countries project

Countries Project

Brendan Maher

Egypt

Maps of Egypt

Country Description

Total area: 1,001,450 sq km/ 386,662.007 sq mi

Land area: 995,450 sq km/ 384,345.394 sq mi

Water area: 6,000 sq km/ 2,316.61295 sq mi

Egypt has a desert climate, with hot, dry summers and moderate winters.

Egypt is located in Northern Africa, and it's geographical coordinates are 27 00 N, 30 00 E.

Egypt borders Libya, Sudan, and Isreal.

Description

Population: 82,999,393

Average lift expectancy is 70.1 years.

Flag of Egypt

Geography

Egypt is predominately a desert region.

Four major regions of Egypt: Nile Valley and Delta, Sinai Peninsula, Eastern Desert, and Western Desert.

Major bodies of water and waterways include the Nile River, Lake Nasser, the Alexandria-Cairo Waterway, and the Suez Canal.

Indigenous fauna and flora include the papyrus plant, which had long been used to make paper in Egypt, and many animals are found throughout Egypt, including camels in the desert and sheep, goats, and donkeys are found throughout the rest of the country.

Geography

Special points of interest include many of the ancient pyramids and the Sinai region of Egypt, often traveled to for its good view of marine life.

History

The ancient Egyptians were one of the worlds greatest civilizations. Due to the wonders of the Nile River and semi-isolation because of the deserts, Egypt was able to become a great nation.

In 3200 BC, a unified kingdom arose, and series of dynasties ruled for the next three millennia.

The last native dynasty in Egypt fell to the Persians in 341 BC, and they were subsequently replaced by the Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines.

Arab rule of Egypt introduced Islam and the Arabic language in the 7th century.

History

The Mamluks took control around 1250 and continued their rule after the conquest of Egypt by the Ottoman Empire in 1517.

After the completion of the Suez Canal in 1869, Egypt became an important world transportation center, but quickly fell into debt, and was taken over by the British.

Egypt was controlled by the British until 1952.

In 2011, Egypt experienced widespread revolts, resulting in the overthrow of Hosni Mubarak, who had ruled since 1981.

Political

Following revolts, Egypt is currently under military control until official elections take place.

Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, headed by Defense Minister Muhammad Hussein Tantawi, is currently in control of government.

The current Prime Minister is Essam Sharaf.

Economy

Industries include textiles, food processing, tourism, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, hydrocarbons, construction, cement, metals, and light manufactures.

Exports: crude oil and petroleum products, cotton, textiles, metal products, chemicals, and processed food.

Imports: machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, chemicals, wood products, and fuels.

Major trade partners: US, China, Italy, Spain, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Syria, France, South Korea, and Turkey.

Daily Life

Living standards are low by international standards.

71.4% of population is literate.

83% of males are literate.

59.4% of females are literate.

As of 2008, 16.6% of the population use the internet.

It was reported that the Egyptian government monitors much of the Egyptians internet usage.

In January 2011, the government blocked many social networking sites, such as Twitter and Facebook.

Culture

The majority of Egypt is Muslim, and most are Sunni.

As most are Muslims, Islamic values play a large role in their lives.

Family plays a large part in the values of most Egyptians.

Many Egyptian meals are composed of vegetables, grains, and meats, and is similar to food found throughout the eastern Mediterranean.

The Egyptian film industry is the largest within Arabic speaking-cinema.

Festivities

Many Egyptians welcome the first day of spring with a festive picnic called Sham al-Naseem, meaning the smell of spring.

As most Egyptians are Muslim, Ramadan is observed.

Conclusion

Egypt has a rich history. They were one of the greatest ancient civilizations, but have declined.

Ecuador

Maps of Ecuador

Country Description

Total area: 283,561 sq km/ 109,483.514 sq mi



Climate: tropical along coast, becoming cooler inland at higher elevations; tropical in Amazonian jungle lowlands

Ecuador is located in South America, and borders Colombia and Peru

Description

Coordinates: 2 00 S, 77 30 W


Flag of Ecuador

Geography

Divided into three continental regions: La Costa( the coast), La Sierra( the highlands), and El Oriente (the east) Amazon Basin.

