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Finland is a Nordic welfare state located in northern Europe. It is one of the world’s most northern and geographically remote countries, with about one-third of it lying north of the Arctic Circle. Nearly two-thirds of Finland is blanketed by thick woodlands, making it the most densely forested country in Europe. Finland aims to be carbon neutral by 2035 and is the happiest country in the world. The capital city is Helsinki. HELSINKI -- Finland may be world's happiest country -- at least on the surface. But Helsinki's "underground city" tells a different story, beneath the capital, a massive network of bunkers and tunnels spreads out all across the city. There are than 5,000 bomb shelters in Helsinki -- enough to shelter more than the city's entire population -- and more than 50,000 bunkers across the country, according to Helsinki's Civil Defense Department. All buildings above a certain size are required by law to have their own bunkers. It’s located Finland, country located in northern Europe. Finland is one of the world’s most northern and geographically remote countries and is subject to a severe climate. Nearly two-thirds of Finland is blanketed by thick woodlands, making it the most densely forested country in Europe. Finland forms a symbolic northern border between western and eastern Europe: dense wilderness and Russia to the east, the Gulf of Bothnia and Sweden to the west. The capital Helsinki The capital and largest city of Finland. It is the leading seaport and industrial city of the country. Helsinki lies in the far south of Finland, on a peninsula fringed by fine natural harbors that protrudes into the Gulf of Finland. The most northerly of continental European capitals, Helsinki is often called the “white city of the north,” because many of its buildings are constructed of a local light-colored granite the most impressively urban things about Helsinki which otherwise is a quite centrally planned and unobtrusive small city. This ‘deep urbanism’ is where Helsinki distinguishes itself as being different, and the fact that the city has an official underground city plan reflects this attitude to some degree. Finland’ Official languages Finnish and Swedish are the two official languages There are more than 150 different languages spoken in Finland. Finnish and Swedish are the two official languages of Finland in addition to the two official languages, the country has other languages that have their 'users' rights written down in law. The indigenous populations of Finland speak the Sami languages. Other autochthonous languages that have a long history in the country include Karelian, Finnish sign language, Finnish Romani, and Finland-Swedish sign language. Finland official religion The main religion of Finland is the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland, of which about 82% of the people are members. A minority belongs to the Finnish Orthodox Church. Other Protestant denominations and the Roman Catholic Church in Finland are significantly smaller, as are the Muslim, Jewish and other non-Christian communities, the main Lutheran and Orthodox churches are the official churches of Finland but most of the population holds generally secular views. Many Finnish people do not actively practice religion. World Heritage sites in Poland  (Its 17 we choose just 9 ones from them 1-    Białowieża Forest Bialowieza National Park is located in the north east of Poland in the Podlaskie voivodeship and covers an area of around 105 sq km. The park is part of the Białowieża Forest, which straddles the border between Belarus and Poland. Bialowieza National Park is well-known for two reasons. Firstly, it is home to Europe’s largest land mammal, the European bison and secondly, the park shelters a sizeable chunk of original lowland primeval forest; which has remained undisturbed for hundreds of years. The forest has been designated as one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Poland and a Biosphere Reserve. 2-    Auschwitz Birkenau Auschwitz-Birkenau is synonymous with the Holocaust and the largest attempt at genocide in human history. More than a million Jews, and many Poles and Roma, were murdered here by German Nazis during WWII. Both sections of the camp, Auschwitz I and the much larger outlying Birkenau (Auschwitz II) have been preserved and are open to visitors. Everyone should visit Auschwitz at least once in their lives, it is a stern reminder of the horrors that human beings can inflict on each other and the only way to understand the extent and horror of the place and the atrocities that took place there. 3-    Malbork Castle Malbork Castle in the north of Poland is the largest castle in the world measured by land area and was designated a World Heritage Site in December 1997 by UNESCO. Located on the east bank of the River Nogat, this Gothic brick-built fortress once belonged to the Teutonic Order, and it served as their headquarters for almost 150 years. Originally a fortress named Marienburg, the Teutonic Knights began this incredible construction in the 13th century, and the structure took shape in various stages. Initially, the construction consisted of a formidable central bastion called the High Castle. 4-    Centennial Hall in Wrocław Centennial Hall was erected in 1911-1913 by the architect Max Berg as a multi-purpose recreational building and is a landmark in the history of reinforced concrete architecture. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006. The building is frequently visited by tourists and the local populace. It lies close to other popular tourist attractions, such as the Wrocław Zoo, the Japanese Garden, and the Pergola with its Multimedia Fountain. The building became one of Poland’s official national Historic Monuments (Pomnik historii), as designated on 20th April 2005, together with the Four Domes Pavilion, the Pergola, and the Iglica. Its listing is maintained by the National Heritage Board of Poland. The building was designed to respond to emerging social needs and included an assembly hall, an auditorium for theatre performances, an exhibition space and a sports venue. 5-    Churches of Peace in Jawor and Świdnica The Churches of Peace in Jawor and Świdnica, were built in the former Silesia in the mid-17th century. They were named after the Peace of Westphalia; which was the name given to two peace treaties signed in October 1648 that resulted in the end of the Thirty Years War bringing peace to the Holy Roman Empire and closing a calamitous period of European history that killed approximately eight million people. The peace treaties effectively eradicated the Evangelical Church in the region depriving the Evangelical majority of the population any religious freedom and all of their churches. After diplomatic intervention by Sweden, permission was granted to build three churches outside the city walls; however this permission came with strict physical and political constraints. One of the most interesting of the World Heritage sites in Poland! 6- Historic Centre of Kraków The historic centre of Kraków has been featured on Unesco’s World Heritage List since 1978. Packed full of restaurants, museums, galleries and bars, the medieval layout of the Old Town has not changed for centuries. The heart and focal point of the historic centre of Kraków is its graceful main market square, the largest medieval town square of any European city. Most visitors to Kraków visit the market square with its Cloth Hall, the Church of the Holy Mary, Wawel Hill and its Royal Castle, Wawel Cathedral with its outstanding Renaissance chapel, the Barbican and St. Florian’s Gate. Wawel Royal Castle and the limestone Wawel Hill are extremely important historical and cultural sites containing one of the most important collection of buildings in Poland. 7-    Wieliczka Salt Mine The Wieliczka Salt Mine is a UNESCO World Heritage site located around 14km southeast of Kraków and is one of Poland’s most popular attractions, welcoming tourists since 1722. Wieliczka Salt Mine is a subterranean labyrinth of tunnels, shafts and chambers, underground saline lakes, chapels with altarpieces, majestic timber constructions and unique statues sculpted in rock salt. The size of the mine is staggering, it reaches a depth of 327m and extends via horizontal passages and chambers for over 287 km distributed over nine levels. Only a small part of the mine is open to the public. The highlight of the mine is a vast chamber housing the ornamented Chapel of St Kinga. Everything that you will see within the chamber is made from salt including altarpieces and chandeliers. 8 - Tarnowskie Góry Lead-Silver-Zinc Mine The Tarnowskie Góry Lead-Silver-Zinc Mine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Tarnowskie Góry, Upper Silesia, Poland. Today, it is a museum and tourist attraction. A mining settlement and the first silver-bearing ore mines emerged in the region at the turn of the 15th and 16th centuries, today the mine and neighbouring Black Trout Adit are just remnants of a bygone silver mining industry. During the mid-1930s, the idea to make part of the mine suitable for tourists was first considered but was put on hold due to the outbreak of World War II. The Tarnowskie Góry Land Lovers Association was founded in the 1950s to look at the feasibility of opening up a tourist route; which led to part of the drainage system called Black Trout Adit being opened to visitors in 1957. For a long time, this was the longest underground boat tour in Poland. 9 - Old City of Zamość The Old City of Zamość is the oldest historic district of the city of Zamość and is unique in Poland as an almost perfectly preserved example of 16th-century Renaissance town planning. It was made a Unesco World Heritage site in 1992. The district was named one of Poland’s official national Historic Monuments, as designated 16th September 1994 and its listing is maintained by the National Heritage Board of Poland. The Old City Of Zamość was founded in the 16th century by a wealthy Polish nobleman, Jan Zamoyski (1542−1605), and was modelled on Italian theories of the ‘ideal city’. Jan hired a Paduan architect by the name of Bernando Morando to realise his dream. The layout of the town was supposedly designed to resemble the human body with the palace as its head. The clothing The traditional clothing Key Elements of Traditional Finnish Clothing 1. National Costumes (Kansallispuvut) National costumes are among the most recognized examples of Finnish traditional clothing. These costumes are region-specific, reflecting local culture, history, and materials. Designed for festivals and cultural events, the kansallispuvut became symbolic of Finnish identity during the 19th-century national awakening. Women’s National Costumes        Blouses  Typically, white with lace or embroidery. Sleeves often feature puffed or ruffled designs.      Skirts  Long, colorful, and striped, they represent specific regions.      Aprons  Embroidered aprons add elegance and serve as decorative elements.      Accessories  Include brooches, scarves, and traditional hats. Men’s National Costumes      Shirts: Linen or cotton shirts with modest embroidery.      Pants: Woolen trousers or breeches.      Jackets and Vests: Often tailored and detailed with buttons.      Belts: Wide, embroidered belts complete the look. Sami Gákti The gákti is a distinctive garment of the Sami people, the indigenous population of northern Finland. It features bright colors, intricate patterns, and designs that often signify family or regional affiliations. Both men and women wear the gákti, and it is commonly paired with fur boots and accessories like belts and jewelry.   Luhka The luhka, a short cape worn in Lapland, is practical for harsh winters. Made of reindeer hide or wool, it provides warmth and is often decorated with traditional Sami patterns. The luhka is still used today during outdoor activities like reindeer herding. Woolen Garments Wool played a vital role in Finnish traditional clothing. Hand-knitted sweaters, socks, and mittens kept wearers warm during cold winters. The designs often feature geometric patterns inspired by Finnish nature.  Leather Boots (Lapikas) Traditional leather boots, or lapikas, were essential for navigating snowy terrains. Made from durable reindeer or cowhide, these boots were functional yet stylish, often embellished with simple embroidery.   Headgear and Accessories •        Women’s Caps: Bonnets or headscarves were common and signified marital status. •        Men’s Hats: Wide-brimmed felt hats were practical for outdoor work. •        Scarves and Shawls: Often made of wool, they added both warmth and elegance. Regional Variations in Finnish Clothing Each Finnish region has unique designs and patterns, reflecting local traditions. Western Finland •        Known for vibrant, striped skirts and colorful aprons. •        Men’s clothing includes tailored vests with detailed embroidery. Eastern Finland •        Features darker, earth-toned fabrics. •        Women’s costumes often include intricate lacework. Lapland •        Sami garments dominate, with an emphasis on functional designs like the gákti and luhka. Häme Region •        Notable for simple yet elegant designs, including dark skirts and white blouses. •        Accessories often include silver brooches. Traditional Clothing in Finnish Festivals Juhannus (Midsummer) During Midsummer celebrations, many Finns don traditional costumes. Women wear floral wreaths, and the attire reflects the vibrant spirit of the festival. Independence Day On this national holiday, traditional costumes symbolize pride and heritage. Performers and attendees at cultural events often wear kansallispuvut. Sami Celebrations Festivals like the Sami National Day see widespread use of the gákti, celebrating the culture and traditions of the Sami people. Revival and Modern Use of Finnish Traditional Clothing Preservation Efforts Organizations like the Finnish National Costume Council promote the preservation of traditional garments. Workshops teach techniques such as embroidery, weaving, and patternmaking. Contemporary Influence Modern designers incorporate traditional elements into contemporary fashion, blending the old with the new. Wool, embroidery, and regional patterns inspire everyday clothing and haute couture. The festivals clothing  Cultural Festivals  Display regional pride during events like folklore festivals. Family Gatherings  Weddings, baptisms, and anniversaries often call for traditional attire. National Holidays  Showcase heritage during Independence Day or Sami National Day celebrations. Craftsmanship Behind Finnish Traditional Clothing The artistry involved in creating Finnish traditional clothing is remarkable. Skills like weaving, embroidery, and leatherworking are passed down through generations. The use of natural dyes and sustainable materials highlights Finland’s respect for the environment. Handwoven Fabrics Linen and wool are meticulously woven to create durable and beautiful textiles. Patterns often draw inspiration from Finnish landscapes, such as forests, lakes, and wildlife. Embroidery and Ornamentation Embroidery is a hallmark of Finnish traditional clothing. Common motifs include geometric shapes, flowers, and natural symbols. Sustainability in Tradition Finnish traditional clothing emphasizes sustainability. Materials like reindeer hide, wool, and natural dyes reflect a harmonious relationship with nature. Where to Experience Finnish Traditional Clothing Museums The National Museum of Finland: Exhibits a vast collection of traditional garments. Sami Museum Siida: Focuses on Sami culture and clothing. Festivals and Events Kaustinen Folk Music Festival: Features traditional costumes and music. Sami Week in Inari: Showcases Sami attire and culture. Workshops and Stores  Local artisans and cultural centers often host workshops where visitors can learn about Finnish clothing traditions and purchase handmade items. The Legacy of Finnish Traditional Clothing Traditional Finnish clothing remains a cherished part of the country’s cultural heritage. Whether through national costumes, Sami attire, or modern adaptations, these garments continue to inspire and connect people to Finland’s history and identity. Embracing this legacy is a testament to the enduring power of tradition in a modern world. The Role of Technology in Finnish Fashion Technology plays a crucial role in shaping the contemporary fashion landscape, and Finland is at the forefront of this transformation. Finnish designers and brands are increasingly embracing innovative technologies to enhance their creations and streamline production processes.  3D Printing  Several Finnish designers are utilizing 3D printing technology to create intricate designs and reduce waste. This technology allows for the production of unique pieces with minimal environmental impact, aligning with the growing demand for sustainable fashion.  Wearable Technology Finnish companies are exploring the integration of technology into fashion, creating garments that monitor health or enhance functionality. This trend reflects a broader movement toward merging fashion with technology, appealing to a tech-savvy consumer base. Digital Fashion Shows  The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital platforms for fashion shows. Finnish designers have embraced this shift, hosting virtual runway presentations that reach a global audience. This innovation allows for greater accessibility and engagement with consumers. Moreover,  technology has also influenced how consumers engage with fashion. Online shopping platforms, social media, and augmented reality applications have transformed the retail experience, enabling Finnish brands to reach customers far beyond their geographical borders. The Architecture in Finland Kuokkala Church by OOPEAA Office for Peripheral Architecture, Jyväskylä, Finland Sited on a hill in a residential neighborhood, the imposing gray-slate exterior of this church belies its warm interior, which is clad in a distinctive diagrid shell. Completed in 2010, the Kuokkala Church has been recognized with a number of international architecture awards, but more importantly it serves as a much-needed community hub. Arctia Headquarters by K2S, Helsinki, Finland Mikko Summanen of K2S was among the Finnish presenters at the symposium, not to be confused with fellow speaker Mikko Heikkinen. Summanen and two other founders got their big break with the Kamppi Chapel, aka the Chapel of Silence, a hive-like public building in the heart of Helsinki. The Arctia Headquarters is intended to resemble a seafaring vessel — in fact, it floats on one of the city’s many waterways. Chapel of St. Lawrence by Avanto Architects, Vantaa, Finland Architects Anu Puustinen and Ville Hara founded their firm in 2004, upon winning the competition to design the Chapel of St. Lawrence. Completed in 2010, the single-story building is located on a historically important site just outside of Helsinki. The brickwork is coated in a milky white that strongly, yet felicitously, contrasts with the slate floors below and copper ceilings above. Seinäjoki Library by JKMM Architects, Seinäjoki, Finland The Seinäjoki Library won the Popular Choice award for Architecture + Photography & Video in this year’s Architizer A+Awards, and it’s easy to see why. The photogenic building is adjacent to the Aalto Center, an administrative and cultural building that is widely regarded as one of his most significant works. Kuopio City Theatre by ALA Architects, Kuopio, Finland Continuing on the success of the Kilden theater and concert hall in Norway, ALA was also a finalist in this year’s Architizer A+Awards. The Helsinki-based firm renovated and expanded the Kuopio City Theatre, drawing inspiration from the existing structure, which dates back to the 60s. Connected via a bridge-like extension of the foyer, the new building echoes the rectangular shape of the original, and houses a studio stage as well as back-of-house chambers incorporating dressing rooms and building services. Kirkkojärvi School by Verstas Arkkitechdit, Espoo, Finland In addition to its long history of launching the careers of young architects through competitions, Finland is known for its education system, which consistently ranks among the best in the world. The Kirkkojärvi School in the suburbs of Helsinki showcases both sides — design and education — as an extensive learning facility for children age 6–16. According to architect Jussi Palva, Verstas “wanted to make a school that works like a small, lively city,” and they have certainly succeeded. Sra Pou Vocational School by Architects Rudanko Kankkunen, Sra Pou, Cambodia If the above project demonstrates how Finland is known for its education system, the young firm Rudanko Kankkunen brings the country’s cultural expertise to Southeast Asia. Originally conceived while the architects were students at Aalto University for a design studio, the project was subsequently realized in 2011. Everything from the design itself to the use of local materials and the transfer of knowledge were paramount. Biofore House by Helin & Co. Architects, Helsinki, Finland Forestry is a major industry in Finland, and Helin & Co.’s client UPM is the world’s second biggest forestry company. UPM’s new headquarters in central Helsinki was completed in 2013. The firm won the international competition with a building not of wood but concrete, steel, and glass, in keeping with contemporary convention for large-scale office buildings. As global concerns about water scarcity and climate resilience intensify, the need for sustainable living practices has become more urgent than ever. Today, from residential buildings to museums, circular water systems are emerging as an important innovation, offering a blueprint for more responsible resource management. These systems prioritize reuse, recycling and conservation of water, transforming how buildings interact with their surroundings. Instead of depending only on external water supplies, circular strategies harness rainwater, treat greywater and integrate natural filtration methods to create closed-loop systems that drastically reduce consumption and waste. Beyond environmental benefits  circular water practices also enhance community resilience, providing greater independence in the face of growing climate instability. Architects and designers worldwide are increasingly incorporating these solutions into residential projects. From rainwater harvesting and advanced filtration to water-sensitive landscaping and integrated green infrastructure, today’s sustainable homes are setting new standards for how we live with water. Upper House Designed by Koichi Takada and his team, the Upper House in South Brisbane, Australia, features a multi-residential design including 188 apartments spread across 33 stories. Its striking architecture draws influence from the indigenous Moreton Bay Fig tree, signaling a transformative shift in multi-residential design. This development blends a connection to nature with high-quality design, resident wellbeing and environmental sustainability. Energy-efficient systems, alongside using recycled and renewable materials, minimize ecological impacts while enhancing positive environmental effects. Furthermore, the building has been designed to cut water usage by 20%, and Upper House pledges to use 100% renewable energy for its electricity needs. The facility includes 194 bicycle spaces for residents and 48 for visitors and electric vehicle charging ports for 60 parking spots. Dove Dove contains a series of interconnected pavilions, each space is independently linked by various paths. Constructed using a combination of wood and concrete, the building is designed for optimal performance: it utilizes ground-source heating and cooling, produces electrical power through a large solar photovoltaic array, and sources water from an on-site well. The thermal design of the building envelope has been meticulously crafted to exceed the standards established by the building code. Loma Sagrada House Loma Sagrada House evolved from environmentally damaged land into a regenerative project. Unlike typical harmful constructions, it improved the land and preserved soil integrity with minimal earth movement, promoting quick natural regeneration. The project features eco-friendly structures, with the main building on the southern hillside, protected from strong winds. This eco-friendly approach enhances human health by minimizing electromagnetic radiation and ensuring comfort. Innovations include natural ventilation, solar protection, advanced shielding wiring, flicker-free lighting, water reuse, solar energy systems, safe water purification and a chemical-free pool. Four Houses Pilares Four Houses Pilares is a four-house complex featuring its own common amenities. The structure blends with its surroundings, and the houses are metallic, with floors made of beams and wooden panels that were left apparent. The interior floors and terraces are made of a grey stone from India called Caledonia. Additionally, wastewater is recycled and treated, lighting is automated for efficiency, and the windows feature state-of-the-art glass to conserve temperature and insulate against noise. FRAGMENT Karlin Fragment collaborates with Trigema development, Qarta architecture studio, and artist David Černý. According to its designers, this construction results from a harmonious blend of architecture, art and residential development. The building offers 140 fully furnished studio apartments. Additionally, Fragment is a contemporary energy-efficient structure utilizing advanced technologies. Its apartments feature geothermal heat pumps for heating and cooling and incorporate green roofs and rainwater retention systems. All apartments feature the Smart Home Loxone system, through which you can control your home through a single panel and app. Lambkill Ridge Designed as a getaway for a family of four, the architecture features two nearly identical volumes mirrored along a long, narrow boardwalk that connects the access road to the winding nature trails beyond. Elevated above the forest floor, the design aims to immerse the user in nature, offering stunning views of the barren lands and ocean from its loft spaces while promoting ecological vitality. The long ascent via the two-tiered stairwell and boardwalk reveals a subtly framed trailhead between the two darkened volumes. Created with a focus on being mostly off-grid, notable characteristics consist of a window engineered to optimize both thermal heat gain and passive ventilation for temperature regulation throughout the entire year, a toilet that burns waste, and a system for collecting and filtering rainwater. Royal II By William Kaven Architecture, Portland, Oregon Royal II is a residential project in Portland, designed with a simple material palette of dark steel, concrete, glass and custom bronze-black cladding that grounds the house within the surrounding treescape. At the same time, an encircling green roof further blurs the distinction between architecture and forest. Royal II’s main level features a large, cantilevered living room with oak floors, kitchen and dining areas with built-in custom cabinetry and the primary bedroom suite, which opens onto a private sun deck. The home’s daylight basement, partially embedded in the steep slope, is flooded with light from the skylight and east-facing windows. Off the den, a large ground-level terrace abuts a filtration planter that forms part of the concrete retaining wall and contributes to the home’s water reuse system. White Rock The private residential project, designed in 2023, near Gaspereau River Valley stands on Mi’Kmaq territory, rich in significance for the Acadian community that named the river after the gaspereau fish. White Rock serves as an escape. Approaching the cabin, its silhouette appears both imposing and delicately placed atop a rocky ridge with a simple design. The landscape design is raw, preserving a light footprint within the woodland setting. Rainwater is collected and stored for irrigation, while the existing trees offer shade from the intense sun during the brief, warm summer months. Largest Ethnic Minorities In Poland While almost 98% of the Polish population identify themselves as ethnic Poles, thousands of others call the country home as well. The Polish census of 2011 found that 1.44% of the 39 million Polish people are descendants of different ancestry. The major ethnic minorities groups recognized by the Polish government are the Germans, Belorussian, Ukrainian, Lemko, Roma, and the ethnic Jews. 39.5% of the majority of the ethnic minorities lives in Salesian, 28.3% in Opolskie Voivodship, and 11.7% in Podlaskie Voivodship. Recognized minorities in Poland take a 0.3% of the total population and are of a single ethnicity. Germans The Germans are the largest ethnic minorities in Poland with a population of about 49,000. However, the number is estimated to be higher, but the small turn up is due to the complication of multi-ethnicity identity and concealment during the communist regime. Most of the German minority, 92.9%, lives in Opole Voivodeship where a trace of the German language exists. The case is similar in schools where no single school in Poland is entirely German though some German-polish schools exist. Most of the German minorities practice Roman Catholicism and Lutheran Protestantism. The Germans started migrating to Poland during the medieval period. By the Middle Ages, their number was substantial in regions of Upper Silesia, Posen, and Pomerelia. After the WWI, most Lutheran Germans remained east of the Curzon line. The number dwindled during the second Polish Republic. The ethnic Germans sided with Germany in the prewar period and were involved in the massive massacre of the 450000 Poles and Jews during Adolf Hitler reign. Belorussian The Belorussians are the second largest ethnic minority group in Poland with a population of about 37,000 despite claims that the number maybe 3 or 4 times higher. Most of them live in Podlaskie Voivodeship and the active assimilation process to the Polish culture in the recent decades facilitated the decline. In the late 18th century, Poland took control of some eastern territories of Ruthenians, the ancestors of Belarusians. During this period many of the people were Polonized and lost the Belarusian identity. By 1921 under the Second Polish Republic their number was more 1 million. They had political influence largely in the lower chamber of the Polish Council. Schools operating entirely in The Belarusian language opened up, but since the government failed to support them, they eventually closed down. The lack of support from the central government led to years of oppression by the Polish government with no policy of protecting the minorities. The Polish aligned with the Nazi rule in Belarus regions, while the Soviet Union executed the war refugees. Ukrainian The presence of Ukrainians dates back to the late middle ages. At this time Poland ruled the Galicia and Western Volhynia, which the Ukrainian occupied. The Polish dynasty introduced the Ruthenian culture and oppressed the Orthodox faith. For years the Ukrainians were oppressed and forced to assimilate the Polish way of life. This annexation of Ukraine regions facilitated Polanization, and the people lost their identity. Today the relationship between the Ukrainians and the Poles is way calmer, and they coexist peacefully. However, the Polish government has restricted migration of the minorities group in the region. Even so, the Ukrainians have easy access to immigration permits though their number is about 36,000. The Lemko of Poland This minority ethnic group has faced a difficult time in Poland. Before the 20th century, the Lemko lived in the Lemkovyna, southeast of the country. When the interwar era erupted, the Lemko were forced to identify as either Ukrainian or Polish. Towards the end of the war, a misunderstanding occurred, and the Lemko identified as Ukrainian cooperatives leading to massive depopulation of villages hence scattering the Lemko. The effect lasted to this today. The scattering of the Lemko led to culture loss. Fear of ridicule of identifying as a Lemko facilitated the loss of culture. The fact that the community was once torn between two nationalities led to a lack of a national self-identity; the Polish assimilated them quickly. Presently, the Commonwealth Poland protects the rights of its citizens. The different ethnic groups coexist peacefully with each other. Finland is Famous for From the best of the world education system Why Finland’s Education System is Unique Finland’s approach to education is distinct from traditional systems. Here’s what makes it stand out: No Standardized Testing: Students focus on learning, not memorizing for exams. Highly Qualified Teachers: All teachers hold master’s degrees and are respected professionals. Holistic Learning: Emphasis on life skills, collaboration, and problem-solving. Equal Opportunities: Education is accessible to everyone, regardless of background. A tricky language Poland is the only country in the world where Polish is the national and official language. As an EU member, Polish is also an official language of the Union, Foreigners are quick to point out just how hard Polish can be to learn as a beginner. If you already speak a language Polish is closely related to, such as Czech, you might have a different view. However, for most, Polish remains very tough to master indeed, what makes Polish so unique is that it features many sounds not found in almost any other language. More than that, it uses a modified Latin alphabet to represent these sounds – unlike even most other Slavic tongues. for example, can you tell the difference between sz and rz? What about ż, ź, and dz? Polish orthography becomes only more complicated, and it’s notorious for its difficulty. Most native speakers don’t even know all of the various rules  Pope John Paul II For centuries, Poland has been at the heart of Christian Europe, with a very devout Catholic population that rivals only that of Italy in its dedication to the church, with that in mind, it is easy to imagine the excitement when a young Polish cardinal called Karol Józef Wojtyła was elected to be pope in 1978. He took on the name Jan Paweł II, or John Paul II as it is often rendered in English, John Paul II ended up becoming one of the longest-serving popes in all of history, remaining the head of the Catholic Church for most of the second half of the 20th century until his death in 2005 at 84 years old. today, the former pope is commemorated all over Poland. His likeness is displayed in the form of statues, postage stamps, and on coins, and other memorabilia. He is considered one of the most beloved Polish citizens to have ever lived and remains a national role model and icon.  