7 Countries Project

Minsup Kim

Guinea

Maps

Political Map of Guinea Geographical Map of Guinea

Country Description• Size: 245,857 km2 (94,926 square mile)

– Slightly smaller than Oregon• Climate: Hot & Humid; Rainy season

(6~11) with southwesterly winds; Dry season (12~5) with northeasterly winds

• Location: Western Africa, between Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone

• Flag: Red, Yellow, Green striped• Population: 10,601,009

Geographic Features• Land Regions: 245,717 sq km

– Land boundaries – 3,399 km, Coastline – 320 km– Land Use: arable land: 4.47%, permanent crops: 2.64%, other: 92.89%, irrigated land:

950 sq km

• Rivers, Lakes, Oceans– Total renewable water resources: 226 cu km– Water Area: 140 sq km– Niger River, Atlantic Ocean

Geographic Features• Fauna – Animals: Common

Chimpanzee, Red River Hog, Bitis Gabonica Rhinoceros, Guinea Turaco

• Fauna – Insects: Junodia Lameyi• Flora: Drosera Madagascariensis,

Imperata Cylindrica, Avicennia Germinans

Geographic Features• Special Points of Interest

– Natural Hazards: hot, dry, dusty harmattan haze may reduce visibility during dry season– Infectious diseases: high degree of risk; malaria and yellow fever; diarrhea– Guinea has the wettest capital on Earth, with 3.7 meters of rain a year

• Vacation Tour– Guinea is not a recommended region for travelling– The Visa costs around $65 (Single Entry, One month)– The Official Language: French– The National Museum in Conakry– Religion: Muslim 85%, Christian 8%– Calling Code: +244

History• Early History: From the 10th to the 15th century, Guinea was included in

several large West African political groupings, including Ghana, Mali, and Songhai empires. The name ‘Guinea’ came into use among European shippers in the seventeenth century to refer to the coast of West Africa from Guinea to Benin.

• Impact on world: – France colonized it in the 1890s– Declared its independence from France on October 2nd, 1958

• Current Events: Guinean presidential election, 2010– It was the first free presidential election– It was held under the two-round system– Alpha Conde has been declared the winner, with 52.52% of the votes in the second

round.

Political• Type of Government: Presidential

Republic

• Government Leaders– Current President: Alpha Conde– Prime Minister: Mohamed Said Fofana

Economy• Industry: Relies on abundant natural resources

– Mining– Agriculture

• Exports: Bauxite, Alumina– 25% or more of the world’s known bauxite reserves– In the French colonial period, it exported bananas, crops for beer, and coffee– Partners: India 19.68%, Spain 13.18%, Russia 7.24%

• Imports: Oil, Machinery, textiles, grain– Partners: China 8.67%, Netherlands 6.67%

• Sanctions: – Investment Guarantee with U.S. through the Overseas Private Investment Corporation

• Trade Associations– AREDOR, a joint diamond-mining venture between the Guinean Government and

Australian, British, and Swiss

Economy• Economic Status: Guinea is a poor country

– Until 2002, Guinea was under the influence of IMF’s Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility.

– In 2009, the Chinese International Fund invested more than $7 billion.– Problem: Youth unemployment, inflation

Daily Life• Standard of Living: Poor

– Infant mortality rate: 61.03 deaths/1,000 live births– Life expectancy at birth: 58.11 years– Literacy: 29.5%– Median Age: 18.6 years– Population: 10,601,009

• Clothing– They wear European cloths due to the influence of France. – Women laundry in estuaries.

• Internet Usage– Internet Users: 95,000– Facebook Users: 5,620– Bandwidth: 128 kbps– Host sites: 1

Cultural• Traditions:

– Wassakhoma: a set of small calabash discs used for generating music.– Wofa: traditional music and dance– Musical instruments: tolonyi, lengue, drums, dounoun, sangban, etc

• Customs:– Social Stratification: Classes and Castes exist– Labor is divided by gender– In the Futa Jallon, a marriage may be arranged while the wife is still an infant.– Greetings are very important– Other Muslim Customs

• Religions:– Muslim 85%, Christian 8%, traditional religion 7%

Cultural• Foods

– The sauce and staples differ according to region, season, and the wealth of the household.

– Rice, sorghum, millet, and cassava are common foods.– Food Customs:

• Tabaski is celebrated with the slaughtering of a sheep, goat, or chicken.• Alcohol usually is not served at family celebrations, except for in the Forest Region, where palm

wine is frequently consumed.

• Music and Dance– Stringed instruments are stressed.– In the 1960s, Touré founded Les Ballet Africains to highlight Guinea's rich cultural

tradition.

