7 Countries Project By: Joy Jamil

7 Countries Project. By: Joy Jamil

Dominican Republic’s Country Description The Dominican Republic is about 48, 442 sq. km. or 18, 704 miles. It is about the size of Vermont and New Hampshire combined. Its climate is maritime tropical. Its year-round temperature averages around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Dominican Republic is located in the Caribbean and makes up 2/3 of Hispaniola. It is in between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, and is east of Haiti. Its population is 9,823,821. The capital of Dominican Republic is Santo Domingo.

Geographic Features: Dominican Republic’s terrain is mountainous with rugged highlands and mountains with fertile valleys interspersed. Its lowest point is LagoEnriquillo and its highest point is Pico Duarte. Dominican Republic is surrounded by the North Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Some of its significant rivers include the Jimani River, Rio Yaque del Norte, Rio Jamao del Norte, Rio Isabela, and the Ozama River. Its longest river is the Yaque de Norte, and its largest lake is Lake Enriquillo.

Geographic Features (Continued) In the high mountains of the Dominican Republic, Creole pines dominate. In the lower mountains and valleys, you will find lush subtropical forests with many palm trees, ferns, and bromeliads. The Dominican Republic also has a wide assortment of orchids. Their most notable trees include the Royal Palm, Dominican Mahogany, and the Coconut Palm. I am sleep deprived. The only two remaining native land mammals are the hitia (or jutia) and the selenodon. Dominican Republic’s national bird is the Palm chat (or the Ciguapalmera. Special points of interests include Puerto Plata, Playa Dorada, Santiago, Sosua Beach, Samana, Santo Domingo, Boca Chica Beach, La Romana, and Punta Cana. Sosua Beach and Boca Chica Beach are two of the many famous beaches for vacationing.

Dominican Republic’s History The Dominican Republic makes up 2/3 of the island Hispaniola. The first people to occupy Dominican Republic were the Taino Indians. Christopher Columbus first reached this island on December 6, 1492 and he named it La Española. In 1503, Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain imported African slaves. The first major slave revolt occurred in Santo Domingo in 1522. In 1586, Sir Francis Drake captured Santo Domingo, collecting a ransom for its return to Spanish rule. Haiti occupied Dominican Republic for 22 years. The Dominican Republic’s first constitution was adopted November 6, 1844. They received independence from Spain on December 1, 1821. Then they received independence from Haiti on February 27, 1844. And then restored their independence from Spain on August 16, 1865. Their independence day is February 27. (1844)

History (Continued) They fought in the Dominican War of Independence in 1844 against Haiti. The Dominican Republic also had their own civil war in 1965. Current Events: The current president of the Dominican Republic wants to run for a third term.

Dominican Republic’s Government Dominican Republic is a representative democracy. It is also a bicameral legislature. The president is Leonel Fernandez Reyna and the vice president is Rafael Albuquerque. The president is both head of state and head of government and of a multi-party system. Both the president and vice president run on the same ticket for a four year term.

Dominican Republic’s Economy Dominican Republic’s agriculture includes ride, bananas, sugar, cocoa, coffee, tobacco, rice, beans, potatoes, corn, etc. Their non-manufacturing industry includes construction and mining. Their industries include tourism, sugar processing, ferronickel and gold mining, textiles, cement, and tobacco. Their manufacturing company includes beverages and tobacco, textiles, clothing, sugar, coke, petroleum products and grains. Their exports include textiles, electronic products, jewelry, tobacco, cocoa, sugar, coffee, and minerals. Their export partners are the U.S. & Haiti. Their imports include fuels, miscellaneous consumer goods, cars, and food. Their import partners include the U.S., Venezuela, Mexico, and Colombia. Their major trade partner is the United States. Trade associations include the Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement and Free Trade Area of the Americas. Dominican Republic’s economic status is good and developing. They have the second largest economy in the Caribbean.

Daily Life in Dominican Republic Their standard of living is in the middle and developing. 87% of Dominican Republic is literate. 86.8% of men are literate and 87.2% of women are literate. Because it is warm all year long in Dominican Republic, most people wear summer clothes such as shorts, sandals, t-shirts, and skirts. On special occasions, women like to wear long dresses and skirts with bright colors such as orange and yellow. Internet usage had risen from .7% in 2000 to 30.5% in 2010.