Mythology and folklore Thanks to the internationally successful Witcher series of books, games, and TV shows, Polish mythology has now gone mainstream. but beyond legends of scary monsters, classic Polish folklore has a lot to offer! polish culture since the Middle Ages has been defined by a very strong and fast embrace of Catholic doctrine. At the same time, Polish people stuck with many of the Pagan Slavic myths, tales, and beliefs that their ancestors had believed in. Polish Folklore and Myth Used Book in Good Condition  Asala, Joanne (Author) English (Publication Language) For example, there is the famous legend of Twardowski, a man who makes a pact with the devil to gain magical abilities and then tries to use his wits in order to keep his gift instead of going to hell. There is a lot of Christian imagery here for sure. Not to mention the obvious parallels to Faust! But at the same time, the way the devil and other supernatural forces work in this story is mostly drawn from old Pagan traditions. This is why, especially for Western readers and viewers, Polish mythology can seem excitingly complex, foreign, and recognizable at the same time.  The beautiful ceramics of Bolesławiec You might not know this yet, but Poland is actually famous around the globe for a particular style of hand-made pottery, more specifically, it’s the ceramics made in the quaint little town of Bolesławiec. Situated in the picturesque Lower Silesia region close to Germany, Bolesławiec has been a center of traditional ceramics throughout Poland for centuries, and it’s made a name for itself far beyond its borders as well. the appeal is obvious if you’ve ever seen it in person: with their playful, abstract patterns and unique craftsmanship, Bolesławiec maintains a monopoly on a uniquely Polish traditional art style, since every individual piece is unique, and imperfect in its own way, there’s an element of exclusivity to it too! Bolesławiec-style pottery is often sold at public markets in any of Poland’s major cities and tourist attractions. However, I recommend a trip to Bolesławiec itself for the real deal. And while you’re there, don’t miss the local Ceramics Festival, which runs for almost a week every year in August. Boleslawiec is a must see place for all who love polish pottery. This town is located 130 km to the west from Wroclaw and it takes about 1,5h to get there. There are several different factories offering a hufe variety of colours and diseign. You will visit a factory where local guide will show you hole process of manufacturing. After the factory tour you will be able to shop in the several different pottery shops. Milk bars Of course, the best pierogi in the world isn’t going to be store-bought — you will need to head to an authentic Polish restaurant for the full experience. And for that, there’s no better choice than a real milk bar! Milk bars, or bary mleczne, are traditional establishments that flourished all over Poland under Communist rule. They offer canteen-style eating where you order simple meals by combining a few ingredients based on the menu of the day, the food at milk bars tends to be mainly traditional evergreens of the Polish cuisine — for example, Gołąbki, which are made of rice, meat, and vegetables rolled in boiled cabbage. Using time-tested cooking techniques and quality ingredients, the meals are known to punch far above their price as well. Bison European bison (Bison bonasus) in wintertime, Knyszyn Forest (Poland) Apart from Belarus, Poland is the only European country today with a major population of bison in its Eastern forests! Many ventures into the Polish forests looking for these rare creatures, and they’re truly a sight to behold! It’s no wonder that the bison is also the national animal of Poland!  Europe’s most ancient forest Natural stand of Bialowieza Forest with standing water in morning sunny Speaking of Poland’s amazing wildlife, most of it is concentrated in the Białowieża forest a gigantic expanse of flora and fauna that stretches on for hundreds of square kilometers at the border with Belarus. Białowieża is one of the few primeval forests still dotting Europe — that is, it harbors a time capsule of an ecosystem very similar to that which covered Europe millennia ago during prehistoric times. It is also by far the largest, Due to its unique status, Białowieża is protected by law. The forest contains practically no human settlement or influence, and its original condition is preserved as best as possible. This guided tour Solidarność Emblem of Independent Self-Governing Trade Union Solidarity on Historic Gate No. 2 of Gdansk Shipyard at Solidarnosci square.  Gdańsk Beautiful panoramic aerial photo from drone to old city Gdansk The city of Gdańsk belongs to the largest metropolitan area in Poland’s North. Together with Gdynia and Sopot, it forms a tri-city area. the three are situated right on the Baltic sea coast, and because of that have always been an important center for European trade during the middle ages, Gdańsk was called Danzig, and it became a member of the Hanseatic league. The cultural exchange it experienced during this period continues to define the town even today, featuring a very unique blend of German and Polish elements, both in architecture, culture, and geography, Gdańsk is one of those places you definitely shouldn’t miss Kashubian Wiezyca village road information sign in Kashubian language. It might surprise you to hear that Polish is not actually the only language widely spoken in Poland! Apart from the languages of neighboring Ukraine, Belarus, and Czechia, Poland is also known for having a whole group of native minority languages in its various regions.  Kashubian is probably the most famous of these, and it is still spoken today in the country’s North, especially in the area surrounding Gdańsk. Kashubian is the native language of the Kashubian people, an ethnic minority native to this region, and their language is closely related to Polish, because Polish speakers can understand Kashubian quite well, it used to be seen as nothing more than an old-fashioned dialect. Only in recent times have the Kashubian people and their language been officially recognized as distinct from Polish.  The Baltic Sea The Baltic coast of Poland is known for its unique climate and beautiful beaches and cliffs. Some of these are protected as national parks, yes, it can get pretty cold here — even in the warmer months, I’d only recommend taking a dip if you’re a fan of winter swimming! But it more than makes up for that with the stunning views. it’s not just the mainland on the coast either. There are also many Polish islands in the Baltic, and they offer some of the best spas and resorts anywhere in Europe. The Błędów Desert Blendow Desert (Pustynia Blendowska) in Poland. The largest inland, far from any sea, area of loose sand in Central Europe. though Poland is usually imagined by foreigners as a cold wasteland of snow, forest, and not much else, reality begs to differ. Yes, Poland doesn’t just shatter stereotypes with its beautiful Baltic seascapes and lush islands, it also has a desert to boot!  Polish manners Young man kissing an elegant woman's hand I have already mentioned how Polish culture evolved in its own unique way thanks to exposure both to Catholic ideology as well as ancient Slavic traditions. External influences from both East and West round out the picture, however, foreigners are often surprised to see just how differently Polish people interact compared to what’s normal in most other European cultures, for example, it is relatively common in Poland to practice a few small chivalrous gestures when meeting people in a social setting, many men still kiss women’s hands upon greeting them. Dzień dobry is a common greeting in Poland Polish people like saying “dzień dobry”, or “good day” in the elevator, the stairwell, down the hall at the workplace, and generally just about everywhere else. And if there is even a single line of dialogue beyond that, expect a firm handshake with lots of eye contact, also, be aware that it’s considered rude to not give up your seat in public transport to the elderly or pregnant women. The stares eye stare A second note about that eye contact I mentioned: if you ever find yourself in Poland and everyone out in the street is looking for you in the eyes very intensely, don’t worry. It’s not one of those dreams where you forgot to put your clothes on, nothing’s wrong, this is just one more of those classic Polish mannerisms. Whenever passing anyone by, introducing yourself, or generally during any kind of social interaction even if small, Polish people like to, well, stare a bit, it’s not considered rude at all, and it isn’t a sign of anger, annoyance, or anything else. Still, for foreigners, the uniquely Polish way of making eye contact can be hard to adjust to.  Vodka Zubrowka, the original flavoured Polish vodka from Bison Grass herb Editorial credit: Noemi Apostol / Shutterstock.com , Everyone knows it, some can’t stand it, and in Poland, plenty drink it straight up. Of course, I am talking about vodka or wódka as it is known here, while many consider vodka to be a Russian invention, there is plenty of historical evidence to suggest that that prize actually belongs to Poland — and either way, Polish vodka is some of the best in the world.  Polish cinema Throughout the last century and up to the current day, Poland has contributed a lot to the cinema of Europe and beyond. Masterful directors like Krzysztof Kieślowski, Roman Polanski, and Andrzej Wajda have made a name for themselves around the world, poland is also known for some more controversial cinematic figures, such as the “artist-pornographer” Walerian Borowczyk with both mainstream hits and avant-garde masterpieces, Poland has reserved a place for itself in the pantheon of high-class world cinema. Kraków The former capital of Poland, Kraków today is one of the most popular destinations in the country for many travelers. It’s easy to see why — its old town is picturesque and combines architectural styles from the early middle ages all the way up to 19th-century neoclassicism. Kraków is also intertwined with many famous milestones of Polish history and folklore. There’s the legend of the great dragon that was said to live here in the 1300s. To this day, Wawel castle where the king of Poland reigned remains a major sight. Darker chapters of Poland’s history also unfolded here. Kraków was the site of a major ghetto established during World War II, and Oskar Schindler’s factory was also just outside of town. The Auschwitz concentration camp Visit Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camps with a professional educator who will tell you about its history. Spend 3.5 hours learning about the millions of victims of the Holocaust. We are sufficient with this amount of Finland famous for Do and Don’ts Don’t drink & smoke in public This is strictly forbidden by law and you might get penalized by a police officer when doing so. Sadly, an explanation that you didn’t know won’t be enough for police officers as they take a strict approach to public drunkenness & smoking. Take your hat off If you’re entering someone’s house, public institutions or church as a gentleman, you should remove your hat. Women & children do not need to remove their hats indoors. A woman is required to take off her hat only for a substantial meal such as lunch or dinner. These rules do not apply to uniformed services. Don’t great over the threshold Get familiar with the superstition that we should avoid the greeting of guests at the door or over a threshold. Why shouldn’t we do that? In ancient Slavic times, people believed that evil powers from outside would be carried into the house when we greet guests over the threshold. the threshold has always symbolized the border between what is outside and inside, between danger and safety. Today this norm is considered as a sign of good manners, so ensure you follow it. Don’t forget to try traditional polish food Rather than satisfying your taste buds by eating pizza or kebab, head over to a traditional Polish restaurant and try out delicious Polish dishes, don’t forget that you’re in a country of pierogi and sausages and tasting local dishes is an integral part of getting to know a foreign country’s culture. Give up your seat If you see elderly citizens, a disabled person or a pregnant woman entering a tram, bus or train, don’t hesitate to give up your seat, It costs you nothing and such a small gesture will make their journey more comfortable. Poles grew up with these principles and values, where you help those in need as much as you can, so ensure to follow that social etiquette. Don’t be caught jaywalking You should only cross the road at signposted crossing points like zebra crossings. If you do not cross the road at a signposted point and you are caught by the police, you will be fined. Some Poles say that is a heritage of communist times; on the contrary, authorities say “dura lex sed lex.” Keep that in mind and stick to the law as others do. Don’t point Pointing at people or things is considered rude and boorish in Poland. Rather than using a finger to point at something, use a whole hand or nod your head at what you would like to indicate. Have coins on you Coins can be handy when you have to tip in Poland. Besides that, Polish shops tend not to have any change when you want to pay with a note so make sure you have some coins on you at all times, just in case. Don’t forget to validate your bus or tram ticket Tickets need to be validated by stamping or punching them immediately after boarding or before departure. You will find validators attached to a pole near the doors of the bus or tram. This way, you will avoid an unpleasant situation with the ticket controller, If you get caught having an unvalidated ticket, you will have to pay a fine on the spot; if you don’t pay, the inspector will call the police. The security in and out Finland           1- Finland is the safest country in the world  for all people and population groups, on Thursday 20 May, the Government adopted the Report on Internal Security and submitted it to Parliament for consideration. The objective of the Report is that Finland will be an even safer country for all people and population groups in the future, the Report on Internal Security assesses the state of internal security in Finland and the national and global drivers of change affecting it, and it defines the internal security objectives and the direction of development until 2030, the drivers of change that are affecting Finland's internal security, such as  inequality marginalisation  population ageing polarisation will increase without active actions and policies. Cyber-facilitated crime and cybercrime are increasing and developing rapidly. Global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, migration and pandemics can cause inequality, bring on lack of prospects and deepen dividing lines. According to a survey Internal security policy is primarily based on prevention 96 per cent of Finns feel that their lives are safe. What kind of security problems a person faces in everyday life strongly depends on their personal situation, circumstances or experiences. “Marginalisation, social unease and multiple deprivation are still the biggest threats to Finland's internal security. Action is needed from society as a whole to combat these. The key objective of internal and external security measures is to safeguard fundamental and human rights for everyone”, says Minister of the Interior Maria Ohisalo. This objective will be implemented for example by -    shifting the focus of the authorities' activities from corrective services to prevention, -    maintaining a high level of trust in internal security operators among all population groups and -    ensuring that assistance is quickly available in emergencies throughout the country. 2-    The Applying to NATO Finland to apply to NATO 'without delay,' as Sweden mulls stance with so much ground going unutilized, the city of Helsinki has converted some of its shelters into spaces for everyday public use. There's an underground playground, a shelter that doubles as a hockey rink, even an underground swimming pool. this is what it's like being Russia's neighbor. The two countries share an 800-mile border and a long, complicated history, For decades, Finland opted not to join any military alliance in an effort meant to appease Russia's security concerns. As a result, Finland had to ensure it could fend for itself. So, it's not just the bunkers; conscription is still mandatory for men, and the country has about 900,000 reservists. "We have to take care of the citizens, that's the main reason we have this system," said Tomi Rask, an instructor with Helsinki's Civil Defense Department, the invasion to Ukraine marked a turning point for Finland-Russia relations. Public support in Finland for joining NATO is skyrocketing from roughly 30% before the war to more than 70% in the weeks after the invasion. According to the principle of "value-based realism," Finland remains committed to democracy, the rule of law, international law, human rights, peace, equality and non-discrimination. However, it must also engage with countries that do not emphasise these values in the same way, the report said. How NATO factors into the Ukraine-Russia conflict Russia has already threatened "serious military and political consequences" if Finland and Sweden join NATO, saying it will have to bolster its defenses in the region and that it could decide to place nuclear weapons in the Baltics. there are concerns about what could happen in the time period after Finland and Sweden submit their applications but before they formally join the alliance. The two countries now hoping to win over security assurances from allies, including the U.S. Finns say now, is the time to act while Putin is busy with Ukraine. The war in Ukraine is prompting Finland, even with its 50,000 shelters and capable military, to decide it can no longer go it alone. It's likely giving Putin the very thing he worked so hard to prevent: NATO's expansion. "We are a small nation, we need help, we need friends. And from my point of view, maybe NATO is the friend that we need," said Rask. 4- The relations with Russia are frozen Communication channels between public authorities have been maintained in sectors essential for Finland, for instance, in connection with border security, cooperation in crime prevention, transport and security of supply. the report said Finland will refrain from building political relations with Russia for as long as it continues its war of aggression in Ukraine and its violations of international law. However, it will strive to support efforts to expand the room for manoeuvre for civil society in Russia and will maintain and develop its knowledge of Russia. According to the report, at the moment, Finland is not facing an immediate military threat from Russia, but it must be prepared for the use or threat of military force against Finland, It is expected that Russia will continue its hybrid tactics against Finland — an example of this is the diversion of asylum seekers to Finland's eastern border. Finland will be more prepared to handle threats to critical infrastructure. 5- EU and its relationships with Finland Despite the new alliances, the European Union will retain its position as Finland’s most "important community of values and security and channel of foreign policy influence." Finland's political and financial support, defence and humanitarian aid to Ukraine will continue as long as they are needed, the report said. The same will be pursued at the EU level. Finland also advocates for a stronger role for the European Investment Bank (EIB) in funding the defence industry. According to the report  in the face of the challenges posed by the war and the Covid-19 pandemic, the EU has shown its strength as a community of values. The will of European countries to join the European Union is a sign of the EU’s appeal, and "enlargement is back on the EU agenda" 6- No hard line on China Although China is a tacit supporter of Russia in its war against Ukraine, the report emphasises realism in its dealings with the eastern superpower. No hard-line positions are taken. Both the United States and the EU view interdependencies and global challenges, such as responding to climate change, as necessitating cooperation with China. At the same time, China’s aims of controlling critical production and supply chains also pose a challenge to Finland and Europe. "We must be aware of the growing risks, prepare for them and prevent them," the report said. 7- Finland’s deportation law Human rights organizations sound the alarm over the controversial measure. A controversial law allowing Finland to turn asylum seekers away at its long eastern border with Russia came into force Monday, despite criticism from human rights bodies that it violates international migration law and sets a dangerous precedent. the new law, proposed by the right-wing government and passed by lawmakers with an overwhelming majority, seeks to tackle what Prime Minister Petteri Orpo has called Russia’s “weaponization” of migration. Finland says it has faced an increase in asylum seekers from the Middle East and Africa and blames Moscow for stoking the influx — which the Kremlin has repeatedly denied. In April, Finland closed its 1,340-kilometer border with Russia indefinitely. Advertisement Advertisement “Instrumentalized migration is one way that Russia can put pressure on and affect the security and social stability of Finland and the EU,” the Finnish interior ministry told POLITICO. “This new act prepares Finland for the possibility that Russia may continue to exert pressure for a long time and in more serious and larger-scale ways.” the deportation act would, in the case of a national emergency, allow a temporary exception to the constitution under which border guards could block asylum seekers from entering the country and deprive them of the right to appeal. Poland, Lithuania and Latvia adopted similar laws in 2021, after Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko orchestrated a border crisis by attracting migrants from the Middle East and driving them towards the EU in retaliation against sanctions imposed by Brussels. Human rights groups  have criticized the deportation bill, arguing that it goes against the Finnish constitution, Helsinki’s international commitments, and EU law. “The rule of law in Finland has been shaken,” Pia Lindfors, director of the Finnish Refugee Advice Center, told POLITICO. “A green light to border violence” The principle of non-refoulement in international law forbids sending asylum seekers back to countries where they may face persecution, torture, or inhumane or degrading treatment. 8 - For the Underground Helsinki and Underground Urbanism, please for Underground Helsinki and Underground Urbanism.pdf A Simple video about Finland

Micronesia is a subregion of Oceania, comprising approximately 2,000 small islands in the Northwestern Pacific Ocean. Micronesia is made up of 4 island states: Pohnpei, Kosrae, Chuuk and Yap. The country is known for palm-shaded beaches, wreck-filled dives and ancient ruins, including Nan Madol, sunken basalt temples and burial vaults that extend out of a lagoon on Pohnpei. Micronesia known for its rich cultural history, diverse geography, and tropical marine climate. Capital and Population The capital of Micronesia is Palikir, located on the island of Pohnpei, with a population of around 7,000 people. The total population of Micronesia is approximately 113,131 people, with various ethnic groups, including Chuukese, Pohnpeian, Kosraean, and Yapese. Geography Micronesia consists of four main archipelagos: the Caroline Islands, Gilbert Islands, Mariana Islands, and Marshall Islands. The islands vary geologically from high mountainous islands to low coral atolls, with volcanic outcroppings on Pohnpei, Kosrae, and Chuuk. The total land area is around 702 square kilometers. Climate Micronesia has a tropical marine climate, moderated by seasonal northeast trade winds. The dry season typically runs from December to June, while the rainy season is from July to November, which can include typhoons . Cuisine Micronesian cuisine features a mix of traditional and modern dishes, with staple foods including: Taro root Breadfruit Coconuts Yams  Fish, which is a primary source of protein Dress Micronesians typically wear Western-style clothing, with a focus on comfort and practicality in the tropical climate. Religion The majority of Micronesians are Christian, with Roman Catholicism and Protestantism being the most prominent denominations. Famous Landmarks Some notable landmarks in Micronesia include: Nan Madol  An archaeological site on the island of Pohnpei, featuring ancient stone structures Lelu Ruins A historic site on the island of Kosrae, showcasing ancient Micronesian architecture Mt. Tonaachaw  A mountain on the island of Chuuk, offering stunning views Sokehs Rock  A prominent rock formation on the island of Pohnpei Sunset Beach  A popular beach on the island of Yap, known for its beautiful sunsets Weather Micronesia's weather is characterized by high temperatures and humidity throughout the year. The temperature ranges from 70°F to 90°F (21°C to 32°C), with minimal seasonal variation. Economy Micronesia's economy is primarily driven by: Fishing: With an abundance of marine resources, fishing is a significant industry Tourism: Visitors are drawn to Micronesia's stunning beaches, coral reefs, and rich cultural heritage Agriculture: Crops like coconuts, tropical fruits, and black pepper are cultivated for local consumption and export Education and Literacy Micronesia has a relatively high literacy rate of around 89%, with a focus on providing education to its citizens. Local language phrases  Some basic phrases in Chuukese, Kosraean, Pohnpeian, and Yapese, which are some of the local languages spoken in Micronesia: Chuukese (Trukese): 1. "Mei ach" (MAY-ach) - Hello 2. "Keimwe mwes" (KAY-mway MWES) - Thank you 3. "Mwunsch" (MWUN-sh) - Goodbye 4. "Rengin sap" (RENG-in SAP) - How are you?   Kosraean: 1. "Srak" (SRAK) - Hello 2. "Kahl inem" (KAHL ee-NAY-m) - Thank you 3. "Twenye" (TWEH-nye) - Goodbye 4. "Mwet srahk" (MWEHT srahk) - How are you?   Pohnpeian: 1. "Kelekel" (KEH-leh-kehl) - Hello 2. "Danki" (DAHN-kee) - Thank you 3. "Meing" (MAY-ing) - Goodbye 4. "Kerei sap" (KEH-reh-ee SAP) - How are you?   Yapese: 1. "Gorowyap" (GOH-roh-YAP) - Hello 2. "Bay tabin" (BAH-ee TAH-bin) - Thank you 3. "Gorowyap dii" (GOH-roh-YAP DEE-ee) - Goodbye 4. "Gaam nga?" (GAH-am NGAH) - How are you? Learning these phrases can go a long way in showing respect for the local culture and people. Keep in mind that there may be variations in pronunciation and dialect depending on the region. Micronesia is a country with a rich cultural heritage. Here are some general do's and don'ts: DO 1. Respect local customs: Learn about Micronesian traditions and respect them. 2. Greet with respect: Use formal titles and last names until invited to use first names. 3. Dress modestly: Cover shoulders and knees, especially in rural areas or when visiting churches. 4. Remove shoes: When entering homes or certain traditional buildings. 5. Be patient: Micronesian culture values patience and calmness.   DON'T 1. Don't touch sacred objects: Avoid touching or handling sacred objects or artifacts without permission. 2. Respect private property: Don't enter private property without permission. 3. Don't litter: Keep the environment clean and respect local efforts to preserve natural beauty. 5. Be mindful of local traditions: Avoid behaviors that might offend local customs or traditions. By being respectful and considerate, you can have a positive experience in Micronesia. Micronesia is a unique and fascinating region, with its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and resilient people. Security Issues in Micronesia  Micronesia faces various security challenges that impact its stability and development. Some key issues include. Transnational Crime Micronesia's strategic location makes it vulnerable to transnational criminal activity, including drug trafficking. A major cocaine trade route from South America to Asia passes through Micronesia, with multi-ton shipments transferred at sea. Government Corruption Corruption is endemic in Micronesia, with government officials often accepting bribes and engaging in corrupt practices. This undermines the effectiveness of law enforcement and the rule of law. Human Trafficking  Micronesia is a source and destination country for human trafficking, with cases of forced labor and prostitution reported. Chinese transnational criminal groups operate prostitution syndicates to service fishing fleets and foreign tourists. Climate Change  Micronesia is highly vulnerable to climate change, with rising sea levels and increased frequency of natural disasters posing existential threats to the islands and their inhabitants. Geopolitical Tensions  Micronesia's location in the Pacific makes it a strategic hotspot, with the US and China vying for influence in the region. This could lead to increased tensions and potential conflict. Crime Petty crime, such as theft and vandalism, is a moderate concern in Micronesia. Violent crime, including assault and armed robbery, is also present, particularly at night or in isolated areas. Terrorism  Although there is no recent history of terrorism in Micronesia, the global threat of terrorism means that attacks cannot be ruled out entirely. Natural Disasters Micronesia is prone to natural disasters, including tropical cyclones, floods, and severe droughts, which can have devastating impacts on the islands and their inhabitants.

