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Central African Republic

General Information The Central African Republic has probably been settled for more than 8.000 years by ancestors of today’s Aka (Pygmy) people. In 1903 the French colony of Ubangi-Shari was established. In 1960, the Central African Republic achieved independence. The political situation has been tumultuous. From 2004 to 2007 the Central African Republic Bush War took place, since 2012 another Civil War has been ongoing. The Central African Republic is ethnically and linguistically diverse, with the Gbaya, Banda and Mandjia being some of the largest groups. Around half of the 5.5 Million inhabitants are Protestant, 30% Roman Catholic, 10% Muslim and 10% follow traditional beliefs. The official languages are Sango, which is a Creole based on the Northern Ngbandi language, and French. The capital is Bangui.

~Anastasia

Economy The economy of the Central African Republic is $2.321 billion by gross domestic product as of 2019, with an estimated annual per capita income of just $805 as measured by purchasing power parity in 2019.

~ Damian

Kiribati

General Information Kiribati is a country in the Pacific Ocean, consisting of 33 islands, of which 20 are inhabited. First settlers arrived around 4.000 to 5.000 years ago from South East Asia, during mediaeval times the Southern islands received a large wave of Samoan migration. In the 19th century, foreign traders arrived to the islands and in 1892 the Gilbert Islands became a British protectorate, with Banaba annexed in 1900. In 1979, the Gilbert Islands gained independence under the name of Kiribati. The 124.700 inhabitants are mostly Micronesian, the official language is i-Kiribati, while English is also widely spoken. More than half of inhabitants are Roman Catholic, others mostly Protestant. The capital is Tarawa.

Located in four hemispheres While the total land area of Kiribati is only 811 sq km, its islands are dispersed over an area of 3.5 Million sq km. Located around the equator, Kiribati is the only country in the world which is located in all four earth hemispheres.

~ Anastasia

Economy The Republic of Kiribati's per capita Gross National Product of US$1,420 (2010) makes it the poorest country in Oceania. Phosphates had been profitably exported from Banaba Island since the turn of the 20th century, but the deposits were exhausted in 1979. The economy now depends on foreign assistance and revenue from fishing licenses to finance its imports and development budget.

~ Damian

Greece

General Information Greece is a country in Southeastern Europe. Greece was one of the major civilizations of Ancient times and as such the birthplace of many important ideas of Western philosophy, arts and politics. From the 2nd century BCE, Roman control of the area increased and Greece later became part of the Byzantine Empire. With the fall of the Byzantine Empire in late medieval times, Greece fell under Ottoman control until its independence 1821/2, over which a war was fought until Greek victory in 1829. The current constitution dates back to 1975, following the end of the military dictatorship which had ruled since 1936. Vast majority of the 10 Million Greeks are members of the Greek Orthodox Church. The capital is Athens.

Theatre Greece is the birthplace of the art of Theatre. In 534 BC Thespis staged and performed a Greek tragedy, which is why actors are still sometimes called “thespians”. Today, Athens still has the highest number of theatre stages in the world. Olympics In Ancient Greece, the Olympics started in the city of Olympia. In 1896, the first modern Olympics were held in Athens. ~ Anastasia Economy The economy of Greece is the 53rd largest in the world, with a nominal gross domestic product (GDP) of $239.3 billion per annum. In terms of purchasing power parity, Greece is the world's 54th largest economy, at $418.113 billion per annum. As of 2021, Greece is the sixteenth-largest economy in the European Union. According to the International Monetary Fund's figures for 2023, Greece's GDP per capita is $22,595 at nominal value and $39,478 at purchasing power parity.

