CAMBODIA (CAMBODIAN, CULTURE Name)

Population: (15.29 million people Cambodia's 2019 census, released in August, 2019)

Linguistic Affiliation: The dominant Khmer language belongs to the Austroasiatic language family and is
related to Vietnamese, Mon, and a number of other Asian languages. While Khmer is closer to Vietnamese
than to Thai, a shared literate tradition related to a common religion and centuries of cultural contact has
resulted in much vocabulary being shared with Thai. As in Thailand, Laos, and Burma, the language of
Theravada Buddhist scriptures, Pali, often is studied by young men during temporary periods as monks and is
an important influence on literary Khmer.

(Places:

Angkor Archeological Park- No trip to Cambodia is complete without visiting the Angkor Archeological Park,
which is home to the ruins of over a thousand temples. The sheer size of the area will require at least three
days from visitors who want to explore each and every structure there. However, if time will not permit you to
visit all of these, make sure to dedicate at least a day to explore the main structures there: Angkor Wat, Bayon
Temple, and Ta Prohm.

Angkor Wat is the crowning glory of Cambodia, so much so that it appears on the country’s flag, which is why
a visit here should not be missed. The temple provides hints of the Buddhist and Hindu history of the country,
as evidenced by the magnificent bas-relief walls depicting various scenes there, which include the levels of
heaven and hell, and even scenes from the Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Bayon Temple is best known for the stone faces resembling the Mahayana Buddhist King Jayavarman VII, who
ruled Cambodia during the 12th or 13th-century, smiling beneficently to visitors.

Marvel at the Silver Pagoda in Phnom Penh- Arguably the biggest attraction of Phnom Penh is the Silver
Pagoda, otherwise known as the Wat Ubosoth Ratanaram or the Wat Preah Keo, an elegant palace built in
1860. The palace can be found within the Royal Palace complex, along with various stupas, spires, and well-
manicured gardens. The Pagoda is home to the Emerald Buddha and a golden Maitreya Buddha, which is
decorated with 9,584 diamonds.

floating villages in Tonle Sap- Tonle Sap is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. It is also the location
of the “floating villages,” houses and offices on stilts. Visitors can take a long tail boat to interact with the
residents there.Aside from taking a look at the structures on stilts, avid birdwatchers can also go birding there,
as the lake is home to several indigenous species, including the spot-billed pelican, the black-headed ibis, the
sarus crane, and the lesser adjutant. The best time to go birding there is from March to June, when there is a
higher likelihood of seeing these creatures.

Symbolism: The most important cultural symbol is the ancient Khmer temple Angkor Wat, along with the
ancient Khmer Empire and its monumental antiquities. Pictures and bas-relief carvings of the four-faced tower
of the Bayon at Angkor Thom and of âpsâras (celestial dancing girls) are ubiquitous in homes and public
buildings. Since independence, every flag except the one used by the United Nations when it administered the
country in 1993 has featured the image of Angkor Wat. Classical dance, also an important national symbol,
consciously tries in costume and gesture to recreate Angkorean bas-reliefs.

Basic Economy: The basis of the economy continues to be rice agriculture, and much of the population farms
at a subsistence level, linked by a relatively undeveloped market system for rice, fruits, and vegetables, and
using the riel for currency. Rice farmers are vulnerable to market fluctuations and to drought and insect
infestation. State-owned rubber plantations dating back to the colonial period have remained a peripheral
part of the economy.

Political Life

Government: The 1993 constitution established a constitutional monarchy devoted to the principles of liberal
democracy. The national government consists of a 120-member National Assembly, a Council of Ministers, and
a Constitutional Council. In 1999, the Assembly voted to create a Senate. At the beginning of the twenty-first
century, the government was still in transition from the one-party system of the 1980s to a liberal democracy.
Although 1993 United Nations-sponsored elections instituted a multiparty system at the national level, and
multiparty elections determined the membership of the National Assembly and the choice of prime ministers
in 1993 and 1998, there have not been local multiparty elections. While provincial governorships and
ministerial positions were decided by negotiations between the major parties after the national elections,
officials at the district level and below were usually persons who had been in office since the socialist 1980s.
Local elections were tentatively scheduled for early 2002.

Marriage: Marriage traditionally is arranged by the parents of the bride and groom or by someone acting as
their representative. Ideally, the groom originates the courtship process by asking his parents to approach the
parents of a woman to whom he is attracted. Neither the groom nor the bride is forced to take a marriage
partner, although parents may have considerable influence in choosing a partner.

Considerations of the benefits to the two families often figure more prominently in the choice of a marriage
partner than does romantic love. It is not unusual for decisions about marriage to be made before a couple
has had much contact. Specialists in reading horoscopes typically are consulted about the appropriateness of a
wedding, although their advice is not always followed. The groom pays bride-wealth to the family of the bride;
this money sometimes is used to buy jewelry or clothing for the bride or defray the cost of the wedding.

Religious Beliefs: Theravada Buddhism spread in the later years of the Khmer Empire and is traditionally
considered the religion of ethnic Khmer. Animist practices and what are called Brahmanistic practices are also
part of the culture and are deeply intermingled with the everyday practice of Buddhism. They are not
considered separate religions but part of the spectrum of choices for dealing with moral, physical, and spiritual
needs. Buddhism is a national tradition, with a bureaucracy and a written tradition. Brahmanist and spirit
practices are more localized and are passed on from person to person rather than as a formal institution.

All religious traditions were weakened by the banning of religious observances by the DK and by the religious
policies of PRK, which restricted religion and emphasized a Buddhism consistent with socialist modernity.
Since restrictions were lifted in 1989, religion has enjoyed a revival. Christian converts returned from refugee
camps and foreign countries, and Christianity has established a strong foothold among ethnic Khmers. A
number of other religious movements draw on the appeal of powerful traditional cultural icons and funding by
overseas Khmer.

Religious Practitioners: Theravada Buddhist monks can be seen in saffron robes walking in procession in the
early mornings, when they go from door to door asking for food. A lay specialist, the achar, also plays an
important role as the person who leads public chanting and an expert in the formulas for different rituals.
Outside the formal sphere of Buddhism there are other practitioners. The krou (or krou khmaer ) specializes in
traditional medicine and magic, including the making of amulets, and negotiating with certain kinds of spirits;
the thmuap is a kind of krou specializing in black magic. The roup or roup arâkk is a spirit medium through
whom special knowledge can be obtained.

Death and the Afterlife: Cambodian Buddhists believe in reincarnation, although this may include temporary
periods in realms resembling heaven or hell. The dead usually are cremated after an elaborate procession.
Ceremonies in memory of the dead are held on the seventh and hundredth days after death.

Secular Celebrations: In Phnom Penh the most popular secular holiday is the Water Festival, 21–23
November, with its colorful longboat races and the nighttime display of illuminated boats. Spirit practices also
associated with the boat races mean that the holiday is not completely secular.

Independence Day (9 November) and the King's Birthday (31 October) have in recent years involved large
government-sponsored celebrations. However these holidays, and other smaller ones, like Constitution Day,
the Day of the Royal Plowing Ceremony, and the Victory Day over Genocidal Crime, do not have the
widespread cultural resonance of more religious celebrations such as New Year's, Pchum Ben, and Kathin.

Food:

Khmer Food – Cambodians love to eat it with some raw vegetables and they also use it as an ingredient in
almost every kind of dish that they cook daily.it is traditional fermented fish paste. It’s very salty and has a
strong fish smell.

The fish is caught from the Tonle Sap Lake. So Cambodians often ask foreigners, “Can you eat Pra hok?”
expecting you would say “no” because Cambodians think the traditional paste is too intense for foreigners. If
you, however, eat Prahok, you will surely leave a big impression with the locals.

Fish Amok- It is a thick fish-based curry which is also very popular in Laos and Thailand. The fish amok recipe
involves freshwater fish, lemongrass, chilli, turmeric and coconut milk. It is served in a banana leaf with rice
and sometimes a fried egg.

Beef Lok Lak- Beef lok lak is the Cambodian version of the Vietnamese “shaking beef” called Bo Luc Lak.Our
recipe for Cambodian beef lok lak includes chopped thin slices of beef, stir-fried with onions, cucumbers and
tomatoes. The traditional dish is then served with rice and a fried egg for extra protein.
Philippines ( Pinoy and Pinay)
Pearl of the Orient Seas

Population: (Septmber 2019 108,431,459 based on the latest United Nations estimates )

Location and Geographic :The Republic of the Philippines, a nation of 7,107 islands with a total area of
111,830 square miles (307,055 square kilometers), is located on the Pacific Rim of Southeast Asia.

Linguistic Affiliation: The official languages are Filipino, which is based on Tagalog with words from other
native languages, and English. Since only 55 percent of residents speak Filipino fluently, English is used in
colleges, universities, the courts, and the government. The country's seventy to eighty dialects are derived
from Malay languages. Three dialects are of national importance: Cebuano in the southern islands, Ilocano in
the north, and Tagalog, the language of the National Capital Region. When Tagalog was chosen as the basis for
a national language, Cebuanos refused to use Filipino. "Taglish," a mixture of Filipino and English, is becoming
a standard language. Filipinos are proud that their country has the third largest number of English speakers in
the world. Filipino English includes many Australian and British terms. It is a formal language that includes
words no longer commonly used in American English. Spanish was taught as a compulsory language until 1968
but is seldom used today. Spanish numbers and some Spanish words are included in the dialects.

National Identity: Filipinos had little sense of national identity until the revolutionary period of the nineteenth
century. The word "Filipino" did not refer to native people until the mid-nineteenth century. Before that
period, the treatment of the islands as a single governmental unit by Spain and the conversion of the
population to Catholicism were the unifying factors. As a desire for independence grew, a national flag was
created, national heroes emerged, and a national anthem was written. A national language was designated in
1936. National costumes were established. The sense of a national identity is fragile, with true allegiance given
to a kin group, a province, or a municipality.

Ethnic Relations: Ninety-five percent of the population is of Malay ancestry. The other identifiable group is of
Chinese ancestry. Sino-Filipinos are envied for their success in business. They have maintained their own
schools, which stress Chinese traditions.

Food in Daily Life: Filipinos do not consider it a meal if rice is not served. Plain steamed rice is the basis of the
diet. Three crops a year are harvested to provide enough rice for the population, and the government keeps
surpluses stored for times of drought. Salt water and freshwater of fish and shellfish are eaten daily, served
either fresh or salted. Fish, chicken and pork are usually fried, although people are becoming more health-
conscious and often choose alternative methods of cooking. Garlic is added to food because it is considered
healthful. Filipino food is not spicy. All food is cooked on gas burners or wood or charcoal fires and is allowed
to get cold before it is eaten. Rice is cooked first, since it takes longer. When it is ready, rice will be placed on
the table while the next items of the meal are prepared and served.

Table knives are not used. Forks and spoons are used for dining. The food is eaten from a spoon. The
traditional method of placing food on a banana leaf and eating with one's hands is also used throughout the
country. It is acceptable to eat food with one's hands at restaurants as well as in the home.

Breakfast is served at 6 A.M. and consists of food left over from the night before. It is not reheated. Eggs and
sausage are served on special occasions. Small buns called pan de sol may be purchased from vendors early in
the morning.

At midmorning and in the afternoon, people eat merienda. Since Filipinos are fond of sweet foods, a mixture
of instant coffee, evaporated milk, and sugar may be served. Coca-Cola is very popular. Sweet rolls,
doughnuts, or a noodle dish may be available. Lunch is a light meal with rice and one other dish, often a fish or
meat stew. Fish, pork, or chicken is served at dinner with a soup made of lentils or vegetables. Fatty pork is a
favorite. Portions of small cubes of browned pork fat are considered a special dish.

Fruits are abundant all year. Several kinds of banana are eaten, including red and green varieties. Mangoes,
the national fruit, are sweet and juicy. A fruit salad with condensed milk and coconut milk is very popular on
special occasions.

Vegetables are included as part of a soup or stew. Green beans and potatoes are commonly eaten foods. The
leaves of camote, a sweet potato, are used as a salad and soup ingredient. Ube, a bland bright purple potato,
is used as a colorful ingredient in cakes and ice cream. Halo-halo, which means "mixture," is a popular dessert
that consists of layers of corn kernels, ice cream, small gelatin pieces, cornflakes and shaved ice. Patis, a very
salty fish sauce, is placed on the table to be added to any of the dishes.