The Silk Road (Complete file), please for The capital Beijing,  previously Romanized as Peking, is the capital of China. With more than 22 million residents, it is the world's most populous national capital city as well as China's second largest city after Shanghai. It is located in Northern China It’s located in East Asia and lies between latitudes 35.0° North and longitudes 103.00° East. It’s people It is the world's most populous country, with a population of around 1,439,323,776 in 2020 at midyear according to UN data and world's third largest country in terms of area.   The official language China’s language is the world’s oldest written language and has a history going back more than 6,000 years Because China covers a large area of land with dozens of national minorities, there are hundreds of languages spoken throughout China. Mandarin, the most commonly spoken language in China, is also the world’s most spoken language with 1.5 billion speakers. There are more than 300 languages spoken in China that fall under 9 language families. While these spoken dialects of mainland China are sometimes mutually unintelligible, some share a common written language. because there are huge variations in these dialects or languages, some may be as subtle as different accents or dialect words known in certain regions — such as the difference between UK and US English — but some are considered very distinct languages. The official religion Atheism Atheism is the official religion of the People's Republic of China. However, there are now five alternative state-sanctioned religious affiliations: Buddhism, Taoism, Catholicism, Protestantism, and Islam. The Chinese Communist Party is officially atheist, but it recognizes these five religions. Authorities tightly monitor registered and unregistered groups. There are a growing number of religious believers, including those who practice folk religions and more than a dozen other banned faiths  Why Chinese people like Red color so much? In Chinese culture, red symbolizes  good fortune, prosperity, and happiness . The Chinese phrase “红红火火” (hóng hóng huǒ huǒ) conveys the auspicious wishes for vigor, passion and liveliness. Chinese Ethnic Groups China is composed of 56 ethnic group (we will focus on 6 of them) 1-   The Han Han Chinese represent more than 90% of China’s population and roughly 20% of the world’s population, around 1.1 billion people. Han Chinese derive from the Han Dynasty, which ruled for 400 years, making it the longest-ruling empire in China’s history. Most Han speak Mandarin. 2-   The Zhuang with 18 million people. The Zhuang people are mostly concentrated in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in southern China. Although the Zhuang have their own language, most of them speak Chinese dialects. Muslim ethnic groups There are two major Muslim ethnic groups in China: the Hui and the Uighurs. There are 10.5 million Hui and 10 million Uighurs in China. 3-   The Hui The Hui are concentrated in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region in northwest China and also spread out across Xinjiang. The Hui practice Islam and are descendants of the Turks like the Uighurs, however, unlike them, they didn’t retain a Turkish dialect and mostly speak Mandarin. In some sense, the Hui are unique because they represent the only ethnic group in China for which religion is the only unifying criterion of identity. The vast majority of the Hui speak Mandarin and have the same dietary preferences as the Han, but refrain from eating pork, which is the most common meat consumed in China. The Hui have largely assimilated into Han society and have adapted their Islamic practices to fit into the Confucian-influenced culture. Hui mosques blend traditional Chinese dynastic architecture with Islamic motifs. 4-   The Uighurs on the other hand, account for more than half of all Muslims in China. They are distant relatives of the Turks, and their language belongs to the Turkic group of the Altaic branch. Their written language is based on Arabic characters. Uighur means “unity” or “alliance” and they’re mostly settled in China’s northwestern territory, namely the Xinjiang province. 5-   The Manchu with over 10 million people. Manchuria is a region of northeastern China that encompasses Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Liaoning provinces. Manchuria has a long history both as a conqueror and conquest of China. Their ancestry can be traced back more than 2,000 years to the Sushen tribe, and later to other tribes native to the Changbai Mountains such as the Yilou, Huiji, Mohe, and Nuzhen. Manchu men and women were excellent equestrians and archers, and young children were taught to hunt swan with bows and arrows by the age of six or seven, while teenagers learned to ride on horseback in full hunting gear. The very last emperor of China, Henry Pu Yi was a Manchu. Today, only a handful of elderly people in the most remote corners of northeast China still speak the Manchu language, which belongs to the Manchu-Tungusic group of the Altaic language family. As for the rest of the Manchus, they speak Mandarin like the Han. 6-   The Mongols The Mongolians mainly live in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, with others scattered around Liaoning, Jilin, Heilongjiang, Xinjiang, Hebei, and Beijing. More than 21 million people live in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, 2 million of whom are Mongolians. Many others belong to minorities such as Hui, Manchu, Daur, Ewenki, Oroqen, Koreans, and Han. was the name of a tribe roaming along the Erguna River. The Mongols moved through the grasslands of western Mongolia in the 7th century until they settled in the upper reaches of the Onon, Kerulen and Tula Rivers and areas east of the Kentey Mountains in the twelfth century. Many tribes stemmed from the Mongols, including the Tartar, Wongjiqa, Mierqi, and Kelie around Lake Baikal. China famous clothing Hanfu It is the most well-known Traditional style of Chinese clothing. Because of its luxurious styles and beautiful colors, Hanfu has become one of the most favorable clothing to take photos for Chinese females. Hanfu features a loose upper garment with a cross collar, wide sleeves, and ankle-length skirts or trousers. The buttonless upper garment overlaps the right border to the left and is tied with a belt sash. The belt sash was often decorated with jade. Hanfu is a typical representative of traditional Chinese clothing. It has a history of more than 4,000 years. Han Traditional Chinese Clothing Chinese people don't wear Hanfu in their daily lives, but Han fu is still popular on special occasions such as weddings and Chinese New Year celebrations. Cheongsam - Qipao The cheongsam, also known as Qipao, is a traditional Chinese dress originating from a kind of garment worn by Manchurian women about 300 years ago. Qipao The cheongsam is a tight-fitting dress. The length of the cheongsam can be long or short. Cheongsam features a standing collar, the two ends of the collar fasten at the center of the front of the neck with pankous (traditional Chinese knotted buttons), and a pair of high-side slits above the knee. The sleeves can be of different shapes and lengths. Cheongsam is now the most famous traditional Chinese clothes around the world. Suit (Tangzhuang) Tang suit, also known as the Chinese suit, or Tangzhuang, is a traditional Chinese jacket with Manchu origins and Han elements combined with a Western-style suit-cutting method. It does not refer to the clothing of the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907). Actually, the Tang suit originated and developed from "Magua", a clothing of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Originating from Magua, a Manchu men's jacket in the Qing Dynasty, the Tang suit features a duijin, a Chinese-style front opening jacket with buttons down the front. It has a stand-up collar, and knobs made of intricately knotted strings. The Tang suit is popular in the world. It also has had a great influence on the clothing styles of some Asian countries.  Today, Chinese men still wear Tang suits as one of the formal attires on various occasions. Tang Suit as Wedding costumes Zhongshan Suit Zhongshan suit, also called the Yat-sen suit or Mao suit, is a male attire style that combines the Western-style suit and traditional Chinese clothing style. It features a turn-down collar, four pockets with flaps, five big buttons in the front, and three small cuff buttons on either sleeve. The name of the Zhongshan suit comes from Sun Yat-sen, the main leader who ended the Qing dynastic government and founded the Republic of China (1912 - 1949). Sun Yat-sen introduced the Zhongshan suit as a national garment shortly after the founding of the Republic of China and it became extremely popular among the Chinese people since then. Most common clothing wearing nowadays Light layers: Bring a mix of long-sleeved shirts, light sweaters, and a medium-weight jacket. Trousers and jeans: Comfortable pants for daily wear. Comfortable walking shoes: For exploring cities and attractions China landmarks Dujiangyan Panda Base the Best Place to See the Giant Pandas A landmark in wildlife preservation. China's giant panda has become one of must-see attractions of China, alongside the Great Wall, the Terracotta Army, and the Li River. The best places to see the giant pandas are at the Dujiangyan Panda Base in Chengdu, where volunteer programs allowing close contact with the giant pandas.  The 20 Yuan Bank Note Site — a Li River Landmark As the fifth series of Chinese bank notes was issued, the Li River scenery printed on the back of the 20-yuan bill became a landmark of China. This image was taken at a site near Xingping Dock in Yangshuo. It is a part of theLi River cruise route. Your cruise ship will slow down there, so that you can feast your eyes on the landmark. Renowned for its karst landforms, limestone cones, cylinders, and hills, the Li River has inspired countless Chinese poets and artists and has been repeatedly depicted on the country's newspapers and magazines. Mutianyu's "Mao Loyalty Ridge", the Best Place to See the Great Wall The Great Wall, a star attraction in China, is a symbol of China, together with Tiananmen Square and the five stars or the Communist flag. If you are planning to visit the Great Wall of China, the best section is at Mutianyu, a fully-restored with elegant scenery, less crowds, and good walking conditions. The most challenging section (very steep) is near the "Mao's Loyalty Ridge", taking about 30 minutes to climb the steps. The landmark of Mutianyu's Great Wall section is the hill with a large stone inscription saying "忠于毛主席" (Be loyal to Chairman Mao), which was made in the Cultural Revolution period (1966-1976). Standing on the ridge, you can have a bird's eye view of the Great Wall in this area. The Forbidden City — the Largest Imperial Palace in the World The Forbidden City (or the Palace Museum) is one of the must-visit attractions for travelers to China. It used to be an imperial palace in the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. It has housed 24 emperors. Today, the palace is a large museum, housing thousands of historical relics. The layout of this palace is strictly according to Chinese fengshui theory. China's best-preserved imperial palace is the world's largest ancient palatial structure (720,000 square meters, and more than 9,000 halls), and the essence and culmination of traditional Chinese architectural accomplishment. You cloud visit the 12 selected places in the complex to discover the deep secrets of the royal families, while other group tours only visit six spots briefly. Listen to the interesting stories of eight famous figures in the Forbidden City. The Terracotta Warriors Museum Buried in 210 BC with the first Emperor of the Qin Dynasty, this breathtaking underground army of Xi'an is another star attraction in China. The Terracotta Warriors Museum, with three pits, covers an area of 22,780 square meters. Over 8,000 terracotta soldiers and horses, and more than 10,000 bronze weapons were unearthed in these three pits. The Terracotta Warriors is First Emperor Qin's Buried Battalions, about one kilometer from his mausoleum. The life-sized terracotta army is exhibited in the museum built at the site of archeological excavation. An interesting fact is that all the terracotta soldiers were made to face east towards Emperor Qin's enemies. In addition to visiting and learning about these terracotta warriors, you could make your own warriors at a cave dwelling where there are only a few craftsmen left who continue to work in a traditional way. Mount Qomolangma, or Mount Everest Mount Qomolangma is a holy mountain for local Tibetan people. Mount Qomolangma or Everest is also a representative landmark of the Himalayas, Tibet, even China. This pyramid-shaped world record holder straddles the border of China and Nepal, with the north col located in Tingri, and the south col located in Nepal. The best time for Everest mountaineering is during the period from early September to late October, before the windy season (from November to February). Read more about Trekking to the Everest Base Camp The Mogao Caves in Dunhuang "In the West there is the Louvre; in the East there are the Mogao Caves." The Mogao Caves are famous for their exquisite murals and Buddhist statues. The Mogao Caves were included in UNESCO's world cultural heritage list in 1987. Artists from different periods of the Middle Ages left their work there. All kinds of works spanning over one thousand years complement each other. Standing out in the desert, the Mogao Caves are like a glittering pearl that adorns the Silk Road. In addition to visit these wonderful caves, you could get some hands-on archaeological experience. We can take you to the Dunhuang Research Academy. There, you can linger over copies of murals created by masters and can copy a sample mural on a mud slab with your own hands under the guidance of the teacher. Holy Tibet The Great Wall With a round-trip ride by cable car, you would be escorted to the platforms that have a wide visual field whilst benefiting from fewer tourists and not much walking. Terracotta Warriors Museum After visiting the Terracotta Warriors Museum, you would have an opportunity to make your own little warrior with the guidance of a local artisan. Floating Mountains in a Place of Wonder Zhangjiajie seems to defy gravity as its enchanting sandstone pillars rise dramatically from the earth, once providing inspiration for the movie Avatar. Live There Like a Local Relax in the countryside by the picturesque Li River. You would experience real rural life with your tour guide, such as shopping in a local market and writing Chinese calligraphy. Towering Skyscrapers Combining historical gardens and ultra-modern buildings, Shanghai would offer you an immersive experience as you wander through the city and listen to the stories behind it.   Dos and Don’ts in China DO: Gift-giving: Don’t go empty-handed Chinese people love gifts. Gift-giving is an important part of Chinese society and you should expect to have a gift with you whenever thanking someone for their hospitality. DO: Bring small items from your home country that you can give to your tour guide, schools you might visit, or dinner hosts. Foreign candies or souvenirs are always appreciated.   DON’T: If you receive a gift, try to avoid opening it in front of your gift-giver. Unless they insist, thank them and put it away.   Eating: Honour your host Eating is at the center of Chinese culture, and you are certain to have several delicious meals during your trip. DO: Everything about eating involves honoring your host. As the host will pay for the meal (don’t expect any bill-splitting in China), show your respect by waiting for them to start eating and leaving food on the serving dishes for them to finish. DON’T: Most Chinese restaurants will not have forks and knives, so you will get quite good at using chopsticks during your trip. When you are done using them, make sure not to stick them into your bowl of rice, as this symbolizes death. Rest them on the table during your meal and on your bowl when you are finished eating. Conversation: Personal, not political If you really want to immerse yourself in local life, you can’t shy away from conversations with strangers. But be careful because the dialogue might go a little differently than you might expect. DO: Expect to be asked lots of personal questions that you might not be used to receiving in your home country. People will not hesitate to ask about your age, income, or why you are not married yet. It’s ok not to answer questions you are uncomfortable with, but don’t get offended if someone asks why you are an unmarried adult over 25! DON’T: Avoid touchy subjects about Chinese politics. Chinese people will get offended if you appear to say anything negative about China and will take it as a personal affront. Try to steer clear of discussing North Korea, Taiwan, or the South China Sea. Religious sites: Read the rules China is less strict than other Asian countries about their temple etiquette, but there are still some behaviors to avoid. Whether you are visiting a Confucius temple like Qufu Temple in Shandong province or strolling through a Buddhist temple like Lama Temple in Beijing, it is best to err on the side of caution. DO: Try to see what other people are doing. For instance, not every temple requires you to take off your shoes, but if you see a pile by the door, you should copy the crowd. DON’T: Take photos inside any buildings. You can take them outside in the courtyards. The Architecture in China 1-   Beijing Daxing International Airport Opened: September 2019 Architect: Zaha Hadid Architects Location: Beijing With vaulted ceilings, flowing forms, and tons of natural light, the Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) is a welcome breath of fresh air. With China set to overtake the U.S. as the world’s largest aviation market, Beijing needed a new airport that could not only handle high-volume traffic, but also stand as a symbolic gateway in and out of China’s capital. Drawing from principles of traditional Chinese architecture, the airport’s famous “starfish” design not only boosts the number of aircraft and cargo that funnel through, but also cuts down distances for travelers. Passengers can walk to their gate within eight minutes while enjoying the light-filled interior studded with stores and amenities, reducing the stress of travel. Like many other great works of architecture, the Daxing airport goes further to integrate into its surrounding environment. Design elements such as sun shading and natural light filtration not only brighten up the space, but also reduce the building’s overall energy consumption and carbon emissions by approximately 50%. Powered by solar panels, the airport hosts a complex heating system and an impressive rainwater collection and water management system not only to reduce its carbon footprint, but also to store and purify water from nearby ecosystems to prevent flooding and manage the local microclimate.   2- CCTV Headquarters Opened: 2012 Architect: Rem Koolhaas and Ole Scheeren (OMA) Location: Beijing Not your average skyscraper, the contorted form of the CCTV headquarters offers a unique addition to Beijing’s skyline. The battle for more space led the design team to imagine a new structure, as opposed to a straight shot skyward. Two main towers are knitted together by a perpendicular, 75-meter cantilever, forming an eclectic shape of sharp angles and diagonals. The design is the result of long-term collaboration between European and Chinese engineers to rethink the concept of a high-rise. Rem Koolhaas, one of the leading architects, has always been interested in making structures that expose conflicting energies at work in society. The bones of the building are seen from the outside: Irregular webs of darker, triangulated steel tubes draw out the forces at work on the building’s facade, condensing in areas of stress and opening up in areas requiring less support. As one walks around the building, it changes form, animated by the viewer’s perspective. The end result is a dynamic challenge to modern architecture’s dogma of structural purity. Koolhaas has defended the design of the tower after Chinese leader Xi Jinping in 2014 criticized the construction of “weird architecture” in the country.   Harbin Grand Theater Opened: 2015 Architect: Mǎ Yánsōng 马岩松 (MAD Architects) Location: Harbin, Heilongjiang Province   Nestled along the Songhua River’s north bank in Harbin, the Harbin Grand Theater appears as if carved from wind and water. Made to house Harbin’s famous 100-year-old Symphonic Orchestra, the two-theater complex can house up to 2,000 people within its billowing walls. Though music may be the initial attraction, the building stands as its own artistic feat. An exterior of smooth white aluminum panels echo the force and spirit of the northern city’s untamed wilderness and frigid climate. Visitors who enter are first greeted by a grand lobby space lit up by a soaring glass diagrid ceiling, then guided toward the grand theater, a warm and cavernous space carved out of a rich wood — a stark contrast to the icy entrance. “We envision Harbin Opera House as a cultural center of the future — a tremendous performance venue, as well as a dramatic public space that embodies the integration of human, art and the city identity, while synergistically blending with the surrounding nature,” said Ma Yansong, the lead architect and founder of MAD Architects. See also: Wormhole Library, Ma Yansong’s newest project, was named one of the 10 “coolest new buildings to gawp at this year” by The Times of London. Great Bamboo Wall Opened: April 2004 Architect: Kengo Kuma (Kengo Kuma and Associates) Location: Daxing District, Beijing Commissioned by 10 Asian architects, the Great Bamboo Wall is a small set of residences tucked in the middle of a forest at the foot of the Great Wall. Conceived by Zhāng Xīn 张欣 and Pān Shíyì 潘石屹, the structures combine the style of traditional Chinese architecture with Japanese spatial concepts to reflect the ethos and aesthetics of Eastern civilization. Built to enhance, rather than interfere, with the surrounding environment, the structures showcase the style and function of bamboo. Locally sourced bamboo walls partition the rooms, where visitors peek out of the spaces between the shafts at the undulating, lush landscape of the valley. Brought long ago from China to Japan, bamboo is a symbol of cultural interchange between the two countries. The Great Bamboo Wall’s airy, organic shafts cut a sharp contrast to the Great Wall’s solid stone and brick. “The Great Wall was once used to separate China’s civilized world from the world of savages; the [Great Bamboo Wall] would allow light and wind to pass through to represent a connection between two worlds,” said the architects. Xiangxiangxiang Boutique Container Hotel Opened: June 29, 2012 Architect: Tongheshanzhi Landscape Design Co. Location: Southwest Chenghuang Tourist District, Tianxiadou, Changzhi County, Shanxi Province Centered on the theme of xiāng 香 (incense, fragrance), the Xiāngxiāngxiāng 香箱乡 Boutique Container Hotel is the first to be built out of converted freight containers. The hotel was built as part of a joint project with the National Reform and Development Commission and China International Marine Containers (CIMC) of Dalian, the world’s biggest manufacturer of containers. Aptly named, each character nods to the three core design concepts behind the project. The first xiāng 香 (fragrance, incense) represents the theme, image, and services of the hotel and the important role of incense in Confucian and Taoist tradition. The second xiāng 箱 (trunk, box) denotes the freight containers repurposed into visitors’ living spaces. The third xiāng 乡 (rural, countryside) refers to the project’s layout, which draws from the enclosed courtyards of traditional Shanxi homes. Wuyishan Bamboo Raft Factory Opened: 2012–2013 Architect: Huá Lí 华黎 of TAO (Trace Architecture Office) Location: Xingcun Town, Wuyishan Mountain, Fujian Province The Wǔyíshān Bamboo Raft Factory 武夷山竹筏育制场 is a storage and manufacturing facility that produces bamboo rafts used to sail the Nine Bend River near Wuyi Mountain. Because of its industrial purpose, the structure’s design veers toward a simple logic, smartly combining form and function. The factory was designed to meet the specific functional, topographical, and climate demands of its location, and based on the location’s constraints, designers used concrete and local materials such as wood and bamboo. The three buildings on-site — a storage warehouse, a manufacturing workshop, and a dormitory with offices — are knit together by a central courtyard. Liyang Museum Opened: 2020 Architect: CROX Architects Location: Liyang, Jiangsu Province An icon of Jiangsu Province, the Lìyáng Museum 溧阳博物馆 draws on the region’s culture and traditions. Inspired by the jiaoweiqin (焦维琴 jiāowéiqín), a Chinese musical instrument and one of the region’s cultural symbols, the museum’s organic form translates the spirit of the seven-stringed zither into the shape of a building. Sitting at the base of a low green hill, the museum features multiple entryways and gaping spaces, allowing visitors to seamlessly flow through indoor and outdoor spaces. With no exact points of exit and entry, the fluid shape welcomes visitors arriving from all sides as a symbolic reference to opening all the doors of culture. “From the Asian point of view, architecture is seen as part of the whole of nature, which contains both inner and outer space; space that connects humans, earth, and everything in the universe,” the architects stated. “A key driver in this design was the connection between inside and outside, both visually, in terms of lines and overall flow, and physically, in terms of access points and routes.” Chinese Culture Exhibition Center Opened: 2019 Architect: ECA2 & Tengyuan Design Location: Lanzhou, Gansu Province Located near the Yellow River in Gansu Province, in northwest China, the Chinese Cultural Exhibition Center has a split-dome facade that mimics the rolling hills of its landscape. Built using locally sourced materials, the center is clad in fish-scale roof panels that echo those used in local traditional buildings, while their layered format recalls a building technique used in the nearby Hekou Ancient Town. Inspired by the ancient story of Pan Gu creating heaven and earth, the building’s curved interior represents the chaotic state of the universe, while the two shell-shaped roofs represent two overlapping wings of a sleeping bird about to take flight. As the gaping “eye” in its split roof offers the audience a view of the natural landscape, the center’s design becomes a part of its immersive multimedia productions. Jingdezhen Imperial Kiln Museum Opened: 2020 Architect: Zhū Péi 朱锫 (Studio Zhu-Pei) Location: Jingdezhen, Jiangxi Province   In an homage to traditional brick kilns, the Jǐngdézhèn Imperial Kiln Museum 景德镇御窑博物馆 is made up of cavernous brick vaults designed to allow natural light to filter in. Designed by famed architect Zhū Péi 朱锫, it is the first museum in China to display the archaeological restoration of imperial porcelain during the Ming and Qing dynasties, built on top of the Imperial Kiln ruins in the city of Jingdezhen. “Jingdezhen is known as the porcelain capital of the world because it has been producing pottery for 1,700 years,” explained the Beijing studio. Sweeping indoor and outdoor spaces are connected by small courtyards to create spatial flows, as visitors meander among the porcelain artifacts and historic kilns. The museum, built with the same bricks used in much of the city’s traditional architecture, also contains multiple features that overlook the Imperial Kiln ruins. He Art Museum Opened: March 30, 2021 Architect: Tadao Ando Location: Fo Shan, Guangdong Province   Designed by Pritzker Prize laureate Tadao Ando, the museum is home to the He family’s art collection. There are five floors in the gallery, featuring the work of notable artists like Pablo Picasso, Ellsworth Kelly, and Hiroshi Sugimoto. The museum compound’s overall shape is meant to embodies the concept of “the sky was round and divine; the earth was flat and square” from ancient Chinese cosmology and philosophy. To achieve this, the layout combines circular components of architecture from southern China’s regional Lingnan culture together with square components from ancient buildings in the Central Plains. The Security of China 1- The US-China trade escalation has no end in sight What was supposed to be a historic, era-defining trade war launched by US President Donald Trump against a group of countries has, for now, been reduced to a single target: China. Beijing's response has been to deliver on its promise to impose retaliatory tariffs. The pace of this escalation has been astonishing. Over the course of a week, Trump's tariffs on Chinese imports jumped from 54% to 104%, and now to 125%—figures that are in addition to the existing tariffs imposed before the president's second term. China responded in kind, raising retaliatory tariffs on all US imports to 84%. This confrontation is paving the way for a historic rupture that will not only cause pain for these two deeply intertwined economies but will also add enormous friction to their geopolitical rivalry. "This is a historic rupture that will not only cause pain for these two deeply intertwined economies but will also add tremendous friction to their geopolitical rivalry," said Nick Marro, senior Asia economist at the Economist Intelligence Unit, referring to an outcome in which the two economies will experience almost no trade and mutual investment. "It's really hard to overstate the potential shocks this will have, not just to the Chinese economy itself, but to the entire global trade landscape," as well as to the United States, he said.   2- The economic Risk Shocks in 2025 China's Economic Slowdown For the first time in decades, China's economic acceleration appears to be slowing sharply, a worrying sign for a global economy that relies on China's nearly 1.5 billion people to drive its overall development. This situation also has far-reaching political and security implications, meaning that the potential ramifications of China's economic slowdown are crucial to understanding how the situation will evolve in 2024. 