• Unique Facts, Places, etc– In rural areas, the symbol of success is a concrete house

International Events• G-20 Seoul Summit: Participated in as a member of African Union• 2010 FIFA World Cup: Rank 41• 2010 Winter Olympics: didn’t participate

Conclusion• Guinea is a developing, poor nation which recently accepted the free

presidential election. It can be dangerous to travel the regions because of the political instability and diseases.

• Be careful of AIDS• It will be helpful if you can speak French.

Works Cited – Guinea• http://www.bb-online.com/domainnames/gn.shtml• http://www.printablemapstore.com/map_of_countries/maps_of_guinea/political_map_of_guinea.html• http://www.maps.com/ref_map.aspx?pid=12066• http://www.flickr.com/photos/poma/sets/1242177/• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guinea#Geography• https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_Chimpanzee• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Fauna_of_Guinea• http://www.nationmaster.com/facts/Geography• http://wikitravel.org/en/Guinea• http://africanhistory.about.com/od/guinea/p/GuineaHist1.htm• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guinean_presidential_election,_2010• http://www.indexmundi.com/g/g.aspx?c=gv&v=89• http://www.everyculture.com/Ge-It/Guinea.html• http://www.internetworldstats.com/africa.htm• http://www.uneca.org/aisi/nici/country_profiles/Guinea/guineainter.htm• http://articles.latimes.com/1998/oct/18/entertainment/ca-33595• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_G-20_Seoul_summit• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_FIFA_World_Cup_qualification_(CAF)

Jamaica

Maps

Country Description• Size: 10,991 sq km (silghtly smaller

than Connecticut)• Climate: tropical, hot, humid;

temperate interior• Location: Island in the Caribbean

Sea, south of Cuba• Population: 2,868,380

Geographic Features• Land regions:

– Arable land: 15.83%– Permanent crops: 10.01%– Other: 74.16%– Irrigated land: 250 sq km– Terrain: Mostly mountains, with narrow, discontinuous coastal plain– Land boundaries: 0km

• Rivers, Lakes, Oceans– Total renewable water resources: 9.4 cu km– Caribbean Sea: around– Rio Minho River

Geographic Features• Fauna – animals: Jamaican Boa,

Jamaican Coney, American Crocodile

• Fauna – insects: Scolopendra Gigantea, Perigonia Jamaicensis

• Flora – Gyrotaenia Microcarpa, Psidium Harrisianum, Quiina Jamaicensis, Jackfruit

Geographic Features• Special points of interest:

– Natural Hazards: Hurricanes (especially July to November)– Heavy rates of deforestation– Coastal waters polluted by industrial waste

• Vacation Tour:– Currency: Jamaican Dollar– Drives on the Left– Official Language: English– Capital: Kingston– Calling code: +1-876– Religion: Protestant 62.5%, none 20.9%

History• Early History:

– The Arawak and Taino indigenous people, originating in South America settled on the island between 4000 and 1000 B.C.

– Christopher Columbus claimed Jamaica for Spain after landing there in 1494.– The English, led by William Penn, took over the island in 1655.

• Impact on World:– Declared independence from Britain in 1962.– Participated in WWI as a British colony

• Current Events:– Bomb threat on the U.S. (Not from the Jamaican government but from a radical group)

Political• Type of Government:

Parliamentary democracy and Constitutional monarchy (Bicameral)

• Government Leaders: – Governor-General: Patrick Allen– Prime Minister: Bruce Golding– Monarch: Elizabeth II

Economy• Industry: Heavily dependent on services

– Tourism, Bauxite, light manufactures, rum

• Exports: $1,487 Billion– Bauxite, Sugar, Rum, Coffee, and Marijuana (Sneaky)– Partners: U.S. 38.19%, Canada 12.2%, U.K. 10.79%

• Imports: $5,378 billion– Foods, Industrial Supplies, Oil– Partners: U.S. 28.32%, Trinidad and Tobago 22.98%, Venezuela 12.14%

• Economic Status: – Mixed economy with both state enterprises and private sector businesses– Debt : $12.66 billion– GDP per capita: $8,400

Economy• Trade Associations:

– CAPRICOM (CSME)

• Sanctions:– FTA with

• Dominican Republic• Costa Rica• Cuban Republic• Venezuela

• Other:– Labor Force

• Agriculture:17%• Industry 19%• Service 64%

Daily Life• Standard of Living:

– Median age: 24.2 years– Urbanization: 52% of total population– Infant mortality rate: 14.6 deaths/ 1,000 live births– Life expectancy at birth: 73.45 years

• Literacy– 87.9%

• Clothing– Long skirts & scarves for females– Modern clothings

• Internet Usage– 1,581,100 users– 138,740 Facebook users

Cultural• Traditions:

– Ritualistic acts that are carried out over a specific period of time or at a specific event.– Famed Nine Night after the death of a loved one are a popular Jamaican tradition

• Custom:– Jamaican Folk lure– Pudding at Christmas, Fried fish, lent at Easter time.

