MNChina&etc

Michael Newns

Country Project

China

Michael Newns

Maps of China

Country Description

• Total Area: 9,596,960(sq km)/ 3,705,386(sq mi)• Land Area: 9,326,410(sq km)/ 3,600,927(sq mi)• Water Area: 270,550(sq km)/ 104,459(sq mi)• The climate varies greatly • Northern China: summer temperatures reaching 90 degrees

F and winters of Arctic severity. Rainey summers and dry winters.

• Central China: Very hot summers and cold winters• Southern China: subtropical climate. Very hot summers and

mild winters. • Water pollution, erosion, and air pollution are concerns.

Country Description(continued)

• Geographical Coordinates: 35°00’ N; 105 °00’ E• Located in the North and Eastern hemispheres• East Asia• Bordered by Afghanistan, Bhutan, Burma, India,

Kazakhstan, North Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, and

• Population: 1,338,612,968• Life Expectancy: 73 Years

China Flag

Geography

• West: mountains, high plateaus, deserts• East: plains, deltas, and hills• Major rivers flow west to east: Yangtze, Huang He (Yellow

River), Amur• Most of the arable lands lie along these rivers• Most rivers empty into Pacific Ocean• East China bordered by the Yellow Sea and East China Sea• Some well known features are the Himalayas and the Gobi

Desert• Most recognizable fauna and flora are the giant panda and

bamboo.

Geography(continued)

• A very popular tourist attraction is Mount Everest, part of the Himalayas and the Earth’s highest point at 8,850 meters

Geography(continued)

• Another great tourist attraction is the Great Wall of China.

History

• Chinese history dates back 4,000 years.• Family dynasties ruled China for about 2,000 years• The last dynasty was the Qing and ended in 1911• Many inventions have come from China, the most

famous being paper• The Republic of China started in 1912 • The government was weak and regional warlords

looked to gain land and power.• China fought Japan in the Sino- Japanese War, which

was part of WWII. Japan surrendered in 1945.

History(continued)

• A civil war then started between the communists and the nationalists.

• The communist party led by Mao Zedong won the war and took control of the government.

• The nationalists retreated to Taiwan.• Current Event: In 2008, Beijing hosted the Summer

Olympics.

Political

• The People’s Republic of China is a communist government

• The major party is the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)

• There are eight smaller parties that are all controlled by the CCP

• The Chief of State is President Hu Jintao• The Head of Government is Premier WEN Jiabao

Economy

• The Great Leap Forward: 1958- Mao Zedong pushed for a more modernized Chinese economy

• China now has the third largest economy in the world behind the U.S. and Japan.

• China is the largest trading nation in the world and the largest exporter and second largest importer of goods.

• Industry counts for over half of China’s gross domestic product(GDP).

Economy (continued)

• Exports: machinery and equipment, textiles and clothing, footwear, toys and sporting goods, mineral fuels

• Imports: machinery and equipment, mineral fuels, plastics, iron and steel, chemicals

• Major trade partners: Japan, United States. Germany, South Korea

• Restrictions: China recently stopped selling aircraft and some other military supplies to the U.S. after the U.S. agreed to supply Taiwan with money and military supplies.

• Trade Organizations: Ministry of Commerce of P.R.China, China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade

Daily Life

• The Chinese standard of living as increased dramatically over the past decade.

• In 1949, the life expectancy was 32. It is now 73.• 91 % of total population is literate• 95 % of males are literate• 86 % of females are literate• Communist restriction on clothing are gone and Chinese fashion

is developing. Adults are wearing more formal than casual. Teenagers like brand names and western clothing. Many children wear shirts with pictures of cartoon characters.

• Internet usage in China has risen from 0% in 1993 to 28 % in 2008.

Culture

• Most values of China come from Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism.

• Religion: 60% Buddhist, 4% Christian, 2% Muslim, 34% Atheist

• Chopsticks are used for every meal in China.• Tipping at restaurants is considered an insult. • Noodles, small pieces of meat, rice, and fruit deserts are

common.• The Chinese food in America is nothing like the food in

China. America’s Chinese food has greater potions, more fat, and better taste.

Culture (continued)

• Table Tennis, basketball, and soccer are the most popular sports in China.

• Martial arts has always been a popular activity and is believed to have originated in China.

• Various types of art are practiced in China like paper cutting.

• Some of the oldest music in the world has dated back to the time of Confucius.

• China takes great pride in the Great Wall.

