Rica C

Rica C. CuetoII- Necktarine

“Afro- Asian Countries”

A. Kenya

I. Background Information

1.) Language- English, Swahili, Kikuyu and Maasai2.) Population- 43,013,341 people3.) Land Area- 69,140 km2 (219,750 sq mi)4.) Type of Government- is a Semi-presidential Republic government.5.) Tourist Attraction- Nairobi National Park, Langata, Mombasa, Lamu archipelago,

Rift ValleyII. Rituals, Beliefs, Customs and Tradition

- Kenyans tend to identify primarily with their tribe or ethnic group, and only secondarily with the nation as a whole. The Kikuyu, who were better represented in the independence movement than other groups, and who continue to dominate the government, are more likely to identify themselves as Kenyans. The Kikuyu are the largest tribe in the highlands, and tend to dominate the nation's politics. Over the centuries, they consolidated their power by trading portions of their harvests to the hunter-gatherers for land, as well as through inter-marriage. This gradual rise to domination was peaceful and involved a mingling of different ethnic groups. While the Kikuyu have enjoyed the most power in the post–independence government, they were also the hardest–hit by brutal British policies during the colonial period. The Kikuyu traditionally had an antagonistic relationship with the Maasai, and the two groups often raided each other's villages and cattle herds. At the same time, there was a good deal of intermarriage and cultural borrowing between the two groups. Relations among various other ethnic groups are also fraught with tension, and this has been a major obstacle in creating a united Kenya. These conflicts are partly a legacy of colonial rule: the British exaggerated ethnic tensions and played one group against another to reinforce their own power. Under British rule, different ethnic groups were confined to specific geographic areas. Ethnic tensions continue to this day, and have been the cause of violence. In the early 1990s tribal clashes killed thousands of people and left tens of thousands homeless. Conflicts flared again in the late 1990s between the Pokots and the Marakwets, the Turkanas and the Samburus, and the Maasai and the Kisii.

B. Madagascar

I. Background Information

1.) Language- Mlagasy and French2.) Population- 24.11 million people3.) Land Area- 581,540 sq km (224,533 square miles)4.) Type of Government- Revolutionary Socialism government5.) Tourist Attraction- Antananarivo, Mantasoa, Perinet and Nossi Beworld's fourth-

largest islandMozambique coastAntananarivo HotelsII. Rituals, Beliefs, Customs and Tradition

- A firm belief in the existence of close ties between the living and the dead constitutes the most basic of all traditional beliefs and the foundation for Malagasy religious and social values. All the Malagasy peoples have traditionally accepted the existence of a supreme God, known commonly as Zanahary (Creator) or Andriamanitra (Sweet, or Fragrant, Lord). The dead have been conceived as playing the role of intermediary between this supreme God and humankind and are viewed as having the power to affect the fortunes of the living for good or evil. The dead are sometimes described as "gods on earth," who are considered the most important and authoritative members of the family, intimately involved in the daily life of the living members. At the same time, the razana (best defined as "ancestors") are the sources from which the life forces flows and the creators of Malagasy customs and ways of life. The livings are merely temporary extensions of the dead. Great hardship or trouble can result if the dead are offended or neglected. The burial tomb, a prominent part of the island landscape in all regions, is the primary link between the living and the dead among the Malagasy. It is built with great care and expense, reflecting the privileged position of the dead, and is often more costly and substantial than the houses of the living. The land upon which a family tomb is situated--tanindrazana (land of the ancestors)--is inalienable, and social and economic practices are designed to guarantee that tomb lands are kept within the family. Anthropologists have described the Merina as living, in effect, in two localities: the place where one happens to work and keep one's household, and the tanindrazana, a locality of much deeper sentimental significance, the spiritual center where the family tomb is located. The two are usually separated by a considerable distance. Among some groups, whether one decides to be buried in the tombs of the father's or mother's family determines individual descent-group allegiance. The tombs of the various peoples around the island differ somewhat in form. Merina tombs tend to be solid, stone structures, built partially underground, with a chamber in which the bodies of ancestors are kept on shelves, wrapped in silk shrouds.

C. Nigeria

I. Background Information

1.) Language- Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, Fulfulde, Kanuri, and Ibibio2.) Population- 170,123,740 people3.) Land Area- 351,649 sq mi (910,771 sq km)4.) Type of Government- Federal Republic government5.) Tourist Attraction- Azumini Blue River RoseLagos, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Linz,