Culture Dominican Republic’s culture is a blend of the Spanish colonists, African slaves, and Taino natives. Traditions include having a big feast on Christmas and Easter with roasted pigs, beans and rice, and boiled chestnuts, Un Angelito/A little angel (Pollyanna), Noche Buena/Christmas Eve, Double Sueldo, La Misa de Gall, and many more. With Dominicans, family comes first. The oldest man in the family makes all the decisions. Dominican food is mostly Spanish, Taino, and African. Dominicans usually eat a lot of rice and meat such as chicken and goat. One of the most popular national dishes is “La Bandera” (the flag). It is a combination of rice, red beans, stewed meat, salad, and fried plantains. Another famous food is “Paella” which Columbus brought to the island. Dominicans love music. Their music combines a mixture of African and European elements. The most famous dances are the merengue and bachata. It is 95% Roman Catholic and 5% other.

Culture (Continued) Baseball is the national sport of Dominican Republic. Famous Dominican baseball players in America are Pedro Martinez, Hanley Ramirez, Manny Ramirez, David Ortiz, Albert Pujols, Ubaldo Jimenez, Juan Marichal, and Sammy Sosa. Felix Sanchez is known as a hero because he won the gold medal in the 400m hurdles at the 2004 Athens Olympics. Maria Montez was one of the first Latin actresses in Hollywood.

Conclusion Dominican Republic is an interesting country with beautiful geographic features. Dominicans are very Catholic, have delicious food, and love music and dancing. One day, I would hope to travel to Dominican Republic because of its country beauty, culture, and food.

Work Cited https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/dr.html http://dominicanrepublic-guide.info/travel.basics/clothing.and.attire/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dominican_Republic http://www.hispaniola.com/dominican_republic/info/society_music.php http://www.colonialzone-dr.com/important_stuff-creatures.html http://dr1.com/articles/food.shtml

Bolivia’s Country Description Bolivia is 1.1 million sq. km. or 425,000 miles. It is the size of California and Texas combined. Its climate varies depending on altitude. It varies from humid and tropical to semi- dry and cold. Bolivia is located in the center of South America. It is south of Brazil, east of Peru, northeast of Chile, north of Argentina, and northwest of Paraguay. Bolivia’s population is 10, 227, 300. The capital of Bolivia is La Paz.

Bolivia’s Geographic Features: Bolivia’s terrain is rugged Andes mountains with a high plateau (Altiplano), hills, lowsland plains of the Amazon Basin. Its lowest point is Rio Paraguay and its highest point is Nevado Sajama. One of Bolivia’s lakes is Lake Titicaca, which is the largest lake in South America. Altiplano Boliviano

Geographic Features (Continued) Bolivia’s flora includes quina trees, Pará rubber trees, aromatic shrubs, vanilla, sarsaparilla, and saffron plants. Native plants include palms, sweet potatoes, manioc, peanuts, and a large variety of fruit. In Bolivia, especially in the Altiplano, the llamo is the most important animal. Alpacas, guanacos, and guinea pigs can be found there too. Lake Titicaca has many edible fish and the Amazon region has the puma, coati, tapir, armadillo, sloth, peccary, river hogs, any bears, and monkeys. Special points of interest include La Paz, Copacabana, Lake Titicaca, the ancient ruins of Tiahuanaco, Potosí, Santa Cruz, Sucre and many more. Three great vacation spots in Bolivia include Santa Cruz, Copacabana, and Sucre.

History of Bolivia Bolivia was once apart of the ancient Inca empire. After their defeat in the 16th century, Bolivia’s Indian population was reduced to slavery. Gonzalo Pizzaro and Hernando Pizzaro began the Spanish conquest of the Inca in 1532. Jose de San Martin and Simon Bolivar helped win independence for Bolivia and was victorious at Ayacucho of Antonio Jose de Sucre. By the end of the 17th century, Bolivia won independence in 1825, and was named after Simon Bolivar.