Winter Olympics 2010

• China won 11 medals: 5 gold, 2 silver, 4 bronze• Came in 8th place• All gold medals were in skating (speed and

figure)• Gold medalists: Wang Meng, Zhou Yang, Shen

Xeu, Zhao Hongbo, • 90 participants

Conclusion

• China is one of the oldest countries in the world and there is unlimited interesting information on it. The culture and history is fascinating. The one fact that I found the most interesting is that in China’s long history, it has always been independent.

Morocco

Michael Newns

Map of Morocco

Country Description

• Total Area: 446,550 (sq km)/ 172,413 (sq mi)• Land Area: 446,300 (sq km) / 172,316(sq mi)• Water Area: 250 (sq km)/ 97 (sq km)• Climate: Mediterranean in the North. • More extreme climate in interior• It is very dry and warm on the east side of the Atlas mountains.

The climate here is desert.• 32°00’ N; 5°00’ W• Bordered by Algeria, Western Sahara, and Spain• In North Africa• Population: 34,859,364

Moroccan Flag

Geography

• Morocco borders the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea.• The Atlas Mountains are located in the center of the country.

The Rif Mts are in the North. • Large areas of plateaus, intermountain valleys, and rich

coastal plains• The olive tree is widely distributed, but the oil-yielding argan

tree, unique to Morocco, grows only in the Sous Valley.• Panthers, foxes, and gazelles are numerous.• The desert is barren except for an occasional oasis.• Morocco is subject to earthquakes and periodic droughts.

History• In the early years of the first century, Morocco was under Roman rule. • Muslims then started to inhabit and take control of Morocco. • Became independent state in 1062• Several dynasties ruled Morocco until the middle of the nineteenth

century. • Spain declares war on the Moors in Morocco in 1859.• Became a French protectorate in 1912.• Independent again in 1956.• First democratic elections in1997• Current Events: Tourists are afraid to fly to Muslim countries so

Morocco’s tourism is hurting. Also, the dispute over the Western Sahara is continuing.

Political

• The Kingdom of Morocco is a constitutional monarchy.

• Capital : Rabat• Bicameral legislature• King Mohammad VI• Prime Minister Abbas El Fassi• Council members appointed by monarch• Monarch is hereditary

Economy• Morocco relies less on industry and more on agriculture and

fishing. • Its main trading partner and investor is France. It also trades with

Spain, Britain, Germany, Italy, and U.S.• Exports: clothing, fish, inorganic chemicals, transistors, crude

minerals, fertilizers (including phosphates), petroleum products, fruits, vegetables

• Imports: crude petroleum, textile fabric, telecommunications equipment, wheat, gas and electricity, transistors, plastics

• The economy is growing steadily.• Trade Associations: Morocco-US Free Trade Agreement

Daily Life

• Moroccan standard of living is low, but not drastically low. • 20% the population us below the poverty line.• Life expectancy is 72 years.• Literacy rate:52%• Literacy in men:64%• Literacy in women:39%• The national garment is the djelleba, a hooded caftan

worn by both men and women, although Western-style clothing is becoming more common.

• Internet usage went from 0% in 1995 to 33% in 2008.

Culture• 99% of Morocco is Muslim. 1% Christian.• Barley and wheat are the main diet.• Lamb, beef, and chicken are the main meats.• Mint tea is the national drink.• They don’t eat pork or drink alcohol.• Married sons and their wives live with the father and mother.

When the father dies, then the sons go and make their own household.

• Soccer is the most popular sport.• Moroccan music is a blend of Arab, Berber and classical styles• - Dancing in Morocco is a must during various ceremonies and

festival like marriage, harvest festival, religious gatherings

Winter Olympics 2010

• Morocco had 1 participant.• Azzimani Samir competed in the Alpine Skiing.

Conclusion

• Morocco is a highly Muslim country where family and religion are the most important values, two values that have been lost in America.

Finland

Michael Newns

Map of Finland

Country Description

• Total Area: 338,145 (sq km)/ 130,558 (sq mi) • Land Area: 304,473 (sq km)/ 117,557 (sq mi)• Water Area: 33,672 (sq km)/ 13,001 (sq mi)• Climate: Summers are short and mild. The days are long.

Winters are long and cold. Average temperature in Helsinki is 42°F.

• Location: 64°00’N; 26°00’ E; In northern Europe• Bordered by Norway, Sweden, and Russia• Population; 5,250,275• Finland is an Archipelago- a series of Islands

Finland Flag

Geography

• mostly low, flat to rolling plains interspersed with lakes and low hills

• Many of the islands are on the Archipelago Sea, and Finland also boarders the Gulf of Finland.