• Religions:– Christianity, Rastafarianism

• Foods:– Seafood: Lobster & Shrimp– Spices: scotch bonnet peppers, cinnamon– Barbecue, Jerk Cereal, Condiments, Culinary Herbs and Spices

Cultural• Music and Dance

– Reggae– Traditional Dances

• Unique Facts, Places, etc.– Perfect place for a family vacation– Bob Marley– Kingston (British Relics)

International Events• G-20 Seoul Summit: didn’t participate• 2010 FIFA World Cup: Rank 58• 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic: no medals

– Freestyle skiing: Errol Kerr didn’t advance to the final– Bobsleigh: wasn’t qualified

Conclusion• Jamaica is a good neighbor of the U.S. which once was a colony of Britain.

So, the official language is English, which allows many Americans to travel easily. The nation relies heavily on service industry. Therefore, it would be a good place to travel. Also, it is a country of Bob Marley. ‘Don’t worry, Be happy.’

Works Cited – Jamaica• https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/jm.html• http://www.earthcultureroots.com/jam_activities.html• http://www.jamaicacoffee.net/History.html• http://www.jamaicanvacations.org/• http://www.silver-sands.com/silver_sands.html• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Flora_of_Jamaica• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jackfruit\• http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g147309-Jamaica-Vacations.html• http://www.mfaft.gov.jm/?q=trade-agreements-to-which-jamaica-is-a-party• http://www.buzzle.com/articles/jamaican-clothing.html• http://www.internetworldstats.com/car/jm.htm• http://www.nickburcher.com/2009/07/latest-facebook-usage-statistics-by.html• http://www.getjamaica.com/Jamaican%20Culture.asp• http://www.getjamaica.com/Jamaican%20Food.asp• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamaica_at_the_2010_Winter_Olympics• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_G-20_Seoul_summit

France

Maps

Country Description• Size: 643, 427 sq km (slightly less

than the size of Texas)• Climate: generally cool winters

and mild summers, but mild winters and hot

• Location: Western Europe, bordering the Bay of Biscay and English Channel

• Population: 65,102,719

Geographic Features• Land regions:

– Arable land: 33.46%– Permanent crops: 2.03%– Other: 64.51%– Irrigated land: 26,190 sq km

• Rivers, Lakes, Oceans– Seine River– Atlantic Ocean– Total Renewable water resources: 189 cu km

Geographic Features• Fauna – animals: Corsican Painted

Frog, Pollachius Virens, Soprano Pipistrelle, Zingel Asper

• Flora: Rosy Garlic, Holm Oak, Purple Loosestrife

Geographic Features• Special points of interest:

– Seine River

• Vacation Tour: – Total romantic experience– Mont Saint Michel– Moulin Rouge– Drives on the Right– Currency: Euro, Franc– Calling Code: 33– Language: French– Religion: Free, Hostile to Muslims

Histoire• Early History: The oldest traces of human life date from approximately

1,800,000 years ago.– Concept of Gaul emerged around 3 B.C.– Celtic people migrated

• Impact on world– Center of Renaissance/Enlightenment– French Empire– 100 Years’ War with British– Allies in the WWI

• Current Events– It is the head of G-20 and successfully held summits in various regions over the world.

Political• Type of Government:

– Unitary semi-presidential republic

• Government Leaders:– President: Nicolas Sarkozy– Prime Minister: Francois Fillon

Economy• Industry:

– Labor Force: agriculture 3.8%, industry 24.3%, services 71.8%– Machinery, Chemicals, Automobiles, Aircraft

• Exports: $508.7 billion– Machinery and transportation equipment, aircraft, plastics, chemicals– Partners: Germany 15.88%, Italy 8.16%, Spain 7.8%, Belgium 7.44%, U.S. 5.65%

• Imports: $577.7 billion– Machinery and equipment, vehicles, crude oil– Partners: Germany 19.41%, Belgium 11.61%, Italy 7.97%, Netherlands 7.15%

• Economic Status– Debt: $4.688 trillion– GDP per capita: $ 33,300– Unemployment rate 9.5%

