7 Countries

By: Maria Caristo

Australia

The national bird of Australia is the Kookaburra.

Map of Australia

Capital

The capital of Australia is Canberra.

States in Australia
It has six states and two main landmasses. The best farmland is in the Eastern Highlands. The heaviest population centers are on the East and South Coasts. The states are New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania. The territories are the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory.

The Land Down Under

Australia is also known as the Land Down Under because it is south of the equator. The two oceans that are on the sides are the Pacific and Indian Oceans.

The Climate

The climate in the northern states, during the summer, is hotter and wetter than in the southern states. The climate in the southern states is much hotter. Snow is very rare in the southern states.

Map of the Climate

Flag

Geographic Features
There are many geographic features in Australia: Ayer's Rock- largest standing rock in the entire world The Great Barrier Reef- longest collect of corral reefs that is located between Brisbane and Northern Queensland The Great Artesian Basin- 1/5 of Uatralia is covered in these water basins

Pictures

Ayer's Rock, The Great Barrier Reef, The Great Artesian Basin

Flora
Australia is home to many types of flowers such as: Eucalyptus

Snowy River Wattle

Cliff Bottlebrush

Animals
Dingoes Kangaroos Koalas Ringtail possum Wallabies Wombats Platypuses

Koalas are the national symbol!

Animals Continued

There are more than 700 species of birds. The emu is the largest bird in Australia.

A Special Continent
Australia is not only its own continent but is also a country. It is the smallest landmass on Earth. Any place in Australia that is natural and outside the city is called the bush. Any place In Australia that is far from the center of population is called way out or the outback.

Vaction Tour

Things not to miss in Australia: The Great Barrier Reef Sydney Harbour Daintree Rainforest Wine Tour through The Hunter Valley Enjoy a day at Bondi Beach

History
The Aborigines were the first to live in Australia. Australia was discovered by a man named Captain James Hook. He discovered it for the British. They called it New South Wales. Because there was no room for all of the prisoners in Great Britain, Australia because a penal colony, which housed all of the prisoners.

Impacted by Wars

In World War I, the Australians fought alongside their mother country, Great Britain. (ANZAC) In World War II, they fought for the Allies and began to have very close ties to America.

Current Event
Australians Hit with Natural Disasters Wildfires destroyed homes in southwestern Australia. (Evan Collis) Washington Post Tuesday, February 8, 2011 Pity the poor Australians. First it was weeks of drenching, flooding rains. Then there was a cyclone that swept along the northeast coast of the country last week. Now it's wildfires that have burned through 4,000 acres of forest in the southwestern part of the island continent. About 40 homes have been destroyed in the fires, and more than 100 people have been forced to leave their homes. The high winds and fire made staying unsafe, according to fire officials. No one has been seriously hurt or killed in the fires. Since Australia is in the Southern Hemisphere, it's summer there now. In fact, February is the last month of summer in Australia and also marks the height of both the monsoon season in the tropical north and the riskiest period for wildfires. Australia is the world's sixth-largest country and is a little smaller than the continental United States (meaning the 48 connected states, not including Hawaii and Alaska).

I think it is a shame that Australia is facing many natural disasters all at one time. I thought it was very interesting to read that its summer there now. Also that February is the last month of summer. I wish February was the last month of our summer too! I am very glad that no one was hurt or killed. It was very fascinating to learn that Australia has numerous weather conditions especially with their water.

Political
Australia has a liberal democratic tradition. They added their own twist to the British and North American governments. Even though Austrilia is its own country, it still follows the rule of Queen Elizabeth II of Britain. They have a written constitution called the Australian Constitution which explain which of the duties the federal government takes care of.

Political Continued

Australia also has a parliament and a judicial, legislative, and executive branch of goverment. Everyone over the age of 18 must vote or will be subject to a fine or prosecution.

