Shaanxi Earhquake
The worst earthquake recorded in history happened in China in the year 1556. The number of death toll is unknown yet traditionally it is being given an 830, 000. The reason for the numerous death is that most of the people lived in artificial caves in Loess cliffs that collapsed during the catastrophic incident. The earthquakes caused many landslides that made the caves collapse. All in all there are about 840-kilometre or 520 miles destroyed during the earthquake.
Indian Ocean Earthquake
In the year 2004, an earthquake with a magnitude of 9.1 to 9.3 hit the indian ocean that caused a tsunami, known as the Boxing Day Tsunami. The initial death toll by the associated press reported a number of 100, 100 dead people but after the final count, it was reported that the death toll rised up to 225,000. The after effect was so great that it even reached Maldives and Thailand.
Tangshan Earthquake
The said tragedy happened on July 28, 1976 that killed 255,000 people. It is said that it is the second worst earthquake that happened all over the world. According to the Richter Magnitude Scale, it recorded a 8.2 magnitude earthquake. The earthquake lasted for about ten seconds.
Haiyuan Earthquake
The disaster happened in the year 1920. According to Richter Magnitude Scale, the earthquake had a magnitude of 7.8, but then China claimed that it was 8.5. Whatever was the correct madnitude, it sure did kill thousands of people. Total casualty was reported as 200,000 in a summary published by the United States Geological Survey (USGS), and 240,000 according to “Ningxia Daily”, a Chinese publication in the current administrative area.
Aleppo Earthquake
This disaster happened in the year 1138 that was located near the town of Aleppo in northern Syria. According to history the the earthquake was an earthquake with an 8.5 magnitude. It is labeled as the fourth worst earthquake in the world killing 230, 000 people.
The 100 most beautiful places in the world
- The inca city of Machu Picchu, country : Peru, place : near Cuzco
- The Iguazu waterfalls, country : Argentina - Brazil, place : borders between the two countries
- The Tadj Mahall, country : India, place : Agra, south-west of Delhi
- The pyramids and the sphinx, country : Egypt, place : Giseh, south-west of Cairo
- The great canyon of Colorado, country : United States of America, place : south-west of the country, Arizona state
- Migrating animals in the Serengeti park, country : Tanzania, place : north of the country, east of Victoria lake
- The Nabatean city of Petra, country : Jordania, place : south-west of the country, near Israel
- The big wall of China, country : China, place : north-east of the country, along Inner Mongolia
- The Victoria waterfalls, country : Zimbabwe - Zambia, place : border between the two countries
- The great coral reef, country : Australia, place : offshore, north-east of the country
- The city of Angkor, country : Cambodia, place : Siem Reap, north of the Tonle Sap lake
- The amazonian virgin forest, country : Brazil - Peru, place : around the Amazonia river and its affluents
- The Niagara waterfalls, country : Canada - United States of America, place : Niagara, near Toronto
- The salar of Uyuni, country : Bolivia, place : south-west of the country
- The Abu Simbel temple, country : Egypt, place : south-west of Assuan, at the shore of the Nasser lake
- The Halong bay, country : Vietnam, place : in the Tonkin Gulf, east of Hanoi
- The Bora-Bora island, country : French Polynesia, place : in the middle of the Pacific
- Pagan, the thousand pagodas plain, country : Myanmar, place : south-west of Mandalay, at the edge of the Irrawaddy river
- Sand dunes of the Sahara, country : Marocco - Mauritania - Mali - Algeria - Niger - Lybia - Chad - Sudan - Egyptplace : north of Africa
- Fjords and the Preikestolen cliff, country : Norway, place : west of the country
- The precolombian pyramids of Teotihuacan, country : Mexico, place : north-east of Mexico City
- The Ngorongoro crater, country : Tanzania, place : north of the country, south of the Serengeti park
- White immensity of Antarctica, country : without, place : north pole
- Lunar scenery at the south of Altiplanoand the colourful lagoons (colorada and verde)country : Boliviaplace : south of Lipez, near the borders with Argentina and Chile
- Mount Everest, country : Nepal - Chinaplace : border between the two countries
- Bali island, country : Indonesia, place : east of Java island
- Muslim fervour at Meccacountry : Saudi Arabiaplace : Mecca, east of the country
- Karstic peaks at Guilin, along the Li rivercountry : Chinaplace : south of the country, between Guilin and Yangshuo
- The Galapagos archipelago, country : Ecuador, place : off the west coast of the country
- The Perito Moreno glacier, country : Argentina, place : Patagonia
- The blue mosque in front of Hagia Sofia, country : Turkey, place : Istanbul
- The caves of Carlsbad, country : United States of America, place : New Mexico State
- The carnaval of Rio, country : Brazilplace : Rio of Janeiro
- The rice terrace fields of Banaue, country : the Philippines, place : on the Lucon island, north of Manilla
- Venice and its canals, country : Italia, place : Venice
- The Cappadocia and the Goreme valley, country : Turkey, place : in the middle of the country
- Moai statues of the Easter island, country : Chile, place : Easter island, in the middle of the Pacific
- The Vatican and the Saint Peter's basilica, country : The Vatican, place : inside the town of Rome
- Aerial view of Rio bay, country : Brazil, place : Rio of Janeiro