Bodies of water include the Aguarico River, the Curray River, Lake Cuicocha, and Lake Quilotoa.

As it is a tropical country, Ecuador is regarded as one of the most species-rich nations in the world.

Geography

2,725 orchid species grow wild in the Andes and over 25,000 different species of trees in the northeastern Amazon Rainforest.

18% of the worlds birds are found in Ecuador.

Special attractions include Cotopaxi National Park, New Cathedral, and El Cajas National Park.

Cotopaxi in Andes is highest active volcano in world.

Cotopaxi National Park

History

What is today Ecuador formed part of the Inca Empire until the Spanish conquest in 1533. Quito became a seat of the Spanish colonial government in 1563 and apart of the Viceroyalty of New Granada in 1717.

The territories of the Viceroyalty gained independence between 1819-1822, and formed the federation of Gran Colombia. Quito withdrew in 1830.

Between 1904-1942, Ecuador lost many territories in conflicts with neighboring countries.

In 1995, a border war with Peru flared, and was resolved in 1999.

History

Ecuador has always had political instability.

In 2008, voters approved a new constitution; the twentieth one since gaining independance.

Political

Ecuador is a unitary presidential republic

Chief of Staff: President Rafael Correa Delgado(both chief of staff and head of government)

Vice President Lenin Moreno Garces

Economy

Industries: petroleum, food processing, textiles, wood products, and chemicals

Imports: industrial materials, fuels and lubricants, and nondurable consumer goods

Exports: petroleum, bananas, cut flowers, shrimp, cacao, coffee, hemp, wood, and fish

Partners: US, Peru, Chile, Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil

Daily Life

Medium-income country.

35.1% living below poverty line.

91% of population is literate

92.3% of males are literate

89.7% of females are literate

28.8% of population use the internet

Culture

95% of the population is Roman Catholic

Spanish is the official language

Ethnic groups: mestizos-65%, Amerindian-25%, Spanish and others-7%, black-3%.

The traditional cuisine of Ecuador includes a lot of beef along with carbohydrate-rich foods.

Ecuador's traditional music was influenced by African rhythms, traditional Andean music, and indigenous music from the jungle.

Festivities

Virtually all Ecuadorians celebrate Carnaval, the precursor to Easter Week. Carnaval consists of parties and celebrations.

Bullfights are held throughout the year in the Andes.

Conclusion

Ecuador is a nation that has struggled with political stability for most of its existence. However, it is an interesting place with beautiful natural regions within it.

Vanuatu

Maps of Vanuatu

Country Description


Land area: 12,189 sq km

Water area: 0 sq km

Includes more than 80 islands, 65 of which are inhabited

As a comparison, Vanuatu is slightly larger than Connecticut

Description

Coordinates: 16 00 S, 167 00 E

Population: 239,788

Climate: tropical; moderated by southeast trade winds from May to October; moderate rainfall from November to April; may be affected by cyclones from December to April

Flag of Vanuatu

Geography

Consists of approximately 82 small islands of volcanic origin.

About a 800 mile north-south distance between the outermost islands.

Several active volcanoes

Has a limited number of plant and animal species.

There are 19 species of native reptiles, including the flowerpot snake.

Geography

Vanuatu's surrounding oceans are rich in sea life, with over 4,000 species of marine mollusks.

Points of interest include Espiritu Santo, which is Vanuatu's largest island, as well as areas in which one can go diving, snorkeling, fishing, and sailing.

Espiritu Santo

History

Waves of colonizers to the area long before the European exploration of it.

The British and French, who settled the area in the 19th century, agreed to an Anglo-French Condominium in 1906, which ruled the islands until they gained their independence in 1980, when the name Vanuatu was adopted.

Political

Vanuatu is a parliamentary republic

Chief of Staff: President Iolu Johnson Abbil

Head of Government: Prime Minister Sato Kilman

Economy

Industries: food and fish freezing, wood processing, and meat canning

Agriculture: copra, coconuts, cocoa, coffee, taro, yams, fruits, vegetables; beef; fish

Exports: copra, beef, cocoa, timber, kava, coffee

Imports: machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, fuels

Partners: Thailand, Japan, Poland, Australia, China, Singapore, New Zealand, France, Fiji

Daily Life

74% of the total population is literate

7.3% of the population have internet usage

Culture

Christianity is the predominant religion

98.5% of the population is of Melanesian descent.