Kitzbuhel and AzoresII. Rituals, Beliefs, Customs and Tradition

- Oil-rich Nigeria, long hobbled by political instability, corruption, inadequate infrastructure, and poor macroeconomic management, has undertaken several reforms over the past decade. Nigeria's former military rulers failed to diversify the economy away from its over-dependence on the capital-intensive oil sector, which provides 95% of foreign exchange earnings and about 80% of budgetary revenues. Since 2008 the government has begun showing the political will to implement the market-oriented reforms urged by the IMF, such as to modernize the banking system, to curb inflation by blocking excessive wage demands, and to resolve regional disputes over the distribution of earnings from the oil industry. In November 2005, Abuja won Paris Club approval for a debt-relief deal that eliminated $18 billion of debt in exchange for $12 billion in payments - a total package worth $30 billion of Nigeria's total $37 billion external debt. The deal subjects Nigeria to stringent IMF reviews. Based largely on increased oil exports and high global crude prices, GDP rose strongly in 2007-09. President YAR'ADUA has pledged to continue the economic reforms of his predecessor with emphasis on infrastructure improvements. Infrastructure is the main impediment to growth. The government is working toward developing stronger public-private partnerships for electricity and roads. British influence and control over what would become Nigeria and Africa's most populous country grew through the 19th century. A series of constitutions after World War II granted Nigeria greater autonomy; independence came in 1960. Following nearly 16 years of military rule, a new constitution was adopted in 1999, and a peaceful transition to civilian government was completed. The government continues to face the daunting task of reforming a petroleum-based economy, whose revenues have been squandered through corruption and mismanagement, and institutionalizing democracy. In addition, Nigeria continues to experience longstanding ethnic and religious tensions. Although both the 2003 and 2007 presidential elections were marred by significant irregularities and violence, Nigeria is currently experiencing its longest period of civilian rule since independence. The general elections of April 2007 marked the first civilian-to-civilian transfer of power in the country's history. In January 2010, Nigeria assumed a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2010-11 terms.

D. China

I. Background Information

1.) Language- Cantonese (Hong Kong and Macau), English (Hong Kong), Portuguese (Macau), Uyghur (Xinjiang), Tibetan (Tibet), Mongolian (Inner Mongolia), Zhuang (Guangxi)

2.) Population- 1,360,000,600 people3.) Land Area- 9 327 489km24.) Type of Government- Communism government5.) Tourist Attraction- Great wall of China, the Potala PalaceForbidden City, Yangtze

River, Terra Cotta WarriorsII. Rituals, Beliefs, Customs and Tradition

- Chinese traditions and culture are unique. The Chinese have a rich culture that gives importance to health, spirituality, food and eating habits. The Chinese traditional clothes show that Chinese were well versed in the art of embroidery and stitching even during the prehistoric era. Chinese culture is one of the oldest cultures of the world. The Chinese traditions and cultural aspects vary among the different towns and provinces. A topic on Chinese traditions and culture would be incomplete without mentioning their food, clothes, education, architecture and transport. The historians claim that Chinese culture was very civilized and they had some unique and wonderful traditions. Ancient Chinese literature exhibits the understandings of the intellectuals of ancient China. Traditional Chinese literature proves that Chinese culture was one of the most civilized cultures of the world. The books that narrate the culture and traditions of ancient China show that the Chinese were well-versed in astrology, astronomy, poetry, calendar mapping and so on. Zhou Dynasty was the Golden Period in the history of Chinese literature and this dynasty is marked as the milestone of Chinese literary culture and traditions. Traditions and culture vary from one Chinese province to another. The large part of Chinese traditions and culture are based on spirituality. The belief in life after death and reincarnation were an integral part of Chinese tradition and culture. Traditional clothing is a part of the Chinese culture. There are evidences that show that the Shantingtung culture, which flourished 18,000 years ago, used sewing needles made of bones. There are also evidences that prove the existence of the concept of sewing and ornamentation in the early Chinese culture. However, importance of designing the clothes was recognized during the era of the Yellow Emperor and also during the reign of the Emperors Yao and Shaun. It was during the Shang dynasty, 16th to 11th century BC that refined and sophisticated clothes were worn. The evidences show that silk was woven during this period.

E. India

I. Background Information

1.) Language- Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi,2.) Population- 1.22 billion people3.) Land Area- 2 973 190km24.) Type of Government- Communism, Socialism government5.) Tourist Attraction- Gra Fort, Taj Mahal in India, Red Fort in Agra, Fatehpur Sikri,

India Gate in DelhiII. Rituals, Beliefs, Customs and Tradition

- India, in the past, witnessed successive waves of migration from various foreign forces like the Persians, Arabs, British and Turks. Though, with time, all of them retreated, they left behind their indelible mark which is still reflected in the culture and traditions of India. From one state to another, there is so much variation in the language, attire, beliefs and other demographic aspects of the denizens that it is simply mind-boggling. However, there are some very prominent features that bind all Indians to the brand 'Hindustani'. These traditions range from the aarti done to welcome the guests to touching the feet of the elders. The cultural traditions of India have been passed on from generation to generation and have become deeply rooted in the Indian way of living. In this section, we have covered the important culture and traditions of India. dia’s one billion people have descended from a variety of races. The oldest ones are the Negroid aboriginals called the Adivasis or First settlers. Then there are the Dravidians, The Aryans, the Mongols, The Semites and innumerable inter-mixtures of one with the other. The great Epic, The Mahabharata and the sacred text, the Bhagavad-Gita teaches the Indians that survival can only be in terms of quality of life. It provides a framework of values to make the Indian culture well- groomed. India's cultural heritage dates back to 5000 years. Very few countries in the world has a social and religious structure which withstood invasions and persecution and yet kept its identity by being resilient enough to absorb, ignore or reject all attempts to radically change or destroy them. Indian culture is unique because of its diversity and variety in physical, religious, racial, linguistic and artistic fields. In India religion is a way of life being an integral part of Indian tradition. Many dances, theatrics and folklore are religious and based on Indian mythology and folk legends. One has to have background knowledge of Indian mythology to enjoy and appreciate the Indian Arts.