~ Damian

#Greece #Theatre #Athens #Olympics #Economy

Kazakhstan

General Information Kazakhstan is a country in Central Asia. The region was part of various cultures and empires between prehistory and the middle ages, before the Kazakhs, a Turkic people, consolidated a large nomadic empire across the steppe region. From the 18th century Kazakhstan has been under Russian influence, later becoming part of the Soviet Union, from which it gained independence in 1990. Among the 20 Million inhabitants, around two thirds are ethnic Kazakhs, about 20 % are ethnic Russians, 3 % Uzbek. Ethnic Kazakhs are mostly Muslim, ethnic Russians mostly Orthodox Christian. The capital is Astana.

The World’s First Space Launch Facility The oldest space launch facility in the world is the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Southern Kazakhstan, which was built by the Soviet Union in the 1950s.

~ Anastasia Economy The economy of Kazakhstan is the largest in Central Asia in both absolute and per capita terms. Kazakhstan has attracted to 2021 more than US$370 billion of foreign investments since becoming an independent republic after the collapse of the former Soviet Union.

~ Damian

#Kazakhstan #Astana #Economy #Space #Launch #Facility

Yemen

General Information Yemen is a country in the Middle East, at the Southwestern corner of the Arabian peninsula. In Ancient times, the region was controlled by several city-states and empires that came to wealth through trade. During medieval times, it was ruled by several Islamic dynasties. Following Ottoman and British involvement during Colonial times, in the 20th century the Northern Mutawakkilite Kingdom of Yemen, later Yemen Arab Republic, in the former Ottoman-controlled part, as well as the Marxist state of South Yemen (in 1967) in the former British-controlled part were established. In 1990, both parts united. Now the former Northern capital, Sanaa, functions as the political capital, while the former Southern capital, Aden, is the economic centre of the country. The political environment of Yemen has been unstable, with Civil War ongoing since 2014. Vast majority of the 32.7 Million inhabitants are Arabs, around 3.7 % are Somalis. Nearly all inhabitants are Muslim, around two thirds Sunni, around one third Shia.

Old Walled City of Shibam The UNESCO World Heritage Old Walled City of Shibam can be traced back to the 16th century and is one of the world’s oldest examples of urban planning based on vertical construction. Due to its high-rise buildings it is sometimes called “the Manhattan of the desert”.

Dragon Blood Tree The island of Socotra possesses unusually large biodiversity and is home to the unique Dragon Blood Tree. There are several legends surrounding it, such as one about it growing from the blood of brothers fighting to death or another about it originating from the blood of an injured dragon.

~ Anastasia Economy The economy of Yemen has significantly weakened since the breakout of the Yemeni Civil War and the humanitarian crisis, which has caused instability, escalating hostilities, and flooding in the region. At the time of unification, South Yemen and North Yemen had vastly different but equally struggling underdeveloped economic systems. Since unification, the economy has been forced to sustain the consequences of Yemen's support for Iraq during the 1990–91 Persian Gulf War: Saudi Arabia expelled almost 1 million Yemeni workers, and both Saudi Arabia and Kuwait significantly reduced economic aid to Yemen. The 1994 civil war further drained Yemen's economy. As a consequence, Yemen has relied heavily on aid from multilateral agencies to sustain its economy for the past 24 years. In return, it has pledged to implement significant economic reforms. In 1997 the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved two programs to increase Yemen's credit significantly: the enhanced structural adjustment facility (now known as the poverty reduction and growth facility, or PRGF) and the extended funding facility (EFF). In the ensuing years, Yemen's government attempted to implement recommended reforms: reducing the civil service payroll, eliminating diesel and other subsidies, lowering defense spending, introducing a general sales tax, and privatizing state-run industries. However, limited progress led the IMF to suspend funding between 1999 and 2001.