Parties

They have 4 parties: The Australian Labor Party (ALP)- social democratic party The Liberal Party- party of the centre right The National Party of Australia- conservative party for rural areas The Australian Greens- envornmentalist party

Queen of Australia

Queen Elizabeth II is the Queen of both Great Britain and Australia

Leaders
Prime Minister: Julia Eileen Gillard Governor: Quentin Bryce Deputy Prime Minister: Wayne Maxwell Swan Minister of Foreign Affairs: Kevin Michael Rudd

Leaders of the Parties

Leader of the ALP: Julia Eileen Gillard Leaders of the Liberal: Anthony (Tony) John Abbott Federal Leader of CP, NCP and NPA: Warren Errol Truss

Economy
The majority of exports is agricultural and mining. Australia is one of the worlds leading producers of cattle and second largests of beef. It also exports: Cotton Dairy Fisheries Food Forestry Grain Wine Wool Sugar Iron Ore Coal

Economy Continued

Imports: Medical equipment Gold Crude petroleum Passenger motor vehicles Refined petroleum

Status

Because of the natural disasters in Australia, they went into a light recession.

Major Trade Partners

Japan China Republic of Korea India United States Singapore Germany

Sanctions
Australia has many sanctions such as: Targeted financial sanctions (implemented by the Reserve Bank of Australia)- Australia restricted financial transactions between members of Mugabe regime Travel Restrictions- restrictions on visas to travel to Australia for members of the Mugabe regime Arms embargo- restrictions of exporting arms Downgrading of government-to-government contacts at multilateral forums Downgrading of cultural links

Trading Associations

Australia has many trade associations. Some of them are: Appliance Industry Association Home Wine and Beer Trade Association Motor Trade Association of SA Inc. Tooling Industry Forum of Australia Certified Electronics Technicians' Association

Industry

Coal Industry Copper Industry Steelmaking Industry Wine Industry

Daily Life

The standard of living in Australia is extremely high. The Aboriginals and the European settlers have all marginalized. There is a huge immigration rate in Australia which makes it, just like the U.S., a melting pot! There literacy and education is one of the best in the country.

Clothing

Akubra hats- this is the Aboriginal word for head covering Gators- boots Uggs Theytend to dress light because it is very hot Down Under.

Internet Usage

Traditions
Holidays: Christmas- celebtared in the summer Anzac Day- set aside a s a day to honor all the Australians who have died in battle (Veterans Day) Foods: Meatpie Pavola- soft meringue with a crme or fruit filling (dessert) Lamingtons- sponge cake cube desserts coated with chocolate and coconut

Music and Dance

Dance is very important in Australia. Dances have been influenced by many different culture but the Europeans have impacted their dances the most. They have folk music as well as country rock music. Their instrument includes the didgeridoo.

Customs

Many Australians look you directly in the eyerespect They tend to be informal in the workplace and call each other by their first names. They are very polite to one another.

Religions

Conclusion

Australia is a hot melting pot of different religions, cultures, and ethinic groups. They have many types of animals and flowers, as well as people. They are very polite and follow Great Britain's queen.

Vietnam

The national flower of Vietnam is the Red Lotus flower.

Map

Flag
The population is 89,571,130. It is in the eastern and southern parts of Indochina in Southeast Asia. The total area is 127,244 square miles.

Capital

The capital of Vietnam is Hanoi.

Climate
Vietnam is home to tropical monsoons which any time between the months of October to April in the north and south and from May to September in the center, this is when most of the country's rain falls. They mainly control the climate. It is almost totally dry throughout the rest of the year. Because it is totally dry, it is also extremely hot, all year round!

Geographic Features

The Gulf of Thailand is located in the south. The Red River Delta is located in the east and southeast. The Mekong River is also located in the south.

Flora

Jungle trees Sugercane Rice Tea Coffee Mosses Ferns

Fauna
Tonkin snub-nosed monkey Western black crested gibbon Leatherback Sea Turtle Leopard Cat Marbled Cat Pot-bellied pig Rice-field rat Saltwater Crocodile Tiger Truong Son Muntjac Vietnamese Javan Rhinoceros Vietnamese Pheasant Water monitor

Vaction Tour/Special Points of Interest

Ho Chi Minh City- hugely populated city Hanoi- Situated on the banks of the Red River Hue- was once the capital of many Vietnamese emperors Sapa- is where the Highlands of Vietnam are located Dalat- French influence city

History

The Portuguese were the first Europeans to inhabit Vietnam. They were the first to unify Vietnam. The Vietnam War is one of the biggest wars in the world. Vietnam split between North and South. The United States had to get involved in this war. It was the only war we ever lost.