F. Japan

I. Background Information

1.) Language- Nihonggo2.) Population- 125,000,000 poeple3.) Land Area- 152,411 sq mi (394,744 sq km)4.) Type of Government- Constitutional Monarchy government5.) Tourist Attraction- oshimizu Shrine, Yoshino Mikumari Shrine Pilgrimage RoutesII. Rituals, Beliefs, Customs and Tradition

- The term "Japanese Traditions" signifies the customs or practices that have been passed on from one generation to another in Japan. Some of these enriched traditions in Japan are briefly explained in the following:

Japanese garden:This corresponds to an eminent part in Japanese architectural plan as it explains so many views of Japanese traditions. The Japanese garden is a feature of Japanese traditions which has not distorted much in the contemporary age. Japanese garden still depicts how the Japanese perceive nature, their divinities, themselves as well as their own precedents. Japanese Traditional 'Landscape Gardens' can be roughly classified into three variants as Chaniwa Gardens or 'Tea gardens', Karesansui Garden or 'Dry Gardens' and Tsukiyama Gardens or 'Hill Gardens'. The huge variety of Japanese Traditional Gardens includes the gardens like Nijo Castle, Ryoanji, Byodoin, Sankeien, Hama Rikyu Park, Ritsurin Koen and Kenrokoen. Japanese Traditional Music: Traditional Japanese Music is widely known as 'Hogaku'.A few forms of 'Hogaku' are Minyo, Sokyoku, Biwagaku, Shamisenongaku, Gagaku, Shakuhachi and Nogaku. Japanese Festivals: The captivating and dazzling traditional festivals of Japan are made more attractive by their processions. This spectrum of festivals includes Sanja Matsuri, Sapporo Snow Festival, Kyoto Gion Matsuri, Takayama Matsuri, Chichibu Festival and Nagasaki Kunchi. The peoples of the Jōmon period (8000 B.C.E. –300 B.C.E. ) were Neolithic hunting-and-gathering bands. During the Yayoi period (ca. 300 B.C.E. – ca. 300 C.E. ) extensive cultural contact with and migration from the Asian mainland occurred, and a society arose that was based on irrigated rice cultivation. The basic genetic stock of the population and the fundamental patterns of the language were established during that period. Japan came to the attention of China in the fourth century. During the Yamato period (300 C.E. –552 C.E. ), small chieftainships coalesced into a rudimentary state-level society. The mythologies of the indigenous Japanese religion, Shintō, date from that period; they intertwine accounts of the divine origins of the islands with chronicles of struggles among gods whose descendants eventually came to be regarded as the imperial family, which claims an unbroken line of descent since this period. In 552, emissaries from the Korean kingdom of Paekche established contact with the Yamato rulers.

G. Philippines

I. Background Information

1.) Language- Tagalog2.) Population- 92,337,852 people3.) Land Area- 298,170 km24.) Type of Government- Democratic government5.) Tourist Attraction- Mayon Volcano, Taal Volcano, Hundred Islands, Boracay and

Palawan underground river.II. Rituals, Beliefs, Customs and Tradition

- When children or young people greet or say goodbye to their elders they typically do so by taking the right hand of the elder with their right hand and touch the back the elder's hand lightly on their forehead. This act is called Mano Po. It is a way to give respect to elders and I've also understood it to be a way of accepting a blessing from the elder. Mano is spanish for 'hand' while the word Po is often used at the end of a sentence when addressing elders or superiors. The word Po is often used when speaking with an elder or to a superior. Typcially, it is added to the end of a sentence. For example, thank you would be thank you po. In tagalog, salamat means thank you. To an elder you would say salamat po. The word po doesn't really have a meaning but adds formality as a sign of respect. Adult children living with their parents are another commonplace filipino tradition. In fact, I would have to say it is actually the norm. Unlike in the United States where children leave the home after finishing high school or college, Filipino children often continue living with their parents until they are married or even after they are married. Filipinos usually eat with a fork and spoon. The fork, usually in the left hand, is used to place or push the food into the spoon which is held by the right hand. The spoonful of food goes into your mouth. In addition to the fork and spoon method, eating with your hands or kamayan is another common filipino tradition. Gather a small portion of meat or fish and a bite size portion of rice on your plate. Then use all your fingers to gather the food into a small mountain or mound. Pick up the little mound and put it in your mouth using your thumb to gently push the food in. Filipinos usually eat rice that has a slightly sticky consistency so making the little mounds is easier than if you were to use a jasmine or basmati rice. Of course, this method of eating doesn't work with soup/stew or noodles and other kinds of food but for your basic plate of rice, meat/fish and vegetables it works quite well! Next time you make dinner try eating kamayan.

H. South Korea

I. Background Information

1.) Language- Hangugeo and Chosŏnmal2.) Population- 49,779,000 people3.) Land Area- 100,210 km24.) Type of Government- Monarcy government5.) Tourist Attraction- Gyeongbokgung PalaceSeoul, Gyeongju and BuyeoNational Parks in