Bolivia’s History (Continued) Bolivia was involved in the Bolivian War of Independence, the Chaco War, the War of Confederation, the Bolivian Insurgency, the War of the Pacific, and World War II. Current Event: Bolivia has been experiencing food shortages and infections and deaths from insects.

Bolivia’s Government Bolivia’s government is democratic republic with 9 departments. The president of Bolivia is Evo Morales and the vice president is Alvaro Garcia Linera. The president is both chief of state and head of government. Both the president and vice president run on the same ticket with a five year term. Bolivia is a bicameral legislature.

Bolivia’s Economy Bolivia’s industry includes mining, smelting, petroleum, food and beverages, tobacco, handicrafts, and clothing. Their agriculture includes soybeans, coffee, cocoa, cotton, corn, sugarcane, rice, potatoes, and timber. Bolivia’s export partners are Brazil, Japan, Colombia, South Korea, and Peru. Their exports include natural gas, soybeans and soy products, crude petroleum, zinc ore, and tin. Their import partners are Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and Peru. Their imports include petroleum products, plastic, paper, aircraft parts, prepared foods, automobiles, insecticides, and soybeans. Their trade associations include the Andrean Community, Free Trade Areas of the Americas, and the Global System of Trade Preferences among Developing Countries. Bolivia’s economy is still developing but good.

Daily Life in Bolivia Their standard of living is still developing and middle class. 93% of men in Bolivia are literate. 81.6% of women in Bolivia are literate. It is common that Bolivian women wear a skirt called a pollera which is a symbol of pride in being native and is also considered a status symbol. Another thing women like to wear is the bowler hat, which was adopted from the British. The position that the hat is worn can indicate a women’s marriage status and aspirations. Bolivians also like to wear a lot of bright colors. Bolivia’s internet usage went from 1.4% in 2000 to 10.4% in 2008.

Bolivia’s Culture Bolivian customs include curing sick people with old customs, families being very close and living in the same house, greeting others with a kiss on the cheek, and many more. Traditions include the nativity scene where they put a pyramid and people place miniature things by it, representing gifts to the baby Jesus, going to mass for Misa de Gallo, children placing their shoes outside for the Three Kings, and many more. Bolivia has over 30 ethnic groups and cultures. It has a Native American population with mixed Spanish cultural elements with their ancestors’ traditions. 95% of Bolivia is Roman Catholic and 5% is Protestant. Some popular Bolivian dishes are Humitas, Saltenas, Empanadas, Sandwich de Chola, and Lechon. Bolivia is known for their unique flavor and taste in food. Their music includes Andean music which could range from melancholy to very high spirited. They also have Bolivian Baroque music. Their instruments include sicu, skin drums, flute, zampona, matraca, and many more. Their dances include the Morenada, Kullawada, Diablada, Tinku, Chacharena, and many more. Bolivia was named after Simon Bolivar. Soccer is the most popular sport in Bolivia.

Summary Bolivia is a religious country with over 30 cultures, with many old traditions from the Natives. They have an interesting style of clothing and they follow a lot of the old customs.

Work Cited https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/bl.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographics_of_Bolivia http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0107345.html http://www.boliviabella.com http://boliviacultura.com/art_en.htm

Laos’ Country Description Laos is 236,800 sq. km. or 91, 430 sq. mi. It is slightly larger than Utah. Its climate is tropical monsoon. Its rainy season is from May to December and its dry season is from November to April. Laos is located in southeastern Asia. It is northeast of Thailand and west of Vietnam. Laos’ population is 6.8 million. The capital of Laos is Vientiane.

Geographic Features of Laos Laos’ terrain is mostly rugged mountains with some plains and plateaus. Its lowest point is the Mekong River and its highest point is PhuBia. Laos’ longest river is the Mekong River. Laos’ fauna includes the Indochinese tiger, elephants, green sea turtles, hog badgers, leopard cats, and many more. Their flora includes the Araliadasyphylla, Areca triandra, Bamboo orchids, Durians, and Vietnamese white pines. Special points of interest include their capital of Vientiane, LuangPrabang, Plain of Jars, and the KhonePhapheng, which is the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia and is home to the rare Irraday dolphins.