1. Rising youth unemployment is one of the most pressing issues facing China. The latest release of youth unemployment data showed that the unemployment rate rose to 21.3%, with a corresponding increase in the rate of students returning to their rural homes within six months of graduation, indicating a difficult labor market. High youth unemployment not only slows potential future growth but also allows acquired skills to atrophy at great expense. It could also generate negative social backlash against a government with a long and turbulent history of student movements. 3- The real estate sector which accounts for about a quarter of China's GDP, is facing a severe crisis. Debt-laden real estate giants Evergrande and Country Garden have highlighted the sector's $124.5 billion in bond defaults as of October, raising concerns of a ripple effect on the financial system and the economy as a whole. But unlike the real estate markets of many other countries, China's is also a key part of how local governments and state-owned enterprises raise capital. The result is that if the real estate sector collapses, China could face a compound crisis across a large part of its economy—the depletion of its people's savings—while simultaneously seeing a key domestic fundraising component go bankrupt. 4- Chain Reactions to the Ukraine Crisis in 2025 Conflicts in multiple regions may experience new and complex developments. The Russia-Ukraine conflict could escalate again before any peace negotiations are reached, with the risk of approaching nuclear war. This ongoing conflict is profoundly reshaping the geopolitical landscape in Central Asia, posing significant challenges to the Belt and Road Initiative. With Trump likely to cut US aid to Ukraine, the likelihood of European countries sending troops to support Ukraine is increasing, and these changes will impact China's strategic position on the Eurasian continent. The situation in the Middle East has also become more complex, with Israel likely to assert greater influence in the region and exert increased pressure on Iran, particularly through potential strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. For China, the continuation and escalation of these regional conflicts could lead to sharp fluctuations in energy prices, disrupt the security of the global supply chain, and pose greater challenges to Chinese companies seeking to expand internationally. South China Sea Dynamics between China, the United States, and the Philippines The situation in the South China Sea could escalate significantly between mid- and late 2025. With U.S. support, the Philippines may take more provocative actions, including joint patrols and military exercises, and may seek to revive or initiate new international legal proceedings regarding the South China Sea disputes. Enhanced military cooperation between the United States and the Philippines will increase the frequency of maritime confrontations and increase the risk of accidental conflict with China. The United States has publicly stated that any "attack" on Philippine vessels will trigger the Mutual Defense Treaty, directly complicating China's efforts to protect its interests in the South China Sea. Meanwhile, countries outside the region may interfere in South China Sea affairs under the guise of fisheries, environmental protection, and resource development, disrupting China's normal maritime law enforcement and resource extraction activities. The Philippines may also push for the inclusion of sovereignty and maritime rights disputes in the South China Sea in more international discussions, further intensifying diplomatic pressure on China regarding the South China Sea issue. 5- South China Sea Dynamics between China, the United States, and the Philippines The situation in the South China Sea could escalate significantly between mid- and late 2025. With U.S. support, the Philippines may take more provocative actions, including joint patrols and military exercises, and may seek to revive or initiate new international legal proceedings regarding the South China Sea disputes. Enhanced military cooperation between the United States and the Philippines will increase the frequency of maritime confrontations and increase the risk of accidental conflict with China. The United States has publicly stated that any "attack" on Philippine vessels will trigger the Mutual Defense Treaty, directly complicating China's efforts to protect its interests in the South China Sea. Meanwhile, countries outside the region may interfere in South China Sea affairs under the guise of fisheries, environmental protection, and resource development, disrupting China's normal maritime law enforcement and resource extraction activities. The Philippines may also push for the inclusion of sovereignty and maritime rights disputes in the South China Sea in more international discussions, further intensifying diplomatic pressure on China regarding the South China Sea issue. 6- political and social risks in China’s neighboring regions are likely to become more acute Myanmar remains mired in instability, with the military government losing control and civil war intensifying. Ethnic armed groups could seize control of territories along the Myanmar side of the China-Myanmar border, raising the risk of conflict spilling over into China. In Pakistan, terrorist activities may reach new levels, with suicide bombings and explosions directly targeting Chinese assets, posing a significant threat to the development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Meanwhile, the Islamic State’s Khorasan branch is displaying an increasing capacity for regional expansion, with a growing focus on China. These mounting security risks not only jeopardize the safety of Chinese personnel and projects in these regions but also threaten the steady advancement of the Belt and Road Initiative 7- The European Union (EU) is expected to push forward its vision of an “economic NATO,” strengthening coordination with countries such as the United States and Japan while increasing joint pressure on China. The EU’s approach to China may become more cautious, with “de-risking” measures likely to be further implemented. From imposing anti-dumping tariffs to tightening investment scrutiny, the EU may introduce a series of policies aimed at encouraging businesses to reassess their strategies regarding China. In sectors such as new energy vehicles and the digital economy, trade restrictions may escalate, and additional anti-subsidy investigations targeting China could be launched. Meanwhile, the China-Europe Railway Express may face heightened geopolitical disruptions, as countries like Poland and Lithuania could impose restrictions on Chinese logistics firms under the pretext of security concerns. Internally, divisions within Europe may deepen, with some nations aligning more closely with the U.S. in imposing new export controls on China, particularly in critical areas such as semiconductors and artificial intelligence. Although the 2024 European Parliament elections may offer opportunities for policy recalibration, the structural contradictions in China Europe relations are unlikely to be resolved in the near term 8- China warns of artificial intelligence risks, calls for increased national security measures BEIJING (AP) — China’s ruling Communist Party has warned of the risks posed by advances in artificial intelligence while calling for heightened national security measures. The statement issued after a meeting Tuesday chaired by party leader and President Xi Jinping underscores the tension between the government’s determination to seize global leadership in cutting-edge technology and concerns about the possible social and political harms of such technologies. It also followed a warning by scientists and tech industry leaders in the U.S., including high-level executives at Microsoft and Google, about the perils that artificial intelligence poses to humankind, China has been cracking down on its tech sector in an effort to reassert party control, but like other countries it is scrambling to find ways to regulate fast-developing AI technology. the most recent party meeting reinforced the need to “assess the potential risks, take precautions, safeguard the people’s interests and national security, and ensure the safety, reliability and ability to control AI,” the official newspaper Beijing Youth Daily reported Tuesday. Sam Altman, CEO of ChatGPT-maker OpenAI, and Geoffrey Hinton, a computer scientist known as the godfather of artificial intelligence, were among the hundreds of leading figures who signed the statement on Tuesday that was posted on the Center for AI Safety’s website.“Mitigating the risk of extinction from AI should be a global priority alongside other societal-scale risks such as pandemics and nuclear war,” the statement said.More than 1,000 researchers and technologists, including Elon Musk, who is currently on a visit to China, had signed a much longer letter earlier this year calling for a six-month pause on AI development. The missive said AI poses “profound risks to society and humanity,” and some involved in the topic have proposed a United Nations treaty to regulate the technology. A lack of privacy protections and strict party control over the legal system have also resulted in near-blanket use of facial, voice and even walking-gait recognition technology to identify and detain those seen as threatening, particularly political dissenters and religious minorities, especially Muslims, Members of the Uyghur and other mainly Muslim ethnic groups have been singled out for mass electronic monitoring and more than 1 million people have been detained in prison-like political re-education camps that China calls deradicalization and job training centers. AI’s risks are seen mainly in its ability to control robotic, self-governing weaponry, financial tools and computers governing power grids, health centers, transportation networks and other key infrastructure. A Simple Video about China

France is the most popular tourist destination in the world and cannot disappoint a visitor. If you wish for an action-packed holiday, you can head to the French Alps. In case you are a history lover, there are numerous museums, cathedrals and chateaux. The capital Paris France is located at France, officially the French Republic, is a country located primarily in Western Europe. The official language French French, the official language, is the first language of 88% of the population. Most of those who speak minority languages also speak French, as the minority languages are given no legal recognition. 3% of the population speak German dialects, predominantly in the eastern provinces of Alsace-Lorraine and Moselle. The official religion Catholicism Catholicism as a state religion Catholicism is the largest religion in France. During the pre-1789 Ancien Régime, France was traditionally considered the Church's eldest daughter, and the King of France always maintained close links to the Pope. The climate The climate in mainland France is temperate, with quite significant regional differences. Temperatures are relatively mild and rainfall occurs throughout the year. Regional variations occur due to latitude and differences in distance to the sea or mountainous areas. Temperature variations are less pronounced on the French coast than in the rest of the country, but rainfall is higher. The clothes The dress is also generally recognized by its use of bright colors and bold patterns. Each region has its own specific colors and patterns that reflect the local culture and history. For example, the Breton dress of Brittany is known for its use of white and blue, as well as dark navy colors, which are the traditional colors of the region. On the other hand, the Provencal dress is known for its use of bright and cheerful colors, with a bohemian and relaxed style. Brittany The Breton dress, also known as the “bigouden” is a traditional costume worn by women in the Brittany region. I white blouse and full agron are its most common characteristics, as well as the dark colors paired with white lace. The skirt is typically made of cotton or linen and is decorated with white or gilded embroidery or lace. The blouse is also decorated with similar embellishments and features a high collar and puffed sleeves. A headscarf, known as a “coiffe” is often worn with the dress, and is also decorated with embroidery or lace. The dress is usually completed with a pair of black shoes and stockings, Brittany, located in the northwest of France, is a region known for its rugged coastline and beautiful beaches. It has a distinct Celtic culture and its own language, Breton. Historically, Brittany was a powerful independent duchy and was also known for being the place where a lot of emigrants came from in the 19th and 20th century. The Breton dress is distinct from other traditional French dresses in its use of strong colors and bold patterns. It is also different in that it does not feature a fitted bodice, unlike other regional costumes such as the Alsatian and Normand costumes. Historically, the Breton dress was worn by women in rural areas of Brittany and was a symbol of their Breton identity. It was worn for special occasions such as weddings and festivals, and has become an important cultural symbol for the region Alsace The Alsatian costume is a traditional dress worn by women in the Alsace region. The dress features a long, full skirt with a fitted bodice, apron, and a headscarf. The bodice is typically made of velvet or silk and is decorated with intricate embroidery and/or lace. The skirt is made of heavy cotton or wool, and is also decorated with a similar style. The headscarf is often made of dark linen or cotton. The dress is usually completed with a pair of black shoes and stockings which stand out under the strong red or black skirt. Normandy The Normand costume, is a traditional dress worn by women in the Normandy region. The dress features a long, full skirt with a fitted bodice, apron, and a headscarf. The bodice like the Alsace costume is made of velvet or silk and is decorated with embroidery or lace. Provence The Provencal costume, is a traditional dress worn by women in the Provence region. The dress features a long, full skirt with a fitted bodice, apron, and a headscarf. The bodice is typically made of linen or cotton. The skirt is made of light and flowy fabrics such as silk or muslin, and is decorated with detail an dcolor. The headscarf is often made of light fabric and is less prominent. Basque The Basque dress, also known as the “Euskara” is a traditional costume worn by women in the Basque region. It is characterized by a full skirt and a fitted bodice, with a shawl or headscarf. The skirt is typically made of wool or cotton and is decorated with intricate embroidery and pleats. The bodice is also decorated with similar embellishments and features a high collar and short sleeves. A shawl, known as a “txapela” is often worn with the dress, and is also decorated with embroidery or lace. The dress is usually completed with a pair of black shoes and stockings. Corsica The Corsican dress, is a traditional dress worn by women in the Corsica Island. The dress features a long, full skirt with a fitted bodice, apron, and a headscarf. The bodice is typically made of linen or cotton and is decorated with intricate embroidery or lace. Dark colors and gold embroidery feature heavily. France famous’ Landmarks 1. The Eiffel Tower The Eiffel Tower is the most iconic monument in Paris and France. Designed by the engineer Gustave Eiffel for the World’s Fair held in France in 1889, the most famous of the French landmarks receives more than 6 million visitors every year. With an original height of 312 meters (currently 324 meters with the antennas), the Eiffel Tower was for 40 years the world’s tallest monument. Today, it hosts an exhibition about the Tower, different restaurants and shops, and a belvedere on the summit with amazing views of Paris. Thanks to its monumental size, it is possible to get great Eiffel Tower views from almost anywhere in Paris but if you are visiting the city for the first time you may want to climb up to the Eiffel Tower too: it is a once in a lifetime experience! 2. Palace of Versailles The Palace of Versailles, home to the French Kings Louis XIV, Louis XV, and Louis XVI and their courts, is one of the most beautiful castles in France to visit and a jewel of French Baroque architecture. The Palace contains 2,300 rooms of all kids spread over 63,154 m2. Among all these rooms out stands the Hall of Mirrors with its painted roof and its huge chandeliers: is a feast for the eyes, the Palace is surrounded by beautiful French-style gardens designed by the famous landscape designer André Le Notre. These gardens are decorated with classic sculptures, fountains, and other water features. 3. Besançon Citadel Besançon, the capital of Franche-Comté, is a charming city near the Swiss border, rich with culture, history and character. Its historic centre consists of old facades, quaint townhouses, cobbled streets and winding lanes, showcasing centuries of character and charm. The star of the city, though, is the Citadel. A magnificent 17th-century fortress, it demonstrates a remarkable feat of architectural engineering and is often considered one of the most beautiful fortresses in France. 4. Cité de Carcassonne The Cité de Carcassonne, or the medieval city of Carcassonne, is a historic citadel located in the southern city of Carcassonne in the Occitanie region. This is the oldest part of the city, and with its towers and cobblestone streets, it’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a fairytale! La Cité dates back to the 12th-century, and following successful restoration work in the 19th-century, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site today. 5. Millau Viaduct One of the most famous places in France is the Millau Viaduct. This stunning structure designed by the French structural engineer Michel Virlogeux and English architect Norman Foster is in La Méridienne on the A75 motorway, which links Clermont-Ferrand with Béziers and Narbonne, 6. Basilica-Cathedral of Saint-Denis All the Grandes Cathédrales would deserve a spot on this list of man-made landmarks in France but we have chosen the Basilica of Saint-Denis because it represents the birth of Gothic architecture in France. 7. Château de Chenonceau The Loire castle of Chenonceau is one of the best Loire Castles to visit in France. If you go castle hunting in the Loire Valley, make sure to put this impressive French landmark on your list. 8. Abbey of Fontenay Founded in 1118, Fontenay Abbey in the region of Burgundy is an iconic destination for those interested in history, religion, and culture in that it is the oldest preserved Cistercian abbey in the world. This stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site lies just over an hour from Dijon and three hours from Lyon or Paris and is well worth a visit if you’re planning a trip to Burgundy or taking a tour of some of the famous landmarks in France. The well-kept abbey is nestled in an area of outstanding beauty, with pristinely manicured gardens and a picturesque surrounding valley. The convent buildings have been preserved in such a way that it feels as though you’re stepping back in time when you enter, allowing you to clearly envisage what monastic life here would have been like. 9. Hospices de Beaune Hotel Dieu, also known as Hospices de Beaune, is a French landmark with a very interesting history. The building, now operating as a museum, was founded in 1443 by the chancellor to the Dukes of Burgundy, as a hospital for the poor folk in the area. With the most impressive Gothic architecture and an intricate colored tile roof indicative of the style of the era, the Hospices de Beaune opens a window into what life for the poor would have been like in Beaune in the Middle Ages through a full reconstruction of the main hospital ward, chapel, and apothecary. Upcoming Holidays and Festivals in France 5 French festivals • Fête nationale du 14 juillet – July. • Festival de Cannes – May. • Fête de la musique – June. • Fête des lumières – December. • Carnaval de Nice – February. • Live and study in France with Go! Go! France. DOs in France 1. Do say hello (“Bonjour”) upon entering an establishment (ie. store, restaurant, etc) before you begin browsing or asking questions. Say good-bye (“Au revoir”) upon leaving. 2. Do learn some French phrases. It will show you are making the effort to speak the language and shows respect. Some phrases: • Hello (“Bonjour”) • Thank you (“Merci”) • Excuse me (“Excusez-moi”) • Please (“S’il vous plaît”) • I am lost (“Je suis perdu”) • Where are the bathrooms? (“Ou sont les toilettes?”) • I don’t speak French. In English please (“Je ne parle pas Francais. En Anglais, s’il vous plaît”) 3. Do realize that to use the washroom in places such as a train station or department store, you will have to pay a nominal fee (ie. 0.35 Euros) 4. Do take the metro (subway) and hang onto your ticket until you leave your station. You could be checked by the police and fined if you don’t have your ticket stub. 5. Do remember to validate your ticket before you board a train. Validating machines are located at the entrance to the “quai” or platform. 6. Do dress appropriately. Jeans are OK, but shorts, flip flops, and running shoes are not. They are for the beach and exercising. 7. Do shake hands with acquaintances or “air kiss” those who are close to you when you are greeting the person. Air kissing involves bringing your cheek close to the other’s cheek as if you are going to kiss the cheek. It is a ritual, called “Faire la bise” and indicates friendship. The number of kisses depends on the region. In most of France, one kisses each cheek once; however, in other areas, it could range from 3-5. What side to start on? I have read one starts on the right; however, opinions differ. 8. Do consider a “Prix Fixe” menu, which will include a starter, main course, and dessert at a fixed price. Some restaurants have prix fixe menus with many choices for each course. Some offer menus which include some wine. 9. Do consider ordering a “pichet” of wine. Technically, it is a “jug” of wine, but really it is a carafe of wine and comes in different sizes: 25 cl or 50 cl. (250 ml or 500ml). It is the restaurant’s house wine and is very often very good and a good deal. 10. Do expect to find the sale of wine and liquor in grocery stores and the store, Monoprix. Don’t Do In France 1. Do not use “Tu” (you) to address another person unless that person is quite familiar to you. Use “Vous”, as it is more formal. 2. Do not take out coffee and drink it while walking down the street. Drink it at a cafe, either standing at a bar or sitting at a table. 3. Do not touch the produce at an outdoor market. Simply indicate to the seller what you want Cafe Au Lait. France. Photo: J. Chung 4. Do not order a cafe au lait to end your meal. This drink is taken at breakfast. 5. Do not rush your meal. The French enjoy their time to relax over a coffee or meal. You should too and take at least 2 hours to savor the flavors. 6. Do not assume all stores will be open between 12-2 pm as this is when most people have lunch. 7. Do not assume everyone speaks and understands English. 8. Do not (have to) tip as the 15% service charge is included in the bill most of the time. The bill will say, “Service Compris”. However, it is a custom to leave an additional few Euros at dinner if the service was exceptional. 9. Do not expect to get ice in your drink. It is just rare to find drinks with ice in France as compared to North America. Aperatif in Luxembourg Gardens, Paris France. Photo: J. Chung 10. Do not have dinner before 8:00 pm. It is more acceptable to have a pre-dinner drink (cocktail hour or “apero”) such as wine, beer, a kir or pastis between 7:00 and 8:00 pm. It can be served with nuts or crackers. Be sure to check out these other posts about etiquette and customs in France: The Architecture 1- The Foundation Louis Vuitton situated in the Bois de Boulogne, a stone's throw from the Jardin d’Acclimatation, opened its doors on 27 October 2014. The Foundation's exceptional contemporary art collections (permanent and temporary) are exhibited in an architectural gem designed by the American Frank Gehry. This visionary architect has revolutionized the use of glass and created previously unimagined shapes to produce a unique, innovative, light and airy building. In addition to the artistic and architectural richness of the Fondation Louis Vuitton, the visitor is also afforded wonderful panoramic views from the various terraces of the building. 2- PARIS – COVERED PASSAGES This architecture tour in Paris will take us away from the car circulation and protected from the sun and rain; this walk-through covered passage takes us back to the 19th Century, when Paris was world capital and capital of the entertainment world. commercial needs motivated the construction of the covered passages: their purpose was to both link business places and provide a peaceful environment for shopping and window shopping. 3- THE CHAMPS-ÉLYSÉES The Champs-Élysées, the world-famous Paris avenue has been the horizontal axis of the city since the 17th Century. Seventy meters wide, it starts at Place de la Concorde and ends at Arc de Triomphe. It is both a sumptuous monumental space and a good example of historical Paris urban planning. 4- Paris La Défense The district of La Défense, the largest economic center in Europe, covers three communes: Courbevoie, Puteaux and Nanterre. This business district, mainly surrounded by towers, headquarters and offices, is home to the tallest and most emblematic towers in France: Coeur Défense, EDF, Granite. 5- PARIS – ART DECO The Art Deco movement of architecture and design appeared in Paris in about 1910–12, and continued until the beginning of World War II in 1939. It took its name from the International Exposition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts held in Paris in 1925. It was characterized by bold geometric forms, bright colors, and highly stylized decoration, and it symbolized modernity and luxury. Art Deco architecture, sculpture, and decoration reached its peak at 1939 Exposition Internationale des Arts et Techniques dans la Vie Moderne, and in movie theaters, department stores, other public buildings. It also featured in the work of Paris jewelers, graphic artists, furniture craftsmen, and jewelers, and glass and metal design. Many Art Deco landmarks, including the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées and the Palais de Chaillot, can be seen today in Paris The Security situation in France First As the Paris Olympics approach Under clear blue skies, extra French police have been making a show of force around Paris today, on foot patrol at railway stations and near stadiums, seeking to reassure the public amid new warnings that the Islamic State group might be planning to attack European football events. The heightened security in the French capital marks a moment of growing concern across Europe, as governments seek to assess, and react to, threats made on a pro-IS media channel. It also comes at a complicated moment for France itself as it prepares to host the Olympic Games in July following growing concerns that the Kremlin is deliberately trying to spread doubts and fears about the French government's ability to keep its citizens safe. Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin said he had "considerably strengthened security" around Wednesday night's Champions League quarter-final match at the Parc des Princes in southwest Paris. the move follows an online threat to European sporting events that Mr Darmanin said had been "publicly expressed" by IS. The pro-IS media channel had reached out to supporters in France and elsewhere, who may feel emboldened after seeing the recent IS-claimed attack on a concert hall in Moscow. Second Security Alert: France Elevates Its Security Alert System (25 MAR 2024) Following the March 22 terrorist attack in Moscow, Russia, the French government elevated its Vigipirate national security alert system to the highest level, As a result, residents and visitors throughout France may see heightened security in public areas, including airports; public transport; places of worship; tourist sites; schools; major sports venues; and large commercial centers, visitors to congested and popular tourist areas should be particularly attentive to their surroundings. France is famous for Gourmet Food A list of what France is famous for would be inadequate if one does not mention its gourmet food. Every region in France has some special dish or the other. Their speciality lies in converting ordinary things into extraordinary. From crème brulee, pain au chocolat, quiche and macarons, France is a foodie’s delight. French Wine A list of the famous things in France will remain incomplete if one does not mention French wine. France has earned the reputation of being a world leader in fine wine. Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Champagne are some of the prominent wine regions in France. For centuries, winemakers have painstakingly cultivated the art of winemaking. So, if you are in France, do not forget to have a glass of fine wine. Fashion France is also famous for its fashion. It is one of the four major fashion capitals of the world. In fact, Paris is home to important couturiers. Every renowned designer like Chanel, Givenchy, and Christian Louboutin have contributed significantly to the French economy. Baguettes and Croissants Bread is one of the most common things France is known for, and great care is taken to make it. The French baguette is ubiquitous and a staple in French meals. The country is also famous for its mouth-water croissants and pastries. Nearly every bakery here has a wide assortment of freshly-baked croissants for you to dunk in coffee. The best part is- these are quite cheap. Cannes Film Festival Founded in 1946, the Cannes Film Festival is one of the most famous events in the film industry. This event is attended by renowned celebrities from all over the world. Awards given at this festival are one of the most prestigious ones. This film festival is held every year in May and is a spectacular event with its red carpet, world-famous celebrities and extensive media coverage. French cheese Foodies often enjoy different types of cheese, which is a traditional element of French culture. You can find huit familles de fromages, or eight families of cheese here, including fresh cheeses, soft cheeses with a washed rind, pressed cheeses, etc. Moreover, you will find cheese dishes like cheese fondue, aligot, and tartiflette in France. Macarons If you are a dessert-lover, France can satiate your taste with world-class macarons. These are crunchy, sweet-tasting dessert items found in different parts of France. You will find these in multiple flavours like mango, strawberry, chocolate, etc. These are classic French pastries, a must-try in France. Perfume and Cosmetics France is also famous for its perfume and makeup items besides fashion. You will find some of the most popular perfume brands like Miss Dior, Chanel n°5, Shalimar by Guerlain, and Opium by Yves Saint Laurent. Moreover, France is the home to some of the most popular makeup brands like Lancôme, Guerlain, L'Oréal, NUXE, etc. French Literature and Painting France is the home to poets, authors and scholars like Voltaire, Molière, Charles Baudelaire, Victor Hugo, Honoré de Balzac, and Marcel Proust. It ranks first when it comes to the number of Nobel Prizes in the field of literature. Moreover, France is the home to some of the most influential painters like Leonardo Da Vinci, Pablo Picasso, Vincent Van Gogh, Michelangelo and Claude Monet. It was the first to start the Impressionist art movement in the 19th century. The Tour de France This is a popular festival, which attracts tourists to France every year. It was organized for the first time in 1903, and is known for being the most renowned bike riding competition in the world. cyclists come together for this festival and compete for the Tour de trophy. The competition stretches for about 23 days, divided across 21 categories. A simple video

