By: Maggie Cline

Bulgarian MapLEGEND

Capital City Cities Mountains

BulgariaSize- 110,879 sq km Climate- temperate; cold, damp winters and

hot, dry summers.Location- Southeastern Europe Population- 7,093,635 peopleFlag-

Geographic FeaturesLand Regions-mostly mountains with lowlands in north

and southeastRivers, Lakes, Oceans- Danube River; separates

Romania & Bulgaria and Black Sea to the East

Indigenous Fauna &Flora- Arctic alpines, suslik, rock partridges, chamois, capercaillie, chough, accentor, & wall

creeper Special Points of interest-earthquakes; landslides

Vacation Tour- Boyana Church, Kazanluk Tomb, and Bachkovo Monastery

HistoryEarly History-Central Asian Turkic tribes merged with

the local Slavic inhabitants in the late 7th century.

Impact on world-Having fought on the losing side in both World Wars, Bulgaria fell within the Soviet sphere of

influence and became a People's Republic in 1946.

PoliticalType of government-parliamentary democracy

Government LeadersChief of State-President Georgi Parvanov, Vice

President Angel Marin. Head of Government-Prime Minister Boyko Borlssov,

Deputy Prime Ministers Simeon Djankov and Tsvetan

Tsvetanov.

EconomyIndustry-electricity, gas, water; food, beverages, tobacco;

machinery and equipment, base metals, chemical products, coke, refined petroleum, nuclear fuel.

Exports- clothing, footwear, iron and steel, machinery and equipment, fuels.

Imports-machinery and equipment; metals and ores; chemicals and plastics; fuels, minerals, and raw materials

Economic Status- Bulgaria entered the EU on January 1, 2007.

Major Trade Partners- Russia, Germany, Italy, Greece, Romania, Turkey, Ukraine, Austria.

Trade Association- EUROMAT (European Gaming and Amusement Federation), Association of Apparel and Textile.

Sanctions- None at this time.

Daily LifeStandard of living-$12,800 per capita

Literacy- 98.2% of population

Clothing-Pants, shirts, and vests are worn by men and dresses and aprons that are heavily embroidered for the women.

Internet Usage-3.395 million

CulturalTraditions- Rose Day celebrates the start of rose-picking.Customs-Sourvakars (Boys going from house to house, wishing people a

Happy New Year by slapping them ritually with an ornamented twig for health and prosperity.), Martyr Triffon Zarezan (first pruning of the vines.)

Religions- Bulgarian Orthodox, Muslim, other Christian. Foods- Traditional Bulgarian food include recipes that

contain feta cheese, meat, vegetables, and yogurt. Music & Dance- Nestinars is a ritual dance on live coal. Unique Facts- Wedding bands are worn on the right hand,

not the left as in the West and when Bulgarians nod their heads up and down, they mean NO. When they move their heads from side to side, they mean YES.

Conclusion I learned that Bulgaria is a unique country with its unusual

traditions. I learned Bulgaria was a former communist country and is now a parliamentary democracy. Bulgaria is a mountainous region with a huge population.

Pictures of Bulgaria

Map of Czech Republic

Czech RepublicSize-78,867 sq km Climate-temperate; cool summers; cold,

cloudy, humid wintersLocation-Central Europe Population-10,190,213 Flag-

GeographyLand Regions- Bohemia in the west consists of rolling plains,

hills, and plateaus surrounded by low mountains; Moravia in the east consists of very hilly country.

Rivers, lakes, oceans- Elbe River

Indigenous fauna & flora- Oak, beech, and spruce dominate the forest zones,while the Alpine zone supports grasses and low-

growing bushes. Points of interest- floodingVacation- St. Nicholas Cathedral, National Theater, and old

Jewish cemetery.

HistoryEarly history- On 1 January 1993, the country underwent a

"velvet divorce" into its two national components, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The Czech Republic joined NATO in 1999

and the European Union in 2004. Impact on world- At the end of WWI, the Czech and the Slovaks

joined together to make Czechoslovakia. On the eve of WWII, the Czechs were forcibly annexed into the Third Reich.

PoliticalType of government-parliamentary democracyGovernment leaders-Chief of state- President Vaclav KlausHead of government- Prime Minister Petr Necas

First Deputy Prime Minister- Karel Schwarzenberg

Economy Industry- motor vehicles, metallurgy, machinery and equipment,

glass, armamentsExports- machinery and transport equipment, raw materials and

fuel, chemicals Imports- machinery and transport equipment, raw materials and

fuels, chemicals

Economic status- The Czech Republic is a stable and prosperous

market economy. Trade partners- Germany, China, Slovakia, Poland, France,

Russia

Trade associations-OSCE and NATO Sanctions- None at this time.