Fast food has become part of the culture, with national and international chains in many towns. All meals at
fast-food restaurant include rice, although French fries also tend to be on the menu. Banana ketchup is
preferred, although the international chains serve tomato ketchup. A national chain, Jollibee, has entered the
U.S. market with a restaurant in California, where many Filipino immigrants live. The company plans to expand
to other cities with Filipino populations.

Food Customs at Ceremonial Occasions. Léchon, a suckling pig that has been roasted until the skin forms a
hard brown crust, is served at important occasions. The inside is very fatty. Strips of the skin with attached fat
are considered the best pieces. The importance of the host and the occasion are measured by the amount of
léchon. served. Blood drained from the pig is used to make dinuguan

Sticky rice prepared with coconut milk and sugarcane syrup is wrapped in banana leaves. Glutinous rice is
grown especially for use in this traditional dessert.

Gin and beer are available for men and are accompanied by balut, a duck egg with an embryo. Dog meat is a
delicacy throughout the country. It is now illegal to sell dog meat at markets because cases of rabies have
occurred when the brains were eaten.
Basic Economy: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing are the occupations of 40 percent of the thirty million
people who are employed. Light manufacturing, construction, mining and the service industries provide the
remainder of employment opportunities. The unemployment rate is over 9 percent. Fifty percent of the
population lives below the poverty line. The Asian financial crisis resulted in a lack of jobs, and the drought
period of the El Niño weather cycle has reduced the number of agricultural positions. It is not uncommon for
people to "volunteer" as workers in the health care field in hopes of being chosen to work when a position
becomes available. People work seven days a week and take additional jobs to maintain or improve their
lifestyle or pay for a child's education. Eight hundred thousand citizens work overseas, primarily as merchant
seamen, health care, household, or factory workers in Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Over Seas
Workers (OSWs) have a governmental agency that looks after their interests. Laws govern hours of work,
insurance coverage, and vacation time, but workers may be exploited and mistreated. Recruitment centers are
found in all large municipalities. OSWs send $7 billion home each year, providing 4 percent of the gross
domestic product.

Major Industries: Metropolitan Manila is the primary manufacturing area, with 10 percent of the population
living there. Manila and the adjacent ports are the best equipped to ship manufactured goods. Manufacturing
plants produce electrical and electronic components, chemicals, clothing, and machinery. The provinces
produce processed foods, textiles, tobacco products, and construction materials. Manufacturing in the home
continues to be common in remote areas.

Trade: Rice, bananas, cashews, pineapple, mangoes, and coconut products are the agricultural products
exported to neighboring countries. Exported manufactured products include electronic equipment,
machinery, and clothing. The United States, members of the European Union, and Japan are the major trading
partners. Imports consists of consumer goods and fuel. The country has mineral and petroleum reserves that
have not been developed because of the mountainous terrain and a lack of funding.

Political Life

Government: The country has a republican form of government that was developed during the
commonwealth period. It contains three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. The first constitution,
based on the United States Constitution, was written in 1935. When President Marcos declared martial law in
1972, that constitution was replaced by another one providing for a head of state, a prime minister, and a
unicameral legislature. The president had the power to dissolve the legislature, appoint the prime minister,
and declare himself prime minister. A new constitution was approved in a national referendum in 1987. It was
similar to the 1935 constitution but included term limitations. The 221 members of the House may serve three
consecutive three-year terms, which is also the case for provincial governors. The twenty-four senators, who
are elected at large, may serve two consecutive six-year terms. The president serves one six-year term, but the
vice president may serve two consecutive six-year terms. The president and vice president do not run on the
same ticket and may be political opponents.

Marriage: Marriage is a civil ceremony that is conducted city offices. A religious ceremony also is performed.
The ceremony is similar to those in the United States with the addition of sponsors. Principal sponsors are
friends and relatives who have positions of influence in the community. The number of principal sponsors
attests to the popularity and potential success of a couple. It also reduces a couple's expenses, since each
principal sponsor is expected to contribute a substantial amount of cash. Members of the wedding party are
secondary sponsors who do not have to provide funds.

Arranged marriages have not been part of Filipino life. However, men are expected to marry and if a man has
not married by his late twenties, female relatives begin introducing him to potential brides. The median age
for marriage is twenty-two. Young professionals wait until their late twenties to marry, and engagements of
five to seven years are not uncommon. During this period, the couple becomes established in jobs, pays for
the education of younger siblings, and acquires household items. A woman who reaches the age of thirty-two
without marrying is considered past the age for marriage. Women believe that marriage to a wealthy man or a
foreigner will guarantee happiness. Divorce is illegal, but annulment is available for the dissolution of a
marriage. Reasons for annulment include physical incapacity, physical violence, or pressure to change one's
religious or political beliefs. Interfaith marriages are rare.

Etiquette

People believe that it is one's duty to keep things operating smoothly. It is very important not to lose face.
Being corrected or correcting another person in public is not considered acceptable behavior. People want to
grant all requests, and so they often say yes when they mean no or maybe. Others understand when the
request is not fulfilled because saying no might have caused the individual to lose face. When one is asked to
join a family for a meal, the offer must be refused. If the invitation is extended a second time, it is permissible
to accept. Time consciousness and time management are not important considerations. A planned meeting
may take place later, much later, or never.

Filipinos walk hand in hand or arm in arm with relatives and friends of either sex as a sign of affection or
friendship. Women are expected not to cross their legs or drink alcohol in public. Shorts are not common wear
for women.

Religious Beliefs:The Philippines is the only Christian nation in Asia. More than 85 percent of the people are
Roman Catholic. The rosary is said in the home at 9 P.M. , just before the family retires for the night. Children
are introduced to the statue of "Mama Mary" at a very early age.

Protestant missionaries arrived in 1901 and followed the Catholic example of establishing hospitals, clinics,
and private schools. The Church of the Latter Day Saints (Mormons) is currently the most active missionary
group.

Sunni Muslims constitute the largest non-Christian group. They live in Mindanao and the Sulu Islands but have
migrated to other provinces. Muslim provinces celebrate Islamic religious holidays as legal holidays. Mosques
are located in large cities throughout the country. In smaller communities, Muslims gather in small buildings
for services. Animism, a belief that natural objects have souls, is the oldest religion in the country, practiced by
indigenous peoples in the mountains of Luzon.

Death and the Afterlife. A twenty-four-hour vigil is held at the deceased person's home, and the body is
escorted to the cemetery after the religious ceremony. The tradition is for mourners to walk behind the coffin.
A mausoleum is built during the lifetime of the user. The size of the edifice indicates the position of the
builder.
Mourning is worn for six weeks after the death of a family member. It may consists of a black pin worn on the
blouse or shirt of the mourner or black clothing. Mourning is put aside after one year. A meal or party is
provided for family members and close friends one year after the burial to commemorate recognize the
memory of the deceased.

CULTURAL PLACE

1. Intramuros-Intramuros (or the Walled City, as it is called) is the oldest district in Manila, and it holds most of
the history of the city. During the Spanish colonial period, its walls were built as protection from foreign
invaders. In 2010, the Global Heritage Fund reported that Intramuros is on the verge of irreparable loss and
destruction due to mismanagement, so it is best to appreciate this man-made wonder while you can.

2. National Museum of the Philippines-The National Museum is the official repository museum of the
Philippines established in 1901. It is divided into four different establishments with their own different fields,
namely the National Art Gallery (Philippine Arts), Museum of the Filipino People (Anthropology &
Archaeology), Museum of Natural History (Natural History), and the National Planetarium (Planetary & Space
Science). For instant information about our culture and arts, this is the perfect place to go for a fun-filled
educational day.

3. San Sebastian Church-San Sebastian Church is a minor basilica located in Manila. It is the only all-steel
church and basilica in Asia. Made in 1891, this church is a marvel of a structure that has survived many years
of foreign invasion. Due to its proximity to the sea, the structure’s original steel material has deteriorated.
While the church is going through constant restoration, creating a replica by destroying the original structure
could be a possibility in the future, so go see it now while it is still the original building.

4. University of Sto. Tomas-University of Sto. Tomas is the largest university in Manila. It is also the oldest
university in the Philippines and Asia, as well as one of the largest Catholic universities in terms of enrollment
in a single campus. The campus holds a lot of the old structures as well as new ones. With the Pope visiting the
University on January 18, 2015, it will be the only university to have been visited four times by three Popes.

5. Luneta Park-Luneta Park is a historical urban park located in Manila adjacent to Intramuros. It is a favorite
leisure spot and is jam-packed during holidays and weekends. The most significant event to take place in the
park is the execution of Jose Rizal on December 30, 1896, which eventually sparked the revolution against the
Spaniards. Other significant events that happened in the park are the declaration of independence of the
Philippines from the Americans as well as several political rallies of Ferdinand Marcos and Cory Aquino.

JAPAN (Japanese) ("Land of the Rising Sun").

Population: ( September 2019, 126,776,045 based on Worldometers elaboration of the latest United Nations
data)

Location and Geography: The Japanese archipelago consists of four major islands and over six-thousand minor
ones, covering approximately 234,890 square miles (378,000 square kilometers), and has enormous climatic
variation. The four major islands are Hokkaidō, Honshū, Shikoku, and Kyūshū. The southern island group of
Okinawa (the Ryūkyū Islands) is geographically, historically, and culturally distinct.

Linguistic Affiliation: The official and predominant language is Japanese (Nihongo). After theMeiji Restoration
in 1868, the government attempted to create a strong centralized state. Linguistic unification was a step
toward shaping the national identity. Through the national educational system and the military, a dominant
national dialect replaced local and regional dialects. The resulting dialect, hyōjungo ("the standard language"),
was based on the linguistic patterns of Tōkyō's samurai ("warrior") classes and has become the norm in the
educational system, the mass media, government, and business.

Symbolism: National identity and unity are formally symbolized by a number of conventional icons and motifs,
including the cherry blossom, the red and white national flag portraying the rising sun, and the
chrysanthemum. These symbols have contested meanings because they are associated with the imperial
family and World War II. The chrysanthemum, for example, serves as the crest of the imperial family, and
cherry blossoms were invoked in wartime propaganda to represent the glory of kamikaze suicide pilots.
Progressive political groups resist flying the national flag and singing the national anthem (Kimigayo) because
of their wartime associations.

Stereotypical images that are deployed in foreign representations of Japan, such as Mount Fuji, geisha, and
samurai, are not regarded by Japanese people as symbols of contemporary identity.

Food and Economy

Food in Daily Life. An extremely varied diet makes use of culinary elements from around the world, including
the cuisines of Korea, China, South and Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America. However, notions of
"traditional" Japanese cuisine are an important element of cultural identity.

The defining characteristics include ingredients, styles of preparation, and aesthetics. White rice is a staple
component of virtually every meal; other typical ingredients include soy products and seafood that is served
grilled or raw. Vegetables and seafood are often prepared as pickles. The cuisine does not rely on intense
flavorings. Meals ideally contrast flavors and textures among different dishes and include many small dishes
rather than a main course. The visual presentation of a meal is important.
During the premodern period, meat was proscribed under the tenets of Buddhism. Vegetarian cuisine
prepared in Zen monasteries relied heavily on soy products, including miso soup and tofu.

Since the late nineteenth century, tastes have been influenced by foreign cuisines, many of which have been
adapted and absorbed into the national diet. Since World War II, consumption of dairy products, beef, bread,
and other Western foods has increased dramatically.

Eating habits have been reshaped by changes in domestic life. Families eat fewer meals together, and
sophisticated kitchen appliances have transformed domestic cooking. Food manufactures have created vast
numbers of prepared dishes.

Basic Economy: The cornerstone of the economy is high-quality, high-technology manufacturing, with a focus
on exports.
Political Life

Government. Japan has been a constitutional monarchy since the Meiji constitution of 1890. In 1947, a new
constitution was drafted by advisers to the Allied occupation forces and adopted by the parliament. This
constitution guarantees equality of the sexes, extends suffrage to all adult citizens, underscores the emperor's
postwar renunciation of claims to divine status, and assigns the emperor a symbolic role as head of state.

Japan's parliament, known as the Diet, consists of the House of Councilors and the House of Representatives.
Upper House members are elected from national and local constituencies; Lower House member are elected
from local constituencies. The political power of the Lower House is much greater than that of the Upper
House; prime ministers are elected from the Lower House, and most cabinet positions are also filled from the
membership of that chamber.

Marriage: Marriage is generally based on mutual attraction between individuals; this is known as a "love
marriage" in contrast to the traditional "arranged marriage" in which a go-between negotiated a match in a
process that might give parental opinions more weight than those of the prospective bride and groom. Some
vestiges of arranged marriage continue and many couples rely on matchmakers to find mates. Background
checks on a prospective spouse and his or her family are routine.