History of Laos Laos can be traced back all the way to its roots in the ancient kingdom of LanXang. After centuries of decline, Laos became under the control of Siam from the late 18to to late 19th century, which was when it became part of French Indochina. In 1975, the Communist Pathlet Lao took control of the government and instituted a strict socialist rule with Vietnam. Laos became independent on July 19, 1949. Laos was involved in the Laotian Civil War, the Vietnam War, also known as the Second Indochina War. Current Event: Laos need emergency assistance because of some food shortages. They also had an earthquake last month.

Laos’ Government Laos is a communist state. The president of Laos is Lt. Gen. ChoummaliSaignason and the vice president is Boun-gnangVolachit. Both the president and vice president run on the same ticket for a five year term. Laos is a unicamerallegislature.

Laos’ Economy Laos’ industries include copper, tin, gold, timber, electric power, agricultural processing, construction, garments, cement, and tourism. Their agriculture includes sweet potatoes, vegetables, coffee, sugarcane, tobacco, cotton, tea, peanuts, rice, water buffalo, pigs, cattle, and poultry. Laos’ export partners are Thailand, China, Vietnam, and the UK. Their exports include wood products, coffee, electricity, tin, copper, and gold. Their import partners are Thailand, China, and Vietnam. Their imports include machinery and equipment, vehicles, fuel, and consumer goods. Their trade associations include the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Their economic status is developing.

Daily Life in Laos 83% of men in Laos are literate and 63% of women are literate. Laos clothing was a symbol of the individuality of the Hmong living in Laos. Men’s clothing is more simpler than the clothing of the women. Women’s clothing is elaborate with embroidery and designs. Men wear pants, a shirt, and a vest. Women wear a sarong like cloth with a shirt or a jacket. Both men and women wear a colorful band around their waist. Western influence has also changed Laos’ style in clothing. They started wearing regular clothes and left the traditional clothing for special occasions. Laos’ internet use has went from .1% in 2000 to 7.5% in 2010. Their standard of living is middle class but still developing.

Laos’ Culture Laos’ culture is very distinct and has influences from India and China. Their way of life is also influenced by Buddhism. They are taught to be patient and accepting. It is tradition they celebrate BounPha Vet once a year, which is a Buddhist fesitival. Lao New Year is celebrated every year from April 13-15. 67% of the people of Laos are Buddhist. 1.5% are Christian, 31.5% are other and unspecified. The most common food in Laos is sticky rice, which is eaten by hand. The most popular Lao dish is Larb which is a spicy mixture of marinated fish and or meat with a variation of herbs, greens, and spices. Music in Laos is classical and folk. Dances include the Lam Lao and the Folk Dance.

Conclusion Laos has many interesting animals and has Southeast Asia’s largest waterfall. They also have a unique culture with influences from India, China, and Buddhism.

Work Cited https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/la.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Laos http://www.laoheritagefoundation.org/ http://www.travelstreet.info/travel-laos.html

Kuwait’s Country Description Kuwait is 17,820 sq. km. or 6,880 sq. mi. It is about the same size as New Jersey. Its climate varies. Summers are extremely hot and dry and winters are short and cool with limited rain. Kuwait is located in the middle east, bordering the Persian Gulf, between Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Its population is 3,520,000. The capital of Kuwait is Kuwait City.

Kuwait’s Geographic Features Kuwait’s terrain is flat to slightly undulating desert plain. Kuwait’s lowest point is the Persian Gulf. The Persian Gulf borders Kuwait. Their fauna includes gerbils, jerboas, desert hares, lizards, geckos, snakes, eagles, and many more. Their flora is limited. There is little vegetation except camel thorn in the desert and some shrubs along the coastal strip. When it is rainfall from October to March, the desert transforms with grass, flowers, and plants. Some points of interest include the Kuwait towers, the Liberation Tower, and the Kuwait National Museum.

Kuwait’s History Kuwait was founded in the 18th century by people of the BaniUtbah tribe. Britain controlled Kuwait from 1899 to their independence in 1961. Kuwait won independence from Britain on June 19, 1961. Kuwait was involved in the Persian Gulf War and the Iraq-Kuwait War. Current Events: Kuwait has contributed to support Libyan people.