~ Damian

#Yemen #Shia #Dragon #Blood #Tree #Economy #Shibam #Unesco

Eritrea

General Information Eritrea is a country in East Africa. The borders of the country go back to the Italian colony Colonia Eritrea, which was founded in 1890. Following World War II, the United Nations urged Eritrea to join to Ethiopia. In 1961, the Eritrean War of Independence broke out, which would last for 30 years. In 1993, Eritrea gained independence. Since then, Eritrea has been ruled by the same leader, Isaias Afwerki, up to this day (2023) under a one-party-system. More than half of the 6.3 Million inhabitants are ethnic Tigray, around 30 % Tigré. Half of all inhabitants are Muslim, others mostly Eritrean Orthodox Christians. Eritrea has no official language, however the languages of eight major ethnic groups are recognised national languages, while Tigrinya, Arabic and English dominate in public life. The capital is Asmara.

“New Rome” During colonial times, Eritrea’s capital Asmara was called “New Rome” or “Little Rome” by Italians. Many buildings in a variety of of Modernist styles still show the impact of this time.

~ Anastasia Economy The economy of Eritrea has experienced considerable growth in recent years, indicated by an improvement in gross domestic product in 2012 of 7.5% over 2011, and has a total of $8.090 billion as of 2020. However, worker remittances from abroad are estimated to account for 32 percent of gross domestic product. Eritrea has an extensive amount of resources such as copper, gold, granite, marble, and potash. The Eritrean economy has undergone extreme changes due to the War of Independence.

~ Damian

#Eritrea #New #Rome #Economy #Asmara

Netherlands

General Information The Netherlands are a country in Western Europe. The region had been part of several European kingdoms before independence in 1581. Approximately the first century of independence is considered to be the Dutch Golden Age, during which the country was one of the most influential nations of Europe with colonies and trading posts established worldwide. In 1815, the Kingdom of the Netherlands was established, since 1848 the Netherlands have been a parliamentary constitutional monarchy. The Netherlands have 18 Million inhabitants, the largest minorities are Turkish, Moroccans and Surinamese. Around half of inhabitants are non-religious, others are mostly Christian (Roman Catholics being the largest denomination followed by Protestants and Dutch Reformed Christians). The official language is Dutch, the capital is Amsterdam.

The World’s Tallest People Dutch people are often ranked as the world’s tallest, with men being around 182.53 cm and women 168.72 cm on average.

~ Anastasia

Economy The economy of the Netherlands is, according to Forbes, the 15th largest in the world as of 2022 in terms of gross domestic product (GDP). Its GDP per capita was estimated at $72,973 in the fiscal year 2023, which makes it one of the highest-earning nations in the world.

~ Damian

#Netherlands #Tallest #Amsterdam #Dutch #Economy

Benin

General Information Benin is a country in Western Africa. Before the colonial era, different kingdoms such as Allada or Dahomey existed in the region. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the region was known as the “Slave Coast” due to the large amount of slaves that were sent to the Americas from there. The history of Benin as a political entity goes back to French colonial rule of the late 19th century, during this time the entire colony was named Dahomey after the defeated pre-colonial kingdom. In 1960 Benin gained independence. Following a series of six successful military coups during the 1960s and early 70s, Benin was ruled by a Marxist-Leninist government from 1974 to 1989. Today, around 40% of the 13.4 Million inhabitants are ethnic Fon, other major ethnic groups are the Adja, Yoruba and Bariba. Around 28% of Beninese are Muslim, 25.5% Roman Catholic, 13.5% Protestant, 11.5% follow the traditional religion of Vodun/Voodoo. The official language is French, the capital is Porto-Novo.

Voodoo Benin is the birthplace of Vodun, also known as Voodoo. Through the slave trade, adaptions of this traditional religion have also become popular in several Caribbean countries, mainly Haiti. Once a year, a Voodoo festival is held in Benin’s capital Porto-Novo.

~ Anastasia

Economy The economy of Benin remains underdeveloped and dependent on subsistence agriculture and cotton. Cotton accounts for 40% of Benin's GDP and roughly 80% of official export receipts. There is also production of textiles, palm products, and cocoa beans. Maize (corn), beans, rice, peanuts, cashews, pineapples, cassava, yams, and other various tubers are grown for local subsistence. Benin began producing a modest quantity of offshore oil in October 1982. Production ceased in recent years but exploration of new sites is ongoing.