Weddings are almost always held in hotels or wedding halls, with a lavish banquet for several dozen guests.
The ceremonies blend elements from Shintō marriage rituals and stylized adaptations of Christian weddings.
Weddings are elaborately staged, and the bride and groom typically go through several changes of costume.

Etiquette

Etiquette can be a full-time occupation, especially in the context of traditional artistic pursuits, such as the tea
ceremony, where its principles are incorporated as elements of performance. Even in more prosaic
circumstances, many points of etiquette are elaborately codified, including an extensive vocabulary and
grammar for polite conversation; specific principles for the selection, presentation, and reciprocation of gifts;
and standards for bowing and exchanging name cards. Many people find the intricacies of etiquette daunting,
and books that offer advice on these situations are steady sellers. Etiquette hinges on principles of
proportional reciprocity in social hierarchies based on determinations of relative status between superior and
subordinate. These relative statuses may reflect an individual's age, gender, or social role or may reflect
relationships among different social institutions.

Religious Beliefs. Shintō is the contemporary term for a system of gods and beliefs about the relationship
between people, the natural environment, and the state. Shintō teaches that Japan is uniquely the land of the
gods. The religion has no formal dogma or scripture. During much of Japanese history, Shintō and Buddhism
have coexisted and influenced each other. Shintō is closely linked to the imperial family and a nationalist
ideology.
Buddhism was introduced into Japan from Korea and China during the sixth century A.D. It consists of two
major branches, known as Teravada and Mahayana Buddhism. Teravada Buddhism, in general, is the branch
practiced in South Asia, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia, and Mahayana is the branch that influenced Chinese,
Korean, and Japanese civilizations. In essence, Teravada (a Sanskrit term meaning "the lesser or smaller
vessel") teaches that salvation is available only to an elect few, those who strive to achieve enlightenment and
practice good works that will enhance one's ability to transcend the snares of mortal existence. The Teravada
tradition emphasizes monastic communities.

CULTURAL PLACE IN JAPAN

Mount Fuji- Without a doubt Japan's most recognizable landmark, majestic Mount Fuji (Fuji-san) is also the
country's highest mountain peak, towering 3,776 meters over an otherwise largely flat landscape to the south
and east, and tall enough to be seen from Tokyo more than 100 kilometers away. Mount Fuji has for centuries
been celebrated in art and literature and is now considered so important an icon that UNESCO recognized its
world cultural significance in 2013. Part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Mount Fuji is climbed by more
than a million people each summer as an act of pilgrimage, which culminates in watching the sunrise from its
summit.

Imperial Tokyo- Tokyo's most famous landmark, the Imperial Palace with its beautiful 17th-century parks
surrounded by walls and moats, is a must-see when visiting the nation's capital. Don't be put off by the fact
that the majority of the palace is closed to the public (it's still in use by the Imperial family), as there is still
enough to see simply by strolling the grounds. In addition to the many fine views of the palace from numerous
points in the surrounding parkland - including the famous Nijubashi Bridge, or "double bridge," so named for
its watery reflection - visitors are permitted into the East Higashi-Gyoen Garden and other areas that are
opened to the public as part of an organized tour. Another must-see for tourists visiting Tokyo is the famous
Ginza shopping district, home to the Kabuki-za Theatre with its Kabuki performances, as well as the Shimbashi
Enbujo Theatre with its traditional Azuma-odori dances and Bunraku performances.

SHIBUYA- The name "Shibuya" is also used to refer to the shopping district which surrounds Shibuya Station,
one of Tokyo's busiest railway stations. This area is known as one of the fashion centers of Japan, particularly
for young people, and as a major nightlife area.

CHINA (CHINESE) The Red Dragon

Population: (1,433,783,686 people at mid year according to UN data.)

Identification. The Chinese refer to their country as the Middle Kingdom, an indication of how central they have felt
themselves to be throughout history. There are cultural and linguistic variations in different regions, but for such a large
country the culture is relatively uniform. However, fifty-five minority groups inhabit the more remote regions of the
country and have their own unique cultures, languages, and customs.

Location and Geography. China has a land area of 3,691,502 square miles (9,596,960 square kilometers),
making it the world's third largest nation. It borders thirteen countries, including Russia and Mongolia to the
north, India to the southwest, and Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam to the south. To the east, it borders the
Yellow Sea, the South China Sea, and the East China Sea. The climate is extremely diverse, ranging from
tropical in the south to subarctic in the north. In the west, the land consists mostly of mountains, high
plateaus, and desert. The eastern regions are characterized by plains, deltas, and hills. The highest point is
Mount Everest, on the border between Tibet and Nepal, the tallest mountain in the world.

Linguistic Affiliation. Mandarin Chinese is the official language. It is also called Putonghua and is based on the
Beijing dialect. Modern spoken Chinese, which replaced the classical language in the 1920s, is called bai hua.
The writing system has not changed for thousands of years and is the same for all the dialects. It is complex
and difficult to learn and consists of almost sixty thousand characters, although only about five thousand are
used in everyday life. Unlike other modern languages, which use phonetic alphabets, Chinese is written in
pictographs and ideographs, symbols that represent concepts rather than sounds. The communist
government, in an attempt to increase literacy, developed a simplified writing system. There is also a system,
called pinyin, of writing Chinese words in Roman characters.

Symbolism. The flag has a red background with a yellow star in the upper left-hand corner and four smaller
yellow stars in a crescent formation to its right. The color red symbolizes the revolution. The large star stands
for the Communist Party, and the four small stars symbolize the Chines

National Identity. The vast majority of Chinese people are of Han descent. They identify with the dominant
national culture and have a sense of history and tradition that dates back over one thousand years and
includes many artistic, cultural, and scientific accomplishments. When the communists took over in 1949, they
worked to create a sense of national identity based on the ideals of equality and hard work.

Some minority groups, such as the Manchu, have assimilated almost entirely. While they maintain their own
languages and religions, they identify with the nation as well as with their own groups. Other minority ethnic
groups tend to identify more with their individual cultures than with the Han. For example, the Mongolians
and Kazakhs of the north and northwest, the Tibetans and the Zhuangs in the southwest, and the inhabitants
of Hainan Island to the southeast are all linguistically, culturally, and historically distinct from one another and
from the dominant tradition. For some minority groups, the Tibetans and Uigurs of Xinjiang in particular, the
issue of independence has been an acrimonious one and has led those groups to identify themselves
deliberately in opposition to the central culture and its government.

Ethnic Relations. China is for the most part an extremely homogeneous society composed of a people who
share one language, culture, and history. The government recognizes fifty-five minority groups that have their
own distinct cultures and traditions. Most of those groups live in Outer China, because the Han have, over the
centuries, forced them into those harsh, generally less desirable lands. The Han often consider the minority
groups inferior, if not subhuman; until recently, the characters for their names included the symbol for "dog."
The minority groups harbor a good deal of resentment toward the Han. Tibet and Xinjiang in particular have
repeatedly attempted to separate from the republic. The Tibetans and the Uighurs of Xinjiang have expressed
animosity toward the Han Chinese who live in bordering regions, and as a result, China has sent troops to
those areas to maintain the peace.
Food in Daily Life. Rice is the dietary staple in most of the country. In the north and the west, where the
climate is too dry to grow rice, wheat is the staple grain. Here, breakfast usually consists of noodles or wheat
bread. In the south, many people start the day with rice porridge, or congee, served with shrimp, vegetables,
and pickles. Lunch is similar to breakfast. The evening meal is the day's largest. Every meal includes soup,
which is served as the last course.

People cook in a wok, a metal pan with a curved bottom; this style of cooking requires little oil and a short
cooking time. Steaming in bamboo baskets lined with cabbage leaves is another cooking method. Meat is
expensive and is served sparingly.

The cuisine can be broken down into four main geographic varieties. In Beijing and Shandong, specialties
include Beijing duck served with pancakes and plum sauce, sweet and sour carp, and bird's nest soup.
Shanghaiese cuisine uses liberal amounts of oil and is known for seafood and cold meat dishes. Food is
particularly spicy in the Sichuan and Hunan provinces. Shrimp with salt and garlic, frogs' legs, and smoked duck
are popular dishes. The southern cuisine of Canton and Chaozhou is the lightest of the four. Seafood,
vegetables, roast pork and chicken, and steamed fish are served with fried rice. Dim sum, a breakfast or lunch
meal consisting of a combination of different appetizer style delicacies, is popular there.

Cooking reflects the country's history of famines caused by factors such as natural disasters and war. The
Chinese eat parts and species of animals that many other cultures do not, including fish heads and eyeballs,
birds' feet and saliva, and dog and cat meat.

Tea is the most common beverage. The Han drink it unsweetened and black, Mongolians have it with milk, and
Tibetans serve it with yak butter. The Chinese are fond of sugary soft drinks, both American brands and locally
produced ones. Beer is a common beverage, and there are many local breweries.

Basic Economy. In 1978, the country began the slow process of shifting from a Soviet-style economy to a more
free market system, and in twenty years managed to quadruple the gross domestic product (GDP) and
become the second largest economy in the world. However, the decentralization of the economy has often
conflicted with the tight reign exercised by the highly centralized political system. The economy is burdened
with widespread corruption, bureaucracy, and large state-run businesses that have been unable to keep pace
with economic expansion. Inflation rates, which rose steeply in the 1980s, fell between 1995 and 1999 as a
result of stricter monetary policies and government control of food prices. While the economy appears to be
improving, the standard of living in rural areas remains poor, and the government faces problems collecting
taxes in provinces that are becoming increasingly autonomous, such as Shanghai and Guangzhou.

Trade. China imports machinery and equipment, plastics, chemicals, iron and steel, and mineral fuels, mainly
from Japan, the United States, Taiwan, and South Korea. Exports include machinery and equipment, textiles
and clothing, footwear, toys and sporting goods, mineral fuels, and chemicals. These products go primarily to
the United States, Hong Kong, Japan, and Germany. Trade has shifted dramatically over the years. In the
1950s, the main trading partners were other communist countries; however, the decline of the Soviet Union
as a world power changed that. Most trade today is conducted with the noncommunist world.

Government. China is a communist state. The president is the chief of state and is elected by the National
People's Congress (NPC) for a five-year term. However, the president defers to the decisions and leadership of
the NPC. The NPC is responsible for writing laws and policy, delegating authority, and supervising other parts
of the government. The highest level in the executive branch of the government is the State Council, which is
composed of a premier, a vice premier, councillors, and various ministers. The State Council handles issues of
internal politics, defense, economy, culture, and education. Its members are appointed and can be removed
by the president's decree.

The country is divided into twenty-three provinces, five autonomous regions, and four municipalities. (Taiwan
is considered the twenty-third province.) At the local level, elected deputies serve in a local people's congress,
a smaller-scale version of the national body, which is responsible for governing within the region and reports
to the State Council.

Marriage. According to custom, marriages are arranged by the couple's parents. While this system is less rigid
than it once was, it is still common for young people to use matchmakers. People take a pragmatic approach
to marriage, and even those who chose their own spouses often take practical considerations as much as
romantic ones into account.

Weddings are usually large, expensive affairs paid for by the groom's family. For those who can afford it,
Western-style weddings are popular, with the bride in a white gown and the groom in a suit and tie.

The legal age for marriage is twenty for women and twenty-two for men. A marriage law enacted by the
communists in 1949 gave women the right to choose their husbands and file for divorce. While it is difficult to
obtain a divorce, rates are rising.

Etiquette

- There is a hierarchy that places older people above younger and men above women; this is reflected in social
interaction. Chinese people are nonconfrontational. Saving face is of primary importance; appearing to be in
the right or attempting to please someone is more important than honesty. It is considered rude to refuse a
request even if one is unable to fulfill it. The fear of losing face is a concern that governs social interactions
both large and insignificant; failure to perform a duty brings shame not just on the individual, but on the
family and community as well. Individuality is often subsumed in the group identity. There is little privacy in
the home or family, and housing shortages and cramped living quarters often exaggerate this situation.

People touch often, and same-sex hand holding is common. However, physical contact between men and
women in public is limited. Smiling is not necessarily a sign of happiness; it can be a display of worry or
embarrassment.

Relgious Beliefs. As a communist state, the country is officially atheist. Fifty-nine percent of the population
has no religious affiliation. Twenty percent of the people practice traditional religions (Taoism and
Confucianism), 12 percent consider themselves atheists, 6 percent are Buddhist, 2 percent are Muslim, and 1
percent are Christian. The teachings of Confucius are laid out in The Analects. It is a philosophy that stresses
responsibility to community and obedience and deference to elders.