- The Potala, dalai-lama's palace, country : China / Tibet, place : Lhassa
- The maya city of Chichen Itza, country : Mexico, place : south of the country, Yucatan province
- The Yellowstone national park, country : United States of America, place : north-west of the country, Wyoming state
- The Piana rocky inlet and the Girolata gulf, country : Franceplace : Corsica
- The Coliseum, country : Italiaplace : Rome
- The limestone basins at Huanglong, country : China, place : in the middle of the country, north of the Sichuan province
- The Mezquita of Cordoba, country : Spain, place : Cordoba, Andalucia province
- The Giants' Causeway, country : Northern Ireland, place : north of the country
- Milford sound and the Mitre peak, country : New Zealand, place : south-west of the southern island
- The Buddhistic temple of Borobudur, country : Indonesia, place : in the middle of the Java island
- The Kilauea and the Hawaii volcanoes, country : United States of America, place : Hawaii
- The frescoes of the Sixtin churchcountry : The Vatican, place : inside the city of Rome
- The Hassan II mosque, country : Marocco, place : Casablanca
- Florence, the duomo and the ponte vecchio, country : Italiaplace : Florence
- The Acropolis and the Parthenon, country : Greece, place : Athena
- The Registan at Samarkand, country : Uzbekistan, place : south-west of Tachkent
- The Versailles castle, country : Franceplace : south-west of Paris
- Big Ben and the Parliament Square, country : United Kingdom, place : London
- The Meteors : monasteries built on rocky peaks, country : Greece, place : west of the country, Thessaly province
- The mont Saint-Michel, country : Franceplace : Normandy
- The royal palace and the Wat Phra Kaeo, the emerald buddha temple, country : Thailand, place : Bangkok
- Hindu fervour at the banks of the Ganges at Varanasi, country : Indiaplace : Varanasi (ex-Benares)
- A Nil cruise between Luxor and Assuan, country : Egypt, place : from Luxor to Assuan
- The Eiffel tower, country : Franceplace : Paris
- The colorful waters of the Jiuzhaigou river, country : Chinaplace : in the middle of the country, north of the Sichuan province
- The Kremlin and the Saint Basil the blest cathedral, country : Russia, place : Moscow
- The Komodo island, country : Indonesia, place : south, between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores
- The Louvre museum, country : France, place : Paris
- The Alhambra, country : Spain, place : Granada, Andalucia province
- The Canaima park and the Salto Angel waterfalls, country : Venezuela, place : east of the country
- The aeolian islands and the Stromboli, country : Italia, place : north of the Sicilia island
- The Plitvice park and its waterfalls, country : Croatia, place : north of Gospic
- The Neuschwanstein castle, country : Germany, place : near the border with Austria, south of Munich
- The Reims cathedral, country : France, place : Reims
- The Uluru giant monolith at Ayers Rock, country : Australia, place :in the middle of the country
- The Baikal lake, country : Russia, place : near the border with Mongolia
- The Wulingyuan rocky peaks, country : China, place : south-east of the country, Hunan province
- The Karnak temple, country : Egypt. place : near Luxor
- The statue of Liberty and the Manhattan view, country : United States of America, place : New-York
- The Sagrada Familia, country : Spain, place : Barcelona
- The Meidan-e Imam at Ispahan, country : Iran, place : south of Teheran
- The city of Prague, country : Czech Republic, place : Prague
- Giant sequoias, country : United States of America, place : in the sequoia national park, south-west of the country, California state
- The Tasmania islandcountry : Australia, place : south-east of the country
- Chorus of lights at Las Vegas, country : Etats-Unis, place : Las Vegas
- The pagoda of Shwedagon, country : Myanmarplace : Yangoon
- The emperor Qin I's mausoleum and his terracotta army, country : China, place : Xi'an, Shaanxi province
- The city of Sydney and the opera house, country : Australia, place : Sydney
- Nightlife on the Djemaa Elfna square, country : Marocco, place : Marrakech
- The Badshahi mosque at Lahore, country : Pakistan, place : south-east of Islamabad
- The parliament of Budapest, country : Hungary, place : Budapest
- Baalbekcountry : Lebanon, place : north-east of the country
- The forbidden cityc, ountry : Chinaplace : Beijing
- El Tajin, country : Mexico, place : north-east of Mexico city
- The Burj al arab hotel, country : the United Arab Emiratesplace : Dubai
- Sigiriyacountry : Sri Lanka, place : in the middle of the country
- The mosque of Djenné, country : Mali, place : Djenné, east of Bamako
- The golden gate bridge and the San Francisco bay, country : United States of Americaplace : California state
- The Kennedy space center, country : United States of America, place : south-east of the country, Florida state
- The Ermitage winter palace, country : Russia, place : Saint-Petersburg
- The Petronas towers, country : Malaysia, place : Kuala Lumpur
The Best Places For Vacation in the world
Hawaii, U.S.A.
Not only the newest of the United States and the only state that does not lie on the mainland of North America, Hawaii is also the southernmost state in the Union.
Hawaii is world famous for its beauty and pleasant climate. It has deep-blue seas, brilliantly colored flowers, graceful palm trees, and magnificent waterfalls. These attractions provide some of the most thrilling scenery in the United States. Cool Pacific trade winds keep Hawaii's weather pleasantly mild all year round.