Current Events
International Women's Day The International Womens Day is celebrated with great fervor throughout the country. A popular event in Vietnam, this one features marches and parades throughout the city. Special promotions are also offered by shops to honor the day. Event Details Date - 8 March 2011 (annual) Venue - Ho Chi Minh City I like that they honor women and have parades for them!

Political

Vietnam is communist. Vietnam's President is Nguyn Minh Trit

Economy
Exports: Cotton apparel Crude oil Fish Leather Nuts Sporting apparel

Economy Continued

Imports: Nuts Industrial rubber Soybeans Dairy products Eggs

Industry
North- heavy and medium industry... They produce coal, tin, chrome, and other mining enterprises South- light industry and consumer goods industry... They produce pharmaceuticals, textiles, and food processing.

Status

Unlike the rest of the world, Vietnam has escaped recession and has a rich economy.

Sanctions

Vietnam Human Rights Sanctions Act The United States declared sanctions of Vietnam for religious persecution

Trade Partners

Japan Hong Kong Singapore U.S.

Trade Associations

Along with many others, there is: American Chamber of Commerce Canada-Vietnam Business Association Belgium Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce

Daily Life

The standard of living has been a goal from the beginning. They are always trying to improve it! As literacy goes, anyone over the age of 15 can read and write.

High Internet Usage

Clothing

Because it is so hot, they tend to wear loose fabrics all year, but warmer clothing is required when it gets cold in winter in North Vietnam and in the highlands. Rainwear is neccessary during the wet season, of course.

Cultural
The Vietnamnese are very modest in their dress and are very polite. Some things that are considered impolite are: Talking loudly or using too much of body movement, especially when interacting with women On a social outing with friends, the bill is paid by the host They take promises very seriously

Religions

Foods, Music, and Dance

Food: It is a mix of mixture of Chinese, French, and Thai cultures. Ph Steaming noddle soup Ca-Kho- raw fish Mut- sweet candy Music and Dance: Lion's Dance They have been influenced mostly by the royal courts.

Conclusion

Vietnam is a wonderful country. There are many relgions. They are a polite country that believes in treating everyone with respect.

Malta

Central heartland of Malta

Ta'Qali National Park

Map

Country Description
The population is just under 400,000. It is five islands. It is just off the southern coast of Sicily, Italy. The climate is very few rainfalls during the year. It is also sunny all year.

Capital

The capital of Malta is Valletta.

Geography

Malta is made up of limestone and rock. There are no mountain ranges, rivers, and lakes. It is near the Mediterranean Sea.

Flora and Fauna

The Maltese Spider Orchid The Maltese Wall Llizard The Wease The Hedgehog Cactus Cape Daisy

Things Not to Miss!

Go to St. George Basilica in Gozo, Malta Pray in Malta's cathedral Shop!

History

Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginian, and Roman conquered Malta. St. Paul shipwrecked on Malta! Malta was also captured by Napoleon. In World War II, Britain used it as a base but was aptured for two years by the Axis powers.

Current Events
Held at Valletta's historic Fort St Elmo, Alarme! is an hour-long reenactment of the Napoleonic tenure in Malta (1798-1800). It is staged by the Historical Re-enactment Group of Malta on the third Sunday of most months from February until November. Alarme! tells the story of the landing of the French troops in their quest to conquer the island and the Maltese rebellion that forced the invaders to surrender

I think it is good that Malta is still aware of their history and educate their people by acting it out!

Political

Malta is a republic. Their governement leaders are: President: George Abela Prime Minister: Lawrence Gonzi

Economy
Exports: Machinery Transportation equipment Manufactured goods Imports: Machinery Manufactured goods Food Petroleum

Industry

Malta has many industries. There main industries are shipbuilding, maintenance, and repairs. Also there is food processing, electronics, footwear, and textiles and clothing.