Taoism, founded by Lao Tse Tsu, is more mystical and less pragmatic than Confucianism. The tao, which
translates as "the way," focuses on ideals of balance and order and often uses nature as a metaphor. It also
includes elements of animism. Taoism, unlike Confucianism, rejects rank and class. Taoists shun aggression,
competition, and ambition.

Death and the Afterlife. Funerals are traditionally large and elaborate. The higher the social standing of the
deceased, the more possessions and people were buried with him or her to ensure entry into the next world.
Traditionally, this included horses, carriages, wives, and slaves. Chinese mourners dress in white and wrap
their heads in white cloths.

CULTURAL PLACE

THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA -One of the iconic symbols of China, the Great Wall is the longest wall in the
world, an awe-inspiring feat of ancient defensive architecture. Its winding path over rugged country and steep
mountains take in some great scenery. It deserves its place among "the New Seven Wonders of the World"
and the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in China.The wall spans from China's western frontier to the east coast,
totaling around 5,000 km (3,100 miles), but the most integrated and best-preserved sections are close to
Beijing. So this is what people usually mean when mentioning the Great Wall of China.

The Forbidden City in Beijing — Imperial Palace for 24 Emperors- It was once a "palace city" where ordinary
people were forbidden entry. An extravagant demonstration of ancient Chinese architecture, over 8,000
rooms with golden roofs are elegantly designed and painted in red and yellow.

The Forbidden City was the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing Dynasties for 560 years till 1911. 24
emperors lived there. World Cultural Heritage, and now known as ‘the Palace Museum' among Chinese, it is a
treasure house of Chinese cultural and historical relics.

The Bund in Shanghai — Stunning Skyline, Colonial Architecture- The Bund is one of the most recognizable
architectural symbols of Shanghai. It showcases the world with its colonial European buildings and skyscrapers
the other side of the Huangpu, housing one of the world's foremost business districts.The Bund was
Shanghai's most prosperous area in late 19th century and early 20th century. When the first British company
opened an office at the Bund in 1846, it became the epitome of elegance.

INDONESIA (INDONESIAN) the Emerald of the Equator

Population: (270.63 million)

Identification. The Republic of Indonesia, the world's fourth most populous nation, has 203 million people living on
nearly one thousand permanently settled islands. Some two-to-three hundred ethnic groups with their own
languages and dialects range in population from the Javanese (about 70 million) and Sundanese (about 30 million)
on Java, to peoples numbering in the thousands on remote islands. The nature of Indonesian national culture is
somewhat analogous to that of India—multicultural, rooted in older societies and interethnic relations, and
developed in twentieth century nationalist struggles against a European imperialism that nonetheless forged that
nation and many of its institutions. The national culture is most easily observed in cities but aspects of it now reach
into the countryside as well. Indonesia's borders are those of the Netherlands East Indies, which was fully formed at
the beginning of the twentieth century, though Dutch imperialism began early in the seventeenth century. Indonesian
culture has historical roots, institutions, customs, values, and beliefs that many of its people share, but it is also a
work in progress that is undergoing particular stresses at the beginning of the twenty-first century.
Location and Geography. Indonesia, the world's largest archipelago nation, is located astride the equator in the humid
tropics and extends some 2,300 miles (3,700 kilometers) east-west, about the same as the contiguous United States. It is
surrounded by oceans, seas, and straits except where it shares an island border with East Malaysia and Brunei on
Borneo (Kalimantan); with Papua New Guinea on New Guinea; and with Timor Loro Sae on Timor. West Malaysia lies
across the Straits of Malaka, the Philippines lies to the northeast, and Australia lies to the south.

Linguistic Affiliation. Nearly all of Indonesia's three hundred to four hundred languages are subgroups of the
Austronesian family that extends from Malaysia through the Philippines, north to several hill peoples of Vietnam and
Taiwan, and to Polynesia, including Hawaiian and Maori (of New Zealand) peoples. Indonesia's languages are not
mutually intelligible, though some subgroups are more similar than others (as Europe's Romance languages are closer to
each other than to Germanic ones, though both are of the Indo-European family). Some language subgroups have sub-
subgroups, also not mutually intelligible, and many have local dialects. Two languages—one in north Halmahera, one in
West Timor—are non-Austronesian and, like Basque in Europe, are not related to other known languages. Also, the very
numerous languages of Papua are non-Austronesian.

Most people's first language is a local one. In 1923, however, the Malay language (now known as Bahasa Malaysia in
Malaysia where it is the official language) was adopted as the national language at a congress of Indonesian nationalists,
though only a small minority living in Sumatra along the Straits of Malaka spoke it as their native language. Nevertheless,
it made sense for two reasons.

Symbolism. The national motto, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika , is an old Javanese expression usually translated as "unity in
diversity." The nation's official ideology, first formulated by President Sukarno in 1945, is the Pancasila, or Five
Principles: belief in one supreme God; just and civilized humanitarianism; Indonesian unity; popular sovereignty
governed by wise policies arrived at through deliberation and representation; and social justice for all Indonesian
people. Indonesia was defined from the beginning as the inheritor of the Netherlands East Indies. Though West Papua
remained under the Dutch until 1962, Indonesia conducted a successful international campaign to secure it. Indonesia's
occupation of the former Portuguese East Timor in 1975, never recognized by the United Nations, conflicted with this
founding notion of the nation. After two decades of bitter struggle there, Indonesia withdrew.

National Identity. Indonesia's size and ethnic diversity has made national identity problematic and debated. Identity is
defined at many levels: by Indonesian citizenship; by recognition of the flag, national anthem, and certain other songs;
by recognition of national holidays; and by education about Indonesia's history and the Five Principles on which the
nation is based. Much of this is instilled through the schools and the media, both of which have been closely regulated
by the government during most of the years of independence. The nation's history has been focused upon resistance to
colonialism and communism by national heroes and leaders who are enshrined in street names. Glories of past
civilizations are recognized, though archaeological remains are mainly of Javanese principalities.

Ethnic Relations. Ethnic relations in the archipelago have long been a concern. Indonesian leaders recognized the
possibility of ethnic and regional separatism from the beginning of the republic. War was waged by the central
government against separatism in Aceh, other parts of Sumatra, and Sulawesi in the 1950s and early 1960s, and the
nation was held together by military force.

Food

Sambal-While technically more of a condiment, the chili-based sauce known as sambal is a staple at all Indonesian
tables.Dishes aren't complete unless they've a hearty dollop of the stuff, a combination of chilies, sharp fermented
shrimp paste, tangy lime juice, sugar and salt all pounded up with mortar and pestle. So beloved is sambal, some
restaurants have made it their main attraction, with options that include young mango, mushroom and durian.

Nasi goring-Considered Indonesia's national dish, this take on Asian fried rice is often made with sweet, thick soy sauce
called kecap (pronounced ketchup) and garnished with acar, pickled cucumber and carrots. To add an element of fun to
the experience, diners can try nasi gila (or "crazy rice") and see how many different kinds of meat they can find buried
among the grains -- yes, those are hot dog slices.

Nasi uduk-A perennial favorite among native Betawi, nasi uduk is rice cooked in coconut milk and includes a pinwheel of
various meat and vegetable accoutrements. It almost always includes fried chicken, boiled eggs and tempe (soybean
cake) with anchovies and is topped with emping (melinjo nut crackers). It's cheap, fast and popular among lunchtime
crowds.Nearly four decades old and still going strong, Nasi Uduk Babe Saman packs in everyone from students to
celebrities morning, noon and night.

Basic Economy. About 60 percent of the population are farmers who produce subsistence and market-oriented crops
such as rice, vegetables, fruit, tea, coffee, sugar, and spices. Large plantations are devoted to oil palm, rubber, sugar,
and sisel for domestic use and export, though in some areas rubber trees are owned and tapped by farmers. Common
farm animals are cattle, water buffalo, horses, chickens, and, in non-Muslim areas, pigs. Both freshwater and ocean
fishing are important to village and national economies. Timber and processed wood, especially in Kalimantan and
Sumatra, are important for both domestic consumption and export, while oil, natural gas, tin, copper, aluminum, and
gold are exploited mainly for export. In colonial times, Indonesia was characterized as having a "dual economy." One
part was oriented to agriculture and small crafts for domestic consumption and was largely conducted by native
Indonesians; the other part was export-oriented plantation agriculture and mining (and the service industries supporting
them), and was dominated by the Dutch and other Europeans and by the Chinese. Though Indonesians are now
important in both aspects of the economy and the Dutch/European role is no longer so direct, many features of that
dual economy remain, and along with it are continuing ethnic and social dissatisfactions that arise from it.

Political Life-Government. During 2000, Indonesia was in deep governmental crisis and various institutions were being
redesigned. The 1945 constitution of the republic, however, mandates six organs of the state: the People's Consultative
Assembly ( Majelis Permusyawaratan Rakyat , or MPR), the presidency, the People's Representative Council ( Dewan
Perwakilan Rakyat , or DPR), the Supreme Advisory Council ( Dewan Pertimbangan Agung ), the State Audit Board (
Badan Pemeriksa Keuangan ), and the Supreme Court ( Mahkamah Agung ).

The president is elected by the MPR, which consists of one thousand members from various walks of life—farmers to
businesspeople, students to soldiers—who meet once every five years to elect the president and endorse his or her
coming five-year plan. The vice president is selected by the president.

The DPR meets at least once a year and has five hundred members: four hundred are elected from the provinces, one
hundred are selected by the military. The DPR legislates, but its statutes must be approved by the president. The
Supreme Court can hear cases from some three hundred subordinate courts in the provinces but cannot impeach or rule
on the constitutionality of acts by other branches of government.

Marriage. People in Indonesia gain the status of full adults through marriage and parenthood. In Indonesia, one does
not ask, "Is he (or she) married?," but "Is he (or she) married yet?," to which the correct response is, "Yes" or "Not yet."
Even homosexuals are under great family pressure to marry. Certain societies in Sumatra and eastern Indonesia practice
affinal alliance, in which marriages are arranged between persons in particular patrilineal clans or lineages who are
related as near or distant cross-cousins. In these societies the relationship between wife-giving and wife-taking clans or
lineages is vitally important to the structure of society and involves lifelong obligations for the exchange of goods and
services between kin. The Batak are a prominent Sumatran example of such a people. Clan membership and marriage
alliances between clans are important for the Batak whether they live in their mountain homeland or have migrated to
distant cities. Their marriages perpetuate relationships between lineages or clans, though individual wishes and love
between young people may be considered by their families and kinsmen, as may education, occupation, and wealth
among urbanites.

Etiquette

When riding a Jakarta bus, struggling in post-office crowds, or getting into a football match, one may think that
Indonesians have only a push-and-shove etiquette. And in a pedicab or the market, bargaining always delays action.
Children may repeatedly shout "Belanda, Belanda" (white Westerner) at a European, or youths shout, "Hey, Mister." In
some places a young woman walking or biking alone is subject to harassment by young males. But public behavior
contrasts sharply with private etiquette. In an Indonesian home, one joins in quiet speech and enjoys humorous banter
and frequent laughs. People sit properly with feet on the floor and uncrossed legs while guests, men, and elders are
given the best seating and deference. Strong emotions and rapid or abrupt movements of face, arms, or body are
avoided before guests. Drinks and snacks must be served, but not immediately, and when served, guests must wait to be
invited to drink. Patience is rewarded, displays of greed are avoided, and one may be offered a sumptuous meal by a
host who asks pardon for its inadequacy.

Religion

Religious Beliefs. Indonesia has the largest Muslim population of any nation, and in 1990 the population was reported to
be 87 percent Muslim. There is a well-educated and influential Christian minority (about 9.6 percent of the population in
1990), with about twice as many Protestants as Catholics. The Balinese still follow a form of Hinduism. Mystical cults are
well established among the Javanese elite and middle class, and members of many ethnic groups still follow traditional
belief systems. Officially the government recognizes religion ( agama ) to include Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, and
Buddhism, while other belief systems are called just that, beliefs ( kepercayaan ). Those who hold beliefs are subject to
conversion; followers of religion are not. Belief in ancestral spirits, spirits of diverse sorts of places, and powerful relics
are found among both peasants and educated people and among many followers of the world religions; witchcraft and
sorcery also have their believers and practitioners. The colonial regime had an uneasy relationship with Islam, as has the
Indonesian government. The first of the Five Principles extols God ( Tuhan ), but not Allah by name. Dissidents have
wanted to make Indonesia a Muslim state, but they have not prevailed.