South Korea. II. Rituals, Beliefs, Customs and Tradition

- When entering a Korean home, you must remove your shoes. To do any less is a sign of great disrespect. Koreans have a special relationship with their floor, on which they sit and often sleep. A dirty floor is intolerable in a Korean home, and they view Westerners as backward savages for remaining shod in our living rooms. Kimchi is sliced cabbage, fermented with red chili sauce and anchovy paste. It is pungent, spicy, and sour. Koreans love it and eat it with every meal – usually on the side – though they also use it as an ingredient in countless other dishes. Korea is a drinking culture, and their national booze is soju, a clear, vodka-like drink. Soju is drunk out of shot glasses, and like all liquor in Korea, it’s always served with food. Koreans drink in boisterous groups, regularly clinking glasses, while shouting geonbae! (Cheers) and one shot-uh! At night you will see men coming out of norae bang (karaoke rooms) and staggering through the streets, laughing, singing and arguing. Just be sure to avoid the puddles of reddish-vomit often left behind, which are also known as kimchi flowers. Koreans have strict drinking etiquette: never pour your own drink, and when pouring for someone older than you, put one hand to your heart or your pouring arm as a sign of respect. Koreans are a warm and generous people, but you would never know it from the sourpusses they paste on in public. Sometimes, the chaotic streets of the peninsula resemble a sea of scowls, with everyone literally putting their most stern faces forward. This is NOT true of the children however, who will invariably grin and laugh while shouting “Hello! Hello!” Korea is a crowded country. It’s a cluster of stony mountains with only a few valleys and plains on which to build. The result is a lot of people in small spaces, and folks will not think twice about pushing and jostling in order to get onto a bus, into an elevator, or to those perfect onions at the market.

I. Sri Lanka

I. Background Information

1.) Language- Sinhala and Tamil2.) Population- 20,277,597 people3.) Land Area- 24,996 sq mi (64,740 sq km)4.) Type of Government- Monarchy government5.) Tourist Attraction- monuments, beaches, art galleries and museums; Waterfalls,

Wildlife adventures, Beaches Sri LankaII. Rituals, Beliefs, Customs and Tradition

-The current Sri Lankan national identity is dominated by the Sinhala majority, although this identity is resisted by the minority ethnic groups. Since independence, national leadership has consistently appealed to the Sinhala majority and the strength of the Buddhist monastic orders, marginalizing the non-Sinhala, non-Buddhists from the Sri Lankan identity and limiting access to state-controlled benefits. Despite the politicization of separate ethnic identities, there is a core of cultural beliefs, practices, and values that are largely shared among the people of Sri Lanka, particularly in the domains of the economy, social stratification, gender, family, and etiquette. Ethnic Relations. Sri Lanka has always been home to a multiethnic and multireligious society. Because of the historic fluidity in migration and marriage patterns, the physical attributes of the principal ethnic groups are widely distributed. While conflicts between various groups have periodically flared up, beginning in 1956 the ethnic rivalry between the Sinhala-Buddhist majority and the Sri Lankan Tamil minority has intensified to an unprecedented level and led to the eruption of civil war in 1983. Since that time, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, a militant organization of Sri Lankan Tamils, have been fighting for an independent Tamil state in the north and east. Sri Lanka is governed by a democratically elected president and a 225-member parliament. The president serves for a term of six years and has the power to dismiss the parliament, out of which the president selects cabinet members, a prime minister, and a chief justice. Although regular elections at all levels of government have been held since independence, there are increasing allegations of tampering and violence. The current leadership is considering a new constitution in which greater powers would be reserved for the provincial governments, a move calculated to address the ethnic conflicts and end the nation's civil war.

J. Vietnam

I. Background Information

1.) Language- Vietic2.) Population- 87,840,000 people3.) Land Area- 125,622 sq mi (325,361 sq km)4.) Type of Government- Socialist Republic Country5.) Tourist Attraction- Nairobi National Park, Langata, Mombasa, Lamu archipelago, Rift

ValleyII. Rituals, Beliefs, Customs and Tradition

- The name Vietnam originated in 1803 when envoys from the newly founded Nguyen dynasty traveled to Beijing to establish diplomatic relations with the Chinese court. The new emperor had chosen the name Nam Viet for his kingdom. The word Viet he derived from the traditional name for the Vietnamese imperial domain and its people in what is now northern and central Vietnam. Nam (south) had been added to acknowledge the expansion of the dynasty's domain into lands to the south. The Chinese objected to this new name because it was the same as an ancient state that had rebelled against Chinese rule. They therefore changed it to Viet Nam. Vietnamese officials resented the change and it did not attain public acceptance until the late 1800s. The story of the origin of Vietnam's name captures several prominent themes that have run throughout the nation's history. As the usage of Viet indicates, the Vietnamese have for centuries had a sense of the distinctiveness of their society and culture. However, as the inclusion of Nam shows, the land they inhabit has expanded over time, and also has its own internal divisions into northern, central, and southern regions. Additionally, as evidenced by the name change, their history has been profoundly influenced by their contact with other, often more powerful, groups. Vietnam today stands at a crossroads. It has been at peace for over a decade, but since the 1986 introduction of the "Renovation" or Doi Moi policy that began dismantling the country's socialist economy in favor of a market economy, the country has experienced tremendous social changes. Some have been positive, such as a general rise in the standard of living, but others have not, such as increased corruption, social inequality, regional tensions, and an HIV-AIDS epidemic. The Communist Party still exercises exclusive control over political life, but the question of whether Vietnam will continue its socio-economic development in a climate of peace and stability remains uncertain at the beginning of the twenty-first century.