• Finland has lots of lakes such as Lake Saimaa in Southern Finland.

• There are rine, spruce, and birch forests in Finland. 75% of the fauna are insects. Some of the non-insects are otters, elk, foxes, and birds.

• One of Finland’s most famous tourist attractions is a church built into solid rock.

History

• Finland has always been bullied by other nations.• 1713- Russia invades Finland• 1808- Russia invades Finland again• 1907- Finland is the first country to give women the right to

vote.• 1917- Finland declares its independence during the Russian

Civil War.• During WWII, Finland declared neutrality but had an

alliance with Germany from 1918.• The Soviet Union invaded and Finland gave up 10% of its

land.

History(continued)

• Germany invaded the Soviet Union, and so did Finland. In response, Britain declared war on Finland.

• Finland conceded even more land and paid millions of dollars to the Soviet Union in 1944.

• 1948- Finland and Soviet Union signed Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance.

• 1973- Finland signed free-trade agreement with European Economic Community (EEC) .

• Finland became a member of the European Union in 1995.• Current Event: A fox broke into a zoo in Finland and killed

16 flamingoes.

Political

• Finland is a republic• Capital city is Helsinki• President Tarja Halownen• Prime Minister Matta Vanhanen• Council members appointed by president

Economy• Industry has replaced agriculture as the leading sector in Finland’s

economy.• Industry accounted for 34% of Finland’s GDP.• Some industries include metal products, electronics, shipbuilding, pulp

and paper, copper refining, foodstuffs, chemicals, textiles, clothing• Exports: machinery and equipment, chemicals, metals; timber, paper,

pulp• Imports: foodstuffs, petroleum and petroleum products, chemicals,

transport equipment, iron and steel, machinery, textile yarn and fabrics, grains

• Major trade partners: Germany, Sweden, Russia, Britain, France, Denmark• Trade Associations: Finnish Foreign Trade Association, European Free

Trade Association.

Daily Life

• High level of health care and standard of living• Life expectancy is 79 years.• Literacy rate:100%• Fairly casual dressed. Teens follow trends. • Formal dress worn on special occasions. The men

wear a peaked cap, woolen cap or felt hat. • Internet usage went from 0% in 1990 to 79% in 2007

Culture

• Religion: 89% Evangelical Lutheran, 1% Russian Orthodox, 1 % other, 9% none

• Finns are more reserved and care about respect and privacy

• Salmon, reindeer, berries, and soup are common.• The national sport in Finland is pesapallo. It is

played much like baseball.• Folk, rock, opera, and pop are poplar genres of

music.

Winter Olympics 2010

• Finland won 5 medals: 1 silver and 4 bronze• The silver medal was won by Piiroinen Peetu

in the Men’s Snowboarding Halfpipe.

Conclusion

• Finland is a fairly modern country not very different from the U.S.

• A very interesting fact that I learned is that in June and July, the night only lasts for 2-3 hours. In the extreme north, there is a period of 73 days that the sun does not set.

Suriname

Michael Newns

Map of Suriname

Country Description• Total Area: 163,270(sq km)/ 63,039(sq mi)• Land Area: 161,470 (sq km)/ 62,344(sq mi)• Water Area: 1,800(sq km)/ 695(sq mi)• Climate: tropical, hot, and humid year-round. • average 75°F to 90°F.• There is rain year round, amounts differing with the seasons.

Flooding is a cause for concern.• Location:4°00’N; 56°00’W• Bordered by Brazil, French Guina, and Guyana• In Northern Latin America• Population: 481,267

Suriname Flag

Geography

• mostly rolling hills; narrow coastal plain with swamps

• Borders the Atlantic Ocean• Flora: water lilies, orchids, tropical shrubs• Fauna: iguanas, snakes, white egret• Many tourists come to explore the tropical rain

forest that makes up about 80% of Suriname

History

• The Dutch acquired Suriname from England in the 1500’s. It was turned into a plantation colony an slaves were brought there.

• Slavery was abolished in 1863, but labor was still needed. Contract laborers from the south came to Suriname and worked on the plantation.

• Suriname gained full independence in 1975• Current Event: This past January, Suriname’s first

president died at the age of 99.