A Brazil is a vibrant and exciting country. Spanning a huge area and 5 different time zones Brazil is mixture of people, geography, culture and landscapes, let's go What are the people of Brazil called? Brazilians (Portuguese: Brasileiros, IPA: [bɾaziˈlejɾus]) are the citizens of Brazil. A Brazilian can also be a person born abroad to a Brazilian parent or legal guardian as well as a person who acquired Brazilian citizenship. The capital 2 capitals It was Rio de Janeiro, then become Brasília Why does Brazil have 2 capitals? In 1960 Brazil moved their capital city from Rio de Janeiro to Brasilia with the intention to revive national pride by building a modern The official religion secularism - Evangelical Protestantism Changes in the 21st century have led to a growth in secularism (no religious affiliation) and to Evangelical Protestantism. A 2020 poll indicates that around 50% of Brazilians consider themselves Catholic, down from 90% in 1970. Brazil official language Portuguese is the official and national language of Brazil and is widely spoken by most of the population. The Portuguese dialects spoken in Brazil are collectively known as Brazilian Portuguese. The Brazilian Sign Language also has official status at the federal level. The clothing Casual clothing for Brazilian men usually means wearing short sleeved shirts and khakis made of light materials like linen or cotton. They can also go for lengthier shorts. Women normally wear form-fitting jeans that are embellished with sequins or beads and worn with T-shirts or halters. Brazilian National Costume for Women Traditional Brazilian clothing for women embodies the rich cultural heritage of Brazil, drawing inspiration from its varied history and rituals. From the lively streets of São Paulo to the serene villages of the Amazon rainforest, these garments reflect the resilience and beauty of Brazilian women. Brazilian National Costume for Men Traditional Brazilian clothing for men echoes Brazil’s cultural heritage, drawing from a fusion of indigenous, African, and European influences. Traditional Brazilian men’s dress showcases a variety of textures, colors, and patterns, from tailored suits to casual T-shirts and trousers, each reflecting Brazil’s cultural heritage. The iconic “Camisa de Botão” exudes confidence with its vibrant patterns or simple designs, paired with comfortable trousers or shorts for a laid-back yet refined look. The Pilão Fashioned from natural materials abundant in the Amazon, such as palm leaf fibers or locally sourced cotton, the Pilão is a simple yet practical traditional Brazilian garment. Its design typically comprises a sleeveless tunic or wrap, crafted meticulously to provide comfort and flexibility in the tropical climate of the region, Worn by both men and women during ceremonial occasions or everyday activities, the Pilão serves not only as clothing but also as a symbol of cultural identity. The Architecture Neoclassical Architecture From 1820 until the end of the 19th century, neo-classicism dominated Brazilian architecture. It was a reaction to the exuberant ornamentation of the Baroque period and captivates the eyes with a simple and elegant design regarding Greek and Roman culture. The buildings were constructed according to simple and symmetrical floor plans. There were high basements, columns, ledges and gables. Windows and doors were glazed. Subtle colors and noble materials like marble and oil paintings belong to this epoch of Brazilian architecture. Important buildings representing the period are the Teatro da Paz in Belem and the Teatro Santa Isabel in Recife. Walter Gropius and Le Corbusier initially had a great influence, until Brazil was finally able to muster its own group of modern architects, including the world-famous name of Oscar Niemeyer. Modernist Principles in architecture Some types Brazilian Contemporary Architecture Glass Bricks in Contemporary Interiors Nature-Inspired Resorts Small Bars and Restaurants What is Brazil Famous for? Only 43% of Adults have a high-school degree. Brazil has one of the largest economies in the world The largest population of catholics can be found in Brazil The Brazilian football team have won the world cup a record 5 times Brazils highest mountain is called Pico de Neblina and it is 2994 metres high According to report from 2007 there are 70 uncontacted tribes in Brazil Brazil is home to the largest population of Japanese people outside Japan Amazon Rainforest and Amazon River First up on our list of What is Brazil famous for is the Amazon. You probably know that Amazon Rainforest is spread across 9 countries in South America. But did you know that more than half of it has its presence in Brazil? That is correct! Almost 60% of the Amazon Rainforest is in Brazil. New 7 Wonders of the World: Christ the Redeemer Brazil is home to a New 7 Wonders of the World: Christ the Redeemer Statue. Located at the summit of Mount Corcovado in Rio De Janeiro, it was completed in1931. This magnificent structure stands 98 feet tall, weighs about 635 tonnes and is the largest Art Deco-style sculpture in the world! Caipirinhas Brazil’s national cocktail ― the Caipirinha ― might be just what you are looking for! if you are bored with the regular Mojitos or Margaritas, try this simple cocktail made of cachaça, lime and sugar. Brazil is one of the worlds most bio-diverse countries. It is estimated to have about 4 million plant and animals species Brazilian prisoners are allowed to reduce their sentence by four days for every book that they read Carnival Brazil’s Carnival is the most famous celebrated carnival festival in the world. Witness lively Samba dance performances, a variety of food, beverages, colorful costumes and an extremely lively atmosphere. Carnival originally began in the 1830s as a Portuguese tradition of celebrating Lent. Lent is the 46-day period observed in preparation for Easter. With time, street musicians and dancing were introduced. More than 300 bands and 100 parades take part in Rio’s Carnival. Soccer Next up on our list of What is Brazil Famous For is Football. Soccer is the most popular sport in Brazil with the National Team consistently among the best in the world. They have won the World Cup 5 times! Brazil is famous for some huge soccer stars, namely Pele, Ronaldo, and Ronaldinho. Football is like passion for Brazilians, who often refer to their country as “o País do Futebol” (“the country of football”). Gorgeous Coastlines and Beaches No list titled What is Brazil Famous for would be complete without beautiful beaches! If you are looking to experience exotic beach location, Brazil is a great destination. It is said that Brazil has the largest coastline in the world at 4,655 miles. It is also said to have some of the most gorgeous and best beaches in the world. Colorful Cities Next up on our list of What is Brazil Famous for are the rich and beautiful cities. Brazil has hundreds of towns and cities for travelers to visit and enjoy, and across the country, you can find a huge variety in terms of culture, scenery, and attractions. Samba Next up on our list of What is Brazil Famous for is… Samba! While Brazil’s most popular sport, its national rhythm is Samba. Samba is essentially a vast array of dance and music styles with complex lineage. It includes everything from partnered dance styles through to the individually-danced intricate footwork and rapid hip movements. National Parks Last up on our list of What is Brazil Famous for is National Parks! Brazil is the most bio-diverse nation on the planet, having an amazing variety of plants and animals. The vast national parks system in Brazil provides the best places to explore its natural beauty. Brazil is home to 69 national parks, featuring impressive rock formations, massive mountain ranges, incredible waterfalls and more. Amongst all the parks, Tijuca National Park is the most visited, with about 2 million visitors a year, followed by the Iguaçu National Park, with 1.5 million visitors a year. Other famous parks amongst tourists are Chapada Diamantina, Pantanal National Park and Itatiara National Park. The security in Brazil What is Brazil's role in the UN peacekeeping? Brazil has participated in 33 United Nations peacekeeping operations and contributed with over 27,000 troops. Currently, Brazil contributes with more than 2,200 troops, military observers and police officers in three continents. Which countries does Brazil contributes with the UN? Brazil is a full member of the United Nations. It has participated in peacekeeping operations with the UN in the Middle East, the former Belgian Congo, Cyprus, Mozambique, Angola, and more recently East Timor and Haiti. A Simple video about Brazil

Egypt's history dates back approximately three thousand years, from 3200 BC until Alexander the Great's conquest of Egypt in 323 BC. During the Pharaonic era, Egypt witnessed many stages of renaissance and progress, leaving a tremendous legacy of civilization, architecture, science, and the arts. Historians divide the Pharaonic era in Egyptian history into three successive sections: - The Old Kingdom - The Middle Kingdom - The New Kingdom Historians also divide this era into thirty ruling dynasties divided into these three stages of Egyptian history. The eagle symbolized the goddess Nekhbeet, who was the eagle goddess and represented Upper Egypt, which extended to Aswan. She was considered the protector of the pharaoh, and was always depicted with her wings outstretched as a sign of protection. At the time, she was also referred to as a mother, and this eagle always appeared behind the pharaoh's crown. Egypt is also distinguished by the Nile River, which runs through its land and was considered a catalyst for the rise of an ancient civilization. Egypt also occupies a prime geographical location, linking the continents of Asia and Africa and connecting to Europe via the Mediterranean Sea. All of this led to the rise of a civilization known as one of the oldest in human history. What civilizations have passed through Egypt? Many civilizations have succeeded one another on the land of Egypt. Egypt was the cradle of Pharaonic civilization, the incubator of Greek and Roman civilizations, a beacon of Coptic civilization, and a protector of Islamic civilization. Throughout history, the Egyptian people have been characterized by love, tolerance, friendliness, and generosity, a characteristic of this nation, blending together into a single, solid fabric The location Egypt is located mostly in the northeast corner of Africa with part of its Sinai desert located in Asia. It has a total area of 1,002,450 square km making it the 31st largest country in the world; measuring from the very North to the very south you have a total of 1,024 km. What is the predominant religion in Egypt? The dominant religion is Islam, making Egypt’s population 90% Muslim and around 10% Christian, with the Muslims being mostly Sunnis and the Coptic Orthodox Chruch being the largest Christians. Languages of Egypt The official language of Egypt is Arabic, and most Egyptians speak one of several vernacular dialects of that language. As is the case in other Arab countries, the spoken vernacular differs greatly from the literary language. Modern literary Arabic (often called Modern Standard The ethnic groups of Egypt 1- The majority of Egyptians The population of the Nile valley and delta, which are home to the overwhelming majority of Egyptians, forms a fairly homogeneous group whose dominant physical characteristics are the result of the admixture of the indigenous African population with those of Arab ancestry. 2- (Ṣaʿīdīs) The inhabitants of what is termed the middle Nile valley—roughly the area from Cairo to Aswān—are known as the Ṣaʿīdī, or Upper Egyptians. Though the Ṣaʿīdī as a group tend to be more culturally conservative, they are ethnically similar to Lower Egyptians. 3- Nubians In the extreme southern valley, Nubians differ culturally and ethnically from other Egyptians. Their kinship structure goes beyond lineage; they are divided into clans and broader segments, whereas among other Egyptians of the valley and of Lower Egypt only known members of the lineage are recognized as kin. Although Nubians have mixed and intermarried with members of other ethnic groups—particularly with Arabs—the dominant physical characteristics tend to be those of sub-Saharan Africa. 4- The Bedouin The deserts of Egypt contain nomadic, seminomadic, and sedentary but formerly nomadic groups, with distinct ethnic characteristics. Apart from a few non-Arab tribal groups and the mixed urban population, the inhabitants of the Sinai and the northern section of the Eastern Desert are all fairly recent immigrants from Arabia, who bear some physical resemblances to Arabian Bedouin. Their social organization is tribal, each group conceiving of itself as being united by a bond of blood and as having descended from a common ancestor. Originally tent dwellers and nomadic herders, many have become seminomads or even totally sedentary, as in the northern Sinai Peninsula. Egypt is famous for The River Nile The River Nile is the world’s longest river stretching to 6,650km. Over 95% of Egypt’s population lives near the Nile due to its importance to the country’s agriculture and overall survival. Several hydroelectric dams have been built along the Nile, including the Aswan High Dam in Egypt. These dams generate electricity and help control flooding. Throughout history, the Nile has been a vital transportation route for goods and people. Today, it is still used for transportation, particularly in Sudan and South Sudan. ancient civilization and the monuments of the majestic pharaohs such as the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx, the Egyptian Museum, the GEM (The Grand Egyptian Museum), Sakkara, and Dahshur. Fennec Fox The small fox in the world The Fennec Fox (Vulpes zerda) is a small fox native to the Sahara Desert, the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt, and the Arava and Negev deserts in Israel. They are most notable for their very large ears, which are used to both aid their hearing and to help them to control their body temperature. Rare medical plants Today, Egypt is home to 384 different species of medicinal plants found in the Mediterranean coastal region, in the deserts, in the oases of the Libyan Desert and in the Sinai Peninsula. The area of Saint Catherine is one of Egypt’s most fertile grounds for medicinal plants, and no less than 102 species are to be found in this 4,000-square-kilometer protectorate. But here plant life is facing various threats, and a decline in the variety of species has been observed. Also, 16 of the 102 medicinal plant species found in the southern part of the Sinai Peninsula are endemic, which means that they have to be protected, collected and replanted in order to avoid their complete disappearance. The clothing How do girls dress in Egypt? Since Egypt is a conservative country, dress modestly and respectfully. Over 90% of Egypt's population practices Islam, So, you can wear loose, flowy. Does Egypt have a dress code? There really is no dress code in Egypt for tourists. In mosques, women are required to cover their shoulders & wear a veil, while men should be mostly covered as well. What clothes do modern Egyptians wear? Most men in Egypt wear loosefitting trousers and shirts. T-shirts and polo shirts are generally acceptable. Wearing shorts that fall below the knee is acceptable in most modern cities. Shorts are not acceptable in mosques or religious sites. Best Egypt nature reserves Nabq protectorate Was declared as protectorate area by the Egyptian government in 1992.the reserve is situated by the red sea coast, Aqaba gulf in Sinai peninsula. It covers about 230 square miles full of rare kind of trees called mangroves and very special animals and birds species such as dorcas gazelles, Nubian ibex, spoonbill pinkish bird and osprey, a bird with long narrow wings. The area is also protecting the ecosystem of the sea as sea turtles and sea grass. Ras Mohamed national park This national park is located in Sinai peninsula between Suez gulf and aqaba gulf. It is very important for its rule in protecting biodiversity of the marine life and terrestrial wild life as well. It covers about 185 square miles and has rare plants as mangroves, dum palms and acacia trees. As well as sea urchins, star fish, coral reefs and mullosks. Saint Catherine protectorate Saint Catherine protectorate has UNESCO World Heritage Site which is the saint Catherine monastery dates back to. The protectorate also covers high mountains of the peninsula. This area is exposed to danger because it is sill inhabited by some people of Bedouin settlements. They are practicing their lives normal, and also there are some unparticular touristic movements. This can lead the rare species to fade and extinction by time. The area has more than 472 plant species, 46 reptile and even more need to be protected. Siwa oasis Siwa oasis is full of olive and palm trees. As well as, hot and cold water springs that have healing properties and detoxifying benefits. It was declared as a nature reserve in 2002, located between the white sand desert and Qattara Depression. The Oasis also has ancient monuments and archaeological sites as oracle of Amun temple. White desert national park The white desert is popular for its chalk white rocks which were formed from erosions factors. The reserve is also a home of sand cats, fennec foxes, Barbary cheep, and rhim gazelle Sample of the Architecture in Egypt The ancient ones The list maybe prolong to too much, so, we will choices some of them and talk about and write down the names of others only 1- Al-Azhar al-Sharif It is the name of the first mosque built in southeast Cairo, Egypt. It was the first mosque built in Cairo during the Fatimid era. It was called the Cairo Mosque and was founded by Jawhar al-Siqilli, the commander of the Fatimid Caliph. Construction of Al-Azhar Mosque began in 359 AH (361 AH), corresponding to 970 AH (972 AH). Al-Azhar was the first Fatimid edifice built during the reign of Al-Mu'izz li-Din Allah, the first Fatimid Caliph in Egypt. During the Fatimid era, Al-Azhar Mosque included a school for graduating preachers of the Ismaili Shia sect, with the intention of spreading and teaching it to the world at that time, Al-Azhar Mosque is not limited to a mosque alone; it also includes a university, frequented by students from all over the world to learn various sciences. Al-Azhar Mosque is distinguished by its vast civilizations over the years, and rulers have been keen to renovate and expand it. Because it is a famous cultural and religious monument in the Islamic world. Today, Al-Azhar adopts the Ash'ari school of thought. Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, revealed the reason behind Al-Azhar's adherence to the Ash'ari school of thought, and why it has remained committed to it throughout the 10 centuries of Al-Azhar's history. He emphasized that the primary reason for this is that this school of thought was a true and faithful reflection of the simplicity and ease of religion that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), his companions, and those who followed them adhered to. He emphasized that what Al-Ash'ari did was formulate a doctrinal doctrine that upholds the Qur'an and Sunnah through rational evidence and by demonstrating that the texts of revelation are consistent with pure reason, if they are freed from the impurities of whims, arguments, and fallacies. 2- The hanging Church it's place The church is located within the Old Cairo neighborhood, meters awayfrom the Amr Ibn al-Aas Mosque, the Jewish Ben Ezra Synagogue and the Church of St. Mina, next to the Babelbon Fortress and the Church of Martyr Mercurius known as Abu Sefin. It is also located south of the Coptic Museum. When was it built? The church was built in the late fourth and early fifth centuries AD. What do it included? It has 13giant columns representing Christ and the Twelve Apostles. The standingof the outstanding church 1 - The churchis considered the first papal seat in Cairo 2- Many major Christianreligious ceremonies were held there 3 - It is a Coptic Orthodox Church 4 - It is considered a very important shrine forChristians, and this is because it is historically old and because it is associated with the Holy Family. 3- The Suhaimi House A traditional Arab house in Cairo Its place In the yellow path that branches out from Sha'ir al-Mu'izz li-Din Allah When did the Suhaimi house be built? The house was built in the year 1058 AH (1648 AD) Why it is called by that name? The house was named after its last inhabitant, Sheikh Muhammad Amin Al-Suhaimi from Al-Azhar Mosque. It is now owned by the Egyptian government and is used as a museum of traditional architecture. The area of house is 2000 meters. 4- Prince Mohamed Ali Palace The Manial Palace and Museum is a former Alawiyya dynasty era palace and grounds on Rhoda Island on the Nile. It is of Ottoman architecture and located in the Sharia Al-Saray area in the El-Manial district of southern Cairo, Egypt. 5- Ibn Tulun Mosque The Mosque of Ibn Tulun is a historic mosque in Cairo, Egypt. Built between 876 and 879 by its namesake, Ahmad ibn Tulun, it is the oldest well-preserved mosque in Egypt. Hatshepsut Temple in Luxor Modern Architecture in Egypt The biggest Egyptian museum the colossal building, also known as the Giza Museum, is framed against the Pyramids of Giza. Heneghan Peng Architects' design for the museum encompasses 90,000 square metres of a 50-hectare site, making it the world's biggest museum. the Egyptian Ministry of Culture house more than 100,000 pharaonic artefacts from Ancient Egypt and, alongside exhibition space, there will be a children's museum, conference centre, auditorium, conservation spaces and gardens. New Alamein City Spanning across more than 48,000 feddans and planned to accommodate more than 3 million people by 2030, New Alamein City has changed our perception of the North Coast. With 14km of a breathtaking turquoise shoreline New Administrative Capital New Administrative Capital (NAC), city, Al-Qāhirah muḥāfaẓah (governorate), Egypt. It is located on the outskirts of Cairo, it's for serving as the country’s capital. Landmarks Of Egypt Pyramids of Giza It originally stood about 482 feet (147 meters) tall, but erosion and the removal of most of the polished limestone casing stones—which made the structure smooth and caused it to gleam in the sunlight—have lowered the pyramid's height to 449 feet (137 meters). Luxor Temple The Luxor Temple is a large Ancient Egyptian temple complex located on the east bank of the Nile River in the city today known as Luxor and was constructed approximately 1400 BCE. In the Egyptian language it was known as ipet resyt, "the southern sanctuary". Edfu Temple A magnificent temple at Deir al-Bahari, on the west back of Luxor. It lies directly across the Nile from Karnak Temple, the main sanctuary of the god Amun. The security state in Egypt 1- No wars in Egypt 2- As With Gaza tensions high, Egyptians and Israelis warn of a new war According to a report in Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, this “war sentiment” is fueled by misleading information amplified by right-wing outlets in Israel. It debunked many of the claims circulating on social media and TV about an Egyptian military buildup at the border. Meet some of the ambassadors based on Egypt A Simple video about Egypt