K. Pakistan

I. Background Information

1.) Language- Punjabi, Pashto, Sindhi and Balochi2.) Population- 176,745,364 people3.) Land Area- 770880.00 sq. km4.) Type of Government- Military Government5.) Tourist Attraction- Flashman's Hotel (Rawalpindi) Room Tariff

II. Rituals, Beliefs, Customs and Tradition

- The Pakistani culture, customs and traditions are an amalgamation of the Arab, Persian and native cultures. However these greatly differ in all regions / provinces of the country. From marriages to eating habits and from attire to recreation, there are varying shades, however very colourful and fascinating. Old people are given positions of prestige, honour and respect in Pakistani culture. Social life is simple with customs and traditions reflecting an Islamic touch. Like all over the world, marriages in Pakistan are full of hues, music and lot of food. Marriages are generally arranged by the parents and they would be partners, however, the trend is changing but at a much slower pace where marriages of own choice and choosing are allowed. Sometimes the formal engagements may last from a few months to many years, depending on the age of the couple. In most of the cases, the bride and groom meet for the first time on their wedding day. It can be said that marriages in Pakistan are not a union of two individuals, but a long lasting relation of two families. Wedding rituals are elaborate and usually take four to five till the actual wedding day. he initial two days are generally meant for the ritual of "Mehndi", wherein Hina is applied to both the groom and the bride by the female friends and relatives of both sides. The friends of the bride and groom also dance at "Dholak" (indigenous drum, to which use of electronics and play back on cassete palyers is also on the increase.  Then is the wedding day, when a cleric gets a "Nikah Nama" (the marriage contract) signed by both the partners in the presence of witnesses of both families. A man and a woman must repeat thrice that he / she is willing to enetr into the matrimonial bond on his/her own will. After the ceremony, sweets are distributed as a omen of good will, followed by a sumptuous meal. The bride usually wears a decorated red dress with lot of jewellary, while the groom normally attrires in "Sherwani" - a long closed collar coat. The next day, the groom hosts a luncheon/dinner called "Walima" to introduce the bride to his entire family and friends. On the wedding and Walima days, the bride wears heavily stitched wedding dress, normally red in colour and heavy gold ornamanets and bangles.

L. Cuba

I. Background Information

1.) Language- Caribbean dialect2.) Population- 11,300,000 people3.) Land Area- 104,556 km2 (40,369 sq mi)4.) Type of Government- Communism government5.) Tourist Attraction- Baracoa, Cayo Largo, Holguin, Jar dines del Rey, Maria la Gorda,

Vinales II. Rituals, Beliefs, Customs and Tradition

- Family and friends are very important in Cuban traditions and customs. Celebrations in Cuba for holidays typically involve large groups of people socializing together. Food is also very important in the Cuban culture, with simplicity being stressed. Weddings in Cuba are similar to those in many other Western cultures with a couple of minor differences. Christmas traditions in Cuba revolve around gathering large numbers of family members to celebrate. These include extended families to have as large a group as possible to celebrate the holiday. Food is an important part of the Christmas tradition in Cuba. The Christmas pig must be fresh. It is traditionally caught and killed within two days of Christmas; multiple pigs are provided for large gatherings. The entire pig is then roasted to provide food for the entire family. Desserts passed on from previous generations within the family are also a tradition for Cuban Christmas celebrations. The Cuban Christmas tradition in Cuba does not include the exchange of gifts or any mention of Santa Claus. Cuban foods are foods that are not typically written down in recipes, instead the tradition is for families to pass down recipes orally from generation to generation. Cooking styles that include complex and heavy sauces or deep frying are not typical of Cuban cuisine. Garlic, cumin and oregano are common spices used in Cuban cooking. Using fruit juices as marinades is traditional in Cuban cuisine as well. One of the more common methods of cooking in Cuban tradition is baking. Cuban wedding traditions are similar to some American traditions such as the money dance. Instead of presenting money to the maid of honor or another representative as are done in American weddings, at Cuban weddings those that wish to dance with the bride pin money to her dress before dancing with her. The bride and the groom thank their guests for attending the wedding by presenting them with small token gifts. In Cuba the birthday is a very large celebration. It is not just centered on the family and the friends of the child. Coworkers of the parents, neighbors and others are invited even if they do not have any children to invite. The Cuban birthday celebration includes a lot of dancing and singing traditionally, and also includes a competition to break a piñata filled with items.

M. Peru

I. Background Information

1.) Language- Quechua, Aymara2.) Population- 27,167,000 people3.) Land Area- 494,208 sq mi (1,279,999 sq km)4.) Type of Government- Constitutional Republic government5.) Tourist Attraction- The lost city, museums and old structures

II. Rituals, Beliefs, Customs and Tradition

- Peru boasts one of the largest varieties of arts and crafts on Earth, as can be seen from the growing network of exporters who each year exhibit the skill of Peruvian craftsmen in Europe, Asia and North America. The diversity, color, creativity and multiple functions of Peru's folk art has made it a fundamental activity not just for Peru's cultural identity, but also as a way of life for thousands of families and even entire communities, such as Sarhua and Quinua in Ayacucho. Works of art, both big and small, spark admiration amongst Peruvians and foreigners alike, are steeped in centuries of history, imbued with pre-Hispanic shapes and symbols which have merged with others brought over by the Spaniards. Peru has forged a multiple and complex identity which is paradoxically one of the reasons why Peruvian arts and crafts are tending to shift towards naif art, lending their works a touch of innocence. The excellence of Peruvian artisans can be seen in the harmony of the geometric designs in weavings, the minute portraits of peasant farming life on the carved gourds called mates burilados, the cultural mestizaje or blend in the colorful retablo boxed scenes. Their labors have also produced the finely carved Huamanga stone sculptures, the complex Baroque wooden carvings, the beauty of gold and silver relics and versatility with clay and its many forms of pottery. These works are just some of the cultural manifestations of a people who communicate mainly through art, using a language whose fundamental aspects are abundance, fertility and confidence in the future. In Peru's rural areas, the way people dress creates an important distinction, as a result of the blend of pre-Hispanic influences with the European clothing that the natives were forced to wear during the colonial era. The traditional Inca anacu was transformed by the local women into the brightly-colored and multi-layered petticoats known as polleras. Depending on the region, a black skirt is decorated with a belt which can come in a variety of colours and is enriched with flowers in the northern Piura highlands or a brightly-hued woolen lliclla in Chiclayo, further south.