Political

• The Republic of Suriname is a constitutional democracy

• Its capital is Paramaribo• Chief of State: Runaldo Ronald VENETIAAN • Head of Government: Runaldo Ronald VENETIAAN • Cabinet members are appointed by the president

Economy

• Suriname’s industry in growing, but is still relatively low.• Some industries: bauxite and gold mining, alumina

production, oil, lumbering, food processing, fishing• Exports: alumina, crude oil, lumber, shrimp and fish, rice,

bananas• Imports: capital equipment, petroleum, foodstuffs, cotton,

consumer goods• Major Trading Partners: US, Netherlands, Trinidad and

Tobago, China, France, and Japan• Trade Associations: Suriname Trade & Industry Association

Daily Life

• Life expectancy is 73 years• Literacy rate:89%• Literacy in males:92%• Literacy in females:84%• The Javanese women wear sarongs as they would in

Indonesia. The Creole women wear the traditional kotomisse, with an angisa or handkerchief.

• Internet usage in Suriname rose from 0% in 1995 to 8% in 2007.

Culture

• Religion: Hindu 27%, Protestant 25%, Roman Catholic 23%,Muslim 20%, indigenous beliefs 5%

• Rice, potatoes, chicken, beans, and peppers are very common.

• Soccer and swimming are the most popular sports. • The music of Suriname is well-known for kaseko

music, and for having an Indo-Caribbean tradition.• Many tourist come to Suriname to observe the

beauty of the rain forest.

Winter Olympics 2010

• Suriname did not participate in the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Conclusion

• Suriname is a beautiful, tropical country which I would love to visit one day.

• I found the diversity of religions practiced in Suriname interesting.

Namibia

Michael Newns

Map of Namibia

Country Description• Total Area:825,418 (sq km)/318,694 (sq mi)• Land Area:825,418(sq km)/ 318,694(sq mi)• Water Area:0 (sq km)• Climate: semi-desert. Hot days and cool nights• Summer, days can reach 100°F• Rain from December to March, unrelenting dryness for rest of year• Location: 22°00’S, 17°00’ E• Southern Africa• Bordered by Angola, Botswana, South Africa, Zambia • Population:2,108,665

Namibia Flag

Geography

• mostly high plateau• Namib Desert along coast; Kalahari Desert in east• Flora: 120 different types of trees such as mopane,

terminalia, marula, and giant figs• Fauna: elephant, rhino, giraffe, buffalo, lion, leopard,

and cheetah.• The Namib desert is said to be the oldest desert in the

world• Many tourists visit Namibia to see the wild life

History

• Bushmen, Damara, Namaqua peoples inhabited Namibia in the 14th century

• In the late 1800’s-early 1900’s, the country became under German rule

• The natives rebelled, they were defeated, and this started the genocide of the natives led by the Germans

• Namibia became a colony of South Africa in WWI• The people of Namibia launched a war of independence in 1966• Namibia finally gained its independence in 1990• Current Event: in 2009, the manifesto of the Republican part in

Namibia is released

Political

• Namibia is a republic• The capital of Namibia is Windhoek• Bicameral legislature• President Hifikepunye POHAMBA• Prime Minister Nahas ANGULA

Economy

• Industry is relatively low in Namibia• Agriculture makes up most of the economy• Exports: diamonds, copper, gold, zinc, lead, uranium;

cattle, processed fish, karakul skins • Imports: foodstuffs; petroleum products and fuel,

machinery and equipment, chemicals • Major Trade partners: United States, EU

Daily Life

• Standard of living is bad in Namibia• The life expectancy is very low at 51 years• Literacy Rate:85%• Literacy in Men:84%• Literacy in Women:83%• many urban people dress in Western style clothing• some rural tribes maintain their traditional dress. • The himba for example wear leather thongs or skirts. • Only 5% of people in Namibia use the internet

Culture

• When a man dies, his sibling inherit the property• Whites account for 7% of population and they live in urban

areas• Religion: Christian 50%, Lutheran 40%, indigenous beliefs 10%• Mealie, or corn, is the main food in Namibia• Other popular foods include beef, mutton, millet, peanuts, and

melons• Fish is a big export but not a common part of the Namibian diet• Ma/gaisa is mainly sang in Khoekhoegowab or Nama/Damara,

and it is the most popular dance music in Namibia

Winter Olympics 2010

• Namibia did not participate in the 2010 winter Olympics

Conclusion

• Namibia is a developing country with lots of natural beauty. They are making a great effort to try to catch up with the industry and technology with the rest of the world.

• You can see this effort through Namibia’s announcement that they are trying to build a nuclear power plant within the next 20 years.