Much of the cuisine of Vanuatu incorporates fish, fruits, and vegetables.

Gaining citizenship to Vanuatu is generally very difficult, as they do not really allow many people to become citizens, just like most island nations surrounding it.

Festivities

There are parties and parades held to celebrate important historical and cultural events.

Conclusion

Vanuatu is a very unique and neat nation in the South Pacific.

Andorra

Maps of Andorra

Country Description

Total area: 468 sq km/ 180.69581 sq mi

Land area: 468 sq km/ 180.69581 sq mi

Water area: none

For comparison, Andorra is 2.5 times the size of Washington D.C

Climate: temperate; snowy, cold winters and warm, dry summers

Description

Terrain: rugged mountains dissected by narrow valleys

Coordinates: 42 30 N, 1 30 E

Population: 85,168

Flag of Andorra

Geography

Consists of predominantly rugged mountains

Andorra is a landlocked nation, but does contain a few lakes and streams, such as Llac d'Engolasters

Plant and animal life in Andorra is similar to that of neighboring France and Spain. There are vasts numbers of trees that grow in most regions of Andorra.

Animals such as bears, foxes, wolves, eagles, vultures, and geese may be found in some isolated areas.

Geography

Mountain streams contain trout, crayfish, and brochet.

History

From 1278-1993, Andorrans lived under a unique co-principality under French and Spanish leaders. In 1993, this feudal system was modified with the titular heads of state retained, but the government transformed into a parliamentary democracy.

Political

Andorra is a parliamentary democracy

Chief of Staff: French Coprince Nicolas Sarkozy, represented by Christian Fremont, and Spanish Coprince Archbishop Joan-Enric Vives I Sicilia, represented by Nemesi Marques i Oste

Head of Government: Jaume Bartumeu Cassany

Economy

Industries: tourism (particularly skiing), cattle raising, timber, banking, tobacco, furniture

Agriculture: small quantities of rye, wheat, barley, oats, vegetables; sheep

Imports: consumer goods, food, electricity

Exports: tobacco products, furniture

Daily Life

100% of the population is literate

100% of males are literate

100% of females are literate

70.5% of the population use the internet

Culture

The predominant religion is Catholicism

Ethnic groups:
Spanish 43%, Andorran 33%, Portuguese 11%, French 7%, other 6%

Languages:
Catalan (official), French, Castilian, Portuguese

Andorran cuisine is mostly Catalan with French influences due to the fact that it is just between these two countries

Culture

Andorran cuisine combines the Spanish and the French cuisine with the local dishes

As it is a mountainous region, sheep is the most common raised animal.

Festivities

Many of the celebrations in Andorra center around culture and sports.

Conclusion

Andorra is a small country that lies between Spain and France, and has gained a lot of its culture from a blending of the two nations.

Romania

Maps of Romania

Country Description




For comparison, Romania is slightly smaller than Oregon.

Climate: temperate; cold, cloudy winters with frequent snow and fog; sunny summers with frequent showers and thunderstorms

Description



Flag of Romania

Geography

central Transylvanian Basin is separated from the Moldavian Plateau on the east by the Eastern Carpathian Mountains and separated from the Walachian Plain on the south by the Transylvanian Alps

Bodies of water in Romania include the Black Sea, Surdac Lake, Lake Saint Ann, and the Danube River.

Geography

Romania has 3,700 species of plants and 33,792 species of animals.

History

The principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia secured their autonomy in 1856, united in 1859, and soon adopted the name Romania. The country gained recognition of its independence in 1878.

During World War 1, Romania joined the Allies and later acquired Transylvania.

In 1940, Romania joined the Axis powers and participated in the 1941 German invasion of the USSR.

History

Three years later, after being overrun by the Soviets, Romania signed an armistice.

Soviet occupation led to Romania becoming a communist state. Dictator Nicolae Ceausescu ruled from 1965-1989, and still former communists dominated the government until 1996.