Death and the Afterlife. It is widely believed that the deceased may influence the living in various ways, and funerals
serve to ensure the proper passage of the spirit to the afterworld, though cemeteries are still considered potentially
dangerous dwellings for ghosts. In Java the dead may be honored by modest family ceremonies held on Thursday
evening. Among Muslims, burial must occur within twenty-four hours and be attended by Muslim officiants; Christian
burial is also led by a local church leader. The two have separate cemeteries. In Java and other areas there may be
secondary rites to assure the well-being of the soul and to protect the living. Funerals, like marriages, call for a rallying of
kin, neighbors, and friends, and among many ethnic groups social status may be expressed through the elaborateness or
simplicity of funerals. In clan-based societies, funerals are occasions for the exchange of gifts between wife-giving and
wife-taking groups. In such societies representatives of the wife-giving group are usually responsible for conducting the
funeral and for leading the coffin to the grave.

PLACE

Borobudur Temple-An icon for Indonesia, Borobudur is one of the most popular destinations for travelers. This Buddhist
temple is located in Central Java and dates back to the 8th and 9th centuries, during the reign of the Syailendra Dynasty.
Covering 2500 square meters, this construction is nothing but breathtaking. Built on three tiers, these sections were
built to symbolize the three superimposing spheres in Buddhist cosmology; Kamadhatu (the desire realm), Rupadhatu
(the form realm) and Arupadhatu (the formless realm). Javaindah Tours offers a sunrise tour, allowing visitors to see this
monument in the optimum light setting.

Prambanan Temple-Again located in Central Java, Prambanan Temple is one of the largest Hindu temples in Southeast
Asia. Constructed in the 9th century, this compound holds several towering structures dedicated to the three great
Hindu divinities, Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. These awe-inspiring spires are decorated with stone carvings depicting the
Indonesian version of the Hindu epic of Ramayana. With many years of experience, Great Tours Jogja offers travelers
guided tours of both the Prambanan and Borobudur temples, offering insight into both the Hindu and Buddhist history
of Indonesia.

Tana Toraja-Located in South Sulawesi, the natives of Tana Toraja are renowned for their elaborate culture and their
funeral rituals, which can last several days. When visiting the area, travelers will marvel at the tongkonan – traditional
houses with boat shaped roofs. These constructions are significant to the culture of Tana Toraja, with different types
representing their social hierarchical system. Sulawesi Experience arrange tours of the Tana Toraja region that will
educate travelers on the history of the Toraja and how their culture changed after Dutch colonization.

MALAYSIA (Malaysian)
Population: (estimated at 32.6 million,)

Alternative Names-Outsiders often mistakenly refer to things Malaysian as simply "Malay," reflecting only one of the
ethnic groups in the society. Malaysians refer to their national culture as kebudayaan Malaysia in the national language.

Identification. Within Malaysian society there is a Malay culture, a Chinese culture, an Indian culture, a Eurasian culture,
along with the cultures of the indigenous groups of the peninsula and north Borneo. A unified Malaysian culture is
something only emerging in the country. The important social distinction in the emergent national culture is between
Malay and non-Malay, represented by two groups: the Malay elite that dominates the country's politics, and the largely
Chinese middle class whose prosperous lifestyle leads Malaysia's shift to a consumer society. The two groups mostly live
in the urban areas of the Malay Peninsula's west coast, and their sometimes competing, sometimes parallel influences
shape the shared life of Malaysia's citizens. Sarawak and Sabah, the two Malaysian states located in north Borneo, tend
to be less a influential part of the national culture, and their vibrant local cultures are shrouded by the bigger, wealthier
peninsular society.

Location and Geography. Malaysia is physically split between west and east, parts united into one country in 1963.
Western Malaysia is on the southern tip of the Malay peninsula, and stretches from the Thai border to the island of
Singapore. Eastern Malaysia includes the territories of Sabah and Sarawak on the north end of Borneo, separated by the
country of Brunei. Peninsular Malaysia is divided into west and east by a central mountain range called the Banjaran
Titiwangsa. Most large cities, heavy industry, and immigrant groups are concentrated on the west coast; the east coast is
less populated, more agrarian, and demographically more Malay. The federal capital is in the old tinmining center of
Kuala Lumpur, located in the middle of the western immigrant belt, but its move to the new Kuala Lumpur suburb of
Putra Jaya will soon be complete.

Linguistic Affiliation. Malay became Malaysia's sole national language in 1967 and has been institutionalized with a
modest degree of success. The Austronesian language has an illustrious history as a lingua franca throughout the region,
though English is also widely spoken because it was the administrative language of the British colonizers. Along with
Malay and English other languages are popular: many Chinese Malaysians speak some combination of Cantonese,
Hokkien, and/or Mandarin; most Indian Malaysians speak Tamil; and numerous languages flourish among aboriginal
groups in the peninsula, especially in Sarawak and Sabah. The Malaysian government acknowledges this multilingualism
through such things as television news broadcasts in Malay, English, Mandarin, and Tamil. Given their country's linguistic
heterogeneity, Malaysians are adept at learning languages, and knowing multiple languages is commonplace. Rapid
industrialization has sustained the importance of English and solidified it as the language of business.

Symbolism. The selection of official cultural symbols is a source of tension. In such a diverse society, any national
emblem risks privileging one group over another. For example, the king is the symbol of the state, as well as a sign of
Malay political hegemony. Since ethnic diversity rules out the use of kin or blood metaphors to stand for Malaysia, the
society often emphasizes natural symbols, including the sea turtle, the hibiscus flower, and the orangutan. The country's
economic products and infrastructure also provide national logos for Malaysia; the national car (Proton), Malaysia
Airlines, and the Petronas Towers (the world's tallest buildings) have all come to symbolize modern Malaysia. The
government slogan "Malaysia Boleh!" (Malaysia Can!) is meant to encourage even greater accomplishments. A more
humble, informal symbol for society is a salad called rojak, a favorite Malaysian snack, whose eclectic mix of ingredients
evokes the population's diversity.

National Identity. Throughout Malaysia's brief history, the shape of its national identity has been a crucial question:
should the national culture be essentially Malay, a hybrid, or separate ethnic entities? The question reflects the tension
between the indigenous claims of the Malay population and the cultural and citizenship rights of the immigrant groups.
A tentative solution came when the Malay, Chinese, and Indian elites who negotiated independence struck what has
been called "the bargain." Their informal deal exchanged Malay political dominance for immigrant citizenship and
unfettered economic pursuit. Some provisions of independence were more formal, and the constitution granted several
Malay "special rights" concerning land, language, the place of the Malay Rulers, and Islam, based on their indigenous
status. Including the Borneo territories and Singapore in Malaysia revealed the fragility of "the bargain." Many Malays
remained poor; some Chinese politicians wanted greater political power. These fractures in Malaysian society prompted
Singapore's expulsion and produced the watershed of contemporary Malaysian life, the May 1969 urban unrest in Kuala
Lumpur. Violence left hundreds dead; parliament was suspended for two years. As a result of this experience the
government placed tight curbs on political debate of national cultural issues and began a comprehensive program of
affirmative action for the Malay population. This history hangs over all subsequent attempts to encourage official
integration of Malaysian society. In the 1990s a government plan to blend the population into a single group called
"Bangsa Malaysia" has generated excitement and criticism from different constituencies of the population. Continuing
debates demonstrate that Malaysian national identity remains unsettled.

Ethnic Relations. Malaysia's ethnic diversity is both a blessing and a source of stress. The melange makes Malaysia one
of the most cosmopolitan places on earth, as it helps sustain international relationships with the many societies
represented in Malaysia: the Indonesian archipelago, the Islamic world, India, China, and Europe. Malaysians easily
exchange ideas and techniques with the rest of the world, and have an influence in global affairs. The same diversity
presents seemingly intractable problems of social cohesion, and the threat of ethnic violence adds considerable tension
to Malaysian politics.

FOOD

Mee goreng mamak-This Indian Muslim dish is the complete package. Yellow noodles. Beef or chicken. Shrimp. Soy
sauce, veggies and eggs. A bit of chili tossed in for an irresistible jolt.

Apam balik- A pancake-style snack wedded with the compact package of an omelet, apam balik is stuffed with more
than a sufficient amount of sugar, peanuts and the occasional sprinkle of corn -- it's a dish that's constantly being
reinvented.
Nasi kerabu-If the blue rice doesn't spark your curiosity, the lines of people around the country waiting to order this
favorite Kelantanese dish should.From the state of Kelantan in northern peninsular Malaysia, nasi kerabu gets its eye-
grabbing color from telang flowers, which are crushed and mixed into flour.The aquamarine dish is topped with bean
sprouts and fried coconut, then drenched in spicy budu, a fermented fish sauce.In true Kelantan style, you use your
hands to dig into this one.

Political Life

Government. Malaysia's government is nominally headed by the king whose position rotates among the nine hereditary
Malay rulers every five years. The king selects the prime minister from the leading coalition in parliament, a body which
is further divided into the elected representatives of the Dewan Rakyat and the appointed senators of the Dewan
Negara. Since independence Malaysian national elections have been won by a coalition of ethnic-based political parties.
Known first as the Alliance, and, following the 1969 unrest, as the National Front, this coalition is itself dominated by the
United Malays National Organization (UMNO), a party composed of Malay moderates. UMNO rule is aided by the
gerrymandered parliamentary districts that over-represent rural Malay constituencies. The UMNO president has always
become Malaysia's prime minister, so the two thousand delegates at the biannual UMNO General Assembly are the real
electoral force in the country, choosing the party leadership that in turn leads the country.

Marriage. Even with significant changes in marriage practices, weddings reveal the sharp differences in Malaysian
society. There are two ways to marry: registering the union with the government; and joining in marriage before a
religious authority. Christian Malaysians may marry Buddhists or Hindus answering only to their families and beliefs;
Muslim Malaysians who marry non-Muslims risk government sanction unless their partner converts to Islam. Marriage
practices emphasize Malaysia's separate ethnic customs. Indians and Chinese undertake divination rites in search of
compatibility and auspicious dates, while Malays have elaborate gift exchanges. Malay wedding feasts are often held in
the home, and feature a large banquet with several dishes eaten over rice prepared in oil (to say one is going to eat oiled
rice means that a wedding is imminent). Many Chinese weddings feature a multiple-course meal in a restaurant or
public hall, and most Indian ceremonies include intricate rituals. Since married partners join families as well as
individuals, the meeting between prospective in-laws is crucial to the success of the union. For most Malaysians
marriage is a crucial step toward adulthood. Although the average age for marriage continues to increase, being single
into one's thirties generates concern for families and individuals alike. The social importance of the institution makes
interethnic marriage an issue of considerable stress.

Etiquette

Malaysian society is remarkable due to its openness to diversity. The blunders of an outsider are tolerated, a charming
dividend of Malaysia's cosmopolitan heritage. Yet this same diversity can present challenges for Malaysians when
interacting in public. Because there is no single dominant cultural paradigm, social sanctions for transgressing the rights
of others are reduced. Maintaining public facilities is a source of constant public concern, as is the proper etiquette for
driving a motor vehicle. Malaysian sociability instead works through finding points of connection. When Malaysians
meet strangers, they seek to fit them into a hierarchy via guesses about one's religion (Muslims use the familiar Arabic
greetings only to other Muslims); inquiries into one's organization (as an initial question many Malaysians will ask, "who
are you attached to?"); and estimations of age (unknown older men are addressed by the honorific "uncle," women as
"auntie" in the appropriate language). Strangers shake hands, and handshaking continues after the first meeting (Malays
often raise the hand to their heart after shaking), though it is sometimes frowned upon between men and women.
Greetings are always expressed with the right hand, which is the dominant hand in Malaysian life. Since the left hand is
used to cleanse the body, it is considered inappropriate for use in receiving gifts, giving money, pointing directions, or
passing objects.

Religion

Religious Beliefs. Nearly all the world religions, including Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity are present in
Malaysia. Religion correlates strongly with ethnicity, with most Muslims Malay, most Hindus Indian, and most Buddhists
Chinese. The presence of such diversity heightens the importance of religious identity, and most Malaysians have a
strong sense of how their religious practice differs from that of others (therefore a Malaysian Christian also identifies as
a non-Muslim). Religious holidays, especially those celebrated with open houses, further blend the interreligious
experience of the population. Tension between religious communities is modest. The government is most concerned
with the practices of the Muslim majority, since Islam is the official religion (60 percent of the population is Muslim).
Debates form most often over the government's role in religious life, such as whether the state should further promote
Islam and Muslim practices (limits on gambling, pork-rearing, availability of alcohol, and the use of state funds for
building mosques) or whether greater religious expression for non-Muslims should be allowed.