Status

Malta was in a recession, but after a period of time, they have managed to get out of it.

Trade Partners

Malta trades with: Germany Italy Great Britain USA

Trade Associations

Ship Suppliers Association The Chartered Institute of Bankers Malta Institute of Accountants Association of Stockbrokers and Financial Investment Consultants

Sanctions

Sanction in Iranian shipping

Daily Life

Their standard of living is high. The cost of living is low and there are beautiful beaches! There are excellent medical facilities and the crime rate is very low. The literacy rate is 93%. 59.1% of population uses the internet.

Clothing
Because it is always sunny, lightweight cottons and linens are worn. A light raincoat is advisable for winter.

Culture
Traditions: Many of their traditions and holidays are like ours. Customs: When they talk, they tend to yell They use hand gestures when they talk The average conversation will not pause that often They are not very good with following rules

Religion

The majority of the people are Roman Catholic. This is also the state religion- 95%. There are 364 Roman Catholic Churches in Malta.

Food

Fish is one of the most eaten foods in Malta. Rabbit is also a favorite dish.

Music and Dance

Band music is one of the most popular traditions in Malta. It is very western and has folk guitar music. One of the most fun things to do in Malta is take dancing lessons. The Maltese people love to dance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Malta is a vaction spot. It is located on the Mediterranean Sea just below Sicily, Italy. They believe in talking loud and dancing!

Luxembourg

The national flag of Luxembourg

Map

Geography
The population is 438,000. It is 998 square miles. It is covered in low valleys and high lands. You can see the River Moselle in Luxembourg. It is located in between France (to the West) and Germany (to the North). The climate is during winter extremely cold weather but cool in the summer. It will not be too hot just very sunny!

Capital

The capital of Luxembourg is Luxembourg.

Flora and Fauna

Pike Carp Bream Perch Trout Eel Willow Black alder

Don't Miss This!

National Museum of Art and History Petrusse Express- in Luxembourg City Notre Dame Cathedral Palace of the Grand Dukes

History
For a period of time, Luxembourg was part of Charlemagne's empire. After that, France, Spain, and Austria all had control over it, at one point in time. The Treaty of London gave half of Luxembourg to belgium and the other half in union with the Netherlands. During both of the World Wars, Germany had conquered Luxembourg. The U.S. Freed it in 1944.

Current Event
Women in Europe earn 17.5% less than men 04.03.2011 - Promoting the idea of a 'day marking equal pay' in Europe, justice commissioner Viviane Reding has reminded EU countries how much work remains to be done to reduce and eventually eliminate the pay gap between men and women. Published on 04/03/2011 by News352 | Read 112 times. While equal pay for equal work is one of the founding principles of the European Union and was enshrined in the Treaty of Rome in 1957, women still earn on average 17.5% less than their male counterparts in the continent. With European and national legislation on equal pay, wage differences between men and women for equal work have theoretically diminished, yet they still remain. This gaping hole reflects discrimination and inequality persistent on the labour market, which, Viviane Reding says the EU intends to fight. For this reason, the European Commission will support initiatives aimed at reaching equal pay in the workplace, promoting the development of tools to help employers address these unjustified pay gaps and help both men and women to find an easier and more just balance in their professional and personal lives. "Within the Member States and social partners, we will strive to significantly reduce the gender wage gap in the EU", said Ms Reding. "So that one day we will have a 'day of equal pay' to recall the differences in wages between the two genders." I think it is awful that even today women are making less than men. I do like the fact that they are working on this problem. I hope it gets resolved quickly and has a fair and good outcome.

Political

Luxembourg has a constitutional monarchy. Ruler: Grand Duke Henri Prime Minister: Jean-Claude Juncker

Economy
Exports: Machinery and equipment Steel products Chemicals Rrubber products Glass Imports: Minerals Metals Foodstuffs Quality consumer goods

Industry

The main industry of Luxembourg is the steelmaking industry. ARBED is the largest private employer in Luxembourg.