~ Damian

#Benin #Porto #Novo #Economy #Voodoo

Guinea

General Information Guinea is a country in Western Africa. It has been inhabited for about 30.000 years. From the mid 13the century, Upper Guinea was incorporated into the Mali empire. Between the start of Portuguese influence in the 15th century until the mid 19th century, the coasts of Guinea were involved in the transatlantic slave trade. Between 1891 and independence in 1958, Guinea was a French colony. The major ethnic groups in Guinea are Fulani, Malinke and Susu. Almost 90% of the 13.6 Million Guineans are Muslim, others mostly Christian/Roman Catholic. The official language is French, the capital is Conakry.

Music of Guinea Music is of high importance in Guinea. Styles differ by region, but Guinean music in general tends to heavily use percussion and string instruments. Globally, the most famous Guinean song is “Yé Ké Yé Ké” by Mory Kanté which became a worldwide hit in 1987 and was the first African single to reach a million sales.

~ Anastasia

Economy The economy of Guinea is dependent largely on agriculture and other rural activities. Guinea is richly endowed with good minerals, possessing an estimated quarter of the world's proven reserves of bauxite, more than 1.8 billion tonnes (2.0 billion short tons) of high-grade iron ore, significant diamond and gold deposits, and undetermined quantities of uranium.

~ Damian

#Guinea #Conakry #Music #Economy

Norway

General Information Norway is a country in Northern Europe. Around 6.000 years ago Indo-European peoples settled in Southern Norway, in early medieval times the region was dominated by the Viking civilization. In later medieval times, the Kingdom of Norway dominated large parts of Northern Europe as well as Greenland. Later, Norway was part of various unions of Scandinavian states. In 1814, the constitution of Norway was adopted, in 1905 the union between Norway and Sweden was dissolved. More than 80% of the 5.5 Million inhabitants are ethnic Norwegians, others are mostly immigrants from other European countries, the Middle East or Africa as well as their descendants. Around 40.000 ethnic Sami are living in Norway, they are an indigenous people of Northern Scandinavia that has been living there for over 10.000 years. Vast majority of Norwegians are members of the Lutheran Church of Norway. The capital of Norway is Oslo.

Northern Lights The North of Norway has become a popular tourist destination for the beautiful Northern Lights that are visible there.

~ Anastasia Economy The economy of Norway is a highly developed mixed economy with state-ownership in strategic areas. Although sensitive to global business cycles, the economy of Norway has shown robust growth since the start of the industrial era. The country has a very high standard of living compared with other European countries, and a strongly integrated welfare system. Norway's modern manufacturing and welfare system rely on a financial reserve produced by exploitation of natural resources, particularly North Sea oil.

~ Damian

#Norway #Oslo #Northern #Lights #Economy #oil

Russia

General Information Russia is a country in Eurasia. The area has been inhabited by various ethnic groups for millenia, in medieval times the region that would later become Russia was influenced mainly by the East Slavic state Kievan Rus and Turkic tribes such as Tatars. In 1263, the Grand Duchy of Moscow emerged, in 1547, the Tsardom of Russia was founded. Following the revolution of 1917, the Soviet Union was founded in 1922. Between the end of World War II and the fall of the Soviet Union in 1990, the country’s rivalry with the USA was known as the Cold War. Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine again led to increased tensions with the West. Among the 145 Million inhabitants, more than 80% are ethnic Russians, around 4% are Tatars. Nearly 200 different ethnic groups, mostly Slavic, Turkic, Finnic or Caucasian peoples, live in Russia. The capital is Moscow.

Russian literature and music of the 19th and early 20th century Culturally, Russia is famous for its 19th and early 20th century literary and music scene in particular with authors such as Pushkin, Tolstoy or Dostoevsky and composers such as Tchaikovsky or Stravinsky.