Religious Practitioners. The government regulates religious policy for Malaysia's Muslims, while the local mosque
organizes opportunities for religious instruction and expression. Outside these institutions, Islam has an important part
in electoral politics as Malay parties promote their Muslim credentials. Hindu, Christian, and Buddhist clergy often have
a presence in Malaysian life through cooperative ventures, and their joint work helps to ameliorate their minority status.
Religious missionaries work freely proselytizing to non-Muslims, but evangelists interested in converting Muslims are
strictly forbidden by the state.

Death and the Afterlife. Malaysians have a strong interest in the metaphysical, and stories about spirits and ghosts
whether told in conversation, read in books, or seen on television gain rapt attention. Many of these stories sustain a
relationship with people who have passed away, whether as a form of comfort or of fear. Cemeteries, including vast
fields of Chinese tombs marked with family characters and Muslim graves with the distinctive twin stones, are sites of
mystery. The real estate that surrounds them carries only a modest price due to the reputed dangers of living nearby.
Muslim funerals tend to be community events, and an entire neighborhood will gather at the home of the deceased to
prepare the body for burial and say the requisite prayers. Corpses are buried soon after death, following Muslim custom,
and mourners display a minimum of emotion lest they appear to reject the divine's decision. The ancestor memorials
maintained by Chinese clans are a common site in Malaysia, and the familiar small red shrines containing offerings of
oranges and joss sticks appear on neighborhood street corners and in the rear of Chinese-owned shops. Faith in the
efficacy of the afterlife generates considerable public respect for religious graves and shrines even from non-adherents.

PLACE

Malacca City, Malacca-Malacca City, capital of Malacca State, oozes with history and culture. Featuring as a UNESCO
World Heritage Site since 2008, the colonial city along the Straits of Malacca attracts visitors for its architecture, food
and famous Jonker Street Night Market. Not only has this historical city experienced periods under the Portuguese and
Dutch, but the 15th-century Malacca Sultanate is widely considered to be the ‘Golden Age’ for Malay culture. St Paul’s
Church, A Famosa Fort and Stadthuys, the official residence of the Dutch governor, are top attractions.

George Town, Penang-Penang always features as one of the top places to visit in Malaysia. The state, named after the
pinang tree that looks like a palm tree, divides between Butterworth on the mainland and George Town on Penang
Island. George Town is an open museum. The colonial district boasts a wide selection of British buildings, churches and
Fort Cornwallis. Stroll through the streets and see traditional shophouses, each with their own style and design. Street
art and murals decorate the walls too. Combine this history with temples, including Kek Lok Si, famous food courts, a
vibrant shopping scene and the country’s longest coffee shop and there’s little wonder why George Town is a top place
to visit in Malaysia.

The Perhentians, Terengganu-The small archipelago called the Perhentians, located in the South China Sea off the coast
of Terengganu, features as one of the most beautiful places to visit in Malaysia. The main coral-surrounded islands
consist of the aptly named Besar and Kecil, or Big and Small. Picture white sand stretching around sparsely populated
areas with crystal clear shallow water lapping against the shore. Favourite activities, apart from relaxing in this little-
visited tropical paradise, include scuba diving, snorkelling and canoeing. Those planning to visit should avoid the area
during the Eastern Monsoon between March and October, when most hotels and guesthouses close.

THAILAND (Thai) Thailand – Land of Smiles

POPULATION: 69,663,758 based on Worldometers elaboration of the latest United Nations data.

Identification. The name "Thailand" is associated with the dominant ethnic group, Thai. Thailand was never under
European colonial rule. It was an absolute monarchy until 1932, when it became a constitutional monarchy. In 1939 the
country's name was changed from Siam to Thailand. Military dictators ruled the nation until the early 1970s; the military
remained a powerful force in national politics into the early 1990s. Since that time, its role has diminished, and a new
constitution was adopted in 1997. The military governments after World War II promoted rapid economic development
and attempted to assimilate ethnic minorities. Rapid economic growth continued until the late 1990s, when the
economic boom of the early part of the decade came to an abrupt end. As part of a trend toward devolution of
authority, the democratic governments of the 1990s adopted more liberal policies with regard to ethnic minorities.
However, members of ethnic minorities continue to face many problems in regard to political rights and economic
security.

Location and Geography. The Kingdom of Thailand has an area of 198,114 square miles (513,115 square kilometers).
The country is commonly divided into four main regions and borders Burma, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia. The
northern region is hilly, with much of its population concentrated in upland valleys and the flood plains of rivers; the
dominant geographic feature is the Khorat Plateau. The southern region is a narrow isthmus with hills running down the
center.

The Thai (also known as the Central Tai) live mainly in the central region, with closely related groups of Tai-speaking
peoples occupying most of the remainder of the nation. Smaller ethnic groups are scattered throughout the country,
especially in the north and the northeast. Bangkok has been the capital since the late eighteenth century, when it
replaced the earlier capital of Ayutthaya, which was sacked by Burmese invaders in 1767. With a population of almost 10
million, Bangkok is the most important city politically and economically. About twenty smaller regional cities have
populations of two hundred to three hundred thousand.

Linguistic Affiliation. Thai is a Daic language in the southwestern Tai group. Other Thai groups speak related southern
and east-central Thai languages. Large-scale Chinese migration took place in the nineteenth century. Most of the
Chinese in the country speak dialects of Min Nan Chinese. There are twenty-four Mon-Khmer-speaking groups, whose
languages can be subdivided into four groups: Monic, Aslian, Eastern Mon-Khmer, and Northern Mon-Khmer.

Seven Austronesian languages are spoken, all of which belong to the Malayic Malayo-Polynesian group. The main
Austronesian language is Pattani Malay, which is spoken by about 2.5 million people in the southern region. The Pattani
Malay, Malay, and Kedah Malay populations live in an area associated with the kingdom of Patani, which fell under Thai
control in 1786.
The nineteen Tibeto-Burman-speaking groups include nine groups that speak Karen languages. Three Hmong-Mien
languages are spoken in the north. Various migrant communities speak Korean, Japanese, Tamil, and Urdu.

Thai is the national language and the medium for education and mass communication. It is widely used by speakers of
other Tai languages and is a second language for most other people.

Symbolism. The most potent national symbols are the king and images associated with Buddhism. The monarch serves
as the most important symbol of national identity and unity. Images of the king appear frequently in public and in
people's homes, and he is featured often on television and the other mass media. His image is on all banknotes and
coins. Showing disrespect for the king is a serious legal offense. Images of the Buddha and shrines are found in public
buildings (including schools and government offices) and homes as well as temples. The promotion of Buddhism as a
symbol of national identity has met with opposition from the Muslim minority.

National Identity. In the twentieth century, the culture of the Central Tai came to dominate the national culture. The
military dictator, Phibun, passed a number of Cultural Mandates that promoted a centralized national culture and
identity. Other mandates promoted the use of the national dress and the national language.

The term "Thai identity" was coined in the late 1950s. The Ministry of Education played an important role in expanding
the national culture. The military government that seized power in 1976 viewed the national identity as something that
had to be defended against Western cultural influences. A National Culture Commission was established in 1979 to
coordinate efforts to defend the national culture. Those efforts were closely linked to national security and occurred
against the backdrop of a communist insurgency that involved members of ethnic minorities.

Ethnic Relations. Thailand often is portrayed as a culturally homogeneous country, but there are approximately seventy-
five distinct ethnolinguistic groups. The Central Tai is the dominant ethnic group and accounts for 36 percent of the
population. The Thai-Lao and Lanna Tai, who together account for about 40 percent of the population, were not
assimilated into the national culture until the twentieth century.

FOOD

Tom Yum Goong - spicy soup-Tom Yum is a spicy Thai Soup with shrimp, and it is one of the most famous traditional
foods in the country. It is typically made with mushroom, tomatoes, garlic, fish sauce, cilantro, onions, galangal, kaffir
lime leaves, and lemongrass together with a lot of lime juice. Due to the composition of the ingredients, it is sour and
spicy, but lovely to the taste buds. In a traditional setup, the soup may feature meats such as fish, beef, pork or chicken,
and it is generally served in a large clay bowl or an aluminum pot with a charcoal burner.

Laap - seasoned minced meat-Laap has its origins in northeast Thailand, and it is one rustic dish you must never miss
during your Thai visit. It is primarily made from minced meat seasoned with fresh herbs, fish sauce, lime juice, and
roasted rice powder. The best way to enjoy this delicacy is to accompany it with sticky rice or fat grains of rice that have
been steamed and eaten with hands.

Phat Kaphrao - stir-fried meat with basil and chilli-If you have a thing for traditional foods that you can easily find in the
streets, then you have every reason to try out Phat Kaphrao. It is a traditional street food staple in Thailand, and it
features a combination of meat flash-fried with holy basil. In most places, you will find it doused in a generous amount
of chili and garlic. Mostly served over sticky rice and often topped with fried eggs – it is the definition of traditional Thai-
style one-bite meal.

ECONOMY
Trade. In the mid-1990s, exports were equal in value to about 25 percent of the gross domestic product. The most
important exports are computers, integrated circuits, and related parts. Other major exports include electric appliances,
garments, rubber, plastic products, shrimp, footwear, gems and jewelry, rice, and canned seafood. Major imports
include nonelectric machinery and parts, electrical machinery and parts, chemicals, vehicle parts, iron and steel, crude
oil, computers and parts, metal products, and integrated circuits. After the 1997 crash, the manufacturing sector
declined sharply, especially the sectors that were highly dependent on imports, such as garments. By late 1998,
however, manufacturing had begun to recover. The United States and Japan are the largest markets for the country's
exports and suppliers of its imports. Neighboring countries, especially China, have become increasingly trading
important partners.

Political Life

Government. Thailand is a constitutional monarchy. The king, on occasion, involves himself directly in political affairs
when national stability is threatened. Between 1932 and the early 1990s, the government was dominated by a military
and bureaucratic elite. After the elections in 1992, political parties opposed to military intervention formed a coalition
government, with the leader of the Democratic Party becoming prime minister. Parliament was dissolved in 1995, and
the Democratic Party lost to the Thai Nation Party. That government lasted only until 1996, when a former military
commander formed a coalition government and became prime minister. The economic collapse of 1997 led to the fall of
that government and the eventual assumption of power by a coalition government led by the Democratic Party with its
leader, Chuan Leekpai, as prime minister.

A reformist constitution was promulgated in late 1997 with the intent to enhance participatory democracy. Attention
has focused on eliminating corrupt political practices and devolving power. Devolution has included holding elections to
a wider range of local offices. A National Counter-Corruption Commission was formed and given some powers to
monitor electoral fraud.

Marriage. In general, individuals find their own marriage partners, although the choice of a spouse may be influenced by
one's family among the wealthy. The value of goods provided to the couple and elaborateness of the wedding ceremony
vary with the wealth of the families of the couple. Polygyny was common among the elite in the past but is now rare,
although wealthy and powerful men often have a de facto second wife known as a minor wife. Divorce is not difficult
and is usually a matter of a couple ceasing to live together and dividing their property.

Etiquette

The Thai and other Buddhists follow the widespread Buddhist custom of not touching a person on the head, which is
considered the highest part of the body. Patting a child on the head is thought to be dangerous to the well-being of the
child. A person should not point the feet at anyone or at an image of Buddha. Footwear is removed when entering
temple complexes, and it is polite to remove footwear when entering a house. Buddhist monks are not supposed to
come into contact with women. It is traditional to greet a person with a prayerlike gesture called a wai . It is considered
improper to lose one's temper or show too much emotion in public.

Religion

Religious Beliefs. About eighty-five percent of the people are Theravada Buddhists, and the monarch must be a
Buddhist. Virtually all Tai-speaking peoples are Theravada Buddhists, as are members of many of the ethnic minorities.
The Buddhism of Central Tais often is referred to as Lankavamsa, reflecting its origins in Sri Lanka. Thai Buddhism,
however, is a syncretic religion that borrows from earlier animistic beliefs, Hinduism, and Christianity. A noticeable
manifestation of animism in Thai Buddhism are the spirit houses associated with almost all houses and buildings. These
usually are small model houses placed on a pedestal, that serve as a home for the spirits associated with the site. These
houses are decorated and presented with daily offerings. Many large trees also are considered to serve as the home of
spirits and are decorated and given offerings.