Trade Partners

U.S.A Belgium Germany France U.K. Italy

Trade Associations

Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce

Luxembourg handcraft federation

Status

They were in a recession in 2009 but are slowly coming out of it!

Sanctions

They have a military sanction against Iran and their military.

Daily Life

This country has one of the highest standards of living in the world. They have a great tax system and wonderful ways of transportation. Their literacy rate is 100%! 79.2% of the population uses the internet.

Culture

Octave- annual procession around the NotreDame de Luxembourg Echternach International Festival- concert of classical music They have Roman Catholics, Protestants, Jews, and Muslims.

Food, Music, and Dnace

Their food is a combination of German, Belgium, and French. Smoked ham Pate Thuringer Music is very important to their culture. They play rock, pop, and jazz music and dance to it as well.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Luxembourg is samll on the map but very big big when it comes to all of the things it can entertain you with! They are a social, polite society with a very high standard of living.

Vatican City
St Peter's Basilica

Map

Description
The population is 829 people. It is .17 square miles. To its right, is the Tibet River and Rome, Italy. Things to see and not to miss are: Visit the Pope See the Cathedral Get your rosary blessed The climate has the same climate as Rome, because of its proximity. It is very hot during the summer but cool the rest of the year.

Capital

The capital of Vatican City is Vatican City.

History

Vatican City split for the rest of Italy and became the last surviving papal state. They have never fought in any wars.

Current Events

Vatican warns of papal ticket scams

By A. Pawlowski, CNN February 21, 2011 12:31 p.m. EST Huge crowds are expected in St. Peter's Square for John Paul II's beatification in May. STORY HIGHLIGHTS Some tour operators are claiming to sell tickets for the beatification of John Paul II No tickets are needed to attend the ceremony May 1, Vatican emphasizes 2 million pilgrims are expected to flock to St. Peter's Square for the ceremony (CNN) -- The Vatican is warning people who plan to travel to the beatification of Pope John Paul II to look out for scammers claiming to sell tickets for the ceremony. "It is very important to make as clear as possible that no tickets are needed to attend the beatification of John Paul II," said monsignor Guido Marini master of Papal Liturgical Celebrations, according to Vatican Radio. As in life, John Paul is drawing huge crowds after his death. Two million pilgrims are expected to flock to the Vatican for the special Mass, which will be presided over by Pope Benedict XVI and take place in St. Peter's Square on May 1 -- the first Sunday after Easter. But officials became concerned after hearing about "unauthorized offers by some tour operators, especially on the Internet," asking people to pay fees for access to the event, the Catholic News Service reported. No tickets are required for the beatification Mass of Pope John Paul II, and any papal events that do require tickets are always free, the Vatican emphasized. There has been huge interest in John Paul's road to sainthood, with his beatification -- the first step in the process -- coming six years after his death. (That timetable is very fast in Vatican terms. Pope Benedict XVI dispensed with rules that normally impose a five-year waiting period before beatification can even start.) Born Karol Wojtyla in Poland, the charismatic John Paul spent more than a quarter-century as the head of the Catholic Church. He spoke more than a dozen languages and visited more than 100 countries, setting an unheard-of pattern of pastoral travel. I think it is appalling that scammers think its okay to make innocent men and women pay for the beatification of a pope. On the other hand, I think it is fantastic that Pope John Paul II is going to be beatified. I also think it is great that just as in life, he has so many people flock to him to see him beatified. He was a very admirable man. Speaking more than twelve languages is very impressive. Most people barely know how to speak proper English! I like that the Church doesnt make you pay to see such an extraordinary event. I hope Pope John Paul II one day becomes a saint.

Industry
Imports: Corn Cotton Newsprint Plastic Export: They have no major exports They are also in a recession.

Major Trade Partners

Vatican City's major trade partner is the U.S.

Daily Life
Their standard of living is very high. They strive to follow all the Beatituded and Commandments while trying to be a role model for the Catholic faith. Their literacy rate is 100%. Their only religion is Roman Catholic. Their leader is Pope Benedict XVI and the bishops. They follow the Canon Law. 11.2% of the population use the internet.