Tanzania

Michael Newns

Map of Tanzania

Country Description• Total Area:945,087 (sq km)/ 364,898 (sq mi)• Land Area: 886,037(sq km)/ 342,099(sq mi)• Water Area:59,050 (sq km)/ 22,799 (sq mi)• Climate: coastal strip is tropical with high humidity• Central plateau takes up most of country, hot and dry• 2 dry seasons, 2 rainy seasons• Bad monsoons• Location: Southern/Central Africa; 6°00’S, 35°00’E• Border countries: Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo,

Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia • Population:41,048,532

Tanzania Flag

Geography• Plains along the coast• Plateau takes up most of country• Borders Indian Ocean• Wooded grasslands are widely scattered throughout the country• The drier central areas include bush lands and thickets• 4 million wild mammals • Antelope, zebra, elephant, hippopotamus, rhinoceros, giraffe, and lion• Various species of monkeys• 827 species of birds• Famous Mt. Kilimanjaro 5,985 m

History

• 1498-Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama visits Tanzanian coast.

• 1884-German Colonization Society begins to acquire territory on the mainland.

• 1919- Germany loses WWI, Tanzania given to Britain

• 1961- Tanzania becomes independent• 2001- a new goldmine opens, making Tanzania

the third largest gold producer in the world

Political

• Tanzania is a republic• Capital is Dar es Salaam• Chief of state: Jakaya KIKWETE• Head of government :Jakaya KIKWETE • Five year terms• Cabinet members appointed by president

Economy

• Tanzania’s industry is very small• Most of it is centered around agriculture• Exports: gold, coffee, cashew nuts, manufactures, cotton • Imports: consumer goods, machinery and transportation

equipment, industrial raw materials, crude oil • Major Trade partners: UK, South Africa, Japan, France, and

India• Trade Sanctions: Tanzania has a trade sanction on Burundi

which will be lifted when Burundi returns to democracy.

Daily Life

• Standard of living is low• Life expectancy is only 52 years• Literacy rate:69%• Literacy in Men:85%• Literacy in Women:70%• Clothing: khanga and kitenge clothes for women• Toga-like garment for men• Women wear a lot of bead jewelry• Only 1% of the people in Tanzania use the internet

Culture• Women marry in early to mid teens • Groom offers a price for the bride• Muslim 35%, indigenous beliefs 35%, Christian 30%• Right hand considered “clean”, left hand is “unclean”• 2 main meals per day• A dish known as ugali, made from cassava, corn, sorghum or millet flour, is

very common• Fish stew, vegetables, and meat• Soccer and “netball” (like basketball)are poplar• A game similar to capture the flag is also common• The music of Tanzania stretches from traditional African music to the string-

based taarab to a distinctive hip hop known as bongo flava.• The Serengeti is known as one of the best wildlife sanctuary in the world

Winter Olympics 2010

• Tanzania did not participate in the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Conclusion

• Tanzania is a beautiful country with majestic wildlife.

• Tanzania is probably one of the oldest known continuously inhabited areas on Earth; fossil remains of humans and pre-human hominids have been found dating back over two million years.

Kazakhstan

Michael Newns

Map of Kazakhstan

Country Description• Total Area:2,717,300 (sq km)/ 1,049,150 (sq mi)• Land Area:2,669,800 (sq km)/1,030,810 (sq mi)• Water Area:47,500 (sq km)/18,340 (sq mi)• Climate: Continental and dry. Winter temperatures and snowfall

are rarely extreme and wind is light, summers are pleasant with 80 degree temps.

• Location: Asia; 48°00’N, 68°00’E• Bordered by China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan • Population: 15,399,437

Kazakhstan Flag

Geography

• extends from the Volga to the Altai Mountains and from the plains in western Siberia to oases and desert in Central Asia

• Landlocked, does not touch any oceans• Some fauna: brown bear, Caspian sea wolf, Caspian

tiger, eagle, snow lepard• Some flora: steppes and deserts• Tourist Attraction: Almaty-a beautiful setting

between mountains and plains

History• 1868- Thousands of Russian and Ukrainian peasants are brought in to

settle Kazakh lands• 1917-Civil war breaks out following the Bolshevik revolution in Russia• 1936-Kazakhstan becomes a full union republic of the USSR.• 1940-Hundreds of thousands of Koreans, Crimean Tatars, Germans and

others forcibly moved to Kazakhstan• 1949-The first nuclear test explosion is carried out at the Semipalatinsk

nuclear test ground in eastern Kazakhstan• 1961-The first manned spacecraft launched from the Baikonur space

launch site in central Kazakhstan• 1991-Kazakhstan established independence.• 1992- Kazakhstan admitted to the United Nations• Kazakhstanis being viewed as a nuclear threat because of the levels of

uranium it harvests

Political

• Kazakhstan is a republic• Capital is Astana• Bicameral parliament• Chief of State: President Nursultan A.