~ Anastasia

Economy The economy of Russia has gradually transformed from a planned economy into a mixed market-oriented economy. It has enormous natural resources, particularly oil and natural gas. It is the world's ninth-largest economy by nominal GDP, and the sixth-largest by PPP. Russia's membership to the WTO was accepted in 2011.

~ Damian

#Russia #Moscow #Economy #literature #music

South Sudan

General Information South Sudan gained its independence in 2011 following a referendum. Since the days of British colonial rule, there had been conflicts between the predominantly Arab Muslim North, which was favoured by colonial policies, and the South, which is mostly inhabited by Nilotic peoples (such as Dinka or Nuer) following Christianity or traditional faiths. Following Sudan's independence, there were two civil wars. The second civil war lasted from 1983 to 2005 and killed around 2 Million people. Today, South Sudan has around 15 Million inhabitants, the capital is Juba, the official language is English.

~ Anastasia Economy South Sudan became the world's newest country and Africa's 55th nation on 9 July 2011. The South Sudanese Civil War, which started in December 2013, undermined economic development achieved since independence, making humanitarian work difficult to conduct within the country. As such, South Sudan is facing economic stagnation and instability in its 10 years after independence. Moreover, poverty is widespread throughout the country as a result of inter-communal conflict, displacement, and external fear.

~ Damian

#South Sudan #Juba #English #Muslim #Economy

Belgium

General Information Belgium is a country in Europe. In 1830, the Southern provinces, mainly inhabited by Roman Catholic Flemings and Walloons, seceded from the United Kingdom of the Netherlands, leading to the independence of Belgium. More than half of the 11.7 Million Belgians are Flemish/Dutch-speaking Flemings, about one third are French-speaking Walloons. 60 % of inhabitants are Roman Catholic. The capital is Brussels.

Capital of the European Union Brussels is the de facto capital of the European Union. In 1948, the Western Union was created by the Treaty of Brussels, and later developed into the European Economic Community and, finally, into the European Union. Brussels houses many important EU institutions. ~ Anastasia Economy The economy of Belgium is a modern, capitalist economy that has capitalised on the country's central geographic location, highly developed transport network, and diversified industrial and commercial base. Belgium was the first country to undergo an Industrial Revolution on the continent of Europe in the early 19th century. It has since developed an excellent transportation infrastructure of ports, canals, railways, and highways, in order to integrate its industry with that of its neighbours.

~ Damian

#Belgium #Economy #Brussels

Estonia

General Information Estonia is a country in Northeastern Europe, in the Baltics. Estonians were first mentioned in Roman sources in the 1st century CE. Since Medieval times, Estonia has spent much time under control of foreign powers such as Germany, Sweden or Russia. The Russian Revolution of 1917 led to a period of independence, until Estonia was occupied by Nazi Germany in World War II, then later taken by Soviet troops. In 1991, Estonia regained independence. Around two thirds of the 1,3 Million inhabitants are ethnic Estonians, about a quarter are ethnic Russians. The predominant religion is Christianity, although even many Christians are unaffiliated with any particular church. The capital is Tallinn.

Capitals for everything While the capital of the country is Tallinn, many Estonian cities have official nicknames referring to them being the “capital” of a certain thing: Tartu being the capital of culture, Kuressaare the capital of weddings, Türi the capital of spring, Pärnu the capital of Summer, and Jõgeva the capital of Winter. Estonia turned digital early Estonia is famous as one of the first countries to incorporate the possibilities of the internet into people’s daily life - even back in the 2000s you could already hand in practically all of your official paperwork online. ~ Anastasia

Economy The economy of Estonia is an advanced economy and the country is a member of the European Union and of the eurozone. Estonia's economy is heavily influenced by developments in the Finnish and Swedish economies.