Kuwait’s Government Kuwait is a constitutional monarchy. The chief of state is Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. The prime minister is Nasser Al-Mohammed Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah. Kuwait has been ruled by the Al-Sabah dynasty since 1752. It is unicameral legislature.

Kuwait’s Economy Kuwait’s industries includes petroleum, petrochemicals, cement, shipbuilding and repairs, water desalination, food processing, and construction materials. Their agriculture is fish. Kuwait’s export partners are Japan, South Korea, India, Taiwan, U.S., China, and Singapore. Their exports include oil, refined products, and fertilizers. Their import partners are the U.S., Germany, China, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Italy, France, India, and the U.K. Their imports include food, construction materials, vehicles and parts, and clothing. Their trade associations include the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. Their economic status is developing.

Daily Life in Kuwait 94.4% of men in Kuwait are literate and 91% of women are literate. Men in Kuwait wear a dishdasha, a floor length robe. Women wear western clothes and wear the latest clothing. As for traditional wear, they wear a thob, a straight-sided long overdress. Women also wear an aba, a head to toe black cloak. Internet usage in Kuwait went from 5.8% in 2000 to 39.4% in 2010. Their standard of living is middle class.

Kuwait’s Culture Kuwait’s culture is known for its generosity and hospitality. When greeting each other, men and women share a handshake or a possible kiss on the cheek. People in Kuwait show their hospitality by serving tea or coffee to their guests. In the Kuwait Bedouin custom, refusal of the tea is considered an insult to the host. In Kuwait, they practice arranged marriages. During the engagement, the woman is not allowed to leave the house, while the man is given money from the father to buy the Daza. This is four garments including 2 rolls of cloth, towels, bed covers, and blankets. It is tradition that when a baby starts to teethe or walk for the first time, they would throw a party called “Al Noon.” 85% of the people in Kuwait are Muslim and 15% other including Christian, Hindu, and Parsi.

Kuwait’s Culture (Continued) Kuwait food is rich in flavor and taste. It is mixed with a variety of traditional and immigrant culinary delights. Tabeekh is one of the most popular method for preparing their food. It is where they cook the entire meal over heat after being placed in a single container. One of the most popular Kuwaiti food is Chicken Mechbous. The music in Kuwait is very rich and old. Their traditional music is a mixture of East African and Indian music. Kuwait is known to be the center of sawt, a bluesy musical style that was made popular by Shadi al Khaleej during the 1970s. The ‘ardha is a traditional war dance that was practiced among the tribes in the Arabian peninsula before they went to war. Today, this dance is still practiced at festivals or celebrations. Kuwait is one of the smallest countries in the world. Full political rights for women in Kuwait was granted in 2005.

Conclusion Kuwait is a country with rich a rich culture. They have interesting customs, traditions, music, and a way of preparing food. Their culture is based on generosity and hospitality. Kuwait also has some unique geography.

Work Cited https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ku.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Kuwait http://www.kuwaitiah.net/culture.html http://www.mapsofworld.com/kuwait/tourism/attractions.html http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/Asia-and-Oceania/Kuwait-FLORA-AND-FAUNA.html

Solomon Island’s Country Description The Solomon Islands is 27,556 sq. km. or 11,599 sq. mi. Its climate is tropical monsoon. The Solomon Islands is a group of islands located in the South Pacific Ocean. It is east of Papua New Guinea and northeast of Australia. It has a population of 571,890. The capital of the Solomon Islands is Honiara.

Geographic Features The Solomon Islands’ terrain is mostly rugged mountains with some low coral atolls. It lowest point is the Pacific Ocean and its highest point is Mount Popomanaseu. The top lake and river in the Solomon Islands is Lake Tegano and the Mirror Pond at Mane Island. It is also surrounded by the South Pacific Ocean and the Solomon Sea. They have a very unique variety of fauna that includes many different types of bats like the Dwarf Flying Fox, Fardoulis’ Blossom Bat, Guadalcanal Money-faced Bat, Otong Java Flying Fox, Orange Fruit Bat, and many more. Their flora includes a number of palm like the Fairchild, and Pacsoa. They also have a variety of orchids.