NAZARBAYEV• Head of Government: Prime Minister Karim

MASIMOV• Council of ministers appointed by president

Economy

• Big industries are oil, coal, and iron ore• Exports: oil and oil products, ferrous metals,

chemicals, machinery, grain, wool, meat, coal• Imports: machinery and equipment, metal

products, foodstuffs• Major Trade partners: Russia, Germany, US,

China• Trade Associations: The U.S.-Kazakhstan

Business Association (USKBA)

Daily Life

• Standard of living is good• Life expectancy is 68 years• Literacy Rate:99%• Literacy in Men:99%• Literacy in Women:97%• Clothing: Urban Kazaks wear Western style clothes• Traditionally Kazaks liked to wear boots with with a

pair of felt stockings in the winter• Internet usage rose from 0% in 1994 to 12% in 2008

Culture

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

• There is a housing shortage and many people live in urban apartments

• Many games that involve horses are played• Kuirdak, is a dish prepared from freshly slaughtered meat

and consists of the animal's liver, heart, kidneys and other organs cut into pieces, boiled in oil and served with onions and pepper. YUM!

• Folk orchestras are popular in Kazakhstan

Winter Olympics 2010

• Kazakhstan had 38 participants in the 2010 winter Olympics

• Kazakhstan won one medal: silver• The winner of the medal was Elena

Khrusttaleva in the women’s biathlon

Conclusion

• Kazakhstan is a fairly modern country that is catching up with the other Asian countries.

• I think that it is interesting that Kazakhstan has to rely on industry so much because there is not much water to have farming.

Cuba

Michael Newns

Map of Cuba

Country Description

• Total Area:110,860 (sq km)/ 42,803 (sq mi)• Land Area:110,860 (sq km)/42,803 (sq mi)• Water Area:0 (sq km)/ 0 )(sq mi)• Climate: mild subtropical climate cause by

trade winds and warm surrounding waters• Average temperature is 77°F• In the Caribbean; 21°30’N, 80°00’ W• Population:11,451,652

Cuba Flag

Geography

• mostly flat to rolling plains, with rugged hills and mountains in the southeast

• bordered on the south by the Caribbean Sea and on the north by the Gulf of Mexico and the Straits of Florida

• An island• Flora: cactus, mango, pomegranate, avocado, banana• Fauna: woodpecker, jutia, snakes, • Tourist attractions: immaculate beaches bring in

thousands of tourists

History• 1492-The navigator Christopher Columbus claims Cuba for Spain.• 1511-Spanish colonization of the island begins under the direction of Diego

Velazquez.• 1607-Havana is officially named the capital of Cuba.• 1868-War of independence lasts for ten years between Cuban colonials wanting

independence from what they see as unjust rule from Spain. The War ends in a treaty and promise of greater autonomy for Cuba.

• 1895-Jose Marti leads a second war of independence; US declares war on Spain.• 1898-US defeats Spain, which gives up all claims to Cuba and cedes it to the US.• 1898-Cuba becomes independent with Tomas Estrada Palma as its president;

however, the Platt Amendment keeps the island under US protection and gives the US the right to intervene in Cuban affairs.

• 1906-Cuban President Tomas Estrada resigns and the United States invades and occupies Cuba after a rebellion led by Jose Miguel Gomez.

• 1925-Socialist Party founded, forming the basis of the Communist Party.

History(continued)

• 1959-Fidel Castro led a Communist revolution and the rebel army overthrew the Cuban president Fulgencio Batista.

• 1962-Cuban missile crisis occurs when Castro allows the USSR to deploy nuclear missiles in Cuba. The crisis was solved when the USSR agreed to take back the missiles in exchange for the US withdrawing their missiles from Turkey.

• 1965-Cuba’s sole political party renamed the Cuban Communist Party.

• 1976-Cuban Communist Party approves a new socialist constitution; Castro elected president.

• 1980-More than 100,000 Cubans flee to the US.• 2008-Raul Castro takes over as president, days after Fidel announces

his retirement.