Dress Code
No skirts above the knee, no shorts, no bare shoulders (i.e., tank tops or sleeveless blouses), and you must wear shoes. You will not be permitted inside the basilica unless you are dressed appropriately. Slacks and jeans, however, are permitted. If you are out sightseeing in shorts, miniskirts, tank tops, sleeveless blouses, etc., and wish to enter a church, you must be dressed appropriately.

Culture

The Vatican City is a holy land full of pray and special intentions. The foods they eat are from Rome. There is religious/monk music. Vatican City is a city and a country all by itself.

Conclusion

Vatican City is a holy city that helps you along on your faith journey. You can see the pope and all of the beautiful fountains and churches.

Venezuela

Map

Description

The population has 28,385,627 people. It is 912,050 square kilometers. It is North of Colombia and South of the Caribbean Sea. The climate is tropical to temperate. It depends on the area of elevation.

Capital

The capital of Venezuela is Caracas.

Geography

Guiana Highlands Andes Mts. Caribbean Sea Maracaibo Lowlands

Fauna and Flora

Andean Lupine Andean Frailejon Potato Fields Coral Snake Piranha

Don't Miss This!

Dunas- theme park in Valencia Go to the beach in Higuerote Horseback Riding in Playa el Agua

History
Venezuela was discovered by the Spanish. The first Spanish settllement in South America was made in Venezuela in 1522. After this, they have many unsuccessful revolts against their dictator. The 19th century was a time of instable governments. They were also in political turmoil st for some of the 21 century. There were many coups. They also had many wars such as: Venezuelan War of Independence (1811-1823) The Federal War (1859-1863) Venezuela-Colombia Conflict (December, 2009)

Current Event

I like this because it shows that they all still care about the people, environment, health and many other things. I like how they are aware of the problems they have and have found solutions for was to fix them. http://venezuelanalysis.com/analysis/6055

They have a federal republic. They have divisions of power. Executive-President- HugoChavez (head of government and chief of state; 6-year term); Council of Ministers (cabinet, appointed by president). Legislative--unicameral National Assembly (5-year term). Judicial--32-member Supreme Court (elected by National Assembly; 12-year term). Electoral--National Electoral Council (elected by National Assembly; 7-year term). Citizen Power--Prosecutor General, Public Defender, Comptroller General (elected by National Assembly; 7-year term). http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/35766.htm

Government

Exports: Petroleum Aluminum Stee Chemical products Iron ore Cigarettes Plastics Fish Cement Paper products Imports: 2/3 of its food Consumer goods Machinery and transport equipment Manufactured goods Construction materials

Economy

Trade Partners

U.S. Mexico Netherlands Colombia China Brazil

Trade Associations
Federacisn Venezolana de Camaras y Asociaciones de Comercio y Produccion de Venezuela British Venezuelan Chamber of Commerce French - Venezuelan Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture VenAmCham - Venezuelan-American Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Daily Life
Venezuelans eat a large breakfast, a large dinner (around noontime), and a very light supper in the evening. Asado (roasted beef), Bistec a caballo (steak with fried egg) Pork chops The literacy rate is 93%. They wear loose clothing because it is very hot there, at times. It is like summer clothes for us all year, exceot in the winter. 25.7% of the population uses the internet. Their standard of living is pretty high.

Cultural
Religion: The majority are Roman Catholic while some are Protestant. Music and Dance: It defines the culture and is very important to the people. Joropo and the Red Devils of Yare are the two most important dances. Their music has been impacted greatly by the African tribal music.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many places to go and things to see in Venezuela. Although they are having a hard political time, they are a friendly, gregarious people!

Aruba

Map

Description
The size of Aruba is 75 square miles. The population is 104,589 people. It is always sunny and warm with only 20 inches of rain a yr. It is located just off the coast of Venezuela and on the Mediterranean Sea.

Capital

The capital of Aruba is Oranjestad.