Hawaii has many colorful ways of life. Some of these customs come from Pacific Islanders called Polynesians, who were the original settlers of Hawaii. Many of the people of Hawaii are of Polynesian descent. The people's great friendliness toward tourists gives Hawaii its nickname of the Aloha State - Aloha means love in the Hawaiian Language.
When vacationers arrive in Hawaii, they often receive leis (wreaths of flowers strung together). The visitors enjoy feasts, folk dancing, parades, and many special events. The hula has become a symbol of Hawaii. Hula dancers sway their hips and move their arms and hands to the music of Hawaiian guitars and other instruments.
Hawaii is made up of seven main islands, stretching from the majestic Big Island of Hawaii to the garden isle of Kauai. Waterfalls abound on each of the islands, as well as other beautiful sites.
The entire chain of islands was formed by a single hot spot in the earth's crust, which is currently busy building a new island off the coast of the Big Island.
France
The capital and largest city of France, Paris is one of the world's great cities. For hundreds of years, Paris has been a world capital of art and learning. Many great artists have produced their finest masterpieces here. Every year, millions of tourists visit such famous Paris landmarks as the Cathedral of Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, and the Louvre - one of the largest museums in the world.
There is much more to France than just Paris, however. The snow-capped Alps form the border between France and Italy. Sunny beaches and steep cliffs stretch along the French coast on the Mediterranean Sea. Fishing villages dot the Atlantic northwestern coast. The peaceful, wooded Loire Valley has many historic chateaux (castles). Colorful apple orchards, dairy farms, and vineyards lie throughout much of the countryside.
Many regions of France are blanketed with fields of golden wheat.
The French are famous for their enjoyment of life, and this is passed on to the many visitors each year. Good food and great wines are an important part of everyday life for all.
The wines of France are considered the best in the world, and almost every restaurant and area has at least one special recipe of its own. The delicious breads, appetizers, sauces, soups and desserts of France are copied by cooks in most parts of the world.
Italy
Known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, Italy's cities have spectacular churches and large central plazas. Their museums contain some of the world's best-known art. The countryside has warm, sandy beaches; high, glacier-topped mountain peaks; and rolling hills covered with green fields and vineyards.
The country also includes two large islands, Sicily and Sardinia. Two independent countries actually lie within Italy's borders: the tiny Republic of San Marino, in north-central Italy, and Vatican City, which is located completely within the city of Rome.
Italy's landscape is dominated by two mountain ranges - the Alps and the Apennines. The Alps tower across the northernmost part of Italy, while the Apennines form a backbone that runs nearly the length of the peninsula.
The country boasts several world-famous cities. Rome, the capital and largest city of Italy, was the center of the Roman Empire 2,000 years ago. Florence was the home of many artists of the Renaissance, a period of great achievements in the arts. Venice, with its intricate canal system, attracts tourists from all over the world.
Italians are strongly attached to their towns, neighborhoods, and families. Many who leave their home in search of greater opportunities hope to return eventually to their old communities.
Brazil
The largest country in South America in both area and population, it occupies almost half of the continent and has more peoples than all the other South American nations combined. Brazil ranks fifth in both area and population among countries in the world.
Brazil has a varied landscape. The world's largest tropical rain forest sprawls across much of the north. The mighty Amazon and other enormous rivers wind though this vast green area of towering trees and steamy jungles. Cloud-capped mountains rise north of the forests and border the Atlantic Ocean in the southeast. Dry plains extend across parts of northeastern Brazil. The low plateaus of central and southern Brazil have fertile farmlands and lush grazing areas. Broad white beaches line glistening seashores on the nation's long Atlantic coast.
With over 6,000 miles of coastline, it's not surprising that thousands flock to Brazil's broad, white beaches every weekend.
Rio de Janeiro's Maracana Stadium is the largest in the world and is home to internationally-televised soccer tournaments.
A number of colorful festivals also brighten life in Brazil. The best known is Carnival, celebrated each year around early April. Thousands of richly costumed Brazilians ride magnificent floats that compete for prizes in dazzling parades. Energetic dancers, their bodies swaying to the rhythms of the samba, crowd the streets. Joyful singers and lively musicians add to the fun.
Kenya
Located directly on the equator, Kenya offers some of the nicest scenery of many countries in Africa.
Kenya's coastal area is a hot and humid tropical region. Bordering the Indian Ocean, the coastline enjoys warm weather year around. Beautiful sandy beaches, lagoons and swamps, as well as large patches of rain forest line the coast.
Inland, vast plains stretch over about three-fourths of Kenya. The plains form a series of plateaus, gently stair stepping from near sea level at the coast to about 4,000 feet (1,200 meters) inland. While the plains are the driest of Kenya's climates, a good portion of wildlife can be found in this region.
The highlands in the southwest are a region of mountains, valleys, and plateaus, blanketed by forests and grasslands. The area receives enough rainfall and has enough fertile soil to support the majority of Kenya's inhabitants.
A spectacular variety of wild animals live in Kenya. This wildlife--which includes elephants, giraffes, lions, rhinoceroses, and zebras--attracts thousands of tourists to Kenya each year.