Pakistan: A Land of Rich Heritage and Diversity Pakistan, a country that embodies the essence of diversity and richness. From its breathtaking landscapes to its vibrant culture and warm hospitality, Pakistan is a land of contrasts where ancient traditions meet modern aspirations. Let’s explore the various facets that make Pakistan a unique and enchanting country. Geographical Diversity: Pakistan is a country of stunning landscapes, from the majestic Karakoram, Himalayan, and Hindu Kush mountain ranges to the fertile plains of the Punjab and the arid deserts of Sindh and Balochistan. The Indus River, one of the longest rivers in Asia, flows through the heart of the country, shaping its geography and culture. Climate and Weather: Pakistan’s climate varies greatly depending on the region: *Winter (December to February) Cold in the north, with snowfall in mountainous areas like Murree, Hunza, and Skardu. Milder temperatures in the south. *Summer (June to August) Scorching heat in the plains of Punjab and Sindh, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F). Cooler temperatures in the northern mountains. *Monsoon Season (July to September): Heavy rainfall in parts of Punjab and Sindh, leading to occasional flooding. *Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November): Pleasant weather with moderate temperatures, ideal for travel and outdoor activities. The diverse climate supports a range of flora and fauna, from lush forests in the north to desert vegetation in the south. *Cultural Heritage Pakistan’s history dates back thousands of years, with ancient civilizations like the Indus Valley Civilization and the Gandhara Civilization leaving behind a rich legacy of art, architecture, and knowledge. These influences are still visible in the country’s archaeological sites, music, and traditions. *Language *Urdu*: The national language, serving as a unifying force across the country. *English*: Widely used in business, education, and government. *Regional Languages: Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashto, Balochi, and others are spoken by their respective ethnic groups, reflecting the country’s linguistic diversity. *Dress* *Traditional Attire: *Men: Shalwar Kameez is the most common attire, often paired with a waistcoat or suit for formal occasions. *Women: Shalwar Kameez, often adorned with intricate embroidery, is widely worn. Dupattas are used to cover the head or shoulders, especially in conservative settings. *Western Attire: Increasingly popular in urban areas, especially among the youth. *Cultural Significance: Dress reflects the country’s Islamic heritage and regional traditions, with modesty being a key consideration in clothing choices. *Ethnic and Linguistic Diversity* Pakistan is home to a mosaic of ethnic groups, each with its own language, customs, and traditions. The major ethnic groups include: *Punjabis: Known for their vibrant culture, rich cuisine, and historical sites. *Sindhis: Influenced by the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, with a distinct language and traditions. *Pashtuns: With a strong cultural identity rooted in honor, hospitality, and tribal customs. *Balochis: Known for their nomadic lifestyle, traditional handicrafts, and rich folk music. *Cuisine* Pakistani cuisine is a flavorful blend of spices, herbs, and ingredients, influenced by Mughal, Persian, and South Asian traditions. Popular dishes include biryani, kebabs, haleem, and karahi. Each region has its own specialties, reflecting local ingredients and cultural practices. *Hospitality and Resilience* Despite facing challenges, Pakistan is known for its warm hospitality. Visitors are often greeted with open arms, offered traditional tea or food, and treated with respect. The resilience of the Pakistani people is reflected in their ability to overcome adversity and maintain a strong sense of community and tradition. *Strategic Location and Potential* Pakistan’s location at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East makes it strategically important. Its natural beauty, cultural richness, and historical sites attract tourists and investors alike. With proper development and security measures, Pakistan has the potential to become a major hub for trade, tourism, and cultural exchange. *Cultural Etiquette in Pakistan* *DO: 1. Dress modestly *Avoid shorts, sleeveless clothes, and revealing outfits. *Cover arms, legs, and head (for women) when visiting mosques or public places. 2. Respect home customs - Remove shoes when entering homes. - Wash hands before and after eating. - Bring a small, thoughtful gift if invited to someone’s home (e.g., a craft from your country). 3. Be polite and formal - Expect formality in first meetings; people warm up as you build rapport. - Stand to greet others when they enter a room. 4. Engage respectfully - Discuss politics, religion, or local issues with curiosity and respect. - Use your right hand for eating and giving/receiving items. 5. Bargain politely - Haggle for handicrafts and homewares; shopkeepers often give discounts. 6. *Learn basic greetings*: - Use "As-salamu alaykum" (peace be upon you) as a greeting. 7. Respect elders - Show deference to older individuals in social settings. 8. Dine graciously - Wait for the host to start eating before you begin. - Try a bit of everything served to show appreciation. *DON’T 1. Avoid insults and criticism: - Never insult or criticize individuals, their choices, or their political/religious views in public. - Refrain from denouncing religion in conservative settings. 2. Respect public behavior norms: - Avoid physical contact between men and women in public. - No public displays of affection (hugging, kissing). 3. Be mindful of language and gestures: - Avoid sarcasm, blasphemy, or disrespect toward culture, faith, or national symbols. - Don’t point your feet at people or sacred objects. - Avoid sitting with legs outstretched toward others. 4. Avoid sensitive topics: - Steer clear of discussing sensitive issues like LGBT etc unless familiar with the person. 5. Respect prayer times: - Be mindful of prayer schedules, especially during Ramadan. 6. Don’t rush interactions: - Allow conversations to flow naturally; rushing is considered rude. 7. Use polite refusals: - If offered food/drinks multiple times, a polite refusal is acceptable. 8. Be cautious with words: - Avoid any language that could be perceived as blasphemous or disrespectful to religious figures, symbols, or beliefs. Pakistan is a country of contrasts, where ancient traditions meet modern aspirations, and breathtaking landscapes inspire awe. Whether you’re exploring its history, savoring its cuisine, or experiencing its hospitality, Pakistan offers unique and enriching experiences. *Security Issues in Pakistan* Pakistan faces various security challenges that travelers should be aware of. These include: *Violent Crime* *Armed Robbery and Assa*Security Issues in Pakistan* Pakistan faces various security challenges that travelers should be aware of. These include: *Violent Crime* *Armed Robbery and Assault*: Occurs across the country, with incidents reported in major cities. *Carjacking*: A common crime, particularly in urban areas. *Kidnapping*: The risk is notably high in certain regions, such as Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, including Parachinar. Travelers to these areas are advised to seek professional security advice. *Urban Crime in Karachi* *Cellphone Snatching and Armed Robbery*: Quite common in Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city. Visitors should remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure personal safety. *Terrorism and Extremism Terrorism: Remains a significant threat to internal security. Travelers should stay informed about the current situation and avoid areas of concern. * Religious Extremism: This issue has further deteriorated the security environment in Pakistan. Awareness of local sentiments and adherence to safety guidelines are crucial. *Travel Advisory: If you plan to visit Pakistan, especially areas with heightened security risks, it is essential to: * Stay updated on the latest travel advisories. *Seek professional security adult*: Occurs across the country, with incidents reported in major cities. *Carjacking*: A common crime, particularly in urban areas. *Kidnapping*: The risk is notably high in certain regions, such as Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, including Parachinar. Travelers to these areas are advised to seek professional security advice. *Urban Crime in Karachi* *Cellphone Snatching and Armed Robbery*: Quite common in Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city. Visitors should remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure personal safety. *Terrorism and Extremism Terrorism: Remains a significant threat to internal security. Travelers should stay informed about the current situation and avoid areas of concern. * Religious Extremism: This issue has further deteriorated the security environment in Pakistan. Awareness of local sentiments and adherence to safety guidelines are crucial. *Travel Advisory: If you plan to visit Pakistan, especially areas with heightened security risks, it is essential to: * Stay updated on the latest travel advisories. *Seek professional security advice tailored to your itinerary. *Exercise caution and remain alert in crowded places and unfamiliar areas. By taking informed precautions and staying aware of the local security situation, travelers can minimize risks and have a safer experience in Pakistan. The Ambassadors based on Pakistan Simple Video about Pakistan About The Author Nuzhat Mustafa Journalist, book editor Editorial and research expert

The Democratic Republic of the Congo A republic full of biodiversity, wealth, minerals, fertile lands, pastures, and an abundant amount of diamonds. However, while we are writing about it, we have only seen in its history a bitter conflict since 2003 after the end of the two largest civil wars in the Republic of the Congo. However, the conflict has not ended to this day, so you will find (dear reader) some general features of the Democratic Republic of the Congo as a general framework in which we proceed with all countries, except that here it has a special character of the conflict that has not ended yet... The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), also known as the DR Congo, Congo-Kinshasa, or simply the Congo, is a country in Central Africa. By land area, the country is the second-largest country in Africa and the 11th-largest in the world. The   Capital  Kinshasa Its size With an area roughly the size of Western Europe, it is the largest country in sub-Saharan Africa. With an area roughly the size of Western Europe, it is the largest country in sub-Saharan Africa. Congo is located in Central Africa Does the Democratic Republic of the Congo a poor country? The Democratic Republic of the Congo is among the five poorest countries in the world. An estimated 73.5% of the Congolese people live on less than $2.15 a day in 2024. About one in six people living in extreme poverty in sub-Saharan Africa live in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The population The Democratic Republic of the Congo is home to a diverse group of indigenous peoples who have faced a range of challenges, including forced displacement from their ancestral lands, discrimination, and lack of access to basic services such as health care and education. Despite these challenges, indigenous peoples in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continue to play an important role in preserving the country’s cultural diversity and promoting sustainable resource management practices. While efforts are being made to recognize and protect the rights of indigenous peoples, much remains to be done to ensure their full participation in society and protect their traditional ways of life. The ethnic groups in the Democratic Republic of the Congo Alur people (12 P) Banda people (5 P) Banyarwanda (3 C, 2 P) Bemba (2 C, 7 P) Bwile (2 P) Chokwe (5 P) Democratic Republic of the Congo Jews (3 P) Democratic Republic of the Congo people by descent (29 European diaspora in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (1 C, 2 P) Gbaya people (4 P) Hemba (2 P) Holoholo (3 P) Hutu (1 C, 9 P) Dengese people Dondo people Eastern Lunda Efé people Fuliru people Garanganze people Gbaya people Great Lakes Twa Havu language Hema people Hemba people Holoholo people Hunde language Hunde people Iyaelima people Kakwa people Kango people Kele people (Congo) Keliko people Kongo people Konjo people Lamba people (Zambia) Lega people Lele people The official language French The four national languages of the Democratic Republic of Congo (EN) While French is the official language and widely used in education and government, there are four national languages: Kituba (Kikongo), Lingala, Swahili, and Tshiluba. The official religion Roman Catholic The population is approximately 50 percent Roman Catholic, 20 percent mainline Protestant, 9 percent Kimbanguist, and 9 percent Muslim. Other religious groups represented in much smaller numbers include Jehovah's Witnesses, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons), and Orthodox Christians. The clothing In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, men and women enjoy wearing beautiful clothes in very bold colors. Congolese dress in a style known as “Leputa”, which means wearing colorful materials. Dressing beautifully in this country is very important because the more beautiful the clothes, the more respect one gets. Ladies wear a shirt and a skirt with a head covering as well, which is a very popular style in the country. The colors are usually bright on these shirts, head coverings and skirts. Women always wear dresses, never pants. Fashion is very important to Congolese men. In the 1970s, men started wearing a style known as “Les Sapeurs”, where they dress beautifully like suits, wearing multiple bright colors. They often clash with their colors intentionally to stand out and wear very beautiful shoes. Once the dictatorship of President Mobutu began, these clothes were banned and people were forced to dress in the old African style. After the difficult years ended, this trend was revived and wearing colorful suits became popular again. These men believe that being a Sapor is not just about wearing clothes, but being a gentleman, following the law, keeping your hair clean, and smelling good. Even though most of these Sapors can't afford these clothes, they will buy them anyway because clothes are so important to the culture. The architecture Housing in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is very simple and there aren’t many different styles. Houses made of mud and sticks, tin houses, whatever is available. The house style on the right is usually just one big room with a thatched roof. Small dwellings like this are found in rural areas, where many people live together in a compound-like environment known as a farm. They usually have multiple self-built homes for families and places to put things like food and seeds. Farms are usually located near farming sites, so it’s a short walk to fields. Some farms are built over old fields, so the fields have time to fertilize. After a few years, the field is used again to grow crops. Beautifully structured, multi-room futuristic houses are also common, but only the rich can afford them. The area in the lower half is almost entirely surrounded by huts. Huts, also known as shanties, are common in areas outside of urban areas. Most of the people who moved into shanties moved to the city in search of a better life. But they couldn’t afford to buy a house in the city, so they had to live in shanties outside the city. This is also because there is a lack of housing for all these people, so they are forced to live in these terrible environments instead of nice suburban homes. All the shanties are very close to each other and the population density in the area is very high. In the end, the DRC still desperately needs housing for its growing population, but good housing for everyone is not affordable because of the very poor and the government The Congolese Festivals 1. Festival of Masks – Kifwebe The Festival of Masks, or Kifwebe, is a special celebration that comes from the traditions of the Songye people. This festival is like a beautiful show, with dancers wearing amazing masks made of wood. These masks have cool patterns and mean things like power, spirituality, and who’s important in the community. During Kifwebe, the streets get loud with drum beats, and the air is full of bright colors when the masked dancers do their dances. These dances tell stories about the community’s past and what’s important to them now. The Festival of Masks isn’t just about showing off art; it’s also a deep look into the cultural history of the Songye people. 2. Fête de l’Indépendance (Independence Day) On June 30th, Fête de l’Indépendance is a big day in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It’s when the country became independent from Belgian rule in 1960. This festival is like a national party, a time for everyone to feel proud and united. The streets are full of the national flag, and there are parades with traditional music and dancing. Families get together for picnics and big meals. Communities plan events to remember what the country has achieved. It’s a day to celebrate being independent and proud to be Congolese. Fête de l’Indépendance is not just about history; it’s a way for the people of Congo to show how strong and determined they are, all together. 3. Carnival of Lubumbashi The Carnival of Lubumbashi is a big, lively celebration in the second-largest city of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It’s a clear sign of how much the Congolese people love music, dancing, and being artistic. The streets of Lubumbashi get really exciting with bright costumes, big floats, and lots of beats during the carnival.s People from the city and even from other places join in, including artists from Congo and around the world. They show off the different cultural styles that make up Congolese music and dance. The Carnival of Lubumbashi is a real party for the country’s creative side, giving artists a chance to express themselves and bringing the community together for a happy celebration. It’s a time when the city is full of energy and creativity, showing how lively and exciting Congolese culture is. 4. Yam Festival – Lelo Bwame In the Equateur Province, there’s a special celebration called the Yam Festival, known as Lelo Bwame. It’s all about saying thanks for yams, which are not just important for eating but also have a big meaning in the local culture. During Lelo Bwame, people in the community get together to celebrate the yam harvest. They do rituals, dances, and have big meals. The festival is a time to be thankful for the land and the spirits that are believed to help make sure there’s enough food. It’s also a chance for older folks to share what they know about farming with the younger generation, making sure that the way of farming stays strong in the region 5. Okapi Wildlife Reserve Festival The Okapi Wildlife Reserve Festival is a special celebration that mixes cultural fun with a focus on taking care of nature. The Okapi Wildlife Reserve is a special place where many different animals live, including the rare and endangered okapi that’s only found in Congo. This festival wants to make people understand why it’s so important to keep the animals and the natural beauty of the region safe. There are traditional dances and music, and you can also learn about how to take care of wildlife. It’s a complete and interesting experience for both the people who live there and the ones who come to visit. The festival reminds everyone that we need to be careful with the environment and take care of Congo’s special plants and animals. 6. Congo International Film Festival If you love movies, the Congo International Film Festival is the place to be. Every year, this festival shows all kinds of films – ones made by people from Congo and movies from all around the world. It’s a big event for telling stories, showing off creativity, and sharing different cultures. At the festival, you can watch lots of films, talk about them, and see who gets awards. Filmmakers, actors, and people who really like movies all come together. It’s not just about loving films; it’s also about feeling like you’re part of a group that enjoys stories told through cameras. The Congo International Film Festival shows how Congo is becoming a big deal in the world of movies. 7. Ngoma Festival Music is super important in Congo, and the Ngoma Festival proves just how great Congolese music is. This festival is all about celebrating different kinds of music – from old-school tunes to modern beats that mix it up. At the Ngoma Festival, local and international musicians join forces to put on a show that’s like a beautiful musical painting of Congo’s awesome music history. It’s not just a regular concert; it’s a big party with lots of dancing, rhythm, and the amazing way music brings people together, no matter where they’re from. So, whether you’re a huge music fan or just like to listen now and then, the Ngoma Festival is an experience you won’t forget. The Congo Fashion Week is a fancy celebration of style and creativity. Every year, it brings together fashion designers, models, and people who work in the fashion world to show off the newest trends in Congolese and global fashion. At the Congo Fashion Week, you can see all kinds of fashion, from traditional clothes to super cool modern designs. It’s a stage for both famous and new talents to show what they can do. The runway is full of bright colors, new designs, and cultural ideas that make Congolese fashion special. But it’s not just about looking good – the festival also makes space for talking about how fashion can shape who we are and how it can be good for the environment. 9. Brazzaville Biennale The Brazzaville Biennale is a big event that happens every two years in the capital city of the Republic of the Congo, Brazzaville. This festival brings together artists, performers, writers, and smart people from all over Africa and beyond. It’s a place where they can share ideas, show their art, and talk about culture. At the Brazzaville Biennale, you can see art displays, performances, and events where writers talk about their work. They discuss many things about modern African art and culture. It’s a space where artists can talk about important issues, share their views, and add to the colorful picture of African creativity. This festival shows how Brazzaville is an important center for new and exciting ideas about art and culture in Africa. 10. Makala Festival The Makala Festival is a party for stories and books in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It’s named after the Lingala word for “charcoal,” showing how words can change things. This festival gathers writers, poets, and people who love stories. At the Makala Festival, you can listen to books, join talks, and see performances that show how diverse Congolese stories are. It’s a place for both famous and new writers to tell their stories and connect with more people. The festival really cares about making sure people can read and write, and this helps keep Congo’s literary traditions alive and growing. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has exceptional natural resources, including deposits of diamonds, coal, gold, copper, cobalt, zinc, uranium, tin, silver, manganese, tungsten and cadmium. Mining plays an important role in the Congolese economy, contributing about 21% of the country's GDP. The Congolese women face significant barriers to economic opportunity and empowerment, including high rates of gender-based violence and discrimination. Only 16.8% of women have completed secondary education – nearly half the completion rate for men. Early marriage and high fertility rates are a challenge, with the fertility rate for women and girls without any education being twice that of women with secondary education (7.4 children compared to 2.9. Half of women reported experiencing physical violence, and nearly a third experienced sexual violence, often at the hands of an intimate partner. The labour force participation rate for women in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is estimated at 62%, with most working in agriculture. While participation is relatively high, women earn significantly less than men and own fewer assets. The 2021 DRC Gender Diagnostic identifies three main factors contributing to persistent and significant gender gaps: control over land, voice and agency, and risk and uncertainty including exposure to trauma and gender-based violence. What are the biggest risks beyond civil wars facing the Congo? Floods and droughts With agriculture employing over 60% of the DRC’s workforce, the economy’s vulnerability to climate change-related risks (floods and droughts) is significant. Finally, the escalation of war in the east and continued political volatility could undermine the ability to move forward with ambitious structural reform efforts. To mitigate these risks, the immediate challenge facing the DRC is to enhance security and maintain political and macroeconomic stability while building strong institutions to ensure sustainable growth. 2014 The DRC had the world’s second-largest diamond reserves at the end of 2014, at 150 million carats, or 20.5% of global reserves. Large diamond reserves are located primarily in the Kasai Occidental and Kasai Oriental provinces. Hydroelectric potential Arable land Extensive biodiversity The world’s second-largest rainforest Access to education The number of children enrolled in primary education increased from 11.9 million (10.7 million in public schools) in 2010-11 to 16.1 million (14.2 million in public schools) in 2018-19 and to 20.2 million (17.9 million in public schools) in 2020-21 However, the completion rate at the primary level remains low at 75%. Furthermore, the quality of education is a pressing issue. A child in the DRC is expected to complete 9.1 years of schooling by their 18th birthday, but when adjusted for learning, this time in school translates to only 4.5 years of schooling. The quality of education is so poor that an estimated 97% of 10-year-olds in the DRC suffer from learning poverty, meaning they cannot read and understand simple text. The health care systems in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have been severely impacted by the protracted conflict, as well as long-standing complex humanitarian crises around the world. This has been greatly exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and recurrent disease outbreaks such as cholera, measles and Ebola. There has been significant hesitancy to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in the DRC, with limited demand, and there is evidence that COVID-19 has had a negative impact on the use of health services since March 2020 with reduced hospital visits, reduced antenatal care visits, reduced access to family planning and contraception, increased food insecurity, and increased incidence of sexual and gender-based violence. Nearly 23 million children missed routine vaccinations in 2020 due to the pandemic, the highest number in more than a decade, according to recent WHO and UNICEF data. This highlights the disruption that COVID-19 has caused to health systems and the concern that the temporary disruption of essential health care delivery is likely to lead to a secondary health crisis, if left unaddressed. The security situation in North Kivu and Ituri provinces has deteriorated dramatically, with fighting between the army and armed groups forcing hundreds of thousands to flee. Additional pockets of insecurity have emerged across the country, primarily due to inter-communal conflicts. We begin the history of the Democratic Republic of the Congo not far from here, but from the year seventy-one specifically. In 1977 French and Belgian paratroopers, along with Moroccan troops, helped repel an attack on Katanga by rebels based in Angola. How many wars has the Democratic Republic of the Congo experienced? two wars From 1996 to 2003 The country was at the heart of what some observers call "Africa's world war", with widespread civilian suffering. The war claimed the lives of up to six million people, either as a direct result of the fighting or from disease and malnutrition. 1996-1997 - First Congo War This was a civil war and international military conflict, culminating in an invasion by rebels who replaced President Mobutu with rebel leader Laurent Kabila. The country was renamed the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 1998-2003 - Second Congo War The unstable government of Kabila (a rebel against the previous government) came into conflict with his allies, setting the stage for a renewed civil war, drawing in several neighboring countries. Dozens of armed groups continue to fight in the east, requiring a large UN military force to try to maintain order. General casualty estimates The number of people killed or dying from disease or famine is estimated at 900,000 to 5,400,000. What happened after the Second Congo War ended? 2004 The Kivu conflict broke out in eastern DRC. The region's protracted armed conflicts involved more than 120 different armed groups. 2006 First free elections in four decades. Joseph Kabila wins runoff. 2012-2013 March 23 Movement rebellion. The March 23 Movement rebel movement was formed. A UN report concluded that Rwanda created and led the M23 rebel movement, and a 3,000-strong UN intervention brigade was deployed to fight and disarm M23 rebels in eastern Congo. 2016 President Kabila remained in power in violation of the constitution. 2017 M23 rebels resumed their rebellion. 2019December Officials declare opposition candidate Felix Tshisekedi the winner of the presidential election. 2022 The Democratic Republic of the Congo, the United Nations, the United States and others have accused Rwanda of sending its soldiers to fight alongside M23 rebels in eastern DRC, who are accused of war crimes. Rwanda denies this. 2023 The Southern African Development Community (SADC) deploys a 2,900-strong peacekeeping force to eastern Congo. The country holds general elections in December 2023, resulting in a second five-year term for incumbent President Tshisekedi, whose party and allies won a majority of seats. On April 1, 2024, after long negotiations, Judith Somoina Toloka was appointed the first female prime minister, and a new government was formed in June. 2025 After a rapid advance, M23 rebels captured the city of Goma in eastern DRC and threatened to move on Kinshasa A simple video about DR CONGO