Political

• Cuba is communist• Capital is Havana• President Raul Castro• Secondary head of state: Gen. Jose Ramon

Machado Ventura

Economy

• Industry and agriculture are about the same importance• Some industries: sugar, petroleum, tobacco, • Exports: sugar, nickel, tobacco, fish, medical products,

citrus, coffee• Imports: petroleum, food, machinery and equipment,

chemicals• Major trade Partners: Spain, China, Venezuela, Italy,

France, Canada, US, Mexico• Trade Associations: US-Cuba Trade Association• Trade Sanctions: US put an embargo on Cuba in 1960

Daily Life

• Standard of living is good, much better than it was under the early years of Fidel Castro

• Life expectancy is 78 years• Literacy Rate:99%• Literacy in Men:97%• Literacy in Women:96%• Clothing: Casual dress and lightweight slacks are the norm

during the day with more formal wear in the evenings. Shorts are popular at the beach but no shorts are allowed at night in public places

• Internet usage rose from 0% in 1995 to 12 % in 2008

Culture

• It is not uncommon for 3 generations to live under one household

• Religion: Roman Catholic 85%, other 15%• Baseball is the favorite sport• Food: rice, beans, eggs, tomatoes, lettuce,

chicken, beef and pork. Various spices used• wide range of creolized musical styles, based on

its cultural origins in Europe and Africa• Many Spanish and Latin dances

Winter Olympics 2010

• Cuba did not participate in the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Conclusion

• Cuba is a fascinating country with rich culture but still is recovering from the oppressive communist government and rule of Fidel Castro.

Iran

Michael Newns

Map of Iran

Country Description

• Total Area: 1,649,000 (sq km)/636,679 (sq mi)• Land Area: 1,636,000 (sq km)/631,660 (sq mi)• Water Area: 12,000 (sq km)/ 4,633 (sq mi)• Climate: mostly arid or semiarid, subtropical along

Caspian coast• Location: Middle East, Asia; 32° 00’N, 53° 00’E• Population: 66,429,284

Iran Flag

Geography• rugged, mountainous rim• high, central basin with deserts, mountains; • small, discontinuous plains along both coasts• Borders Arabian sea, Persian Gulf, and Caspian Sea• Bordered by Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iraq, Pakistan,

Turkey, Turkmenistan • Flora: oak, ash, elm, cypress, walnut, beech, maple, and mulberry• Fauna: wild sheep and goats, gazelles, wild asses, wild pigs,

panthers, and foxes• There is not much tourism in Iran because of the war

History• Ruled by Muslim dynasties• 1907-ntroduction of constitution which limits the absolutist powers of

rulers.• 1914-Iran declares neutrality but is scene of heavy fighting during

World War I.• 1935-Formerly known as Persia, Iran is adopted as the country’s official

name.• 1941-Reza Shah, who sides with Germans in the war, forced to

abdicate by Allies. His son, Reza Pahlavi, named Shah.• 1979-The Shah was overthrown by the Islamic Revolution ending 2,500

years of monarchy.• 1979-Islamic republic set up. • 1980-Start of Iran-Iraq war which lasts for eight years.

History(continued)

• 1981-The American hostages are released ending 444 days in captivity.

• 1990-A major earthquake strikes Iran, killing approximately 40,000 people.

• 1990-Iran remains neutral following Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait.• 1995-US imposes oil and trade sanctions over Iran’s alleged

sponsorship of “terrorism”, seeking to acquire nuclear arms and hostility to the Middle East process. Iran denies the charges.

• 2003-40,000 people are killed in an earthquake in south-east Iran; the city of Bam is devastated.

• Current Event: American troops remain stationed in Iran

Political

• Iran is a theocratic republic• Capital is Tehran• Supreme Leader Ali Hoseini-KHAMENEI• President Mahmud AHMADI-NEJAD • First Vice President Parviz DAVUDI • Cabinet members picked by president with

legislature approval

Economy• Industry and agriculture are both big• 40% of population below poverty line• Exports: petroleum, chemical and petrochemical products, fruits

and nuts, carpets• Imports: industrial raw materials and intermediate goods, capital

goods, foodstuffs and other consumer goods, technical services, military supplies

• Major Trade Partners: Germany, Japan, Switzerland, France, Italy• Trade Associations: Iranian Trade Association • Trade Sanctions: The US does not sell any aircraft or military

materials to Iran

Daily Life

• Standard of living is not good, but not bad• 40% of population below poverty line• Life Expectancy is 71 years• Literacy rate:77%• Literacy in Men:85%• Literacy in Women:73%• Clothing: dress formally and conservatively in public• Men wear western clothes or robes and traditional turbans• Women must be covered from head to foot in public• Internet usage rose from 0% in 1994 to 325 in 2008