Australia
The only country that is also a continent. In area, Australia ranks as the sixth largest country and the smallest continent. Australia is often referred to as the "land down under" because it lies entirely within the Southern Hemisphere.
Famous for its vast open spaces, bright sunshine and unusual wildlife, the "land down under" features an endless variety of natural wonders.
Australia's huge interior, known as the "outback," is mostly dry grassland areas with few settlements. As a whole Australia averages only six persons per square mile, but adventure fills every inch.
This land is known for its vast open spaces, bright sunshine, enormous numbers of sheep and cattle, and unusual wildlife. Kangaroos, koalas, platypuses, and wombats are only a few of the many unusual animals that can be found in Australia.
Originally a British colony, Australians have retained a good number of British pastimes - Tea is still the favorite drink, cricket is still one of the favorite sports, and the English spoken still uses many British terms. However, Australians have developed a way of life all their own. The warm, sunny climate contributes to the inhabitants spending much of their free time out of doors. Australians love outdoor sports and outdoor living in general.
The most famous sporting event is likely the annual Melbourne Cup, a horse race eagerly followed by Australians and attended by fans from throughout the world.
Switzerland
This country is known for its beautiful, snow-capped mountains and freedom-loving people. The Alps and the Jura Mountains cover more than half of the country, but most of the inhabitants live on the plateau that extends across the middle of the country between the two mountain ranges.
The Swiss have a long tradition of freedom. About 700 years ago, people in what is now central Switzerland agreed to help each other stay free from foreign rule. Gradually, people in nearby areas joined them in what came to be known as the Swiss Confederation.
The Swiss show great pride in their long independence. In the early 1500's, Switzerland established a policy of not taking sides in the many wars that raged in Europe. During the two World Wars of the 20th century, Switzerland remained an island of peace.
Switzerland's attraction has drawn many from other countries, and today only about a fifth of the population are native-born.
The climate of Switzerland varies greatly from area to area because of the wide variety in altitude. Atlantic air held up by the mountains sometimes produces a fog bank that can cover the entire Swiss Plateau like a sea of clouds.
Some of Switzerland's higher elevations receive over 100 inches (250 centimeters) of precipitation per year. Above 6,000 feet (1,800 meters), snow covers the ground at least six months a year, making Switzerland a popular location for world-class skiing.
Mexico
Rich both in culture and in history, the roots of this area are centuries old, dating back to the wondrous ancient Aztec civilization.
Few other countries have so wide a variety of landscapes and climates within such short distances of one another. Towering mountains and high, rolling plateaus cover more than two-thirds of Mexico. The climate, land formation, and plant life in these rugged highlands may vary greatly within a short distance. Mexico also has tropical forests, dry deserts, and fertile valleys.
While Mexico has kept up with advancing technology, family life and common courtesies have not been left by the wayside. Most towns and even major cities feature a plaza, or public square, that is the center of city life.
In the evenings and on Sunday afternoons, people gather in their local plazas to talk with friends or listen to music.
Mexican food has also become popular throughout much of the world. Burritos, tacos, salsa, and tortillas are now commonplace in many major cities worldwide.
Mexicans celebrate their Independence days, Sept. 15 and 16, and other holidays with colorful fiestas, or festivals. Every city, town and village also holds a yearly fiesta to honor its local patron saint. Most fiestas begin before daylight with a shower of rockets and fireworks, and a ringing of bells.
Canada
Stretching from Newfoundland on the Atlantic coast to British Columbia on the Pacific coast, Canada is slightly larger than the United States, its southern neighbor, but has only about a tenth as many people.
Canada's northernmost districts contain some of its most rugged terrain and severe climate, but its more southern regions are blanketed with endless forest ranges.
Canada is a land of great variety. Towering mountains, clear lakes, and lush forests make the far west a region of great natural beauty. Farther inland, fields cover vast rolling prairies. These fertile farmlands contrast vividly with the Arctic tundra to the north.
Canada has an extensive national park system that includes areas ideal for many recreational activities. The park system began in 1885 with the establishment of Hot Springs Reservation (now Banff National Park) in Alberta. Today, there are parks in every province and territory throughout the country.
Canada's coastline, stretching over 151,000 miles (243,000 kilometers), is one of the longest of any country. Hudson Bay, Hudson Strait, and James Bay form a great inland sea in Canada.
China
Covering a fifth of the continent of Asia, and home to a fifth of the world's population, China's vast land area includes some of the world's driest deserts and highest mountains, as well as some of the richest farmland.
China has the world's oldest living civilization. Its written history goes back about 3,500 years. The Chinese people take great pride in their nation, its long history, and its influence on other countries. The Chinese were the first people to develop the compass, paper, porcelain, and silk cloth. Over the centuries, Japan, Korea and other Asian lands have borrowed from Chinese art, language, literature, religion and technology.
The rugged mountain forests at the eastern edge of the Tibetan Highland area shelters pandas, golden monkeys, takins, and other rare animals.
The world's highest mountain, Mount Everest, rises 29,028 feet (8,848 meters) above sea level in the Himalayas in southern Tibet. Two of the world's longest rivers, the Huang He and Yangtze, begin in the highlands and flow eastward across China to the sea.