Ireland, a country in Western Europe, occupies five-sixths of a major island located at the westernmost point of the British Isles. Why it's called the Emerald Isle? Thanks to its abundant rainfall, the country's extensive pastures create a green landscape responsible for the popular nickname of the Emerald Isle. Ireland is also famous for its wealth of folklore, from tales of little goblins carrying hidden pots of gold to tales of Saint Patrick, who mythically rid the island of snakes and used the three-leafed shamrock as a symbol of the Christian Trinity. Ireland is also famous for its wealth of folklore, from tales of little goblins carrying hidden pots of gold to tales of Saint Patrick, who mythically rid the island of snakes and used the three-leafed shamrock as a symbol of the Christian Trinity. Does it considered as one country or two? The island of Ireland consists of The Republic of Ireland a sovereign state with its capital (Dublin), and Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom. Dublin is a densely populated and wealthy city, with its metropolitan area containing more than a quarter of the country’s total population. The city’s old quayside neighborhoods have given way to new residential and commercial development. Northern Ireland Had been ruled by Great Britain since the 13th century, its citizens, many of them persecuted Catholics, struggled to distance themselves from British domination for the next several hundred years. Does Ireland a poor or rich European ‘Country? Ireland has long been among the poorest parts of Europe, a major cause of mass immigration from Ireland, especially during the famine of the 19th century. Some 40 million Americans trace their ancestry to Ireland as a result of this painful exodus, as do millions of others around the world. Each year, members of this community visit their homeland and reconnect with long-lost family Does Ireland urban or rural to the West? Ireland is now urban and European, but its culture retains many unique characteristics, and its people value and celebrate folk and social traditions that largely stem from the country’s rural past. In his poem “Reflections on a Time of Civil War,” William Butler Yeats, Ireland’s most famous poet, evokes an idyllic countryside that is central to the memories of the country’s millions of expatriates and their descendants. Most language spoken in Ireland? Irish Gaelic, English is constitutionally recognized as the first official language of the Republic of Ireland It is one of the oldest written languages in the world. Around 30 percent of the country’s population speak Irish and up to 5 percent use it regularly at home and with interactions with their peers. Also known as Erse or Gaelic, it is among the Goidelic group of Celtic languages, a branch of the Indo-European language family, it is spoken throughout Ireland most notably in many Gaeltacht areas and is a required language in schools. In these mostly coastal areas around 75 percent of the population speak Irish Other Languages of Ireland Due to immigration and the influx of residents born outside of Ireland in recent years, there are now around 182 languages aside from English and Irish that are spoken in homes in the country according to the Central Statistics Office (CSO). The highest percentage of non-English speakers live in Fingal, located in North Dublin. The official Religion Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion in Ireland, and it has played a significant political and social role in the community since the 12th century, though the Constitution guarantees the right of religious freedom. Of the 5.1 million people in the Republic of Ireland, a majority of the population—about 78%—identifies as Catholic, 3% are Protestant, 1% Muslim, 1% Orthodox Christian, 2% unspecified Christian, and 2% are members of other faiths. Notably, 10% of the population identify themselves as nonreligious, a number that has continued to increase. Ireland through history In 1919 Ireland's status changed dramatically, as the Irish nationalist party Sinn Féin declared an Irish republic, but a civil war broke out in Ireland In 1920 Britain partitioned the island Unfortunately, with separate parliaments in the predominantly Protestant north-east and the predominantly Catholic south and north-west, the republicans opposed the formula In 1922 the Irish Free State was formed. Almost immediately, the north-east - Northern Ireland - withdrew and accepted self-government within the United Kingdom In 1937 A new constitution changed the name of the nation to Éire, or Ireland In 1949 It became a republic and left the British Commonwealth. Hint about the Commonwealth The Commonwealth, commonly known as the Commonwealth, is a political union of 56 member states, almost all of which were former territories of the British Empire (under the British Crown). The main institutions of the organization are the Commonwealth Secretariat, which focuses on intergovernmental aspects, and the Commonwealth Institution, which focuses on non-governmental relations between member states. In 1969 Northern Ireland's Protestant majority and Catholic minority were in conflict almost from the start. Increasing intercommunal violence led to the deployment of the British Army to maintain the peace, and three years later terrorist attacks in Ireland and Great Britain led to direct rule of Northern Ireland by the Parliament of the United Kingdom. In 1973 Although the country generally maintained a neutral role in international affairs In 1985 The Anglo-Irish Treaty gave the Republic of Ireland a consultative role in the governance of Northern Ireland. In 1993 The Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom agreed on a framework for resolving the problems and bringing lasting peace to the troubled region. On 1 January 1973 The Republic of Ireland The United Kingdom of Great Britain Northern Ireland joined the European Community In 1993 They were integrated into the European Union, and since then Ireland has been integrated with the rest of Western Europe. It joined the European Economic Community (the predecessor of the European Union) In 2008 the enactment of the Lisbon Treaty – an agreement intended to streamline EU operations and give it a higher international standing – was blocked when the Irish voted against passing the treaty in a national referendum. However, Irish voters approved the treaty in a second referendum held the following year. The Ethnic Groups in Ireland For most of Ireland's recorded history, the Irish have been primarily a The Gaelic people small numbers of Vikings settled in Ireland becoming the Norse-Gaels. The celebrations days in Ireland TradFest Temple Bar, Dublin (Irish music and culture festival) St. Patrick's Day (parades and inebriation throughout Ireland — most notably in Dublin; closures) International Pan Celtic Festival, Carlow Good Friday (closures) Easter Sunday and Monday (closures) City of Derry Jazz & Big Band Festival Enniscorthy Rockin' Food & Fruit Festival, County Wexford May Day/Labor Day; Early May Bank Holiday in Northern Ireland (closures across Ireland) Fleadh Nua, Ennis (traditional music and dance festival) Spring Bank Holiday, Northern Ireland (closures) Listowel Writers' Week, County Kerry (literary festival) June Bank Holiday, Republic of Ireland (closures) Bloomsday, Dublin (James Joyce festival) St. John's Eve Bonfire Night, Kilronan, Aran Islands Patrún Festival, Kilronan, Aran Islands (currach boat races) Orangemen's Day/Battle of the Boyne anniversary, Northern Ireland (Protestant marches, protests; closures) Galway Arts Festival Galway Races (horse races) Féile an Phobail, West Belfast (Irish cultural festival) Fleadh Cheoil, Wexford (traditional-music festival) August Bank Holiday, Republic of Ireland (closures) Dingle Races (horse races) Puck Fair, Killorglin, County Kerry ("Ireland's Oldest Fair" and drink-fest) Kenmare Fair Rose of Tralee International Festival Dingle Regatta (boat races) National Heritage Week Summer Bank Holiday, Northern Ireland only (closures) Late August–early September: Blessing of the Boats, Dingle (maritime festival) Galway Races (horse races) Galway Oyster and Seafood Festival Dingle Food Festival Belfast International Arts Festival Cork Guinness Jazz Festival Galway Races (horse races) October Bank Holiday, Republic of Ireland (closures) Halloween celebrations (Europe's largest), Derry Remembrance Sunday, Northern Ireland (two minutes of silence at 11:00 to remember WWI dead, people wear poppies on lapels) Christmas Day (closures) St. Stephen's Day, Republic of Ireland; Boxing Day, Northern Ireland (closures) New Year's Eve The culture’ Elements The clothing Traditional Irish clothing for both men and women typically covers the entire body. Women wear long dresses, most often depicted in white and green, while men wear modest-colored hats with a small brim in the front, called flat caps, along with kilts, referred to as men's dresses. The Architecture in Ireland The architecture of Ireland is one of the most visible features in the Irish countryside – with remains from all eras since the Stone Age abounding. Ireland is famous for its ruined and intact Norman and Anglo-Irish castles, small whitewashed thatched cottages and Georgian urban buildings. What are unaccountably somewhat less famous are the still complete Palladian and Rococo country houses which can be favourably compared to anything similar in northern Europe, and the country's many Gothic and neo-Gothic cathedrals and buildings. Despite the oft-times significant British and wider European influence, the fashion and trends of architecture have been adapted to suit the peculiarities of the particular location. Variations of stone (particularly limestone, granite and sandstone), lime mortar, wood, sod, cob and straw are prevalent materials in traditional Irish architecture Irish Art Indigenous Irish Art Approaching the Modern Era As Ireland began to recover, Dublin patronage and art education increased. The Celtic Arts Revival movement was beginning, a new group of talent emerged and formed an active group of local artists. On their heels, a younger generation of artists that had their eye on the International art scene brought avant-garde techniques, themes, and philosophies to the Irish art culture, forming the Society of Dublin Painters. Irish Art Top Works • Book of Kells • Newgrange site • High Crosses • Tara Brooch • In Connemara – Paul Henry • The Flycatcher – William Orpen • Death of Nelson – Daniel Maclise • Lindisfarne Gospels The Peace and conflicts on Irland Ireland and World Peace The Republic has had persistent concerns such as Immigration Cultural identity The Political identity and relations with Northern Ireland (which comprises six of Ireland's 32 counties within the province of Ulster and which remain part of the United Kingdom, when Great Britain announced its plans to leave the European Union following a referendum in 2016, the impact of the initiative on Northern Ireland became a major issue of debate. from about 1968 to 1998 the Troubles, violent sectarian conflict in Northern Ireland between the overwhelmingly Protestant unionists (loyalists), who desired the province to remain part of the United Kingdom, and the overwhelmingly Roman Catholic nationalists (republicans), who wanted Northern Ireland to become part of England. At 2007 (Conflict Resolution Unit) Our Conflict Resolution Unit (CRU) was established by the Department of Foreign Affairs in 2007 to improve Ireland’s contribution to international conflict resolution by drawing on: Ireland’s tradition of UN peacekeeping Our commitment to overseas development aid Our experience of the peace process in Northern Ireland Our commitment to human rights and the international rule of law. Peacekeeping Ireland has a proud tradition of participation in UN and UN-supported peacekeeping missions, both civilian and military. Ireland is proud of being the only nation to have a continuous presence on UN and UN-mandated peace support operations since 1958, with Irish peacekeepers highly respected internationally. Our largest deployment currently is with the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon (UNIFIL) . We also have Defence Forces troops deployed in the Golan Heights, Syria Israel Jordan Bosnia & Herzegovina Kosovo Mali the Democratic Republic of Congo Since 1978, a number of Defence Forces officers have also served in different positions at UNHQ, New York where we currently provide two officers to the UN's Department of Peace Keeping Operations (DPKO). A simple video about Ireland

Today, we will talk about India, a country in the continent of Asia, specifically (South Asia). We will learn some information about it and some traditions and customs in clothing, utensils, and of course we will get to know the members of Global Peace Let’s Talk based on India, so, let’s go. The location Asia The country is located in South Asia It considered Most of India’s territory forms a peninsula, meaning it is surrounded by water on three sides. The highest mountain range in the world, the Himalayas, rises in the north. It is the seventh largest country by area It is the most populous country from June 2023 onward What surrounds India From the south (Indian Ocean – Arabian Sea from the southwest) From the north (China – Nepal – Bhutan) From the east (Bay of Bengal from the southeast – Bangladesh – Myanmar) From the west (Shares a land border with Pakistan) It is located near Sri Lanka and the Maldives The demographic composition of the Indian people 1- The ethnic groups Gaya, Bihar, India: Falgu River India is a multi-ethnic and diverse country, home to thousands of small ethnic and tribal groups. This complexity has evolved from a long and complex process of migration and intermarriage. 2- The indigenous (“tribal”) peoples of the Chota Nagpur Plateau (northeastern Indian peninsula) have affinities with groups such as the Mons, who have long settled in Southeast Asia. There are much smaller southern groups, who appear to descend, at least in part, from peoples of East African origin some of whom settled in historical times on the west coast of India) or from a population usually called Negrito, which is now represented by a large number of small peoples widely scattered from the Andaman Islands, the Philippines, New Guinea and other areas. 3- The people of north-central and north-western India have ethnic affinities with European and Indo-European peoples from southern Europe, the Caucasus, southwest and central Asia In northeastern India, West Bengal (to a lesser extent), the upper regions of the western Himalayas, and Ladakh, many of the populations resemble peoples to the north and east—particularly the Tibetans and Burmese. As the culture elements, Look like; The clothing The clothing in India varies with the ethnicity, geography, climate and cultural traditions of the people of each region of India. Historically, clothing has evolved from simple garments such as kaupina, langutta, achkan, lungi and sari, to ritual and dance performances. In urban areas, Western clothing is common and is worn uniformly by people of all social classes. India also has a great diversity in terms of fabric, fibre, colour and material of clothing. Sometimes, color codes are followed in clothing based on the religion and rituals involved. Clothing in India also includes a wide range of Indian embroidery, prints, handicrafts, motifs and dressing styles. A wide mix of traditional Indian clothing and Western styles can be seen in India Most spoken language Hindi, one of the official languages of India, is the most spoken language in the country, spoken by 52.83 crore people. In other words, 43.63% of the total population speaks Hindi. Bengali and Marathi come in second and third place respectively. The official religion in the country There is no official religion and India is secular. However, India is saturated with religion A 2001 World Values Survey found that 80% of Indians consider themselves to be “religious people”, with 88% stating that they “meditate or pray”, and 93% “belonging to a religious denomination”. The largest religious group in India is Hindus, who make up 80.5% of the population, although this figure may be inflated due to the societal advantages of identifying as Hindu. The next largest religious groups are Muslims (13.4%), Christians (2.3%), and Sikhs (1.9%). Buddhists, Jains, Parsis (Zoroastrians), Baha’is, and Jews make up less than 1.1% of the population. Of the Muslims, about 85% are Sunni and 15% are Shia, making India the second largest Muslim population within its borders in the world. The National Commission for Minorities Act of 1992 classified five religious communities as minorities: Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Parsis, and Buddhists. The Architectural The Types of Indian Architectural Styles Rock-cut architecture. Visaara architecture. Sikh architecture. Kalinga architecture. Dravidian architecture. Indo-Saracenic renaissance architecture. Mughal architecture. The Art in India Most Popular Traditional Art Forms in India Folk and Tribal Art. Folk and tribal art and folk paintings are practiced and taught in India even today. … Rajputi Painting. … Warli Painting. … Madhubani Art. … Mysore Painting. … Miniature Paintings The most celebration days in India Pongal, Tamil Nadu The harvest festival of Pongal is celebrated across Tamil Nadu over four days in mid-January. It begins with Bhogi, when houses get a thorough cleaning, and rangolis (patterns made with coloured powders) are drawn in the courtyard. The next day is Surya Pongal, the first day of the Tamil calendar when the traditional dish of Pongal is made; newly harvested rice is cooked with milk and jaggery (raw cane sugar) and offered to the Sun God. The last two days of the festival — Mattu Pongal and Kanum Pongal — feature more rituals and social events. Mahashivratri, north India The Hindu festival of Mahashivratri celebrates Lord Shiva’s wedding to Parvati and is observed on the new moon night of Phalgun. Devotees fast through the day before visiting Shiva temples just before midnight. The Shivalinga (idol) is bathed with milk, yoghurt, and honey and the night rings out with bhajans (devotional songs). The Bhootnath Temple in Mandi (Himachal Pradesh) hosts a week-long Mahashivratri fair and is one of the best places to experience the festival, as are Rishikesh (Uttarakhand) and Guwahati (Assam). Holi, north and west India India ’s most colourful festival, Holi, takes place on the full moon day of Phalgun and is associated with the devotional love of Lord Krishna and Radha. Streets come alive with people applying gulal (coloured powders) and drenching each other with water balloons and pichkaris (water guns). The festival is enjoyed with gusto across the country but especially in north India; for the most immersive experiences head to Mathura and Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh, where Lord Krishna was born and spent his childhood. Eid-Ul-Fitr, across India Eid-Ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting. Festivities begin with the sighting of the moon followed by a large meal. Prayers are held on the first morning of Eid when people thank Allah for giving them the will and strength to fast during Ramadan. Zakat Al Fitr or charity to the poor is also an important part of the festival. Traditional Eid delicacies include sheer khurma (vermicelli noodles with milk and dried fruit) and seviyaan (a sweet milky pudding with dates). Bihu, Assam Rongali Bihu is Assam’s most important festival; it celebrates the beginning of the harvest season and marks the Assamese New Year. Held over seven days, it is a festival of happiness and involves plenty of merrymaking where people dress up in their best traditional attire and get together for Bihu naach (traditional dancing) to folk songs. Families and friends meet over festive meals of masor tenga (sour fish curry), assorted pitha (sweets made from rice flour) and apong (traditional rice beer). Onam, Kerala Kerala’s most popular festival, Onam, sweeps across the state without distinction of religion or caste. This ten-day harvest festival is dedicated to King Mahabali, the ancient ruler of Kerala whose spirit is said to visit his kingdom on Onam. It’s marked by spectacular processions called Athachamayam with traditional music, floats, and bejewelled elephants. Snake boat races on rivers and lakes across Kerala are quite popular. Don’t miss trying the Onasadya, an elaborate feast of traditional vegetarian dishes served on a banana leaf. Janmashtami, Mumbai and Pune Janmashtami (also known as Gokulashtami) commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna. Since he is said to be born at midnight, devotees stay awake all night, offer prayers and sing bhajans (devotional songs). Mathura, Krishna’s birthplace, comes alive with Ras Leela or dramatic enactments from his life. The next day is Dahi Handi, when people form towering human pyramids to try and break a pot of yoghurt, Lord Krishna’s favourite food. Mumbai and Pune are the best places to experience these raucous revelries. Ganesh Chaturthi, Maharashtra The ten-day festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is devoted to the elephant-headed Lord Ganesha, one of the most beloved gods in the Hindu pantheon. Mumbai, with its elaborate pandals (marquees) and beautifully decorated idols, is the best place to experience the festival: Lalbaugcha Raja, GSB Seva Mandal Ganpati and Andhericha Raja are the best examples. On the tenth day of the festival, massive processions are taken out for immersion of the idols in the sea, accompanied by beating drums, loud music and people dancing in the streets. Navratri & Dussehra, north and west India The Indian festival of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Durga and is held over nine days with different rituals across India. In Gujarat, revellers bedecked in colourful traditional attire perform dances of garba and dandiya over nine nights. In many parts of the country, people put up theatrical enactments of the Ramayana. The tenth day, Dussehra, marks the triumph of good over evil when Lord Rama defeated the ten-headed demon king Ravana, with devotees burning huge effigies of Ravana on this day. Durga Puja, West Bengal While Durga Puja takes different forms across the country, the grandest festivities take place in West Bengal. Calcutta is dotted with extravagant themed pandals with huge idols of the Goddess Durga. Deshpriya Park, Ballygunge Cultural Association, and Kumartuli Park are some of the must-visit pandals — don’t miss the mouthwatering street food outside. Apart from religious rituals, many pandals organise cultural programmes of music, dance, and drama. The city’s markets are also thronged with people shopping for new clothes, handicrafts and sweetmeats. Diwali, across India Diwali is arguably the biggest festival in India and is known as the homecoming of Lord Rama after a 14-year exile. The five days of the festival mark different legends such as Lord Krishna killing the demon Narakasur and the Goddess Lakshmi’s birthday. The festival of lights is celebrated by wearing new clothes, meeting family and friends, burning crackers, and lighting lanterns and diyas (earthen lamps). No festival is complete without special food and, depending on the region, Diwali feasting includes a variety of sweets and savouries. Pushkar Camel Fair, Rajasthan The Pushkar Camel Fair is an epic spectacle where thousands of camels (and people) descend upon a small desert town in Rajasthan. What started off as a way to attract camel, horse, and cattle traders during the holy Kartik Purnima festival has now become a major tourist attraction. Expect elaborately adorned camels participating in races, an arts and crafts bazaar, and even moustache competitions. The fair culminates with a maha aarti (ritual fire offering) on the banks of Pushkar Lake. Guru Nanak Jayanti, Punjab Guru Nanak Jayanti or Guru Nanak Gurpurab marks the birth of the first Sikh Guru and is one of the most important festivals in Sikhism. Gurdwaras are decorated across Punjab and many of them hold akhand path (continuous reading) from the Sikh holy book of Guru Granth Sahib. Devotees take out processions or palki with the holy book while singing devotional songs. Young Sikhs also perform gatka, a form of martial arts with wooden sticks. Christmas, across India Christmas is an important festival in India — a secular celebration not restricted to the Christian community. Goa is one of the best places to celebrate; there are elaborate nativity scenes, midnight mass, carol singing, Christmas trees galore, and plenty of local sweets including dodol (jelly-like pudding with rice flour, coconut milk and jaggery) and neureos (coconut filled pastry). Christmas festivities are also prominent in Mumbai and Calcutta, where churches are beautifully lit and hotels and malls go all out with Christmas decor. Kumbh Mela, rotating dates and locations The largest religious gathering anywhere in the world, the Kumbh Mela rotates between four pilgrimage sites on four sacred rivers: Haridwar on the Ganges; Ujjain on the Shipra; Nashik on the Godavari; and Prayagraj on the confluence of the Ganges, the Yamuna and Saraswati. It takes place four times over a course of 12 years and lasts several weeks each time, drawing millions of pilgrims and sadhus (holy men) who take a sacred dip in the river. 1- Hindus Muslims conflicts India’s partition and the conflict over Kashmir, a Muslim-majority princely state ruled by a Hindu dynasty, were driven by local interests and philosophy, including the two-nation theory, which held that the Muslims of British India should be granted their own country, Pakistan 2- ETHNIC CONFLICT IN ASSAM Of the three conflicts mentioned, Assam has attracted the largest attention of late. Not since the 1947 partition of India have so many people been killed and uprooted as a result of ethnic or communal violence. By most available reports now, mob violence has claimed four thousand lives, rendered about 200,000 homeless, and forced a large number to leave the state for protection elsewhere. The immediate occasion of this bloodshed was the election held in February, though conflict and tension have been present for the last three years. In Assam, three culturally disparate groups have been in collision: the Assamese, the Bengalis (both of which have segments of Hindus and Muslims) and the tribals, which are localized communities. Some questions, May it concern you about the globe peace Q. What do you know about India Kashmir conflict from 1947 till now? The conflict started after the partition of India in 1947 as both India and Pakistan claimed the entirety of the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is a dispute over the region that escalated into three wars between India and Pakistan and several other armed skirmishes. Q. What do you know about: Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development? In 2009, the UNESCO General Conference decided to set up an institute focused on education about sustainable development in the Asia–Pacific region. In 2012, the former Director-General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova, and the former President of India, Pranab Mukherjee, launched this institute. Initially, a two-member team operated out of the UNESCO office in New Delhi. The team has expanded to over 35 members and works out of its independent office in central New Delhi.[1] The director of the institute is Anantha Kumar Duraiappah. Q. What do you know about the religious conflicts in India? India is characterized by more ethnic and religious groups than most other countries of the world. Aside from the much-noted 2000-odd castes, there are eight “major” religions, 15-odd languages spoken in various dialects in 22 states and nine union territories, and a substantial number of tribes and sects. Meet some of our GPLT Ambassadors based on India A simple video about India