Geographic Features (Continued) Special points of interest include the reef at the Rainbow Passage, with a variety of colorful fish swimming, Haepe Pinnacle (another coral reef), Roviana Lagoon, CasiMaru, Mushroom Island, Langarana Island, and the Shark Point

Solomon Islands’ History Alvaro de Dendana de Neyra from Spain was the first person to explore the Solomon Islands in 1568. After his exploration, the islands were not visited again for another 200 years. In 1886, Britain and Germany divided the islands, but later on, Britain got control of the country. During World War II, Japan invaded the islands. The most famous battle was the Battle of Guadalcanal. WWII’s last fight was in the Solomon Islands in 1942. After WWII, Britain regained control of the islands in 1945. The Solomon Islands finally gained independence from Britain on July 7, 1978. The Solomon Islands was involved in World War II. Current Events: The Solomon Islands is facing a period of potential high conflict.

Solomon’s Islands’ Government The Solomon Islands is a Parliamentary Democracy. The chief of state is Queen Elizabeth II, who is represented by Governor General Frank Kabui. The head of government is Prime Minister Danny Philip. It is a unicameral legislature.

Solomon Islands’ Economy Solomon Islands’ industry includes fish (tuna), mining, and timber. Their agriculture includes cocoa beans, coconuts, palm kernels, rice, potatoes, vegetables, fruit, timber, cattle, fish, and pigs. The Solomon Islands’ export partners are China, South Korea, the Philippines, and Spain. Their exports include timber, fish, copra, palm oil, and cocoa. Their import partners are Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and Malaysia. Their imports include food, plants and equipment, manufactured goods, fuels, and chemicals. Their economic status is okay, still developing.

Daily Life in the Solomon Islands 84% of men in the Solomon Islands are literate and 67% of women there are literate. The clothing there is very casual. Women usually wear dresses, skirts, and pants. There are no dress restrictions for men there. Internet usage in the Solomon Islands went from .4% in 2000 to 1.4% in 2007. Their standard of living is middle class.

Solomon Islands’ Culture The Solomon Islands is part of Melanesia and their culture and traditions have been passed down from the ancestral spirits. Kastom is the center of traditional values and cultural practices. 32.8% of the Solomon Islands are the Church of Melanesia. 19% are Roman Catholic, 17% are South Seas Evangelical, 11.2% are Seventh-Day Adventist, 10.3% are United Church, and 2.4% are Christian Fellowship Church. Many people in the Solomon Islands eat with their hands and is considered traditional. Two national specialties are Tapioca pudding and Taro roots with taro leaves. There is no tipping in restaurants there and visitors are requested to honor this custom.

Culture (Continued) The Solomon Islands’ music is determined by the use of the panpipes, which are instruments with three to nine closed tubes, that are usually double with open tubes. Dances include the dance of the Solomon Islands with Bamboo music, the Ontong Java dance, and many more. English is the official language there, but Melanesian pidgin and 64 other languages are also spoken there. The Solomon Islands has the Kavachi, an active, underwater volcano. They are also home to the world’s largest salt lagoon – Marovo Lagoon The first European to first the Solomon Islands was Alvaro de Dendana de Neyra from Spain.

Conclusion The Solomon Islands consisted of many islands with many different languages, cultures, and religions. The islands have an interesting geography and considering how the last battle of WWII was fought there, it still has war wreckage and they still keep it there for memorials and tourist attractions.

Work Cited http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/849275/Oceanic-music-and-dance/14337/The-Solomon-Islands http://lifestyle.iloveindia.com/lounge/facts-about-solomon-islands-3241.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_the_Solomon_Islands https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/bp.html http://www.swyaa.org/handbook/Solomon_Islands.htm

Kiribati’s Country Description Kiribati is 719 sq. km. or 266 sq. mi. Its climate is maritime equatorial or tropical. Kiribati consisted of 33 islands and is located in the central Pacific. It is around where the International Date Line intersects the equator. Its population is 100, 835. The capital of Kiribati is Tarawa.