Economy• Trade Associations

– EU– URAIL

• Sanctions– FTA– NAFTA

Daily Life• Standard of Living

– Median Age: 39.9 years– Urbanization: 85% of total population– Infant mortality rate: 3.29

deaths/1,000 live births– Life expectancy at birth: 81.19

• Literacy– 99%

• Clothing– Bliaut, French Hood, Mantua,

Chemise, Beret

• Internet Usage– Users: 44 million– Facebook Users: 20 million

Culture• Traditions

– Kisses on the Cheeks when first meet– Elaborate meals in New Year’s Eve and dancing– Unique Table setting

• Customs– Bastille Day– Chocolate bells in Easter

• Religions– Roman Catholic 83%-88%, Protestant 2%, Muslim 5%-10%

• Foods– Most important for the French– Elaborate meals and caretaking cuisines– Foie Gras– Doesn’t apply for the Engel’s Coefficient

Culture• Music and Dance

– Chansons– Musical: Notre Dame de Paris, Les Miserables– Kankan

• Unique Facts, Places, etc.– Moulin Rouge is actually a Red Light District– A legend tells that a soldier from WWI hesitated to bombard the Cathedral de Notre

Dame, and eventually he didn’t bomb it

International Events• G-20 Seoul Summit: Head of G-20, Discussed over the revaluation of China• 2010 FIFA World Cup: rank 18• 2010 Vancouver winter olympic: Gold 2, Silver 3, Bronze 6

Gold Jay, VincentVincent Jay Biathlon Men's sprint

Gold Lamy-Chappuis, JasonJason Lamy-Chappuis Nordic combined Individual normal hill/10 km

Silver Anthonioz, DéborahDéborah Anthonioz Snowboarding Women's snowboard cross

Silver Fourcade, MartinMartin Fourcade Biathlon Men's mass start

Silver

Brunet, Marie-LaureMarie-Laure BrunetBecaert, SylvieSylvie BecaertDorin, MarieMarie DorinBailly, SandrineSandrine Bailly

Biathlon Women's relay

Bronze Jay, VincentVincent Jay Biathlon Men's pursuit

Bronze Dorin, MarieMarie Dorin Biathlon Women's sprint

Bronze Brunet, Marie-LaureMarie-Laure Brunet Biathlon Women's pursuit

Bronze Ramoin, TonyTony Ramoin Snowboarding Men's snowboard cross

Bronze Josserand, MarionMarion Josserand Freestyle skiing Women's ski cross

Bronze Bozzetto, MathieuMathieu Bozzetto Snowboarding Men's parallel giant slalom

Conclusion• France is a European nation that has a long history. It was the center of

the Renaissance and the Enlightenment, speaks French, a romantic language. Champions personal intelligence and food.

• It is a good nation to travel. URAIL allows you to travel neighboring countries like Germany. Romantic moods of Paris will fascinate tourists.

• As the head of G-20, it is showing great leadership. However, its internal problems seem that they should be solved soon. It has not small debt.

Works Cited – France• http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/world/france/index.html• http://familypedia.wikia.com/wiki/France• http://www.treehugger.com/files/2010/03/frances-drops-carbon-tax-sarkozy-ump.php• http://www.map-of-france.co.uk/physical-map-of-france.htm• http://trevshaw.com/where.html• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quercus_ilex• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lythrum_salicaria• http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g187070-France-Vacations.html• http://travellingboard.net/countries/the-most-romantic-city-in-the-world/• http://www.easy-french-food.com/french-traditions.html• http://www.intelligentpositioning.com/blog/tag/facebook-usage-france/• http://www.internetworldstats.com/eu/fr.htm

Indonesia

Maps

Country Description• Size: 1,904,569 sq km• Climate: tropical; hot, humid;

more moderate in highlands• Location: Southeastern Asia,

Archipelago between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean

• Population: 245,613,043

Geographic Features• Land regions:

– Arable land: 11.03%– permanent crops: 7.04%– other: 81.93%– Irrigated land: 45,000 sq km

• Rivers, Lakes, Oceans– Pacific Ocean– Rivers of Java– Indian Ocean

Geographic Features• Fauna: Gebe Cuscus, Black-capped

Fruit Bat, Ivory-breasted Pitta, Blue-headed Pitta, Sumatran Tiger

• Flora: Amorphophallus Titanum, Eucalyptus Deglupta, Rafflesia

Geographic Features• Special points of interest

– Rafflesia grows up to 100 centimeter in diameter– A home for a number of indigenous species

• Vacation Tour– Calling Code: +62– Religion: Muslim 86.1%, Protestant 5.7%, Roman Catholic 3%, Hindu 1.8%– Languages: Bahasa Indonesia (official, modified form of Malay), English, Dutch

History• Early History: Indonesian Archipelago was inhabited two million years ago.