Climate Table
Aruba's Climate Table Month Average high Average low Warmest ever Coldest ever Average dew point Wet days F C F C F C F C F C January 85 29,4 76 24,4 90 32,2 66 18,9 71 21,7 15 February 85 29,4 76 24,4 90 32,2 70 21,1 71 21,7 11 March 86 30 77 25 91 32,8 72 22,2 72 22,2 9 April 87 30,6 78 25,6 93 33,9 72 22,2 73 22,8 7 May 88 31,1 79 26,1 95 35 72 22,2 74 23,3 7 June 89 31,7 80 26,7 93 33,9 70 21,1 75 23,8 9 July 88 31,1 79 26,1 99 37,2 72 22,2 75 23,9 12 August 89 31,7 80 26,7 93 33,9 73 22,8 75 23,8 9 September 89 31,7 80 26,7 95 35 70 21,1 76 24,4 8 October 89 31,7 80 32,2 95 35 68 20 76 24,4 11 November 87 30,6 79 26,1 93 33,9 68 20 75 23,9 15 December 85 29,4 77 25 91 32,8 70 21,1 73 22,8 18

Geography
Aruba has no rivers or lakes. It is on the Mediterranean Sea. It also has no landmasses. Flora: Divi-divi Bringa mosa bush Fauna: Angelfish Small lizards and geckoes

Don't Miss This!

Bubali Bird Sanctuary Windsurfing Beaches Archaeological Museum of Aruba Arikok National Park Horseback Riding

History
The first people of Aruba were the Arawak Indians. Spain was the first European country to colonize. The Netherlands conquered it a centruy later. Then the British, followed by the Netherlands again. It is now a part of the Netherland Antilles. During the Napoleonic Wars, was the only time Aruba was conquered and was not a part of the Netherlands.

Current Event
Philipsburg:--- Honourable President of Parliament Drs. Gracita Arrindell, on Wednesday met with Aruba's Prime Minister Mike Eman. The discussions focused on Aruba's development during the past 25-years as an autonomous country in the Dutch Kingdom, and Sint Maarten's current status as a newly formed country. "The Hon. Prime Minister of Aruba extended an invitation to assist in whichever way possible with the primary focus on improving the quality of life of our people," President of Parliament Gracita Arrindell said on Thursday. Arrindell led a delegation to Aruba's 25th anniversary celebration's this week as a country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands that was achieved back in 1986. "I would like to wish the Aruban Sint Maarteners a happy Aruba Day which they will be celebrating on March 18, on behalf of the Parliament of Sint Maarten," Arrindell said on Thursday. Also part of the Sint Maarten parliamentary delegation in Aruba is Members of Parliament (MP) Dr. Lloyd Richardson, MP Roy Marlin and parliamentary clerk Franklin Hanze. I like this article because it shows that they still cre how the people are living and are trying to explore new ways to make it better!

Political

Aruba has postponed indefinitely the transition to its full independence. They are control by the Netherlands except in internal affairs such as civil service, judiciary, revenue, and currency.

Leaders
Governor Fredis REFENJOL Prime Min. Michiel Godfried EMAN Min. of Education Fredis REFENJOL Min. of Finance & Economic Affairs Nilo SWAEN Min. of Gen. Affairs & Utilities Nelson ODUBER Min. of Justice Rudy CROES Min. of Public Health Booshi WEVER Min. of Public Works Marisol TROMP Min. of Sports, Culture, & Labor Ramon LEE Min. of Tourism & Transportation Eddy BRIESEN Attorney Gen. Ruud ROSINGH Pres., Central Bank A.R. CARAM

Economy
Exports: Natural gas Live animals and animal products Art and collectibles Machinery and electrical equipment Transport equipment Imports: Machinery and electrical equipment Crude oil for refining and reexport Chemicals Foodstuffs

Industries

Their main indutries are tourism, oil, and transshipment facilities.

Status

Aruba has an inflation.