Kiribati’s Geographic Features Kiribati’s terrain is mostly low-lying coral atolls surrounded by extensive reefs. Its lowest point is the Pacific Ocean and its highest point is somewhere on Banaba. Kiribati is surrounded by both the North and South Pacific Ocean. The flora of Kiribati includes the plentiful growth of coconut trees. They also have pandanuses, pawpaws, and breadfruit. Kiribati is known for their large Robber crabs and Red crabs. Their fauna also includes many different types of fish and birds such as the shearwater, petrel, tropic bird, frigate birds, terns, noddys, Christmas Island warbler, and the white-tailed tropic bird. Most of the islands that make up Kiribati and very calm and beautiful. Some of the islands you could visit are the Caroline Atoll, Abaiang, Gilbert Islands, Nukumaroro, Phoenix Islands, and Tarawa.

Kiribati’s History Kiribati was first occupied by Micronesians sometime between 3000 BC and AD 1300. In the 14th century, Fijians and Togans invaded the islands and introduced Polynesian and Melanesian culture. Kiribati was first sighted in the late 18th and early 19th century by British and American ships. The first British settlers arrived in 1837. The main islands were name the Gilbert Islands by Russian admiral Adam von Krusenstern, French Captain Louis Dupperey, and British Captain Thomas Gilbert. Tarawa and other Gilbert groups was occupied by Japan in World War II. It was the site of one of the bloodiest battles in U.S. marine history. The Battle of Tarawa was fought in November 1943. In 1975, the Gilbert Islands and Ellice Islands were separated and granted self-government. Kiribati won independence on July 12, 1979. Kiribati was involved in World War II. Current Events: Kiribati joined the ISA, as the 66th country to be a member. Also, they are experiencing climate change and rising ocean tides.

Kiribati’s Government Kiribati’s government is a republic. The president of Kiribati is Anote Tong and the vice president is TeimaOnorio. The president is both chief of state and head of government and they run a four year term. It is a unicameral legislature.

Kiribati’s Economy Kiribati’s industry includes fishing and handicrafts. Their agriculture includes copra, taro, breadfruit, sweet potatoes, vegetables, and fish. Kiribati’s export’s include copra, coconuts, seaweed, and fish. Their imports include food, machinery and equipment, miscellaneous manufactured goods, and fuel. Their main trading partners are Australia, the U.S., France, Japan, Honk Kong, and Germany. Their economic status is poor.

Daily Life in Kiribati 93% of men in Kiribati are literate and 95% of women there are literate. 2.1% of the population in Kiribati have internet usage as of 2008. Their standard of living is poor, but middle class. People in Kiribati wear many tribal clothes such as grass skirts. However women still wear long skirts and dresses and men can still wear shorts and a t-shirt.

Kiribati’s Culture Kiribati’s culture is centered around the family, church, and sea. Kiribati is known for their martial arts which has been kept secret for some families for ages. The essence of the martial arts in Kiribati is the magic powers of the spirits of the ancestral warriors. 55% of the people in Kiribati are Roman Catholic. 36% are Protestant, 3.1% are Mormon, 2.2% are Bahai, and 1.9% are Seventh Day Adventist. The most important dish in Kiribati is rice and is served with every meal. Most food in Kiribati consists of seafood such as fish, shrimp, crab, and fresh shellfish. Their exotic dishes are based on coconut and coconut milk. The music in Kiribati is very traditional and contemporary. Their folk music is based on chanting and accompanied by body percussion. It is also performed along with a seated chorus and a guitar. People in Kiribati perform stick dances on special occasions. The frigate bird on their flag refers to their birdlike stile of dance. Also, smiling while dancing is considering rude. The International Date Line ran through the middle of Kiribati until January 1, 1995.

Conclusion Kiribati has a unique history about how it used to be the Gilbert islands. It also has 33 islands that are beautiful and serene. It also has a unique geography considering how is right by the International Date Line.

Work Cited http://www.mapsofworld.com/kiribati/flora-and-fauna.html https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/kr.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiribati http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0107682.html http://recipes.wikia.com/wiki/I-Kiribati_Cuisine http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Kiribati

Equatorial Guinea’s Country Description Equatorial Guinea is 28,050 sq. km. and is slightly smaller than Maryland. Its climate is tropical. It is always warm and humid. It alternates between wet and dry throughout the year. It is located in West Africa, bordering the Bright of Biafra. It borders Cameroon and Gabon. It has a population of 633,441. The capital of Equatorial Guinea is Malabo.