Later, Muslim leaders set up international trade• Impact on World:

– Dutch Rule during the Age of Expedition– Japanese rule during WWII– Secured its independence after WWII

• Current Events:– People are constantly uprising against strict government rule

Political• Type of Government: Unitary

presidential republic• Government Leaders:

– President: Susilo Bambang– Vice President: Boediono

Economy• Industry:

– Petroleum and natural gas, textiles, apparel, footwear, mining, cement, chemical fertilizers

• Exports: $146.3 billion– Oil and gas, electrical appliances, plywood, textiles, rubber– Partners: Japan 17.28%, Singapore 11.29%, US 10.81%, China 7.62%, South Korea 5.53%,

India 4.35%

• Imports: $111.1 billion – machinery and equipment, chemicals, fuels, foodstuffs– Singapore 24.96%, China 12.52%, Japan 8.92%, Malaysia 5.88%, South Korea 5.64%, US

4.88%

• Economic Status:– GDP per capita: $4,300– Debt: $196 billion

Economy• Trade Associations:

– EEPC INDIA– ASEAN

• Sanctions– FTA with U.S.– BTA

Daily Life• Standard of Living

– Median Age: 28.2 years– Urbanization: 44% of total population – Infant Mortality rate: 27.95

deaths/1,000 live births– Life expectancy at birth: 71.33 years

• Literacy– 90.4%

• Clothing– Baju Kurung, Baju Melayu, Kebaya,

Songket, Sarong, Tapis

• Internet Usage– Internet Users: 30,000,000– Facebook Users: 29,000,000

Cultural• Traditions:

– Both characteristics of Far East and Mid-East– Islam and Buddhism

• Customs:– Martial Art: Silat– Cockfighting in Bali– Volleyball

• Religions:– Muslim 86.1%, Protestant 5.7%, Roman Catholic 3%, Hindu 1.8%

• Foods:– Chinese and Indian cuisine– Sago and Ambon

Cultural• Music and Dance

– There is a continuum in the traditional dances depicting episodes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata from India

– Kroncong is a musical genre that uses guitars and ukuleles as the main musical instruments.

• Unique Facts, Places, etc. – As an archipelago, it is a home to many indigenous species

International Events• G-20 Seoul Summit: Indonesia participated as a member.• 2010 FIFA World Cup: didn’t advance to the World Cup• 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic: didn’t participate

Conclusion• Indonesia has both characteristics of Far East and the Mid-East, which

makes it unique. Its government may need some reform. However, still Java produces good Coffee, and Bali is good to travel.

Works Cited – Indonesia • http://

www.unep.org/climatechange/UNEPintheRegions/SoutheastAsiaClimateChangeNetwork/NetworkMembers/tabid/3270/Default.aspx

• http://www.globalfirepower.com/• http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/COUNTRIES/EASTASIAPACIFICEXT/EXTEAPREGTOPTRANSPORT/0,,

contentMDK:20458729~menuPK:2066318~pagePK:34004173~piPK:34003707~theSitePK:574066,00.html• http://www.balispirit.com/map.html• http://www.d.umn.edu/cla/faculty/troufs/anth1095/Indonesia.html• http://indonesia-spots.blogspot.com/• http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g294225-Indonesia-Vacations.html• http://www.internetworldstats.com/asia.htm• http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g294225-Indonesia-Vacations.html• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Indonesia• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vancouver_Winter_Olympics

Kazakhstan

Maps

Country Description• Size: 2,724,900 sq km• Climate: continental, cold winters

and hot summers, arid and semiarid

• Location: Central Asia, northwest of China

• Population: 15,522,373 • Flag: The national flag of the

Republic of Kazakhstan has a gold sun with 32 rays above a soaring golden steppe eagle, both centered on a sky blue background

Geographic Features• Land regions: 2,699,700 sq km

– Land boundaries – 5,023 km, coast line – 406 km– Land Use : arable land: 8.28%, permanent crops: 0.05%, other: 91.67%,

• Rivers, Lakes, Oceans– Total renewable water resources: 109.6 km– Water area : 35 cu km/yr– Lake : Lake Balkhash– Sea : Aral Sea, Caspian Sea

Geographic Features• Fauna –Lesser Fat-tailed Jerboa,

Mongolian Wild Ass, Eurasian Wolf, Desert Dormouse, Onager, Sterlet, Nicrophorus argutor

• Flora: Erysimum siliculosum, Haloxylon persicum,

Geographic Features• Special Points of Interest

– Refugees and internally displaced persons : refugees (country of origin): 3,700 (Russia); 508 (Afghanistan) (2007)