N. Jamaica

I. Background Information

1.) Language- Jamaican Creole language2.) Population- 2,652,689 people3.) Land Area- 4,181 sq mi (10,829 sq km)4.) Type of Government- Democratic government5.) Tourist Attraction- Dunns River Falls, Bob Marley Mausoleum Tour, Dolphin Cove,

Martha Brae River Rafting II. Rituals, Beliefs, Customs and Tradition

- When someone dies, there are rituals which are sometimes performed in the person's home. The furniture in the deceased's room is rearranged and the mattress turned over. This is to ensure that the person's spirit (duppy)will not recognise the room, and therefore won't want to stay there. If a person dies at home, someone may sweep behind the body as it isbeing carried out of the house, so that the spirit will leave along with the body. When a husband dies, the widow will often sleep in red underwear, or tie a red string or tape measure around her waist. Theseare believed to ward off the dead man's duppy, which may want to trouble the widow (in a husbandly way) in her sleep. Before a grave is dug, it is necessary for the diggers to have white rum on hand to pour a libation to the earth spiritsbefore ground is broken. Children are told never to point at graves, as this will cause your fingers to fall off, or other bad things to happen.If you forget, your only hope is to bite each finger really hard. (I'm grateful my fingers didn't scar easily.) One of the strongest Jamaican traditions concerning death, is that of a wake, also called Nine Night or Set Up. It wasbelieved by African slaves that a person's spirit took nine days to travel home to Africa, and this is probably wherethe tradition started. Family and friends gather at the dead person's home to comfort the bereaved, and to give the spirita good send off from this world. This may be done on one or many nights, with the ninth night or the night immediately precedingthe funeral being of the most importance. It was an African belief that the person's duppy would live on and become a nuisanceto the survivors if not treated with respect before burial. Although the concept is African derived, the proceedings at a wake have a strong European Christian influence. Specialhymns (sankeys) are sung emphasising the soul's journey to heaven. The singing is done in a style known as 'tracking', wheresomeone will call out one line of the sankey at a time, and then the rest of the gathering will sing the line together. The activities at a wake will vary according to place, class, and religious beliefs. Food and drink, including white rum,are a must at all wakes.The refreshments are usually provided by the family, often with the financial assistance of friends and well wishers. Nowadays in rural areas, itis not unusual for a sound system to be hired for the occasion. Food vendors may set up stalls on the roadside if it is expected that the Set Up is going to be a large one.

O. Trinidad and Tobago

I. Background Information

1.) Language- English language 2.) Population- 1.3 million people3.) Land Area- 5,128 square kilometres (1,980 sq mi)4.) Type of Government- Democratic government5.) Tourist Attraction- Parliament, President's HomeMonuments Tobago; Natural Wonders

Trinidad; Natural Wonders Tobago; Eco Sites TrinidadColonial architecture, quality museums, and gardens entice

II. Rituals, Beliefs, Customs and Tradition

- Trinidad was named by Christopher Columbus on his third voyage to the New World. On the morning of 31 July 1498, he saw what appeared to him as a trinity of hills along the southeastern coast. The island was called Iere, meaning "the land of the hummingbird," by its native Amerindian inhabitants. Tobago's name probably derived from tabaco (tobacco in Spanish). Trinidad (but not Tobago) is ethnically heterogeneous. Trinidadians and Tobagonians of African descent are called "Negro," "Black," or "African." Trinidadians of Indian descent are called "East Indian" (to differentiate them from Amerindians) or "Indian." More recently the terms "Afro-Trinidadian" (or "Afro-Tobagonian") and "Indo-Trinidadian" have gained currency, reflecting heightened ethnic claims to national status. Trinidadians of European ancestry are called "White" or "French Creole." There are a number of designations for those of black–white ancestry, including "Mixed," "Colored," "Brown," and "Red" among other terms. The term Creole, from the Spanish criollo , meaning "of local origin," refers to Blacks, Whites, and mixed individuals who are presumed to share significant elements of a common culture as well as biogenetic properties because most claim these designations do not represent "pure races." The term Creole thus tends to relegate non-Creoles like East Indians to a somewhat foreign status. Creole also serves to modify whiteness. The term "French Creole" refers to white families of long standing whether their surname is French-derived or not. The terms "Trinidad White" and "Pass as White" are sometimes used to deride those who are considered White in Trinidad but would not be so considered elsewhere. Trinidadians and Tobagonians (the population of Tobago is almost 100 percent of African descent) identify strongly with their home island and believe each other to be different culturally. An impressive literary tradition exists among writers who have mainly made their names and reputations abroad, including C.L.R. James, Ralph de Boissie`re, V.S. Naipaul, Shiva Naipaul, Samuel Selvon, Earl Lovelace, Ismith Khan, Ramabai Espinet, and Michael Anthony. Calypso must count as oral literature. Contemporary calypsonians include the Mighty Sparrow, Lord Kitchener, the Mighty Chalkdust, Gypsy, Black Stalin, Drupatee, Cro Cro, Calypso Rose, Super Blue, David Rudder, Crazy, Baron, Explainer, Sugar Aloes, and Denyse Plummer among many others