Death and the Afterlife. Buddhists believe that those who die are reborn in a form that is appropriate to the amount of
merit they accumulated while alive. The cycle of death and rebirth is believed to continue as long as ignorance and
craving remain. The cycle can be broken only through enhanced personal wisdom and the elimination of desire. Funerals
involve either burial or cremation. The funeral ceremony includes a procession of monks and mourners who accompany
the coffin to the cemetery or crematorium, with monks chanting and performing rites along the way. Funerals for monks
tend to be very elaborate, while people who have died a violent death are buried quickly, with very little ceremony,
since their spirits are believed to linger after death as malevolent ghosts.

CULTURE PLACE

The Grand Palace, Bangkok-Even if your plans for Thailand mainly involve frolicking on a beach, cozying up to elephants,
and eating as much Massaman curry and tom ka gai as humanly possible, you'll probably spend at least a day or two in
Bangkok. There's plenty to see and do in the capital, but it's perhaps best to start with the Grand Palace. This is the
number one sightseeing attraction in the city, and it's staggering in historical significance and craftsmanship. The
grounds are a maze of royal halls, temples, and ancient relics, the most important being Wat Phra Kaeo, Temple of the
Emerald Buddha. A relic within this temple is said to be a piece of bone or hair from the enlightened Buddha himself.
Allow several hours to do the Grand Palace justice, but if you're up for more walking afterward, you can easily take in
some of the city's other major landmarks. The famous Wat Po and Wat Arun, the Temple of the Dawn (a great place to
watch the sunset), are also nearby. And as Bangkok is a main hub for international travel, it's a great starting point for
excursions throughout the country.

Sukhothai Old City-his is a favorite stop for history buffs and photography enthusiasts, as there are many lovely photo
ops in this ancient capital of Thailand. Ruins of this old city still stand proud despite enduring centuries of battle and
exposure to the elements. Sukhothai's Old City is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and much has been invested to restore
and preserve one of Thailand's most significant historical sites. Attractions here include many wats, which speak to the
country's long history of Buddhist devotion. Each structure tells its own story of the old society, with relics and
influences from other ancient civilizations appearing in the design of each.

Historic City of Ayutthaya-Ayutthaya presents a glimpse into the glory of ancient Thailand, where visitors can wander
the haunting but romantic ruins of the former capital. After the Sukhothai period, the city was the most important in
Thailand, and the old palaces and temples stand as a testament to this. There are also several foreign settlements,
where you can gain a greater understanding of the influence other countries had in Thailand at the time. Ayutthaya is
located only a short bus trip or train ride from Bangkok, making it convenient for a day trip if you're pressed for time. If
you're on a more leisurely schedule, plan on spending a few days in the ancient capital and rent a push-bike to tour both
the old city and the new.

SOUTH KOREA(Koreans) Land of the Morning Calm

Population: estimated at 51,225,308 people at mid year according to UN data

Identification. Koryo (918–1392) and Choson (1392–1910) were the last two Korean dynasties. Korean immigrants and
their descendants in Russia, China, and Japan use the names of those dynasties as a reference for their ethnicity. Despite
the continued use of Choson as a self-name in North Korea, the Japanese convention of referring to the Korean nation
by that name (pronounced Chosen in Japanese) can be offensive to South Koreans because of its evocation of Japanese
colonization of the nation (1910–1945).

Location and Geography. South Korea occupies the southern half of the Korean peninsula, which protrudes about 620
miles (1,000 kilometers) southward from the Eurasian landmass between Soviet Siberia in the northeast and Chinese
Manchuria to the north. About three thousand islands belong to Korea, among which the Province of Cheju Island is the
largest. The total area of the peninsula, including the islands, is about 85,000 square miles (222,000 square kilometers),
of which about 45 percent or about 38,000 square miles (99,000 square kilometers) constitutes the territory of South
Korea.

Demography. In 1997, the population was 45.9 million, with 1,200 persons per square mile (463 persons per square
kilometer). Since the mid-1980s, when Korea stabilized at a low level of fertility, remarkably high sex ratios at birth have
resulted from son-selective reproductive behaviors such as prenatal sex screening and sex-selective abortion. Another
notable demographic trend is the increasing ratio of the elderly: the 1997 census revealed that 6.3 percent of the total
population was 65 years of age or older.

Linguistic Affiliation. About seventy million people speak Korean. Most live on the peninsula, but more than five million
live across the globe. Korean is considered part of the Tungusic branch of the Altaic group of the Ural-Altaic language
family. It also has a close relationship to Japanese in general structure, grammar, and vocabulary. The form of Korean
spoken around Seoul is regarded as standard. Major dialects differ mainly in accent and intonation. Except for old Cheju
dialect, all are mutually intelligible.

Symbolism. The national flag, T'aegukki , is a unique symbol. The flag of T'aeguk ("Supreme Ultimate"), symbolizes the
basic ideas of east Asian cosmology shared by the peoples in the Chinese culture area. In the center of a white
background is a circle divided horizontally in two by an S-shaped line. The upper portion in red represents the yang , and
the lower portion in blue symbolizes the um ( yin in Chinese), depicting the yinyang principle of a universe in perfect
balance and harmony. The central symbolism in the T'aeguk form is that while there is a constant movement of
opposites in the universe (day and night, good and evil, masculinity and femininity), there is also balance. The four
trigrams at the corners of the flag also express the ideas of opposites and balance. The three unbroken lines in the upper
left corner represent heaven while the three broken lines placed diagonally in the lower right corner represent the
earth. The trigram in the upper right corner represents water, while the one placed diagonally at the lower left corner
represents fire.

National Identity. Before the 1945 national division of the peninsula and the subsequent establishment of the two
political regimes of North and South Korea in 1948, Koreans identified themselves as the people of Choson. Tan'gun as
the founding ancestor has had a symbolic meaning for Koreans throughout the nation's history. A temple erected in
Tan'gun's honor in 1429 stood in P'yongyang until its destruction during the Korean War. In 1993, North Korea
announced the discovery of Tan'gun's tomb and a few remains of his skeleton at a site close to P'yongyang. Some
Korean calendars still print the Year of Tan'gun ( Tan'gi ) along with the Gregorian calendar year, which the South Korean
government officially adopted in 1962.

Ethnic Relations. Korea is one of the few countries in which ethnicity and nationality coincide. The only immigrant ethnic
minority group is a Chinese community of about 20,000 that is concentrated mainly in Seoul and has existed since the
late nineteenth century. Since the Korean War, the continued presence of the United States Forces–Korea has resulted
in the immigration of over one hundred thousand Korean women to the United States as soldiers' wives. Since the early
1990s, an increasing number of foreign workers from Asian countries (including Korean Chinese) and Russia have
entered South Korea in pursuit of the "Korean Dreams."
Foods

Samgyeopsal (pork strips)-One of the most popular Korean dishes in South Korea, samgyeopsal consists of grilled slices
of pork belly meat that are not marinated or seasoned. They are commonly dipped in seasoning made of salt and pepper
mixed in sesame seed oil, and then wrapped in lettuce along with grilled slices of garlic, grilled slices of onion, shredded
green onions, and kimchi. It is one of the most common dishes found in any Korean restaurant throughout the world.

Bulgogi (marinated beef barbecue)-A juicy, savory dish of grilled marinated beef, bulgogi is one of the most popular
Korean meat dishes throughout the world, and was ranked as the 23rd most delicious food in the world according to
CNN Travel’s reader’s poll in 2011. It is often grilled with garlic and sliced onions to add flavor to the meat. The meat is
usually wrapped in lettuce and it is also traditionally eaten with ssamjang (a thick, red spicy paste).

Japchae (stir-fried noodles)-Often served as a side dish during lunch or dinner, japchae is a traditional Korean noodle
dish made up of stir-fried sweet potato, thinly shredded vegetables, beef, and a hint of soy sauce and sugar. Depending
on the chef, additional ingredients like mushrooms are added to the mix. Japchae is known for its sweet and flavorful
taste and its soft yet slightly chewy texture.

Kimchi (fermented vegetables)-One of the oldest and probably the most essential dishes in Korean cuisine, kimchi is a
spicy and sour dish made up of fermented vegetables. It is prepared with various kinds of ingredients, but the most
common main ingredient is cabbage. Kimchi is popular among foreigners for its unique flavor, as well as its high
nutritional value, fiber content and low calorie content. However, for Koreans, it is most popular due to its significant
cultural value. Without kimchi, dinner is considered incomplete.

Basic Economy. South Korea transformed its traditional agrarian subsistence economy to a primarily industrialized one
in little more than a generation. In 1962, when the First Five-Year Economic Development Plan was launched, per capita
gross national product was $87 (U.S.), in contrast with $10,543 (U.S.) in 1996. However, rapid increases in short-term
debt precipitated by overinvestments by chaebols (family-owned and -managed conglomerates) and insufficient foreign
exchange reserves caused the financial crisis of 1997, which necessitated emergency financial aid from the International
Monetary Fund (IMF) in December 1997. After a year of rising unemployment, negative economic growth, and reforms
of the financial sector in 1998, the economy began to recover. For gross domestic product (GDP) of $406.7 billion (U.S.),
the country ranked thirteenth and for per capita GDP it ranked thirtieth among the world's nations in 1999.

Trade. The economy is export-oriented and at the same time heavily dependent on overseas raw materials. In 1999
exports were $143.7 billion (U.S.) and imports were $119.8 billion (U.S.). Korea ranked twelfth for exports and
fourteenth for imports among the countries in the world. The major trading partners are the United States and Japan.
Since the 1980s, main export items have included computers, semiconductors, automobiles, steel, shipbuilding,
electronic goods, machinery, textiles, and fishery products. Overseas construction is a critical source of foreign currency
and invisible export earnings. Major import items are steel, chemicals, timber and pulp, cereals, petroleum and
petroleum products, and electronics and electrical equipment. The current account balance for the first half of 2000
marked a surplus of $4.4 billion (U.S.).

Political Life

Government. Koreans lived under a dynastic system until 1910. After liberation from Japanese colonization in 1945, the
southern half of the peninsula was occupied by the United States and the northern half by the Soviet military until 1948,
when two Koreas emerged. Since then, South Korea has traveled a rocky road in its political development from
autocratic governments to a more democratic state, amending its constitution nine times in the wake of tumultuous
political events such as the Korean War, the April Revolution of 1960, the 1961 and 1979 military coups, the 1980
Kwangju uprising, and the 1987 democracy movement. The government has maintained a presidential system except in
1960–1961, when a parliamentary system was in place. Government power is shared by three branches: the executive,
legislative, and judicial. The Constitutional Court and the National Election Commission also perform governing
functions.

The executive branch under the president as the head of state consists of the prime minister, the State Council,
seventeen executive ministries, seventeen independent agencies, the Board of Inspection and Audit, and the National
Intelligence Service. The president is elected by popular vote for a single five-year term. The prime minister is appointed
by the president with the approval of the National Assembly. The legislature consists of a single-house National
Assembly whose 273 members serve four-year terms. Some degree of local autonomy was restored for the first time
since 1961 by the implementation of local assembly elections in 1991 and popular elections of the heads of provincial
and municipal governments in 1995. The judiciary has three tiers of courts: the Supreme Court, the high courts or
appellate courts, and the district courts.

Marriage. Family background and educational level are important considerations in matchmaking. Marriage between
people with a common surname and origin place ( tongsong tongbon ) was prohibited by law until 1997. Many urbanites
find their spouse at schools or workplaces and have a love marriage. Others may find partners through arranged
meetings made by parents, relatives, friends, and professional matchmakers.

In urban centers, the arranged meeting often takes place in a hotel coffee shop where the man, the woman, and their
parents may meet for the first time. After exchanging greetings and some conversation, the parents leave so that the
couple can talk and decide whether they would like to see each other again. Most individuals have freedom in choosing
a marital partner.

Etiquette

Koreans are very status conscious, and their speech behavior reflects the hierarchical relationship between social actors.
Except among former classmates and other very close friends, adults do not use first names to address each other.
Position titles such as "professor," "manager," "director," and "president" are used in combination with the honorific
suffix nim to address a social superior.

Koreans are generally courteous to the extent of being ceremonious when they interact with social superiors but can be
very outgoing and friendly among friends and acquaintances of equal social status. Their behavior with strangers in
urban public situations may be characterized by indifference and self-centeredness. Koreans appear to be rude to
strangers since they generally do not say a word when they accidentally push or jostle other people on the streets, and
in the stores, train stations, and airports. Traditional Confucian teaching emphasized propriety in the five sets of human
relationships, which included the relations between sovereign and subject, father and son, husband and wife, senior and
junior, and friend and friend. Confucianism still serves as the standard of moral and social conduct for many people.