Geographic Features Equatorial Guinea’s terrain is coastal plains rise to interior hills, islands are volcanic. Its lowest point is the Atlantic Ocean and its highest point is the Pico Basile. It is surrounded by the Bright of Biafra, Gulf of Guinea, and the Atlantic Ocean. The rivers include the Benito, Campo, Komo, Muni, and Temboni Rivers. The fauna of Equatorial Guinea has a wide variety of birds. Their other fauna includes the African buffalo, chimpanzees, the Western gorilla, red river hogs, and many more. Their flora includes many plants, trees, and grasses such as dracaena fragrans, avicennagerminans, myricaarborea, and many more. Special points of interest include their capital of Malabo, Bata, and the Monte Alen National Park. In Malabo, you can see the volcanic views, rainforests full of primates, and the shores with resting sea turtles.

Equatorial Guinea’s History The first people to inhabit Equatorial Guinea was the Pygmies. In the 17th century, the Fang and Bubi migrated there. In the 18th century, the Portuguese ceded the country to the Spanish. The Spanish occupied Equatorial Guinea for about 190 year. They got their independence from Spain on October 12, 1968. Equatorial Guinea was involved in the Spanish Civil War. Current Events: There have been many protests in planning to overthrow the president.

Equatorial Guinea’s Government Equatorial Guinea is a republic. The chief of state is President Brig. Gen. TeodoroObiangNguemaMbasogoand the head of government is Prime Minister Ignacio Milam Tang. The president runs for a seven year term. It is a unicameral legislature.

Equatorial Guinea’s Economy Their industry includes petroleum, natural gas, and sawmilling. Their agriculture includes coffee, cocoa, rice, yams, tapioca, bananas, palm oil nuts, livestock, and timber. Equatorial Guinea’s export partners are the U.S., China, Japan, Spain, South Korea, Taiwan, Italy, and the Netherlands. Their exports include petroleum products and timber. Their import partners are China, Spain, France, Cote d’Ivoire, and Italy. Their imports include petroleum sector equipment, construction materials, and vehicles. Their trade associations are the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa. Their economic status is good and developing.

Daily Life in Equatorial Guinea 93.4% of men in Equatorial Guinea are literate and 80.5% of women there are literate. Business men in Equatorial Guinea wear western-styled suits, with vests and ties. Women and girls dress neatly with dresses and pleaded skirts. Children wear jeans, t-shirts, and shorts. Women also like to wear bright, colorful loose fitting skirts with African patterns. Many people there either wear flips flops, sandals, or just go barefoot. 1.8% of the population has internet usage. Their standard of living is middle class.

Equatorial Guinea’s Culture Equatorial Guinea’s culture is based on ancient rituals and songs. Their customs have also been influence by the Spanish. One tradition is that they celebrate the abira, which cleans the community of evil. Another tradition is that they dance the Bioko around Christmas time. 93% of the people in Equatorial Guinea are Christian, 1% Muslim, and 6% other. Their main foods are cocoyams (malaga), plantains, and rice. They eat little meat besides porcupine, and forest antelopes. However, they eat many vegetables and fish. Music and dance is the central elements of their culture. A lot of their songs and dances have religious meaning. Some of the common instruments include the drums, wooden xylophones, bow harps, zithers, and the sanza. Some dances include the Balele and the Ibanga, which are performed on special occasions. Equatorial Guinea is the only African country whose official language is Spanish.

Conclusion Equatorial Guinea is a country that has been ruled by the Spanish for 190 years. Their rule heavily influence their culture, traditions, and language. This country is the only Spanish speaking African country. They also have interesting music, dances, and fauna.

Work Cited http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equatorial_Guinea http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0107493.html https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ek.html http://www.everyculture.com/wc/Costa-Rica-to-Georgia/EquatorialGuineans.html http://www.everyculture.com/Cr-Ga/Equatorial-Guinea.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Equatorial_Guinea

7 Countries Project By: Joy Jamil

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