Spoken Chinese has many dialects, which differ enough in pronunciation to be considered separate languages, even though they use the same written characters.
China's uplands bordering Mongolia are rugged, and the Huange He river and tributaries have carved hills and steep-sided valleys into the region, giving it a unique look unlike anyplace else on earth.
Not only the newest of the United States and the only state that does not lie on the mainland of North America, Hawaii is also the southernmost state in the Union.
Hawaii is world famous for its beauty and pleasant climate. It has deep-blue seas, brilliantly colored flowers, graceful palm trees, and magnificent waterfalls. These attractions provide some of the most thrilling scenery in the United States. Cool Pacific trade winds keep Hawaii's weather pleasantly mild all year round.
Hawaii has many colorful ways of life. Some of these customs come from Pacific Islanders called Polynesians, who were the original settlers of Hawaii. Many of the people of Hawaii are of Polynesian descent. The people's great friendliness toward tourists gives Hawaii its nickname of the Aloha State - Aloha means love in the Hawaiian Language.
When vacationers arrive in Hawaii, they often receive leis (wreaths of flowers strung together). The visitors enjoy feasts, folk dancing, parades, and many special events. The hula has become a symbol of Hawaii. Hula dancers sway their hips and move their arms and hands to the music of Hawaiian guitars and other instruments.
Hawaii is made up of seven main islands, stretching from the majestic Big Island of Hawaii to the garden isle of Kauai. Waterfalls abound on each of the islands, as well as other beautiful sites.
The entire chain of islands was formed by a single hot spot in the earth's crust, which is currently busy building a new island off the coast of the Big Island.
France
The capital and largest city of France, Paris is one of the world's great cities. For hundreds of years, Paris has been a world capital of art and learning. Many great artists have produced their finest masterpieces here. Every year, millions of tourists visit such famous Paris landmarks as the Cathedral of Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, and the Louvre - one of the largest museums in the world.
There is much more to France than just Paris, however. The snow-capped Alps form the border between France and Italy. Sunny beaches and steep cliffs stretch along the French coast on the Mediterranean Sea. Fishing villages dot the Atlantic northwestern coast. The peaceful, wooded Loire Valley has many historic chateaux (castles). Colorful apple orchards, dairy farms, and vineyards lie throughout much of the countryside.
Many regions of France are blanketed with fields of golden wheat.
The French are famous for their enjoyment of life, and this is passed on to the many visitors each year. Good food and great wines are an important part of everyday life for all.
The wines of France are considered the best in the world, and almost every restaurant and area has at least one special recipe of its own. The delicious breads, appetizers, sauces, soups and desserts of France are copied by cooks in most parts of the world.
Italy
Known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, Italy's cities have spectacular churches and large central plazas. Their museums contain some of the world's best-known art. The countryside has warm, sandy beaches; high, glacier-topped mountain peaks; and rolling hills covered with green fields and vineyards.
The country also includes two large islands, Sicily and Sardinia. Two independent countries actually lie within Italy's borders: the tiny Republic of San Marino, in north-central Italy, and Vatican City, which is located completely within the city of Rome.
Italy's landscape is dominated by two mountain ranges - the Alps and the Apennines. The Alps tower across the northernmost part of Italy, while the Apennines form a backbone that runs nearly the length of the peninsula.
The country boasts several world-famous cities. Rome, the capital and largest city of Italy, was the center of the Roman Empire 2,000 years ago. Florence was the home of many artists of the Renaissance, a period of great achievements in the arts. Venice, with its intricate canal system, attracts tourists from all over the world.
Italians are strongly attached to their towns, neighborhoods, and families. Many who leave their home in search of greater opportunities hope to return eventually to their old communities.
Brazil
The largest country in South America in both area and population, it occupies almost half of the continent and has more peoples than all the other South American nations combined. Brazil ranks fifth in both area and population among countries in the world.
Brazil has a varied landscape. The world's largest tropical rain forest sprawls across much of the north. The mighty Amazon and other enormous rivers wind though this vast green area of towering trees and steamy jungles. Cloud-capped mountains rise north of the forests and border the Atlantic Ocean in the southeast. Dry plains extend across parts of northeastern Brazil. The low plateaus of central and southern Brazil have fertile farmlands and lush grazing areas. Broad white beaches line glistening seashores on the nation's long Atlantic coast.
With over 6,000 miles of coastline, it's not surprising that thousands flock to Brazil's broad, white beaches every weekend.
Rio de Janeiro's Maracana Stadium is the largest in the world and is home to internationally-televised soccer tournaments.
A number of colorful festivals also brighten life in Brazil. The best known is Carnival, celebrated each year around early April. Thousands of richly costumed Brazilians ride magnificent floats that compete for prizes in dazzling parades. Energetic dancers, their bodies swaying to the rhythms of the samba, crowd the streets. Joyful singers and lively musicians add to the fun.
Kenya
Located directly on the equator, Kenya offers some of the nicest scenery of many countries in Africa.
Kenya's coastal area is a hot and humid tropical region. Bordering the Indian Ocean, the coastline enjoys warm weather year around. Beautiful sandy beaches, lagoons and swamps, as well as large patches of rain forest line the coast.