Trade Partners

United States Venezuela The Netherlands

Trade Associations
A.G.A. Aruba Gastronomic Association Aruba Trade & Ind. Ass. Association Tour Operators of Aruba (A.T.O.A.) Aruba Apartment Resort & Small Hotel Association (ARASA)

Sanction

They do not have much experience with sanctions because of their little size. They do have, however, the Iraq Sanction Decree- oil under the oil for food program could be lawfully imported

Their standard of living was hit hard because they do not produce much. They are trying to improve their living standards. 98.10% of people over the age of 15 can read and write. 22.8% of the population use the internet. Summer clothing and loose fitting are words that describe the type of clothing one would wear in Aruba.

Culture
Food: Goat dishes Fish, rice, chicken, beef- most eaten Pastechi-a small pie filled with cheese or beef- this is the number one snack Religion: 86% of the population is Roman Catholic. Others are Protestant, Methodists, Anglicans, Evangelists, Jehovah's Witnesses, Jews, Muslims, and Confucianists.

Traditions and Customs

Most of their traditions are like the Roman Catholic traditions. New Year's Eve, Christams, and Easter are just some of the holidays that are the same as in the U.S. It also has the Arawak Indians twist to it! They are a very friendly people who love tourists.

Music and Dance

Their music plays an inportant role in their culture. They play their music at carnavels, ceremonies, and holidays. The tumba is very famous in Aruba. Their celebrations are best expressed when they dance.

Conclusion

Aruba is a wonderful vacation spot. Sunny all year round and warm weather is perfect weather to go to the beaches! They make most of their money off of tourism but are friendly just because they love company.

Bibliography- Australia
"Australian Facts. Learn about Australia. How large, population, how to get there.." Plan your vacation to Australia. Accommodation in Australia, tours and sites to see. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Mar. 2011. http://www.clickforaustralia.com/AustralianFacts.htm

Sayre, April Pulley. G'day, Australia! . Brookfield, Conn.: Millbrook Press, 2003. Print.

Bibliography Continued

"Australia: History, Geography, Government, and Culture Infoplease.com." Infoplease: Encyclopedia, Almanac, Atlas, Biographies, Dictionary, Thesaurus. Free online reference, research & homework help. Infoplease.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Mar. 2011. http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0107296.html

Bibliography- Vietnam

"Lina Dutky CA 272-40878 Final Project Return to Vietnam." Dutky.info Default Page. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Mar. 2011. http://www.dutky.info/travel/vietnam/index.html "Vietnam Geography, Geography of Vietnam, Geographical information Vietnam." Cheap Hotels & Accommodation at AsiaRooms, the Last Minute Hotel reservations booking experts. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Mar. 2011. http://www.asiarooms.com/en/travel-guide/vietnam/vie

Bibliography- Malta
"Malta Description." EURO MALTA Intellectual Property Protection Services, Malta. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Mar. 2011. http://www.euromalta.net/malta.htm

"Industry - Malta - sector." Encyclopedia of the Nations - Information about countries of the world, United Nations, and World Leaders. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 Mar. 2011. http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/Europe/Malta-IN

Bibliography- Luxembourg
"Luxembourg: History, Geography, Government, and Culture Infoplease.com." Infoplease: Encyclopedia, Almanac, Atlas, Biographies, Dictionary, Thesaurus. Free online reference, research & homework help. Infoplease.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Mar. 2011. http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0107734
"Luxembourg Food." World Map, Map of the World. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Mar. 2011. http://www.mapsofworld.com/luxembourg/culture-and-society/food.htm

Bibliography- Vatican City

"Vatican City Internet Usage and Telecommunications Report." Internet World Stats - Usage and Population Statistics. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Mar. 2011. http://www.internetworldstats.com

Bibliography- Venezuela

"Things to Do in Playa el Agua - Playa el Agua Attractions - TripAdvisor." Reviews of Hotels, Flights and Vacation Rentals - TripAdvisor. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 Mar. 2011. < http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g1075652-Activ

Bibliography- Aruba

Airport. " The Official Tourism Website of Aruba Information for Travel, Hotels, and Reservations." The Official Tourism Website of Aruba Information for Travel, Hotels, and Reservations. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Mar. 2011. http://www.aruba.com