– Religions: Muslim 47%, Russian Orthodox 44%, Protestant 2%, other 7%– nearly all nationwide TV networks are wholly or partly owned by the government

• Vacation Tour– Currency : Tenge– Time Zone : West/East – Drives on the : Right– ISO 3166 code : Kz– Official language(s) : Kazakh, Russian (2nd Language)– Capital : Astana– 70.2% of the population is Muslim, 20.6% Christian, 0.1% Buddhists, 0.2% others (mostly

Jews), and 2.8% non-believers

History• Kazakhstan has been inhabited since the Neolithic Age; the region's climate and terrain

are best suited for nomads practicing pastoralism. Archaeologists believe that humans first domesticated the horse in the region's vast steppes. In the 15th century, a distinct Kazakh identity began to emerge among the Turkic tribes, a process which was consolidated by the mid-16th century with the appearance of a distinctive Kazakh language, culture, and economy. During the 17th century Kazakhs fought Oirats, a federation of western Mongol tribes, including Dzungars. The beginning of the 18th century marked the zenith of the Kazakh Khanate. During this period the Little Horde participated in the 1723–1730 war against the Dzungars, following their "Great Disaster" invasion of Kazakh territories.

• Impact on world : was not involved in any major war.• Current Event : Visitation of Nursultan Nazarbayev, the president, to the South Kazakhstan

region is over. As part of his two-day trip, the head of state also visited one of the main sacred places of the Kazakh nation and the whole of the Turkic world, the Hodzha Akhmet Yassawi Mausoleum. The President familiarized himself with the state of reconstruction of the cultural and historical monument of the 14 century. This museum opened last year, ahead of Kazakhstan’s 20th anniversary of independence. Aspects of preservation of spiritual values of the nation were also touched upon during the talks. The discussion of achievements in the sphere of culture and history reached over the 20 years of independence were the main topic at the meeting in the region.

Political

• Type of Government: Presidential Republic• Government Leaders

– Current President: Nursultan Nazarbayev– Prime Minister: Karim Massimov

Economy• Industry : possesses enormous fossil fuel reserves and plentiful supplies of

other minerals and metals, such as uranium, copper, and zinc– Natural resources

• Exports: $59.23 – Partners : China 16.34%, France 9.23%, Germany 8.32%, Russia 6.9%, Ukraine 5.52%,

Romania 5.25%, Italy 5.12%, US 4.34%– Materials : oil and oil products 59%, ferrous metals 19%, chemicals 5%, machinery 3%,

grain, wool, meat, coal

• Imports: $30.11 billion – Partners: Russia 28.5%, China 26.72%, Germany 6.59%, Italy 5.58%, Ukraine 4.8%– Material : machinery and equipment, metal products, foodstuffs

• Sanctions: – Financial Supervision Agency (FSA)

• Trade Associations:– The U.S.-Kazakhstan Business Association (USKBA)

Daily Life• Standard of living :

– at birth: 1.058%– under 15 years: 1.04% – 15-64 years: 0.95%– 65 years and over: 0.53%– total population: 0.93%

• Clothing– The people that live in Kazakhstan very bright colors like the colors on the rainbow. They

may also wear gold and silver color. Some people might have a "tinge“ of black, brown, and some other dark colors.Internet Usage

– Internet Users: 52,100– Facebook Users: 140,582– Bandwidth: 128 kbps– Host sites: 1

Cultural• Traditions:

– yurt : the most sensible types of movable house. – Nauryz (Islamic New Year) : one of the biggest holidays in Central Asia. In Kazakhstan it is

celebrated on the day of the spring equinox, March

• Customs:– Social Stratification: Classes and Castes do not exist.– Men tend to have better jobs compared to that of women.– Kazakh (Qazaq) 53.4%, Russian 30%, Ukrainian 3.7%, Uzbek 2.5%, German 2.4%, Tatar

1.7%, Uighur 1.4%, other 4.9%

• Religions :– Muslim 47%, Russian Orthodox 44%, Protestant 2%, other 7%

Cultural• Foods

– The main meal of every dastarkhan and one of the most delicious for Kazakh people is Kazakh style cooked meat.

– Kazy: (sausage from ribs)– Karta : (sausage from the belly)– zhaya : (boiled rump)– zhal : (from urthers)– steaming kuirdak :(from freshly killed sheep)– zhaubuirek : (a whole carcass of a ram broiled on a spit)

• Music and Dance– Kazakh State Kurmangazy Orchestra of Folk Instruments, the Kazakh State Philharmonic

Orchestra, the Kazakh National Opera and the Kazakh State Chamber Orchestra. – Other Kazakh composers include Korkyt, Tattimbet, Sougur, Bayserke, and Makhambet,

Khazanghap.