Culture

• Religion: Shi a Muslim 89%, Sunni Muslim 9%, other 2%• Large families favored• Men can have up to 4 wives• Many say that chess was invented in Iran• Other popular games are wrestling, weightlifting, squash,

and horse racing• Midday meal is most important• Muslims do not eat anything from dusk to dawn during

Ramadan• Religion is extremely important; so is fasting and praying

Winter Olympics 2010

• Iran had 4 athletes in the 2010 winter Olympics.

• They competed in alpine skiing and cross country skiing.

• They did not win any medals.

Conclusion

• Iran is a founding member of the UN, NAM, OIC and OPEC.

• It is a powerful country struggling to set up a strong government while dealing with radical Muslims.

Taiwan

Michael Newns

Map of Taiwan

Country Description

• Total Area: 35,980 (sq km)/ 13,892 (sq mi)• Land Area: 32,260 (sq km)/ 12,456 (sq mi)• Water Area: 3,720 (sq km)/ 1,436 (sq mi)• Climate: sub-tropical with temperatures ranging from 12 to

35 degrees Celsius • Summer and winter are long, spring and fall are short• Typhoons last from June to October• Asia; 23°30’N, 121°00’E• Population:22,974,347

Taiwan Flag

Geography

• eastern two-thirds mostly rugged mountains• flat to gently rolling plains in west• Island in Pacific Ocean• Flora: evergreen tropical and subtropical forest,

where ficua, pandanus, palms, teak, bamboos, and camphors are commonly found

• Fauna: Foxes, flying foxes, deer, wild boar, bats, squirrels, macaques, and pangolins

• Tourist Attraction: Yushan Mountain

History• 1626-The Spanish colonize northern Taiwan.• 1661-Chinese Ming dynasty occupied Taiwan.• 1683-The Manchus (Tartars) conquer Taiwan which becomes part of

the Chinese empire.• 1895-China ceded Taiwan to Japan under the Apr 17 Treaty of

Shimonoseki. This followed a war over control of the Korean peninsula. Japanese occupation ended in 1945.

• World War II; Japan surrenders and China’s Chiang Kai-shek appoints General Chen-Yi to take over Taiwan.

• 1971-Taiwan is expelled from the United Nations. The seat is given to the People’s Republic of China.

• 1978-The United States announces it will terminate its diplomatic relations with Taiwan on Jan. 1, 1979.

History(continued)

• 2001-Taipei lifts a 50-year ban on direct trade and investment with China.

• 2002-Taiwan officially enters the World Trade Organization, only a few weeks after China.

• 2005-Tension between China and Taiwan intensifies, when China passes an anti-secession law that says the country can use force if Taiwan moves toward achieving independence.

• 2007-The country attempts to join the UN for the first time under the name Taiwan, rather than the official title of Republic of China. The application is rejected.

• 2009-The leaders of China and Taiwan exchange direct messages for the first time in more than 60 years, in a sign of warming ties.

Political

• multiparty democratic regime • Capital is Taipei• Unicameral legislature• Chief of State: MA Ying-jeou • Head of Government: LIU Chao-shiuan

Economy

• Industries: electronics, petroleum refining, chemicals, textiles, iron and steel, machinery, cement, food processing

• Exports: computer products and electrical equipment, metals, textiles, plastics and rubber products, chemicals

• Imports: machinery and electrical equipment minerals, precision instruments

• Major Trade partners: Japan, US, China, South Korea

Daily Life

• Standard of living is good• Life expectancy is 78 years• Literacy rate:96%• Clothing: Western-Style clothing is common• Suit is appropriate in business• Appearance is important

Culture

• Religion: Confucian 93%, Christian 5%, other 2%• Live in crowded conditions• Men's primary duty is to be a good son, husband and

father are secondary• Never put chopsticks in rice bowl, looks like sticks of

incense at a funeral• Popular sports: golf, ping-pong, basketball, soccer,

softball, and badminton• Instrumental music includes multiple genres, such as

beiguan and nanguan.

Winter Olympics 2010

• Taiwan did not participate in the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Conclusion

• Taiwan is a very young developing country that is still fighting for international recognition.

• Although US has helped out its economy tremendously. Also China wants it in the worst way!