Regions: Bouenza, Brazzaville, Cuvette, Kouilou, Lekoumou, Likouala, Niari, Plateaux, Pool and Sangha

• Rivers: Aina River, Chiloango or Congo River, Kouilou-Niari River, Nyanga River, Sangha River, and Ubangi River

• Lakes: Lake Tele• Oceans or Seas: bordersSouth Atlantic Ocean

Points of Interest

Temple Mosque National Museum of Congo

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g294189-d481230-Reviews-Musee_National_du_Congo_National_Museum_of_Congo-Brazzaville.html

http://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhotos-g294189-d481230-Musee_National_du_Congo_National_Museum_of_Congo-Brazzaville.html

Early History

• The early history was based on the Kongo, Loango, and the Teke. Kong was in the 14th century with the Portuguese. The Loango lasted up to the 1800s when they prohibited slave trade. Teke (Middle Congo) lasted up to the 1833.

• Then the first European settlers were the Portuguese.

• These were the basis of the early history of the Republic of the Congo. However the Republic of the Congo became independent on April 15,1960.

Impact on the World

• The Congo contributed to the creation of the ECOSOC (Economic and Social Council)

http://www.habitaticingenclik.org.tr/en/uyelikler.asp

Wars

• WWI- In world war I the Congo was affiliated with Portuguese causing them to be part of the Allied Powers.

• WWII- in WWII The Republic of the Congo was the Belgian Congo and was taken under German rule early in the war. So the Republic of the Congo in WWII were part of the Axis.

Current Events

• “The Mbendjele people of Congo-Brazzaville are using the latest satellite mapping technology to stake claim to a rainforest, two-thirds of which may be gone in 50 years.”

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/7028445.stm

• “In the so-called "scramble" by European powers for the mineral wealth, the rubber and ivory and the territories of Africa at the end of the 19th Century, Italy didn't come out terribly well.” http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/5370744.stm

Political

• Government: Republic• Government Leaders:– Executive: President Denis Sassou-Nguesso is

head of gov. and chief of state, Council of ministers appointed by President

– Legislative: bicameral, Senate and National Assembly

– Judicial: Supreme Court

Economy

• Industries: petroleum extraction, cement, lumber, brewing, sugar, palm oil, soap, flour, cigarette

• Exports: petroleum, lumber, plywood, sugar, cocoa, coffee, diamonds

• Imports: capital equipment, construction materials, foodstuffs

• Economic Status: the economy is bad however the oil industry is keeping the country alive

• Major Trade Partners: United States, France, and China

Daily Life• Standard of Living: not great due to low wages and a labor force of only 1.514 million.• Literacy Rate: total 83.8%, male 89.6%, female 78.4%• Life Expectancy:

– Average: 55 years– Male: 54 years– Female: 56 years

• Clothing: “Whether a person has means or not, people in the street, the market, and in offices can be seen in pressed, colorful, hand-made clothing. Bous-Bous, the colorful strips of cotton cloth essential to any Central or West African wardrobe, can be dressed up or down. They also are used as head wraps and turbans by Congolese women. Office workers and bureaucrats in the cities dress much the same as they do in the West. “

Read more: Congolese - Introduction, Location, Language, Folklore, Religion, Major holidays, Rites of passage, Relationships, Living conditions http://www.everyculture.com/wc/Brazil-to-Congo-Republic-of/Congolese.html#ixzz1HqeLR5rG

• Internet Usage: Link

Cultural• Named the Congolese • Traditions: family members arrange marriages; after a marriage a

ritual is performed representing the bride’s virginity; After a divorce the man can ask for the bride price back.

• Customs: Legal code states that 30% of a husband’s estate must go to his widow, average woman bears five children

• Religions: Christian 50%, Animist 48%, and Muslim 2%• Foods: bananas, cassava, peanuts, coffee, cocoa, taro and pineapples.• Music: instruments such as drums, guitar, sanzi (wooden box with

metal teeth• Dance: rooted in ritual dancing; dances celebrate child birth, rites of

passage, a successful harvest or preparation for war.

Fun Facts

• Capital city and largest city is Brazzaville• You must be 18 years or older to serve on

army and woman are allowed to serve also.• The Internet country code is .cg.• There are 42 internet hosts in the Congo• Former names include the Middle Congo,

Congo/Brazzaville, Congo

Reaction to Japan

• No physical action but shocked and felt bad for Japan.

• No physical action most likely due to lack of resources for themselves.

Wrap-Up

• Overall the Congo in my opinion is a poor country striving to be successful. There are not very great economically but they do have a good oil supply that makes money for them so they can survive economically.

• My favorite part of the Congo is their landmarks. Their sights and preservation of the culture is very interesting and neat. When I grow up I would like to visit these places.

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• Congolese - Introduction, Location, Language, Folklore, Religion, Major holidays, Rites of passage, Relationships, Living conditions http://www.everyculture.com/wc/Brazil-to-Congo-Republic-of/Congolese.html#ixzz1HqeLR5rG

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celandic-clothing.html

Republic of the Congo Iceland