Cultural• Unique Facts, Places, etc

– Recently, especially on the streets of urban cities, many young people started to create group of society as a hip-hop clan. They usually do rap battle and performances on the street which have been issues.

International Events• G-20 Seoul Summit: was not involved in G-20• 2010 FIFA World Cup: Rank 128• 2010 Winter Olympics: Rank 25 (Silver 1)

Conclusion• Kazakhstan has unique and distinguishable culture and tradition. • The citizens have strong national love for their own county.• Russian can help communications in this country. (second language)• A lot of available beautiful places to travel.

Works Cited - Kazakhstan• http://www.smh.com.au/news/asia/stan-up-to-be-counted/2006/11/16/1163266709293.html?

page=fullpage• http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/1560114/Kazakhstan-election-a-foregone-conclusion.html• http://www.uskba.net/• https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/kz.html• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_Kazakhstan• http://caspionet.kz/eng/general/President_visits_South_Kazakhstan_Region_1299910473.html• http://www.spike.com/video-clips/twrbn8/national-anthem-of-kazakhstan-borat-movie-films• http://www.balletcompanies.com/Countries/Kazakhstan.shtml• http://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/kazakhstan.html• http://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/kazakhstan.html• http://www.ethnologue.com/show_country.asp?name=kz• http://eiti.org/Kazakhstan

TURKEY

Maps

Country Description• Size: 783,562 sq km• Climate: temperate; hot, dry

summers with mild, wet winters; harsher in interior

• Location: Southeastern Europe and Southwestern Asia, bordering the Black Sea, between Bulgaria and Georgia, and bordering the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, between Greece and Syria

• Population: 78,785,548

Geographic Features• Land Regions:

– arable land: 29.81%– permanent crops: 3.39%– other: 66.8%– Irrigated Land: 52,150 sq km

• Rivers, Lakes, Oceans– Total renewable water resources: 234 cu km– Aegean Sea, Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea– Lake Van

Geographic Features• Fauna: Schizodactylus

inexpectatus, Woolly Dormouse, Van Kedisi, Mediterranean Monk Seal, Desert Monitor, Glyptoghorax

• Flora: Mentha Aquatica, Castanea Sativa

• Special Points of Interest– Corsican indigenous species

• Vacation Tour– Calling Code: 90– Currency: Turkish Lira– Drives on the Right– Religion: Muslim 99.8%

History• Early History

– The settlement of Troy, starting from the Iron Age– Anatolia– Ottoman Empire (11th century – 20th Century)– Turkish Republic (1922~)

• Impact on World– Participated in WWI as one of the Central Powers

• Current Events – Both protests and diplomatic approach on U.S.– Helps Egypt

Political• Type of Government

– Parliamentary Republic

• Government Leaders– Founder: Mustafa Kemal Ataturk– President: Abdullah Gul– Prime Minister: Recep Tayyip Erdogan

Economy• Industry

– textiles, food processing, autos, electronics, mining

• Exports: $117.4 billion– apparel, foodstuffs, textiles, metal manufactures, transport equipment– Partners: Russia 14%, Germany 10%, China 9%, US 6.1%, Italy 5.4%, France 5%

• Imports: $166.3 billion – machinery, chemicals, semi-finished goods, fuels, transport equipment– Russia 14%, Germany 10%, China 9%, US 6.1%, Italy 5.4%, France 5%

• Economic Status– Debt: 48.1% of GDP – GDP per capita: $12,300

• Trade Associations– ASEAN

• Sanctions– FTA with Korea

Daily Life• Standard of Living

– Median Age: 28.5 years– Urbanization: 70% of total population– Infant Mortality Rate: 23.94

deaths/1,000 live births– Life Expectancy at birth: 72.5 years

• Literacy– 87.4%– Language: Turkish

• Clothing– Fez, Kalpak, Turkish Cap

• Internet Usage– Internet Users: 27,233,300– Facebook Users: 26,417,820

Cultural• Traditions:

– Turkey shares some traditions with Korea because a number Old Koreans (Koryo) migrated into the region.

– They still consider Korea as their ‘Country of Brotherhood’

• Customs:– Coffee House: Turkish people tend to gather in– Hamam: Turkish Bath

• Religions:– 99.8% Muslim

• Foods:– Heritage of Ottoman cuisine– Turkish Curry – Major type of oil – Olive

Cultural• Music and Dance

– Turkish Belly Dance– Recreational + elegance– Folk songs are famous

• Unique Facts, Places, etc.– Holds both Central Asian traditions and East Asian traditions

International Events• G-20 Seoul Summit: Participated in as one of the members• 2010 FIFA World Cup: 32nd

• 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic: no medal– Figure– Skiing– Cross-country

Conclusion• Unlike the past fame, Turkey is a silent nation lately. There’s no medalling

athletes, politically calm. However, it participated in G-20. I hope this will make difference.