Daily Life

Standard of living- $25,600 per capita Literacy- 99% of the population Clothing- The normal pants and shirt for men and women or

women can wear skirts or dresses.

Internet usage- 6.681 million

CulturalTraditions-the burning of witches, the day of love, and

Hromnice.Customs- Remove your shoes before dining, the eldest woman

gets served first, and be on time. Religions- Roman Catholic, Protestant Foods- Their meals consist of meats and starches

Music & dance- The Czech Republic is central and eastern Europe's centers for music.

Unique facts- Czechs are very shy; reserved people and value family and planning ahead into the future.

ConclusionThe Czech Republic is located in central Europe. Their food

recipes consists of meats and starches because of their harsh winters. I learned that the Czechs are very reserved people that value family just like me.

Czech Republic

Map of Kyrgyzstan

Bishkek, KyrgyzstanSize-199,951 sq km Climate-dry continental to polar in high Tien Shan

Mountains; subtropical in southwest (Fergana Valley); temperate in northern foothill zone

Location-Central Asia Population-5,587,443 people Flag-

GeographyLand regions- peaks of Tien Shan and associated valleys and

basins encompass entire nation.

Rivers, lakes, oceans- Naryn River, Lake Issyk Kul’, and Lake Song-Kel’

Indigenous fauna & flora- woodlands and white spruce

Points of interest- None

Vacation tour- Burana tower, Ala Archa, and Jailoo.

HistoryEarly history- Kyrgyzstan was annexed by Russia in

1876. During the Tsarist Empire revolt in 1916 almost 1/6 of Kyrgyz population was killed. Kyrgyz received independence in 1991 when the USSR dissolved.

Impact on world- The Silk road went thru Kyrgyzstan from China to Europe opening a trading route for silk, teas and other fine spices.

PoliticalType of government-republic

Government LeadersChief of state- President Roza Otunbaeva

Head of government- Prime Minister Almazbek

Atambaev

Economy Industry-small machinery, textiles, food processing, cement,

shoes, sawn logs, refrigerators, furniture, electric motors, gold, rare earth metals

Exports-cotton, wool, meat, tobacco; gold, mercury, uranium, natural gas, hydropower; machinery; shoes

Imports-oil and gas, machinery and equipment, chemicals, food stuffs

Economic status- Kyrgyzstan is a very poor country with much corruption.

Trade partners-China, Switzerland, Russia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan

Trade associations- Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)

Sanctions- None

Daily LifeStandard of living- $ 2,200 per capita

Literacy- 98.7% of the population

Clothing- people in felt hats, knee-length silk tunics, (belted at the waist) and high leather boots – all very reminiscent of traditional Kyrgyz costume. More modern western traditional clothing is becoming more accepted.

Internet usage-2.195 million

CulturalTraditions- People live in a Yurta.Customs- Jentek toi (Birth Feast) New parents show their

happiness by treating their neighbors, and a mark of respect is to treat people to sary mai (yellow butter). First it is put into the baby's mouth, followed by the oldest person in the house. The sary mai is kept in a slaughtered lamb's, sheep's or calf's stomach for the purpose of this feast.

Religions-Muslim and Russian Orthodox Foods- Dish is meant to be eaten with the hands, not with a

knife and fork! - "Besh" means five, and "barmak", finger. Music & dance- Music is nomadic and rural. Unique facts- The people have no sewage system and get

their water from mountains.

Conclusion Kyrgyzstan is a very mountainous and poor country. They have no

sewage system and get their water mainly from mountains. The consequences of mountain water in water population which is dominant in this country.

Pictures of Kyrgyzstan

Map of Nicaragua

Managua, NicaraguaSize-130,370 sq km Climate-tropical in lowlands, cooler in highlands

Location-Central America Population-5,666,301 people

Flag-

GeographyLand regions- extensive Atlantic coastal plains rising to central

interior mountains; narrow Pacific coastal plain interrupted by volcanoes.

Rivers, lakes, oceans- Lago de Nicaragua, Lago de Managua, Caribbean Sea, and North pacific Ocean

Indigenous fauna & flora- Forests contain valuable cedar, mahogany, and pine timber as well as quebracho, guaiacum, guapinol and medlar

Points of interest- Destructive earthquakes; volcanoes; landslides; extremely susceptible to hurricanes.