Inland, vast plains stretch over about three-fourths of Kenya. The plains form a series of plateaus, gently stair stepping from near sea level at the coast to about 4,000 feet (1,200 meters) inland. While the plains are the driest of Kenya's climates, a good portion of wildlife can be found in this region.
The highlands in the southwest are a region of mountains, valleys, and plateaus, blanketed by forests and grasslands. The area receives enough rainfall and has enough fertile soil to support the majority of Kenya's inhabitants.
A spectacular variety of wild animals live in Kenya. This wildlife--which includes elephants, giraffes, lions, rhinoceroses, and zebras--attracts thousands of tourists to Kenya each year.
Australia
The only country that is also a continent. In area, Australia ranks as the sixth largest country and the smallest continent. Australia is often referred to as the "land down under" because it lies entirely within the Southern Hemisphere.
Famous for its vast open spaces, bright sunshine and unusual wildlife, the "land down under" features an endless variety of natural wonders.
Australia's huge interior, known as the "outback," is mostly dry grassland areas with few settlements. As a whole Australia averages only six persons per square mile, but adventure fills every inch.
This land is known for its vast open spaces, bright sunshine, enormous numbers of sheep and cattle, and unusual wildlife. Kangaroos, koalas, platypuses, and wombats are only a few of the many unusual animals that can be found in Australia.
Originally a British colony, Australians have retained a good number of British pastimes - Tea is still the favorite drink, cricket is still one of the favorite sports, and the English spoken still uses many British terms. However, Australians have developed a way of life all their own. The warm, sunny climate contributes to the inhabitants spending much of their free time out of doors. Australians love outdoor sports and outdoor living in general.
The most famous sporting event is likely the annual Melbourne Cup, a horse race eagerly followed by Australians and attended by fans from throughout the world.
Switzerland
This country is known for its beautiful, snow-capped mountains and freedom-loving people. The Alps and the Jura Mountains cover more than half of the country, but most of the inhabitants live on the plateau that extends across the middle of the country between the two mountain ranges.
The Swiss have a long tradition of freedom. About 700 years ago, people in what is now central Switzerland agreed to help each other stay free from foreign rule. Gradually, people in nearby areas joined them in what came to be known as the Swiss Confederation.
The Swiss show great pride in their long independence. In the early 1500's, Switzerland established a policy of not taking sides in the many wars that raged in Europe. During the two World Wars of the 20th century, Switzerland remained an island of peace.
Switzerland's attraction has drawn many from other countries, and today only about a fifth of the population are native-born.
The climate of Switzerland varies greatly from area to area because of the wide variety in altitude. Atlantic air held up by the mountains sometimes produces a fog bank that can cover the entire Swiss Plateau like a sea of clouds.
Some of Switzerland's higher elevations receive over 100 inches (250 centimeters) of precipitation per year. Above 6,000 feet (1,800 meters), snow covers the ground at least six months a year, making Switzerland a popular location for world-class skiing.
Mexico
Rich both in culture and in history, the roots of this area are centuries old, dating back to the wondrous ancient Aztec civilization.
Few other countries have so wide a variety of landscapes and climates within such short distances of one another. Towering mountains and high, rolling plateaus cover more than two-thirds of Mexico. The climate, land formation, and plant life in these rugged highlands may vary greatly within a short distance. Mexico also has tropical forests, dry deserts, and fertile valleys.
While Mexico has kept up with advancing technology, family life and common courtesies have not been left by the wayside. Most towns and even major cities feature a plaza, or public square, that is the center of city life.
In the evenings and on Sunday afternoons, people gather in their local plazas to talk with friends or listen to music.
Mexican food has also become popular throughout much of the world. Burritos, tacos, salsa, and tortillas are now commonplace in many major cities worldwide.
Mexicans celebrate their Independence days, Sept. 15 and 16, and other holidays with colorful fiestas, or festivals. Every city, town and village also holds a yearly fiesta to honor its local patron saint. Most fiestas begin before daylight with a shower of rockets and fireworks, and a ringing of bells.
Canada
Stretching from Newfoundland on the Atlantic coast to British Columbia on the Pacific coast, Canada is slightly larger than the United States, its southern neighbor, but has only about a tenth as many people.
Canada's northernmost districts contain some of its most rugged terrain and severe climate, but its more southern regions are blanketed with endless forest ranges.
Canada is a land of great variety. Towering mountains, clear lakes, and lush forests make the far west a region of great natural beauty. Farther inland, fields cover vast rolling prairies. These fertile farmlands contrast vividly with the Arctic tundra to the north.
Canada has an extensive national park system that includes areas ideal for many recreational activities. The park system began in 1885 with the establishment of Hot Springs Reservation (now Banff National Park) in Alberta. Today, there are parks in every province and territory throughout the country.
Canada's coastline, stretching over 151,000 miles (243,000 kilometers), is one of the longest of any country. Hudson Bay, Hudson Strait, and James Bay form a great inland sea in Canada.
China
Covering a fifth of the continent of Asia, and home to a fifth of the world's population, China's vast land area includes some of the world's driest deserts and highest mountains, as well as some of the richest farmland.
China has the world's oldest living civilization. Its written history goes back about 3,500 years. The Chinese people take great pride in their nation, its long history, and its influence on other countries. The Chinese were the first people to develop the compass, paper, porcelain, and silk cloth. Over the centuries, Japan, Korea and other Asian lands have borrowed from Chinese art, language, literature, religion and technology.