P. Haiti

I. Background Information

1.) Language- French2.) Population- 6,867,995 people3.) Land Area- 10,641 sq mi (27,560 sq km)4.) Type of Government- Constitutional/ Republican government5.) Tourist Attraction- Port-au-PrinceTheCitadelle La FerrièreLabadee

II. Rituals, Beliefs, Customs and Tradition

- Haiti is located in the Western Hemisphere and is surrounded by the Caribbean Sea, the Golfe De la Gonave and the Atlantic Ocean. It is believed that the first known settlers were the Ciboneys who occupied the country in 450 AD. Later in 900 AD, Arawak Indians settled in the large villages of Haiti and called this nation Ayiti, meaning the "Land of Mountains". On December 5, 1492, Christopher Columbus discovered this nation during his voyage. The Spaniards of Christopher Columbus killed the Arawaks, and for many years, this island had no human population. Towards the mid-17th century, the French colonized Haiti, and during the reign of France, Haiti was one of the most popular islands of the Western Hemisphere. The main source of wealth came from coffee, cocoa, sugarcane and cotton. The French brought the Afrikaans to work as slaves on these plantations. In 1791, the slaves revolted against the French rule and attained freedom in 1804. Haiti became the first independent black nation and was headed by General Jean-Jacques Dessalines. In 1884, Haiti was divided into Haiti and Dominican Republic. During World War II, Americans occupied Haiti. Culture of Haiti. The culture of Haiti is the fusion of the African, West Indian and the French cultures. The national language of Haiti is "Creole" and this language is widely used in arts, literature, drama, music and dance. The people of Haiti are known as Haitians and they are very creative and artistic people. Works of art of Haiti are recognized worldwide because of their unique features and colorful portrayal. Music is a part of Haitian culture and is influenced by French, Spanish and American music. Drum is the most important musical instrument. The famous and world-renowned music of Haiti is the Haitian Compas or Kompa Direk. Compas is a Spanish word meaning "rhythm" or "tones". Did you know that Haiti did not have any recorded music until 1937? A Haitian Jazz musician Guignard, first recorded the music in 1937. The music of Haiti is very unique and is taken from Vodou ceremony and traditions. The music of Haiti involves medium-to-fast tempo beats accompanied by electric guitars, saxophone, synthesizers and a horn. Some of the popular music forms of Haiti are Rara, Mizik Rasin, Mini-Jazz, Zouk and Haitian Rap. Festivities of Haiti begin in the month of February and are known as Carnival or Kanaval in Creole. At the time of festivities, people get away from their daily routine and are on streets dancing and singing. There are parade floats accompanied by music during the festival season.

Q. Guyana

I. Background Information

1.) Language- Akawaio, Wai-Wai, Arawak and Macushi2.) Population- 763,000 people3.) Land Area- 196,850 km²4.) Type of Government- Monarchy government5.) Tourist Attraction- Guyana Hotels, St. George's CathedralProvidence Stadium

II. Rituals, Beliefs, Customs and Tradition

- Guyana is an Amerindian word meaning "the land of many waters." Attempts to forge a common identity have foundered, and it is more accurate to speak of African, Indian, and Amerindian Guyanese cultures. There were small European, Portuguese "colored," and Chinese communities before large-scale migration to Canada and the United States in the late 1960s. British Guiana was referred to as "the land of six peoples."The colonial rulers promoted images of Britishness to inculcate loyalty to the empire, but although various ethnic groups absorbed aspects of that culture, they retained their identities. The Portuguese attempted to selectively Anglicize their Madeiran Catholic culture to stress their European-ness. Most Africans adapted British culture to an essentially African core. Indians, coming after the Africans (between 1838 and 1917), sustained a stronger sense of their national identity. This process of "creolization" affected all groups but did not forge a national culture. After adopting British cultural idioms, the African and mixed middle class deprecated the "backward coolie" culture of Indians. The Indians, steeped in ancient notions of caste, brought rigid ideals of color and physical features to their judgment of African people, although most Indian immigrants were themselves dark. Africans and Indians thus constructed distinct A brief political compromise in the early 1950s could not moderate their mutual incomprehension. In the early 1960s, both groups violently contested the space being vacated by the British; this has left a legacy of racial hatred. Ethnic relations since independence in 1966 have been undermined by the notion that politics consists of the allocation of the spoils of power to the ruling ethnic section. Alternating ruling African and Indian elites publicly criticize the role of culture and ethnicity in political mobilization while exploiting it. The two main commercial centers are Georgetown and New Amsterdam. The colonial architecture found in parts of Georgetown is still impressive wooden buildings with jalousies and high ceilings to facilitate ventilation, some featuring large, wooden verandas. In rural areas, there are many wooden buildings made up of many eclectic styles, but all are built on stilts to protect them from floods. Wooden buildings are fading into the past, however, as concrete buildings are becoming more common. There are class differences within each ethnic group. One can identify an Indian middle class based primarily in commerce and an African middle class in the professions and the upper echelons of public service. Middle class consciousness across ethnic lines is weak, and includes very few Amerindians.