Vacation tour- Cathedral de la Asuncion, Volcan Masaya National Park, and Nueva Catedral.

HistoryEarly history- Nicaragua was settled as a Spanish colony from

Panama in the early 16th century. They gained their independence in 1821, from Spain.

Impact on world- Nicaraguan aid to leftist rebels in El Salvador caused the US to sponsor anti-Sandinista contra guerrillas.

PoliticalType of government-Republic

Government leadersChief of state- President Daniel Ortega Saavedra; Vice

President Jaime Morales Carazo

EconomyIndustry- Food processing, chemicals, machinery and metal

products, knit and woven apparel, petroleum refining and distribution, beverages, footwear, wood.

Exports- Coffee, beef, shrimp and lobster, tobacco, sugar, gold, peanuts; textiles and apparel.

Imports- Consumer goods, machinery and equipment, raw materials, petroleum products.

Economic Status- The poorest country in Central America.

Trade partners- U.S., Venezuela, Mexico, and Costa Rica Trade association- CACM, WTO, and WTO Sanction- None at this time.

Daily LifeStandard of living-$2,900 per capita Literacy-67.5% of the population

Clothing- Very brightly colored clothing.

Internet usage-199,800 of the population

CulturalTraditions- Toro Guaco and La Gritera. Customs- Catholic devotion, diverse indigenous roots, and

enthusiasm for life in the face of extreme poverty.

Religions- Roman Catholic, Evangelical, Moravian, and Jehovah's Witness

Foods- Corn is used in a lot of recipes.

Music & dance-Marimba dances. Unique facts- Nicaragua is the second poorest country in the

Hemisphere.

Conclusion Nicaragua is the poorest country in Central America. Despite the

poverty stricken country they are devout Catholics.

Pictures of Nicaragua

Map of Saudi Arabia

Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaSize-2,149,690 sq km Climate-harsh, dry desert with great temperature

extremes

Location-Middle East Population-26,131,703 people

Flag-

GeographyLand Regions- mostly uninhabited, sandy desert

Rivers, lakes, oceans- Red Sea and Persian Gulf

Indigenous fauna & flora-Points of interest- Frequent sand and dust storms

Vacation tour-

HistoryEarly history- The modern Saudi state was founded in

1932. it is home to the religion of Islam and has two holy cities; Mecca and Medina.

Impact on world- After Iraq invaded Kuwait in 1990, Saudi Arabia accepted the Kuwait royal family and 400,00 refugees.

PoliticalType of government-Monarchy

Government leaders-Chief of state- King and Prime Minister Abdallah bin Abd

al-Aziz Al Saud

Economy Industry-crude oil production, petroleum refining, basic

petrochemicals, ammonia, industrial gases, sodium hydroxide (caustic soda), cement, fertilizer, plastics, metals, commercial ship repair, commercial aircraft repair, construction

Exports-petroleum and petroleum products Imports-machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, chemicals, motor

vehicles, textilesEconomic status- Oil-based economy and is strongly controlled

by the government.

Trade partners- Japan, United States, South Korea, China, and

Germany. Trade association- UKOOASanction- None at this time.

Daily LifeStandard of living- $24,200 per capita

Literacy-78.8% of the population

Clothing- Thobe, Tagiyah, Ghutra, Agal, Surwal, and Boshiya

Internet usage-9.774 million

CulturalTraditions- The Feast of the End of Ramadan and The Feast of

the End of Hajj. Customs- “Hunter dogs” and “guard dogs” are only allowed to

enter the country. Religions-Muslim Foods- Do not eat pork or drink alcohol.Music &dance- Saudi Arabia comprises of about 50 folk dances

and an innumerable variety of classical music. Unique facts- Saudi Arabia is ranked as the largest

exporter of petroleum.

ConclusionSaudi Arabia is a country found in the middle

east. They rely heavily on their oil for trade but have expanded into agriculture.

Pictures of Saudi Arabia

Map of Swaziland

Mbabana, SwazilandSize- 17,364 sq kmClimate- Varies from tropical to near temperate.Location- Southern Africa Population- 1,370,424 peopleFlag-

GeographyLand regions- Mostly mountains and hills; some moderately

sloping plains.Rivers, lakes, oceans- Lusutfu River and Komati River. Indigenous fauna & flora- Made up of mostly the Highveld and

the windward slopes of the Lubombo escarpment; savanna, and

grassland. Points of interest- DroughtVacation Tour- Milwane Wildlife Sanctuary, National

Museum, and Havelock Mine.