The rugged mountain forests at the eastern edge of the Tibetan Highland area shelters pandas, golden monkeys, takins, and other rare animals.
The world's highest mountain, Mount Everest, rises 29,028 feet (8,848 meters) above sea level in the Himalayas in southern Tibet. Two of the world's longest rivers, the Huang He and Yangtze, begin in the highlands and flow eastward across China to the sea.
Spoken Chinese has many dialects, which differ enough in pronunciation to be considered separate languages, even though they use the same written characters.
China's uplands bordering Mongolia are rugged, and the Huange He river and tributaries have carved hills and steep-sided valleys into the region, giving it a unique look unlike anyplace else on earth.
Largest Islands by Population
1. Java - Indonesia - 124,000,000
2. Honshu - Japan - 103,000,000
3. Great Britain - United Kingdom - 56,800,000
4. Luzon - Philippines - 46,228,000
5. Sumatera (Sumatra) - Indonesia - 45,000,000
6. Taiwan - 22,200,000
7. Sri Lanka - 20,700,000
8. Mindanao - Philippines - 19,793,000
9. Madagascar - 18,600,000
10. Hispaniola - Haiti and the Dominican Republic - 17,400,000
Source: Wikipedia
2. Honshu - Japan - 103,000,000
3. Great Britain - United Kingdom - 56,800,000
4. Luzon - Philippines - 46,228,000
5. Sumatera (Sumatra) - Indonesia - 45,000,000
6. Taiwan - 22,200,000
7. Sri Lanka - 20,700,000
8. Mindanao - Philippines - 19,793,000
9. Madagascar - 18,600,000
10. Hispaniola - Haiti and the Dominican Republic - 17,400,000
Source: Wikipedia
Largest Islands by Area
1. Greenland - North America - 840,004 square miles - 2,175,600 sq km
2. New Guinea - Oceania - 312,167 square miles - 808,510 sq km
3. Borneo - Asia - 287,863 square miles - 745,561 sq km
4. Madagascar - Africa - 226,657 square miles - 587,040 sq km
5. Baffin Island - North America - 195,927 square miles - 507,451 sq km
6. Sumatera (Sumatra) - Asia - 182,860 square miles - 473,606 sq km
7. Honshu - Asia - 87,805 square miles - 227,414, sq km
8. Great Britain - Europe - 84,354 square miles - 218,476 sq km
9. Victoria Island - North America - 83,897 square miles - 217,291 sq km
10. Ellesmere Island - North America - 75,787 square miles - 196,236 sq km
Source: Times Atlas of the World
2. New Guinea - Oceania - 312,167 square miles - 808,510 sq km
3. Borneo - Asia - 287,863 square miles - 745,561 sq km
4. Madagascar - Africa - 226,657 square miles - 587,040 sq km
5. Baffin Island - North America - 195,927 square miles - 507,451 sq km
6. Sumatera (Sumatra) - Asia - 182,860 square miles - 473,606 sq km
7. Honshu - Asia - 87,805 square miles - 227,414, sq km
8. Great Britain - Europe - 84,354 square miles - 218,476 sq km
9. Victoria Island - North America - 83,897 square miles - 217,291 sq km
10. Ellesmere Island - North America - 75,787 square miles - 196,236 sq km
Source: Times Atlas of the World
The Smallest Country
This is a comprehensive listing of the world's seventeen independent smallest countries, from smallest to largest. They each contain less than 200 square miles in area. If we combined the land area of these 17 countries, we would have a country just a bit larger than the state Rhode Island. Even tiny Singapore is too big for this list (it's 246 square miles)!
Vatican City - 0.2 square miles - The world's smallest state, the Vatican has a population of 770, none of whom are permanent residents. The tiny country which surrounds St. Peter's Basilica is the spiritual center for the world's Roman Catholics (over 1 billion strong). Also known as the Holy See, Vatican City is surrounded by Rome, Italy.
Monaco - 0.7 square miles - The tiny state of Monaco lies along the French Riviera on the French Mediterranean coast near Nice. An impressive 32,000 people live in this state known for its Monte Carlo casinos and Princess Grace. It has been independent off-and-on since the 13th century.
Nauru - 8.5 square miles - The 13,000 residents of the Pacific island Nauru rely on diminishing phosphate deposits. The state became independent in 1968 and was formerly known as Pleasant Island.
Tuvalu - 9 square miles - Tuvalu is composed of 9 coral atolls along a 360 mile chain in Polynesia. They gained independence in 1978. The former Ellice Islands are home to 12,000.
San Marino - 24 square miles - Located on Mt. Titano in north central Italy, San Marino has 29,000 residents. The country claims to be the oldest state in Europe, having been founded in the fourth century.
Liechtenstein - 62 square miles - This microstate of 34,000 is located on the Rhine River between Switzerland and Austria in the Alps.
Marshall Islands - 70 square miles - The atolls (including the world's largest, Kwajalein), reefs, and 34 islands (population 58,000) gained independence in 1986; they were formerly part of the Trust Territory of Pacific Islands (and administered by the United States).