R. South Africa

I. Background Information

1.) Language- frikaans, English, Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Sotho, Swazi, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa and Zulu

2.) Population- 32,646,600 people3.) Land Area- 1,214,470 sq. km4.) Type of Government- Democratic government5.) Tourist Attraction- Plettenberg Bay - SA's Best BeachII. Rituals, Beliefs, Customs and Tradition

- South Africa is a unique and interesting place with lots of different kinds of traditions and culture. Inhabited both by native Africans and Europeans, South Africa's history includes lots of struggles between the ways of life for Europeans and the natives. Even though natives make up the majority of the country's population, much native culture has been lost or diminished in modern history--but some stronger native tribes have adapted their traditions to meet changing times. Examples of South Africa's historical culture can be found in the cave paintings of prehistoric people in South Africa. The paintings there are considered to be some of the greatest examples of prehistoric art in the world! But the culture of the native people wasn't limited to just cave paintings. Singing, dancing and beautiful dress have been common parts of native South African life. The Zulu tribe, a very strong tribe whose traditions have survived to modern day, is known for beautiful and colorful beadwork. Every color of bead has a different meaning and a Zulu woman can tell a story just by using different color beads in her work! The Xhosa tribe has been called the "red people" because of the red-dyed clothing many of its adults wear.

S. Congo

I. Background Information

1.) Language- French2.) Population- 30,000,125 people3.) Land Area- 1,214,470 sq. km4.) Type of Government- Democratic government5.) Tourist Attraction- historical places, museumII. Rituals, Beliefs, Customs and Tradition

- The official language spoken in the Congo is French but there are other languages spoken, such as; Lingala, Azande, Chokwe, Kongo and Luba. The major exports are copper, cobalt, diamonds, crude oil and coffee. People from the Congo rain forests are called the Pygmies. Pygmies are possibly the shortest people on earth. The height of an average pygmy is around four feet. Pygmies are hunters and gatherers. This means that they hunt and kill their food and gather berries and other types of vegetation. The men do the hunting and the women do the gathering. In Congo, the forest is sacred. The groups Mbuti are group who live near the forests of Congo. They are called the bamiki bandura, or the "children of the forest". The Mbuti people are a small separate section of the Pygmy tribes.

T. Ethiopia

I. Background Information

1.) Language-Sotho, Swazi, Tswana2.) Population- 14,000,2413.) Land Area- 15,154 sq. km4.) Type of Government- Monarchy government5.) Tourist Attraction- Churches and restaurants II. Rituals, Beliefs, Customs and Tradition

- Ethiopia is truly a Land of  discovery - brilliant and beautiful, secretive, mysterious and extraordinary. Above all things, it is a country of great antiquity, with a culture and traditions dating back more than 3,000 years. The traveler in Ethiopia makes a journey through time, transported by beautiful monuments and the ruins of  edifices built long centuries ago. Ethiopia, like many other  African countries, is a multi-ethnic state. Many distinctions have been blurred  by intermarriage over the years but many also remain. The differences may be observed in the number of languages spoken - an astonishing 83, falling into four main language groups: Semitic, Cushitic, Omotic and Nilo-Saharan. There are  200 different dialects. Regarding the country’s nations and nationalities, which is estimated to be around 80 million, the number of ethnic Oromo accounts about 25.5 million (34.5 %) while Amhara is 19.8 million (26.9%), Somali 4.5 million (6.2 %),Tigre 4.4 million (6.1%). The Semitic  languages of Ethiopia are related to both Hebrew and Arabic, and derive from  Ge'ez, the ecclesiastical language. The principle  Semitic language spoken in the north-western and central part of the country is Amharic, which is also the official language of the modern state. Other main languages are Tigrigna, Guraginya, Adarinya, Afan Oromo, Somalinya, Sidaminya, Afarinya, Gumuz, Berta and Anuak. The Tigrigna- and  Amharic-speaking people of the north and centre of the country are mainly  agriculturalists, tilling the soil with ox-drawn ploughs and growing teff (a local millet), wheat, barley, maize and sorghum. The most southerly of the Semitic speakers, the Gurage, are also farmers and herders, but many are also craftsmen. The Gurage grow enset, 'false banana', whose root, stem and leaf stalks provide a carbohydrate which, after lengthy preparation, can be made into porridge or unleavened bread. The Cushitic Oromo,  formerly nomadic pastoralists, are now mainly engaged in agriculture and, in the more arid areas, cattle-breeding. The Somali, also pastoral nomads, forge a  living in hot and arid bush country, while the Afar, semi-nomadic pastoralists  and fishermen, are the only people who can survive in the hostile environment of the Danakil Depression. Living near the Omo River are the Mursi, well-known for  the large clay discs that the women wear inserted in a slit in their lower lips. The people of  Ethiopia wear many different types of clothing. The traditional dress of the Christian highland peasantry has traditionally been of white cotton cloth. Since  the time of Emperor Tewodros 11 (mid-1800s), men have worn long, jodhpur-like  trousers, a tight-fitting shirt and a shamma (loose wrap).