Political

Today, Romania is a semi-presidential republic

Chief of Staff: President Traian Basescu

Head of Government: Prime Minister Emil Boc; Deputy Prime Minister Marko Bela

Economy

Industries: electric machinery and equipment, textiles and footwear, light machinery and auto assembly, mining, timber, construction materials, metallurgy, chemicals, food processing, petroleum refining

Agriculture: wheat, corn, barley, sugar beets, sunflower seed, potatoes, grapes; eggs, sheep

Exports: machinery and equipment, textiles and footwear, metals and metal products, machinery and equipment, minerals and fuels, chemicals, agricultural products

Imports: machinery and equipment, fuels and minerals, chemicals, textile and products, metals, agricultural products

Partners: Germany, Italy, France, Hungary, China, Turkey, Austria

Daily Life

97.3% of the population is literate



Romania has a relatively good standard of living

28.8% of population use the internet

Culture

Religion: Eastern Orthodox (including all sub-denominations) 86.8%, Protestant (various denominations including Reformate and Pentecostal) 7.5%, Roman Catholic 4.7%, other (mostly Muslim) and unspecified 0.9%, none 0.1%

Languages: Romanian 91% (official), Hungarian 6.7%, Romany (Gypsy) 1.1%, other 1.2%

Ethnic groups: Romanian 89.5%, Hungarian 6.6%, Roma 2.5%, Ukrainian 0.3%, German 0.3%, Russian 0.2%, Turkish 0.2%, other 0.4%

Romanian cuisine has been greatly influenced by Ottoman cuisine, and also draws influences from neighboring countries like Germany, Serbia, and Hungary.

Festivities

Some festivities include Bucharest of Old, which celebrates the country's history, and Sambra Oilo, a festival which marks the return of the sheep herds from the mountains.

Tunisia

Maps of Tunisia

Country Description




For comparison, Tunisia is slightly larger than Georgia

Climate: temperate in north with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers; desert in south

Tunisia is located in Northern Africa

Description

Borders Libya and Algeria



Flag of Tunisia

Geography

mountains in north; hot, dry central plain; semiarid south merges into the Sahara

Situated on the Mediterranean coast of North Africa

Other bodies of water include Lake of Tunis, Lake of Bizerte, and the Medjerda

Tunisia has a wide variety of trees, and 1/4th of the country is covered by esparto grass.

Jackal, wild boar, and several species of gazelle exist in Tunisia.

History

Rivalry between French and Italian interests in Tunisia culminated in a French invasion in 1881 and the creation of a protectorate. In the decades following World War 1, Tunisia was striving for independence and was finally granted independence in 1956.

The country's first president, Habib Bourguiba, established a strict one-party state. He dominated the nation for 31 years, repressing Islamic fundamentalism and established rights for women unmatched by any other Arab country.

In 1987, Bourguiba was removed from power and replaced by Zine el Abidine Ben Ali in a bloodless coup.

History

In 2010-2011, protests across Tunisia led to Ben Ali fleeing the country. Prime Minister Mohamed Ghannouchi announced the formation of a national unity government.

Fouad M'Bazaa is currently the interim president.

Political

Tunisia is currently a presidential republic

Chief of Staff: Interim President Fouad M'Bazaa

Head of Government: Prime Minister Beji Caid Essebsi

Economy

Agriculture: olives, olive oil, grain, tomatoes, citrus fruit, sugar beets, dates, almonds; beef, dairy products

Industries: petroleum, mining (particularly phosphate and iron ore), tourism, textiles, footwear, agribusiness, beverages

Exports: clothing, semi-finished goods and textiles, agricultural products, mechanical goods, phosphates and chemicals, hydrocarbons, electrical equipment

Imports: textiles, machinery and equipment, hydrocarbons, chemicals, foodstuffs

Partners: France, Italy, Germany, Libya, China, Spain, UK, US

Daily Life

74.3% of the population is literate




Much like the Egyptian government monitoring and blocking access to some websites, the Tunisian government blocked several social networking sites during the protests

Culture

Religions: Muslim 98%, Christian 1%, Jewish and other 1%

Ethnic groups: Arab 98%, European 1%, Jewish and other 1%

Languages: Arabic (official and one of the languages of commerce), French (commerce)

Tunisian cuisine is a blend of traditional Mediterranean cuisine and that of the desert area.