HistoryEarly History- Autonomy for the Swazis of southern Africa was

guaranteed by the British in the late 19th century. They finally

gained independence in 1968. Impact on world- Swaziland recently surpassed Botswana as the

country with the world's highest known HIV/AIDS prevalence rate.

PoliticalType of government- Monarchy

Government LeadersChief of state- King Mswati III Head of government- Prime Minister Barnabas Sibusiso

Dlamini

Economy Industry- Coal, wood pulp, sugar, soft drink concentrates, textiles

and apparel.Exports- Soft drink concentrates, sugar, wood pulp, cotton yarn,

refrigerators, citrus and canned fruit. Imports- Motor vehicles, machinery, transport equipment,

foodstuffs, petroleum products, chemicals.Economic Status- Sugar and wood pulp were major foreign

exchange earners; however, the wood pulp producer closed in January 2010.

Trade partners- South AfricaTrade associations- Southern African Customs Union (SACU). Sanctions- Political sanctions within its own country.

Daily LifeStandard of living- $4,500 per capita

Literacy- 81.6% of total population

Clothing- Colorful skirt with a leather apron. Internet Usage- 90,100

CulturalTraditions- Commonwealth Day, Birthday of King Sobhuza II, and Boxing

Day.Customs- They rely on oral tradition folklore. Religions- Zionist, Roman Catholic, and Muslim.Foods- Corn, sorghum, beans, groundnuts and sweet potatoes are grown to

eat.Music and dance- SiBhaca dance music.Unique Facts- Swaziland is a very poor country with the highest

number of infected by with HIV/AIDS.

ConclusionSwaziland is found in southern Africa. It is a very poor

country and has the highest number of infected people with

HIV/AIDS.

Pictures of Swaziland

Map of Yemen

YemenClimate- Extraordinarily hot, dry, harsh desert.

Size- 527,968 sq km

Location- Middle East, bordering the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Red Sea, between Oman and Saudi Arabia.

Population- 24,133,492 Flag-

GeographyLand regions- Narrow coastal plain backed by flat-topped hills

and rugged mountains; dissected upland desert plains in center slope into the desert interior of the Arabian Peninsula.

Rivers, lakes, oceans- Gulf of Aden and Red Sea Indigenous fauna & flora- The date palm, citrus fruits,

bananas, and cotton.Points of interest- Sandstorms and dust storms in summer

Vacation Tour- City of Taiz, Makha, and Al-Qaherah Castle.

HistoryEarly History- North Yemen became independent of the

Ottoman Empire in 1918. In the 19century, the British set up a protectorate area around the southern port of Aden.

Impact on world- In 2000, Saudi Arabia and Yemen agreed to a delimitation of their border.

PoliticalType of government- Republic

Government leadersChief of state- President Ali Abdallah Salih

Head of government- Prime Minister Ali Muhammad Mujawwar

Economy Industry- Crude oil production and petroleum refining; small-

scale production of cotton textiles and leather goods; food processing; handicrafts; small aluminum products factory; cement; commercial ship repair; natural gas production.

Exports- Crude oil, coffee, dried and salted fish, liquefied natural gas.

Imports- Food and live animals, machinery and equipment, chemicals.

Economic Status- Relies on declining oil resources for revenue. Trade Partners- China, Thailand, India, South Africa, Japan, UAE. Trade Associations- WTO Sanctions- Yemen is does not have sanctions, however the United

Nations wants to sanction Al’ Qaida in the region.

Daily LifeStandard of living-$2,600 per capita Literacy- 50.2% of the population.Clothing- Thob. Internet Usage- 2.349 million

CulturalTraditions- Yemenite men consume Qat, a narcotic plant, every

day.Customs- Muharram (Islamic New Year).Religions- Muslim including Shaf'i (Sunni) and Zaydi (Shia),

small numbers of Jewish, Christian, and Hindu.Foods- Hot and spicy foods.Music and dance- They listen to rock and R&B.Unique facts- Yemen has no recorded deaths of people living

with HIV/AIDS.

Conclusion Yemen is a country in southern Africa, which is

strategically located along the strait of Bab el Mandeb, which links one of the most used shipping lanes.

citationsCia.gov/worldfactbook