Did you know that Nepal is home to eight of the world’s fourteen highest peaks? This geographical marvel not only fuels adventure but also shapes the rich cultural tapestry of the nation. Dive into the essence of Nepal, where natural beauty meets vibrant traditions and challenges. It's called Nepal, officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, is a landlocked country in South Asia. It is mainly situated in the Himalayas but also includes parts of the Indo-Gangetic Plain. It’s located South Asia The capital Kathmandu Nepal official language The 5 major languages spoken in Nepal are  Newar, Sherpa, Tamang, Tharu, and Nepalese . What is Nepal’s first language? Nepali is spoken by 78% of the population either as a first or second language and has official language status. The other 121 languages are all recognized national languages.   Nepal official religion   The main religion in Nepal is Hinduism practised by almost 82% population of the country. Nepal is the most religious Hindu country in the world, home to most of the important Hindu pilgrimage centres, the main being world-famous Pashupatinath Temple. The people of Nepal consider Lord Shiva as the guardian deity while cow is considered the national animal of Nepal. However, being a democracy, Nepal is a multi-ethnic and multi-lingual and multi-religious country. The other major religions followed in Nepal are Buddhism, Islam, Kiratism, Christianity, Sikhism, Bahá'í and some minority religion. It’s famous for Nepal is popular for its mountains Himalayas and Mountains are other words for Nepal. The mountains gain all the credit for making Nepal known to several other nations of the world. Land consisting of eight out of 14 eight-thousanders, mountains are the pride of Nepal and Nepalese people.   The ethnic groups in Nepal The large-scale migrations of Asian groups from Tibet and Indo-Aryan people from northern India, which accompanied the early settlement of Nepal, have produced a diverse linguistic, ethnic, and religious pattern. Those with Indo-Aryan ancestry, especially the Pahāṛī (including the Chhetree, the Brahman-Hill, and others), have enjoyed great prestige in Nepal for centuries. the ruling families have been of Indo-Aryan and Hindu background. Most of the Tibeto-Nepalese groups—the Tamang, Rai, Limbu, Bhutia (including the Sherpa), and Sunwar—live in the north and east, while the Magar and Gurung inhabit west-central Nepal. The majority of the famous Gurkha contingents in the British army have come from the Magar, Gurung, and Rai groups. the third set of ethnic groups, which includes the Newar and the Tharus, are believed to have settled Nepal before the Tibetan and Indo-Aryan migrations. The Newar, who have largely adopted Indo-Aryan and Hindu customs, retain significant influence in Nepal, especially in the Kathmandu valley. The famous clothes Sari The sari is a long piece of cloth draped around the waist and worn with a blouse. It is the most common attire for women in Nepal. The sari comes in different materials, designs, and colours, and each region in Nepal has its variation of the sari. The most popular sari is the Dhaka sari, which is made of cotton or silk and has intricate designs. The Dhaka sari is typically worn during festivals and weddings. Kurta Suruwal Kurta suruwal is another traditional dress worn by women in Nepal. It consists of a long shirt (kurta) and a loose-fitting trouser (suruwal). The kurta suruwal is comfortable to wear and is perfect for everyday wear. Women also wear the kurta suruwal on formal occasions such as weddings and other ceremonies. Gunyo Cholo Gunyo Cholo is a traditional Nepalese dress worn by women. It consists of a tight blouse (cholo) and a long skirt (gunyo). The gunyo cholo is worn mostly by women from the hills of Nepal. It is often paired with a shawl, and women wear it during festivals and other celebrations. Traditional Dress for Men Daura Suruwal The daura suruwal is the national dress of Nepal and is worn by men. It consists of a knee-length shirt (daura) and a loose-fitting trouser (suruwal). The daura suruwal is made of cotton or silk and comes in different colours and designs. It is typically worn on formal occasions such as weddings and other ceremonies. Topi While traditional dress still holds significance in Nepalese culture, modern adaptations have also emerged. With the influence of Western culture, Nepalese people have started to incorporate Western fashion into their traditional attire. For example, women now wear skirts with traditional blouses, and men wear jackets with traditional attire.   However, preserving traditional dress has become a challenge in Nepal. As modernization takes over, traditional attire is slowly disappearing. Younger generations are not interested in wearing traditional attire, and there is a lack of awareness about the significance of traditional clothing. Moreover, the production of traditional clothing has decreased, making it difficult to find traditional attire in stores.   The topi is a traditional Nepalese cap worn by men. It is made of cotton or wool and is often embroidered. The topi is an essential accessory for the daura suruwal and is worn on formal occasions. Dhaka Topi The Dhaka topi is a traditional Nepalese cap worn by men. It is made of Dhaka fabric, which is a handwoven fabric made in Nepal. The Dhaka topi comes in different designs and colours and is worn on formal occasions such as weddings and other ceremonies.   Nepal landmarks Swayambhunath, aka “Monkey Temple” (Kathmandu) For several minutes I had a stand-off with a persistent monkey, who, when I turned to photograph the sprawl of Kathmandu, would sneak up behind me as if set to pounce. Eventually, I realized he was just playful, rather than dangerous. The same could be said for the hundreds of other primates that swarm Swayambhunath, also known as Monkey Temple.   Looming above the historic heart of Kathmandu, this is perhaps the city’s busiest tourist attraction due to its commanding architecture, mesmerizing views of the city and surrounding peaks, and the exotic allure of those cheeky monkeys. Swayambhunath is also a hugely important religious site. This 1,500-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site has long attracted Buddhist pilgrims, who climb its many stairs to pray to Lord Buddha. Durbar Square (Bhaktapur)   For more than a millennia, the pretty city of Bhaktapur (about 8mi/13km from Kathmandu) has been centered around Durbar Square. This plaza, in turn, is defined by its most commanding resident, the Palace of 55 Windows. I never stopped to count, and confirm the accuracy of that name, but this well-preserved palace kept me enthralled for hours.   Built at the turn of the 18th century, it’s a delightful complex decorated by intricate woodwork and stonemasonry, the creative calling cards of the Newari people. Back then it housed the ruling family of the Malla Dynasty. Nowadays visitors walk between two giant lion statues to enter the site, which has been converted into the National Art Gallery, showcasing Nepalese artforms such as brasswork and Thangka paintings. Boudhanath Stupa (Kathmandu)   A late afternoon storm was about to besiege Kathmandu when I peered down a narrow alley to spot a lofty, gilded tower glowing in the gloom. The deep-grey skies only made it more dramatic. Two eyes stared straight at me – painted on the base of Boudhanath, which is among the largest stupas in Nepal, and a major attraction for visitors.   Built in the 1300s, Boudhanath is one of seven ancient structures spread through the Kathmandu Valley which collectively form a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Now surrounded by small cafes, restaurants, and shops, this stupa sits atop a whitewashed dome, which also gleams in the daylight, or in the evening when Boudhanath is illuminated by spotlights. Shree Muktinath Temple (Mustang)   Few religious sites have a more memorable location than Shree Muktinath Temple. It’s setting will, quite literally, take your breath away, due to the low levels of oxygen at 12,467ft (3,800m) above sea level, deep in the snow-draped Himalayan mountains.   It’s a holy site for Buddhists and Hindus, and adherents of both faiths have long been drawn here to see its Shaligram, a sacred form of rock. Fossils, collected from the nearby Kali Gandaki River, are believed to be the stone embodiments of Lord Vishnu.   Shree Muktinath is also frequented by hikers, due to its location on the Annapura Circuit, one of Nepal’s busiest trekking routes. This path begins at Besisahar, about 25mi (40km) east of Pokhara city, and then ascends to the Thorung La Pass, at a startling elevation of 17,650ft (5,380m). Pashupatinath Temple (Kathmandu) Pashupatinath is blessed by the sacred waters of the adjacent Bagmati River, which begins in the peaks north of Kathmandu before flowing south to India. Nepal’s holiest Hindu temple, and a key site of pilgrimage for centuries, it is so old that its exact origins aren’t clear. Some accounts place it at up to 1,500 years old.   Pashupatinath does not allow non-Hindus to enter its inner sanctum. But by hiring a local guide, for about US $10 in addition to the US $10 entry ticket, I was shepherded through the outer buildings, which allow tourists, to the best elevated points from where I could peer down into the main temple. On a platform by the river, I saw a smoldering pile of ash. “Cremation,” my guide said, in reference this site’s long tradition of sending the dead to the afterlife. Kopan Monastery (Budhanilkantha) Residing on a forested hilltop just north of Kathmandu, Kopan Monastery is wonderfully serene. Visitors are attracted here by the tranquility or, as I was, by its bold, polychromatic design.   This is one of the few Buddhist monasteries near the Nepalese capital which allows travelers to stay and study within the complex. I spotted several foreigners praying amid throngs of local monks while I photographed its maroon and cream exterior, and the rainbow-hued murals which cover the prayer hall. Changu Narayan Temple The vast, verdant Kathmandu Valley stretches out beneath Changu Narayan Temple, as the Himalayan peeks loom large and frosty in the distance. Similar to Shree Muktinath, this temple is worth visiting for its dramatic location alone, perched on a forested peak, about 5,050ft (1,540m) above sea level, roughly 6mi (10km) east of Kathmandu. This UNESCO site, dedicated to Hindu god Vishnu, is widely considered the country’s oldest temple, dating back at least 1,600 years. That’s also the age of several of its key artefacts – a winged Garuda statue near the temple’s entrance, an inscribed stone tablet, and several weathered Hindu idols. The main temple building is not nearly as old, having been razed by fire in the early 1700s. But what was then built is a wonder of Nepalese craftsmanship, embellished by complex woodwork and stonemasonry. About an hour’s drive from downtown Kathmandu, Changu Narayan is best reached by hiring a private vehicle. To make best use of your time, do a loop north through Kopan Monastery to Changunarayan, and south back through Bhaktapur to your hotel. Manakamana Temple (Gandaki) Many travelers fly between Kathmandu and the stunning lakeside city of Pokhara . I’m so happy I instead chose the seven-hour bus ride. Although it’s at times bumpy and uncomfortable, the striking views of lakes, valleys, rivers, and peaks are burned into my memory. Traveling by road also allows the option to stop midway at Manakamana Temple. It can be easily accessed in about 10 minutes by catching a cable car from Kurintar, alongside the Kathmandu-to-Pokhara highway. At the end of this scenic ride, travelers encounter a two-tiered pagoda that anchors a courtyard decorated by timeworn Hindu statues. Dos And Don’ts in Nepal 1. Do Greet People No matter which Asian country you are traveling to, one common thing in every nation is the culture of greeting each other. Nepalese people always greet people to show respect and friendliness. Hence, you are sure to see local people greet and smile at you, even if they are strangers. In such cases, you are expected to smile back and greet them. 2. Do Dress Conservatively Always dress as modestly as possible. Although tourism has brought many changes in the minds and societal norms regarding dress codes, it is still a very religious country, and people generally cover as much skin as possible. So, ensure you wear long skirts that reach below the knees, shirts that cover your chest, and pants that are not too short. Especially when visiting religious sites like a Hindu temple or Buddhist monastery, never wear a revealing scant dress. Try and wear traditional attire as a gesture of respect. Also, try not to wear leather belts or any leather items, as they are strictly prohibited in temples. 3. Do Use the Correct Hand In Nepal, using the left hand to receive or give others things is considered extremely rude. In Buddhist and Hindu cultures, the left hand is used for dirty work and is helpful only when it comes to cleaning our bodies. So, when we offer or accept gifts from someone, we should use our right hand or take both hands. Even eating with the left hand is considered uncivilized and rude. 4. Do Remove Shoes And Hats Another common pan-Asian rule is to remove shoes before entering someone’s house. No matter how clean your shoes are, you are supposed to only walk inside without them. Until and unless the owner asks you to do so, you must take them off without failure. Such a rule also applies when it comes to temples or shrines. Never enter with your shoes and hats on; always remove them and keep them aside before entering temples or any sacred place. 5. Do Seek Permission For Temples Many Hindu temples have strict rules regarding who can enter the shrine. Westerners, non-Hindus, and lower castes are mostly prohibited from entering the temple. So, to avoid unintentionally offending or hurting religious sentiments, always seek permission before stepping onto a religious site. 6. Do Carry a Flashlight At All Times Coming to some non-ethical requirements, it is essential always to carry a torch or a flashlight whenever you roam the country. Even in the capital city of Nepal, the source of electricity can never be reliable. There are power cuts now and then, both during day time and night. So, the best advice is to carry a torch and be free of any fear. 7. Do Change Your Nepalese Currency If you did not know, using Nepalese currency outside the country is illegal. It is a restricted currency; hence, exchanging all your currency back to US dollars or Euros is best. It can be done quickly at Kathmandu airport before your flight. However, make sure you keep your receipts safe. If you lose your transaction receipts from the past or exchange receipts, your money might not get accepted, accusing it of being taken from the black market. Be careful. 8. Do Bargain For the best prices, always remember to bargain. Especially when you go street shopping, know that nothing has a fixed price. Always negotiate and try to lower costs and reach a mutually beneficial rate for the things you want to buy. 9. Do Be Careful Around Priests And Monks nepali dos and donts Lastly, always be careful around holy men. Women should especially avoid coming in physical contact with monks. Buddhist monks are held in high positions and are deeply revered. So, whenever you see one, show respect and keep your distance. You are also not allowed to hand things directly to them. The same goes for Hindu priests. Sometimes, even the monk’s mother is restricted from hugging their son. In short, monks are prohibited from touching women. Don’ts In Nepal Now, we will walk through some rules you should follow to avoid doing culturally and practically inappropriate things. Follow them to avoid the hassle. 1. Don’t Eat Beef Not eating beef is the most important religious rule you must be careful about. The cow is a sacred animal in Hinduism and Buddhism. They consider the cow to be the holy animal of the gods and respect it; it is the national animal in Nepal too. So, never eat beef in public or in front of religious people. Even in restaurants, always ask if they serve beef. If not, it is better to control your cravings for a while. 2. Don’t Show Public Affection Nepal is still a conservative country. Publicly kissing, hugging, or even holding hands with your partner can make locals uneasy. Society has just hit the wave of westernization, and dating and public displays of affection are still taboo. Boys and girls are not expected to linger around with their hands on each other in public or private. Nepali culture has strict rules when it comes to marriage and love life. 3. Don’t Touch Any Sacred Object As mentioned, Nepal has many religious places. So, you will see many small circular or rectangular stones or metal mandalas on the ground of most shrines. Please do not step on them or touch them without thinking twice. Don’t touch Buddha images or Hindu god statues. Especially for non-Hindus and westerners, such objects are off-limits, and it is better to maintain distance. Even when a Hindu carries things for offerings, please do not touch them. Once someone touches them, it is considered impure and unacceptable by the temples. 4. Don’t Take Photos Without Consent As tourists, you will have the urge to capture every moment and keep it saved in your phone memory. However, it would help if you were very careful in Nepal. There will be many sites that you will find interesting and would want to capture it. But when it comes to temples, shrines, and ethnic people, make sure you get their permission and consent. Most sacred places and holy shrines are off-limits and not allowed to be captured. So, always ask for consent before rolling your camera and taking photos. 5. Don’t Help Beggers Being a third-world country, you will find numerous beggars and orphans in the streets of Nepal, especially at tourist sites. Don’t help them immediately. Even if they ask for just one rupee, don’t help them because it encourages them to drop out of school and tilt towards beggary and illegal work. There are also adults behind pitiful child beggars who force them to beg and then make use of the money for illicit jobs. 6. Don’t Touch Someone’s Head In Buddhism, the head is considered sacred, and the feet are dirty. All the spiritual forces are believed to be stored in the head, so one is not allowed to touch another’s head. While patting around the head is quite common in the western lifestyle, be aware of the cultural differences in Nepal. You can come out as a rude and ignorant person if you touch someone’s head. Even pointing your feet or touching something with your feet is not acceptable. 7. Don’t Eat from Common Pot One of the essential dining manners in Nepal is that you never eat from the standard pot. You always serve your own plates and start eating with your hands. Using spoons and forks is not common in the country. Moreover, never touch a shared drinking vessel with your lips. Once it touches your lips, it is undrinkable for others and becomes your personal. 8. Don’t Drink Tap Water Very important for your health, always avoid drinking water from the tap. No matter where you live, never drink tap water, as it can be contaminated and not purified for drinking. Ask local experts or guides if they can help you out if you are still looking for purified water. 9. Do Not Smoke Publicly While smoking or drinking in public is not a big deal in the west, Nepal has strictly prohibited smoking in public, especially for girls. It is mainly concerned when it is a religious setting. Avoid smoking in a pilgrimage site or anywhere with a large crowd. 10. Don’t Lose Your Calm Unlike Westworld, time in Nepal runs slowly. So, whenever there is a delay in service, or someone is making you wait for more than usual, don’t lose your calm or show anger on your face. It is standard. Showing frustration will not bring you any help. Patience is the key. The contemporary architecture in Nepa Shigeru Ban designs modular shelters for Nepal earthquake victims Shigeru Ban  has unveiled his designs for modular housing structures to accommodate those made homeless by the two devastating earthquakes that struck Nepal earlier this year. Archium gives rugged stone walls to a radio broadcasting station in Nepal Thick walls made from locally sourced  stone  frame courtyards and corridors at this radio broadcasting station in the Nepalese town of Jomsom, designed by Korean studio Archium ( Norwegian Embassy in Kathmandu by Kristin Jarmund Architects Norwegian architectural firm  Kristin Jarmund Architects  have completed a new building for the  Norwegian Embassy  in Kathmandu, Nepal. ·         Stefano Boeri Architetti reveals masterplan for "one of the most sacred sites of Buddhism" Italian studio  Stefano Boeri Architetti  has unveiled its masterplan for a  meditation  centre and landscaped gardens at the Ramagrama stupa, a Buddhist pilgrimage site in  Nepal .   Super Local creates products that could eradicate litter in the Himalayas Super Local has won the Dutch Design Award for best product of 2023 with a project that creates colourful souvenirs from trash that was carried out of the Himalayas by mountain trekkers   Sharon Davis Design builds rammed-earth hospital in Nepal Bayalpata Hospital is a medical complex in Achham, Nepal, built from rammed earth by American architecture office   Security board in Nepal  Nepal's national security, being multidimensional and complex, requires a nuanced approach that encompasses both traditional and emerging threats. Nepal's geographic location and internal dynamics, such as political uncertainty and ethnic diversity, have historically shaped its security policy, making it highly vulnerable to two regional powers: India and China.   The defense strategy formulated by King Prithvi Narayan Shah in the 18th century remains valid today, emphasizing the preservation of sovereignty without aggression. Despite some success in explicitly articulating its national security policies, such as the adoption of a National Security Policy in 2016, Nepal still lacks a comprehensive national security strategy and doctrine. An integrated approach to foreign policy is required to align diplomatic efforts, economic strategies, environmental factors, and security forces with shared national interests. This must therefore be directed towards protecting vital interests, such as territorial integrity, independence, social cohesion, and economic prosperity, among others. Geopolitical Challenges and Refugee Problems Currently, Nepal is home to over 10,000 Tibetan refugees and 6,365 Bhutanese refugees. Countries such as China, India, and the USA have a significant stake in the situation of Tibetan refugees in Nepal. In 2023, rumors spread about India’s plans to establish a "Buddha College" near the China Border. KP Oli criticized the then-Prachanda-led government, which subsequently clarified that there were no plans to construct such an institution.   The threats and Challenges (Internal Insecurity) Political instability Bureaucratic politicization Economic weakness Environmental threats Ethnic and religious tensions Illegal migration Sporadic violence are known threats and challenges to national security. Nepal needs to improve its governance processes by addressing socioeconomic disparities, environmental degradation, and other underlying factors contributing to internal insecurity. In doing so, it can mitigate the root causes of internal instability and enhance societal cohesion. The external Security Challenges Nepal should implement proactive measures to expand trade relations, enhance economic resilience, and encourage cooperation among neighboring countries to protect its economic sovereignty. Regarding external influences, it is worth noting that no direct military threat will come from neighboring countries, but the country remains vulnerable to geopolitical forces. Nepal enjoys a unique geostrategic position with India and China, necessitating diplomatic engagement and the careful application of soft power to protect national interests. Nepal should prioritize developing a robust national security strategy that focuses on both traditional and non-traditional threats. This approach must be comprehensive, engaging all government actors, and designed to achieve synergy among diverse actors to build a resilient state in a changing global environment. By adopting a proactive and comprehensive approach, Nepal can enhance its resilience and protect its national sovereignty and interests in an increasingly complex security environment. The US Department of State's Religious Freedom Index, 2023 also highlighted human rights concerns related to Tibetan refugees in Nepal. Furthermore, Nepal faced challenges following a visit by US officials to engage with Tibetan refugees, as China actively opposes Western involvement in Tibetan affairs within Nepal. Recent challenges also include potential influx of refugees following the events in Bangladesh. As per reports, there are 416 Rohingya refugees in Nepal, which is higher than anticipated. There is a possibility that illegal immigrants could be exploited for terrorist and criminal activities. In Religion challenges there have been protests and rallies calling for the reinstatement of a Hindu state in Nepal partly in response to the perceived rise in the Christian population and Muslim activities. Although our constitution prohibits religious conversion, a BBC documentary highlighted Nepal as one of the countries experiencing an increase in the number of Christians. It's crucial for the state to enforce laws that promote religious harmony and to crack the activities of missionaries. Technological Challenges In 2079, Arju Rana Deuba made a serious claim about an information leak from the Nepal Army. She said that the data of the Nepali Army was reaching Turkey. She was shown the emails of army officers, which raised concerns about Army Digital Security. Deep Fakes and Artificial Intelligence are being utilized for criminal activities. In Nepalgunj, social media and technology led to a conflict between religion and the army deployed to control the situation. Even minor incidents are now managed by the APF and the Army, rather than just the police. Cross-Border Crimes Nepal faces significant challenges due to its location and open borders. The USA Country Report on Terrorism, 2021, highlights security concerns at Tribhuvan International Airport as weak and raises worries about Nepal being used as a base by the Indian Mujahideen (IM), an Indian terrorist group. It is crucial to address security vulnerabilities that enable criminal activities to occur and perpetrators to escape across the open border between Nepal and India. Climate Disasters Nepal is particularly vulnerable to climate change compared to other countries. Re A sample Video about Nepal Meet The Ambassadors Based on Nepal

Mr. Burkhard Herbote / Germany Burkhard Herbote was born in 1965 in Beckum Germany. Industrial Management Assistant Marketing and Sales (Export) is his initial profession. Burkhard started creating an archive with “not easy to reach” destinations in the 80s. Burkhard started creating the first global “guide to the guides of tourism and country information”, the Worldwide Travel Information Contact Book. Subsequently, the title was changed to the World Tourism Directory. Further he is editor the Directory of German International Relations (Handbuch für deutsch-internationale Beziehungen). Since 1983 he has been a trade visitor of the annual International Tourism Exchange in Berlin (ITB). His publications or websites were called the “Bible of Tourism” or commented on, like “Why are we still googling when it is easy to find everything with you?” The last editions of the hard copy publication have been co-published with the UN World Tourism Organization and the World Travel & Tourism Council. The CEO of Delta Check who has offered data for more than 2.3 million hotels for 30 years, stated structure and quality of the entries of the World Tourism Directory is among the three best international directories worldwide. “Highly respected; he knows exactly what he is talking about.” Burkhard Herbote is also with the Advisory Board of the International Institute for Peace through Tourism, Consultant on International Affairs of the World Association of Travel Agencies (WATA-DMC), Board Member of the World Tourism Network (WTN), and German representative of the World Institute for Peace (WIP) and the International Association of Educators for World Peace (IAEWP). Because of his special focus on climate-friendly travel and sustainability he is a close partner of International Climate & Tourism Partners (ICTP) and the Strong Universal Network, SUNx – TheSUNProgram.com , named after Maurice Strong the father of the UN Environment Program, the World Climate Conferences/Earth Summits/COP. Burkhard works with passion, love, competence in research, data quality, a view for accuracy and details, and a view of the big picture simultaneously. His work is not just about knowing about correct data structures of addresses, phone numbers, geography, and international politics; the real work is bridging cultures, cross-cultural communication, and intercultural competence to be able to get access to information sources, which also in the tech age, finally are human beings. In addition to his official work, he has been active voluntarily in intercultural exchange, interreligious dialogue, and refugee aid for many years. More information at https://www.herbote.com/ Dina Eltawila /Egypt Some of my previous websites and blogs Health for All ( Health blog) https://healthforall2023.blogspot.com/ Colloquial Egyptian Arabic https://3rabya3amya.blogspot.com/ Fashion designs by me https://xn--x-ymcg2bb0g9a0a.weebly.com/bags-shoes--clutch The door Of Acquaintance Note: the photos from all over the world guide in it is not correct https://site-8210130-5806-1233.mystrikingly.com/ My recent websites: 3 about Islam and and the modern sciences included psychology And The Slavery nowadays https://dinaeltawilah.wixsite.com/website Snap Chat https://www.snapchat.com/add/wisdom-comment?share_id=sfr1nX1zJQw&locale=en-GB Nuzhat Mustafa Objective My goal is to become associated with a company where I can utilize my skills and gain further experience while enhancing the company’s productivity and reputation. Experience Education Skills Communication Skills Article/Column Writing. Ability to stand for any responsibility. Sharp minded & Quick Learner to Evaluate Conditions & Rapid changes. Reference 2019 - till to day 2016 - till now 2017 - till now 2008 - 2012 University of Karachi Masters in International Relations 2013 University of Karachi B.A (hons) International Relations 2012 Mehran college HSC 2009 H.N Public school SSC 2007 will be provide Bol news Content P