Saint Kitts and Nevis - 104 square miles - This Caribbean country of 39,000 gained independence in 1983. Nevis is the smaller island of the two and is guaranteed the right to secede.
Seychelles - 107 square miles - The 81,000 residents of this Indian Ocean island group have been independent of the United Kingdom since 1976.
Maldives - 115 square miles - Only 200 of the 2000 Indian Ocean islands which make up this country are occupied by 340,000 residents. The islands gained independence from the U.K. in 1965.
Malta - 122 square miles - This island is just south of the Italian island of Sicily. It became independent from the United Kingdom in 1964 and the British military were completely gone by 1979. The population is 400,000.
Grenada - 133 square miles - This Caribbean country (population 90,000) became independent of the U.K. in 1974. It's located quite close to Venezuela.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines - 150 square miles - 117,000 people live on these Windward Caribbean islands which gained independence from Britain in 1979.
Barbados - 166 square miles - About 280,000 people live on this Caribbean island, the farthest east of the Lesser Antilles. Barbados obtained independence from the U.K. in 1966.
Antigua and Barbuda - 171 square miles - This Caribbean nation of 69,000 has been independent from the United Kingdom since 1981. The three islands which compose this country rely on tourism (as do many of the Caribbean countries and territories).
Andorra - 180 square miles - The independent Principality of Andorra is co-governed by the President of France and the Spain's Bishop of Urgel. With just over 70,000 people, this mountainous tourist destination tucked in the Pyrenees between France and Spain has been independent since 1278.
Palau - 191 square miles - Palau (also known as Belau) was a Trust Territory of Pacific Islands. It was formerly known as the Carolines and is composed of more than 200 islands in the Pacific; the population is about 20,000. It became independent in 1994.
Vatican City - 0.2 square miles - The world's smallest state, the Vatican has a population of 770, none of whom are permanent residents. The tiny country which surrounds St. Peter's Basilica is the spiritual center for the world's Roman Catholics (over 1 billion strong). Also known as the Holy See, Vatican City is surrounded by Rome, Italy.
Monaco - 0.7 square miles - The tiny state of Monaco lies along the French Riviera on the French Mediterranean coast near Nice. An impressive 32,000 people live in this state known for its Monte Carlo casinos and Princess Grace. It has been independent off-and-on since the 13th century.
Nauru - 8.5 square miles - The 13,000 residents of the Pacific island Nauru rely on diminishing phosphate deposits. The state became independent in 1968 and was formerly known as Pleasant Island.
Tuvalu - 9 square miles - Tuvalu is composed of 9 coral atolls along a 360 mile chain in Polynesia. They gained independence in 1978. The former Ellice Islands are home to 12,000.
San Marino - 24 square miles - Located on Mt. Titano in north central Italy, San Marino has 29,000 residents. The country claims to be the oldest state in Europe, having been founded in the fourth century.
Liechtenstein - 62 square miles - This microstate of 34,000 is located on the Rhine River between Switzerland and Austria in the Alps.
Marshall Islands - 70 square miles - The atolls (including the world's largest, Kwajalein), reefs, and 34 islands (population 58,000) gained independence in 1986; they were formerly part of the Trust Territory of Pacific Islands (and administered by the United States).
Saint Kitts and Nevis - 104 square miles - This Caribbean country of 39,000 gained independence in 1983. Nevis is the smaller island of the two and is guaranteed the right to secede.
Seychelles - 107 square miles - The 81,000 residents of this Indian Ocean island group have been independent of the United Kingdom since 1976.
Maldives - 115 square miles - Only 200 of the 2000 Indian Ocean islands which make up this country are occupied by 340,000 residents. The islands gained independence from the U.K. in 1965.
Malta - 122 square miles - This island is just south of the Italian island of Sicily. It became independent from the United Kingdom in 1964 and the British military were completely gone by 1979. The population is 400,000.
Grenada - 133 square miles - This Caribbean country (population 90,000) became independent of the U.K. in 1974. It's located quite close to Venezuela.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines - 150 square miles - 117,000 people live on these Windward Caribbean islands which gained independence from Britain in 1979.
Barbados - 166 square miles - About 280,000 people live on this Caribbean island, the farthest east of the Lesser Antilles. Barbados obtained independence from the U.K. in 1966.
Antigua and Barbuda - 171 square miles - This Caribbean nation of 69,000 has been independent from the United Kingdom since 1981. The three islands which compose this country rely on tourism (as do many of the Caribbean countries and territories).
Andorra - 180 square miles - The independent Principality of Andorra is co-governed by the President of France and the Spain's Bishop of Urgel. With just over 70,000 people, this mountainous tourist destination tucked in the Pyrenees between France and Spain has been independent since 1278.
Palau - 191 square miles - Palau (also known as Belau) was a Trust Territory of Pacific Islands. It was formerly known as the Carolines and is composed of more than 200 islands in the Pacific; the population is about 20,000. It became independent in 1994.
The Smallest People
A Child's Life is a new series of films from acclaimed documentary maker Jane Treays which enters the worlds of children on the edge of society, examining how they cope when their lives are shaped by extreme circumstances. The Smallest People in the World is the moving story of five remarkable American children who are Primordial dwarfs, the smallest and rarest type of dwarf in the world
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