~ Damian

#Estonia #Economy #Tallinn #Capitals #digital

Morocco

General Information Morocco is a country in Northern Africa. The region has been traditionally inhabited by Berber/Amazigh peoples, in ancient times it was part of Carthage and later the Roman Empire. In the late 7th century, it was conquered by Arabs. In 1912, Morocco became a French protectorate, in 1956, it regained independence. Since the 17th century, the ‘Alawi dynasty has been ruling over Morocco. Most of the 36.5 Million inhabitants are Muslim. The official languages are Arabic and Tamazight, the capital is Rabat.

The Oldest Continually Operating University The University of Karueein is the oldest continually operating university in the world. It was founded in 859 AD. ~ Anastasia Economy The economy of Morocco is considered a relatively liberal economy, governed by the law of supply and demand. Since 1993, Morocco has followed a policy of privatization of certain economic sectors which used to be in the hands of the government. Morocco has become a major player in African economic affairs, and is the 5th largest African economy by GDP (PPP). The World Economic Forum placed Morocco as the 1st most competitive economy in North Africa, in its African Competitiveness Report 2014–2015.

~ Damian

#Morocco #Africa #University #Rabat #Karueein

Tanzania

General Information Tanzania is a country in East Africa. The country was formed in 1964 through the union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar. The region has been involved in international trade for over 2.000 years. During the 19th century, Tanganyika was part of German East Africa while the Sultanate of Zanzibar was the centre for the East African slave trade. In 1890, Zanzibar became a British protectorate. Between 1905 and 1907 several African tribes rose up against German rule, which was repressed violently. Following World War I, Tanganyika came under British rule up to its independence in 1961, Zanzibar’s independence followed in 1963. Tanzanians belong to over 120 different tribes, most are of Bantu origin. Around two thirds of the 62 Million Tanzanians are Christian, around one third Muslim. The official languages are Swahili and English. The capital is Dodoma, while the largest city is Dar es Salaam.

Mount Kilimanjaro At 5.895 m, Mount Kilimanjaro is not only the highest mountain in Africa, but also the highest freestanding mountain in the world, as it’s not part of any mountain range. It encompasses five different climatic zones.

Bongo Flava Bongo Flava is a modern genre of Tanzanian music that originated from Hip Hop and traditional Tanzanian music such as Dansi or Taraab in the 1990s. ~ Anastasia

Economy The economy of Tanzania is a lower-middle income economy that is overwhelmingly dependent on agriculture. Tanzania's economy has been transitioning from a command economy to a market economy since 1985. Although total GDP has increased since these reforms began, GDP per capita dropped sharply at first, and only exceeded the pre-transition figure in around 2007.

~ Damian

#Tanzania #Salaam #Dar #es #Dodoma #Kilimanjaro #Mount #Bongo #Flava #Economy

Egypt

General Information Egypt is a country in Northern Africa. It was home of one of the Ancient World’s great civilizations, with Pharaonic Egypt thriving for around three millenia. In 30 BCE Egypt was conquered by the Romans, staying part of the Roman and later Byzantine Empire up to the Arab Muslim conquests of the 7th century. In 1517 Egypt became part of the Ottoman Empire until 1798. Brief occupations by France and the United Kingdom followed, with Egypt becoming independent from the UK in 1922. Around 90% of the 104 Million Egyptians are Muslim, around 10% Christian. The official language is Arabic, the capital is Cairo.

Pyramids The Ancient Pyramids are a symbol of Egypt. The largest and most famous pyramid is the Great Pyramid of Giza, which is around 4.500 years old and 146.7 meters tall. ~ Anastasia Economy The economy of Egypt used to be a highly centralized economy, focused on import substitution under president Gamal Abdel Nasser (1954–1970). During the rule of president Abdel Fattah el-Sisi (2014–present), the economy follows Egypt's 2030 Vision. The policy is aimed at diversifying Egypt's economy. The country's economy is the second largest in Africa after Nigeria regarding nominal GDP, and 33rd in worldwide ranking as of 2022.

~ Damian

#Economy #Pyramids #Egypt

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