Works Cited - Turkey• http://www.chtour.co.kr/ver2/holy_study_content.php?cno=1&gubun=07• http://www.turkey4travel.com/• http://www.mapsofworld.com/turkey/turkey-political-map.html• http://www.wildland.com/trips/mediterranean/tur_map.aspx• https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/tu.html• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkey• http://www.internetworldstats.com/me/tr.htm• http://www.socialbakers.com/facebook-statistics/turkey• http://www.enjoyturkey.com/info/culture/Customs.htm• http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=tur/ranking/gender=m/index.html

Gabon

Maps

Country Description• Capital: Libreville• Independence : 17 August 1960

(from France)• Population : 1,576,665• Location : Western Africa,

bordering the Atlantic Ocean at the Equator

• Land boundaries : 2,551 km

Geographic Features• Land region : 257,667 sq km• Water region: 10,000 sq km• slightly smaller than Colorado• Coastline : 885 km• Highest point: Mont Iboundji 1,575 m• Current environmental issues : deforestation, poaching

Geographic Features

• Fauna Fauna - Achatina vignoniana, • Flora - Calpocalyx ngouiensis, Cola

duparquetiana, Monopetalanthus heitzii, Napoleonaea egertonii, Tricarpelema africanum, Ocotea gabonensis

• Fauna -

Geographic Features• Special points of interest : a small population and oil and mineral reserves

have helped Gabon become one of Africa's wealthier countries. In general, these circumstances have allowed the country to maintain and conserve its pristine rain forest and rich biodiversity.

• Vacation Tour – Central African CFA– Drives on the : right– ISO 3166 code : GA– Calling code : 241– Language : French

History• Early History :

– In the 15th century, the first Europeans arrived. The nation's present name originates from Gabao Portuguese for ‘cloak’. Many years later, French explorer Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza led his first mission to the Gabon-Congo area in 1875. He founded the town of Franceville, and was later colonial governor. Several Bantu groups lived in the area that is now Gabon when France officially occupied it in 1885.

– Impact on World: Has not participated in any major war– Declared Independence from France in 1960

• Current Events– The New president is elected– This is the end of the 41-year reign over Gabon by only president

Political• Type of Government

– Republic

• Government Leaders– President: Ali Bongo Ondimba– Prime Minister: Paul Biyoghe Mba

Economy• Industry:

– petroleum extraction and refining; manganese, gold; chemicals, ship repair, food and beverages, textiles

• Exports: $6.803 billion– crude oil 70%, timber, manganese, uranium– Partners: Russia 30.62%, US 16.56%, China 15.87%, France 4.28%

• Imports: $2.433 billion– machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, chemicals, construction materials– Partners: France 32.21%, US 7.92%, China 7.02%, Belgium 4.99%, Italy 4.81%

• Trade Associations:– ECOWAS

• Sanctions:– Gabon Free Trade Zone– FTA

Daily Life• Standard of Living

– Median Age: 18.6 years– Urbanization: 86% of total population– Infant Mortality Rate: 49.95

deaths/1,000 live births– Life Expectancy at Birth: 52.49 years

• Literacy– 63.2%– Language: French

• Clothing– Moderate Western Style

• Internet Usage– Internet Users: 98,800– Facebook Users: 24,860

Cultural• Traditions:

– Primarily Oral Traditions until the domination by France– Traditional indigenous religious beliefs

• Customs:– Obala, Ngombi, Balafon and traditional drums for traditional events– Kota (mask) is used in celebrations– Imported Rock and Hip Hop

• Religion– Christian 55%-75%, animist

• Foods– Common West African Cuisine

• Music and Dance– Folk styles, no traditional dance

International Events• G-20 Seoul Summit: as a member of African Union• 2010 FIFA World Cup: wasn’t qualified• 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic: Didn’t participate in

Conclusion• With statistics, Gabon is experiencing an extreme trade surplus, exporting

three time more than it imports. However, it still needs reform. Literacy rate is very low, and the government doesn’t guarantee stability.

Works Cited - Gabon• http://flagsandanthems.com/flag-gabon.html• http://www.smh.com.au/news/africa/africas-new-queen/2006/08/03/1154198267260.html• http://www.pilotguides.com/destination_guide/africa/cameroon-gabon/background.php• http://www.internetworldstats.com/africa.htm• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gabon• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_FIFA_World_Cup\• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_Vancouver_Olympics