Main foods used include: lamb, seafood, spices, and tomatoes.

Festivities

Eid al Adha is held to mark the time when Muslims make pilgrimages to Mecca

Tunisians celebrate their Labour Day with a public holiday for everyone

Conclusion

Tunisia is a North African country and are predominantly Muslims. Ever since gaining their independence in 1956, they have had a tough time creating a peaceful nation and government.

Cote d'Ivoire(Ivory Coast)

Maps of the Ivory Coast

Country Description




Slightly bigger than New Mexico

Climate: tropical along coast, semiarid in far north; three seasons - warm and dry (November to March), hot and dry (March to May), hot and wet (June to October)

Description

Located in western Africa

Borders Liberia, Guinea,Mali, Burkina Faso, and Ghana

Coordinates: 8 00 N, 5 00 W


Geography

mostly flat to undulating plains; mountains in northwest

Bodies of water include Sassandria River, Komoe River, Bia River, and Lake Kossou

Cote d'Ivoire is home to numerous animals, such as primates, leopards, and elephants.

In southern Cote d'Ivoire, there is a rainforest with many different kinds of animals and plants

Cote d'Ivoire has the highest level of biodiversity in West Africa

History

Like most of Africa, Cote d'Ivoire was taken over by the French

Close ties to France since independence in 1960, the development of cocoa production for export, and foreign investment made Cote d'Ivoire one of the most prosperous of the West African states, but did not protect it from political turmoil.

In December 1999, a military coup overthrew the government. Junta leader Robert Guei rigged elections and declared himself the winner. Protests caused him to step down, and Laurent Gbagbo came to power.

Political

A semi-presidential republic

Chief of Staff: the officially recognized chief of staff is President Alassane Outtara, but former President Laurent Gbagbo has refused to cede power

Head of Government: Prime Minister Guillaume Soro
On December 4th, Gilbert Marie N'Gbo Ake was also appointed this position by Gbagbo

Economy

Agriculture: coffee, cocoa beans, bananas, palm kernels, corn, rice, manioc (tapioca), sweet potatoes, sugar, cotton, rubber; timber

Industries: foodstuffs, beverages; wood products, oil refining, truck and bus assembly, textiles, fertilizer, building materials, electricity, ship construction and repair

Exports: cocoa, coffee, timber, petroleum, cotton, bananas, pineapples, palm oil, fish

Imports: fuel, capital equipment, foodstuffs

Partners: Nigeria, Netherlands, France, US, China, Germany, Ghana, Thialand

Daily Life

48.7% of the population are literate




Culture

Religions: Muslim 38.6%, Christian 32.8%, indigenous 11.9%, none 16.7% (2008 est.)

Ethnic groups: Akan 42.1%, Voltaiques or Gur 17.6%, Northern Mandes 16.5%, Krous 11%, Southern Mandes 10%, other 2.8% (includes 130,000 Lebanese and 14,000 French)

Languages: French (official), 60 native dialects with Dioula the most widely spoken

Festivities

Music plays a large part of many of the ethnic groups celebrations and festivals

Cultural festivities

Sources

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html

http://www.everysingleplace.com/countries/2-andorra-information

http://www.easyvoyage.co.uk/ivory-coast/the-national-park-of-comoe-804

http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/cultural/oldworld/africa/ivorycoast.htm

http://www.romaniatourism.com/festivals-events.html

http://www.romaniatourism.com/fast-facts.html

http://www.2camels.com/festivals/andorra.php

http://www.everyculture.com/A-Bo/Andorra.html

http://www.hipecuador.com/html/ecuador/culture/ecuadorian_music_dance.htm

http://directrooms.com/vanuatu/travel-guides/festivals-events.htm

http://www.andorramania.com/andorra-fauna.php

http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/Africa/Tunisia.html

http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com

http://www.easyvoyage.co.uk/ivory-coast/the-national-park-of-comoe-804

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