Religion

Religious Beliefs. As a result of constitutional guarantees of freedom of religion, there is a wide range of religious
beliefs, from shamanism, Confucianism, and Buddhism to Christianity, Islam, and other religions. Indigenous folk beliefs
and shamanism have co-evolved, sharing a fundamental belief in the existence of a myriad of gods (such as the
mountain gods, the house gods, and the fire god) and spirits of the dead, all of which may influence people's fortunes.
Korean Buddhism has both doctrinal and meditative traditions. Buddhists believe that human suffering is caused mainly
by desire. Thus, some Buddhists try to obtain enlightenment by cultivating an attitude of detachment, while others seek
to fulfill their desires by offering prayers of requests to Kwanum, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. Confucianism is a
political and social philosophy that emphasizes the virtues of in , usually translated as "human-heartedness," and hyo or
filial piety, which is expressed through ceremony such as ancestor rites. The Confucian concept of heaven is an
impersonal yet willful force in nature and society, and is beyond human control.

Early Korean Catholics who embraced Catholicism as part of Western Learning ( Sohak ), suffered persecution during the
Choson Dynasty for renouncing their ancestral rites as "pagan" rites. Christianity, including both Catholicism and
Protestantism, has become a major religion. Lay Christians seek material and spiritual richness through fervent prayers,
while some theologians have advocated new theologies focusing on the plight of the underprivileged minjung (the
"masses") and/or women. Ch'ondogyo (the Teaching of the Heavenly Way), which began as Tonghak (Eastern Learning),
founded by Ch'oe Che U in 1860, is a syncretistic religion that grew on the grassroots level. "Humanity and heaven are
one and the same" is its basic tenet, which emphasizes human dignity and gender equality.

Death and the Afterlife. Many Koreans believe in ancestral spirits and observe Confucian rituals concerning funerals,
mourning practices, and memorial services. Folk beliefs about the afterlife are somewhat influenced by Buddhism but
are characterized by diversity. Mourning periods vary, depending on the social status of the deceased, from one day to
two years. Selecting good grave sites according to geomantic principles is regarded as important for both the ancestral
spirit and the descendants'

CULTURAL PLACE

Gyeongbokgung Palace- Gyeongbokgung Palace was the main legal residence of the royal family during the Joseon
Dynasty. Carrying a meaning of “a place where the new king can enjoy prosperity of great blessings,” this was the first
palace built during the Joseon Dynasty. The palace is unique for its vast area and harmony of buildings, and is the only
palace to have all four major gates still remaining to this day.

Within the palace grounds, you can see a multitude of restored buildings. Visitors will enjoy looking at the variations
among buildings, each serving a unique purpose. Of course, even before entering the palace, tourists enjoy gathering at
Gwanghwamun Gate to watch the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony; be sure to time your visit to include this cultural
performance in your tour. Gyeongbokgung Palace also offers special evening admissions occasionally, so don’t miss the
opportunity to enjoy the evening atmosphere at the palace grounds if your schedule allows.

Namsan Seoul Tower- Seoul’s landmark attraction is none other than Namsan Seoul Tower, located atop Namsan
Mountain in the center of the city. The tower draws in visitors year-round, and is most famous for its nightscape view of
the city. For hallyu fans, the tower is a must-visit attraction, having been featured in dramas like “My Love From the Star
(2013)” and “Legend of the Blue Sea (2016).”

The tower features not only an observation deck, but also atmospheric cafés and restaurants among other facilities.
Namsan Seoul Tower is a great place to spend an enjoyable evening with friends or loved ones, while taking in the
beautiful nightscape over a cup of coffee.

Bukchon Hanok Village- A representative attraction of Seoul, Bukchon Hanok Village shows the charm of Korea’s
traditional buildings. The neighborhood where relatives of the royal family lived, the hanok here are grand, providing
beautiful scenes down every lane. To make the most of your visit, we recommend finding the “Eight Scenic Spots of
Bukchon.” These eight locations are each unique but share the similarity of offering breathtaking views. Your souvenir
photos will turn out great with these spots in the background!
VIETNAM (Vietnamese)
Population: 96,653,345 as of Thursday, September 19, 2019, based on the latest United Nations estimates.

Identification. The name Vietnam originated in 1803 when envoys from the newly founded Nguyen dynasty traveled to
Beijing to establish diplomatic relations with the Chinese court. The new emperor had chosen the name Nam Viet for his
kingdom. The word Viet he derived from the traditional name for the Vietnamese imperial domain and its people in
what is now northern and central Vietnam. Nam (south) had been added to acknowledge the expansion of the dynasty's
domain into lands to the south. The Chinese objected to this new name because it was the same as an ancient state that
had rebelled against Chinese rule. They therefore changed it to Viet Nam. Vietnamese officials resented the change and
it did not attain public acceptance until the late 1800s.

Location and Geography. Vietnam occupies approximately 127,243 square miles (329,560 square kilometers), an area
roughly equivalent to New Mexico, and is situated between 8 and 24 degrees latitude and 102 and 110 degrees
longitude. It borders China in the north, Laos in the northeast and center, and Cambodia in the southwest. Its 2,135
miles (3,444 kilometers) of coastline run from its border with Cambodia on the Gulf of Thailand along the South China
Sea to its border with China. The delineation of Vietnam's borders has been a focus of dispute in the post–1975 period,
notably the ownership disputes with China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Malaysia over the Spratly Islands; and
with China and Taiwan over the Paracel Islands. Recent progress has been made settling land border disputes with China
and Cambodia. The Vietnamese culturally divide their country into three main regions, the north ( Bac Bo ), center (
Trung Bo ), and south ( Nam Bo ), with Hanoi, Hue, and Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) serving as the main cities of
each region. Hanoi, the site of the former capital of one of the country's earliest dynasties, has been the capital of the
unified Vietnam since 1976.

Demography. The current population is approximately seventy-seven million composed almost exclusively of indigenous
peoples. The largest group is the ethnic Vietnamese ( Kinh ), who comprise over 85 percent of the population. Other
significant ethnic groups include the Cham, Chinese, Hmong, Khmer, Muong, and Tai, though none of these groups has a
population over one million. Expatriates of many nationalities reside in urban areas. The country's two largest
population centers are Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, but over 75 percent of the population lives in rural areas. The
country's birth rate, estimated to increase at 1.37 percent per year, has led to rapid population growth since the 1980s
with approximately 34 percent of the population under 14 years of age.

Linguistic Affiliation. Vietnamese is the dominant language, spoken by an estimated 86.7 percent of the population. It is
a tonal Mon-Khmer language with strong Chinese lexical influences. The six-toned dialect of the central Red River delta
region, particularly around Hanoi, is regarded as the language's standard form, but significant dialectical variations exist
between regions in terms of the number of tones, accents, and vocabulary. Dialectical differences often serve as
important symbols of regional identity in social life. As the official language, Vietnamese is taught in schools throughout
the country. Since the 1940s, Vietnamese governments have made great progress in raising literacy rates and
approximately 90 percent of the adult population is literate. During the twentieth century the country's elite have
mastered a variety of second languages, such as French, Russian, and English, with the latter being the most commonly
learned second language today. Linguists estimate that approximately eighty-five other languages from the Austro-
Asiatic, Austronesian, Daic, Miao-Yiao, and Sino-Tibetan language families are indigenous to the country. These range
from languages spoken by large numbers of people, such as Muong (767,000), Khmer (700,000), Nung (700,000), Tai
Dam (over 500,000), and Chinese (500,000), to those spoken by only a few hundred people, such as O'Du, spoken by an
estimated two hundred people. Many minority group members are bilingual, though not necessarily with Vietnamese as
their second language.

Symbolism. The Vietnamese government extensively employs a number of symbols to represent the nation. These
include the flag, with its red background and centered, five-pointed gold star; a variety of red and gold stars; the image
of Ho Chi Minh; and representations of workers and soldiers. Images and statues of the latter, wearing green pith
helmets and carrying weapons, are common in public places. Images of Ho are ubiquitous, adorning everything from
currency to posters on buildings to the portraits of him commonly found hanging in northern Vietnamese homes. Ho
was a strong advocate of national unity and referred to all Vietnamese as "children of one house." Other commonly
visible symbols are the patterns of seabirds and other figures featured on Dong Son drums. These drums, manufactured
by early residents of northern Vietnam in the first and second millennia B.C. , represent the nation's antiquity. Since
Vietnam began developing its tourist industry in the late 1980s, a number of other images have become commonplace,
such as farmers in conical hats, young boys playing flutes while riding on the back of buffalo, and women in ao dai , the
long-flowing tunic that is regarded as the national dress.

National Identity. National identity is a complex and contentious issue. One of the most basic components is the
Vietnamese language. Many Vietnamese are tremendously proud of their language and its complexities. People
particularly enjoy the rich opportunities for plays on words that come from its tonal nature and value the ability to
appropriately use the countless number of adages and proverbs enshrined in the language. Vietnamese also have an
attachment to their natural world. The expression "Vietnamese land" (dat Viet) , with its defining metaphors of
mountains and rivers, encapsulates the notion that Vietnamese society and culture have an organic relationship to their
environment. Another important component of national identity is the set of distinctive customs such as weddings,
funerals, and ancestor worship that Vietnamese perform. These are subject to a great deal of regional and historical
variation, but there is a perceived core that many regard as uniquely Vietnamese, especially the worship of patrilineal
ancestors by families. Vietnamese food, with its ingredients and styles of preparation distinct from both China and other
Southeast Asian nations, also defines the country and its people.

Ethnic Relations. Vietnam is home to fifty-four official ethnic groups, the majority of which live in highland areas,
although some large groups such the Cham or Chinese live in lowland or urban areas. Since the mid-1980s, relations
between ethnic groups have generally been good, but conflict has been present. The most frequent problem is
competition for resources, either between different highland groups or between highland groups and lowland groups
that have settled in the midlands and highlands. Some minority group members also feel discriminated against and
resent governmental intrusion in their lives. The government, which at one level supports and celebrates ethnic
diversity, has had complicated relations with groups it fears might become involved in anti-government activities. This
has been the case with several highland groups in northern and central Vietnam, the ethnic Chinese, many of whom fled
Vietnam at the time of the Vietnam War and China's brief border war in 1979, and expatriate Vietnamese who have
returned to Vietnam.

FOOD

Chao -is a porridge, a warm dish of rice, similar to the Chinese congee. It is prepared by cooking the rice in a broth,
together with a meat like chicken or duck, and herbs. The meat is often served as a side dish. Plain chao served with
nothing but rice, is a popular breakfast and also a humble meal of the Buddhist monks.

Banh Chung-Banh chung is a cake made of sticky rice combined with spices, pork meat, and beans. The rice and beans
are soaked in water, and then all the ingredients are wrapped together, commonly using a banana leaf. Then the cake is
cooked in water and stored if not eaten right away. It is commonly boiled again before eating. The banh chung is
especially popular during the New Year celebrations.
Pho- is one of the best-known Vietnamese dishes. It is a noodle soup and a very popular street food. Pho is made of a
combination of meat, green herbs, and rice noodles, all served in a delicious broth. The chicken pho and the meatball
pho are among the most popular varieties. It is a tasty, aromatic, and colorful dish, perfect for lunch or dinner.

Major Industries. Industrial output is evenly split between the state-owned, private, and foreign sectors. Since the late
1980s, Vietnam has actively promoted foreign investment, resulting in a very rapid growth in output by that sector.
International corporations have been most active in mining, electronics assembly, and the production of textiles,
garments, and footwear, usually for export. Corruption and an unclear legal system have severely limited Vietnam ability
to attract additional foreign investment since the 1997 Asian financial crisis. Vietnamese state-owned factories produce
a number of commodities for local consumption, such as cigarettes, textiles, alcohol, fertilizer, cement, food, paper,
glass, rubber, and some consumer appliances. Private firms are still relatively small in size and number, and are usually
concentrated in agricultural processing and light industry. Many complain that state interference, an undeveloped
commercial infrastructure, and a confusing and ineffective legal system inhibit their growth and success.

Trade. Vietnam's international trade relations have grown considerably since the early 1990's. Major exports include oil,
marine products, rubber, tea, garments, and footwear. The country is one of the world's largest exporters of coffee and
rice. It sells most of its rice to African nations. Its largest trading partners for other commodities include Japan, China,
Singapore, Australia, and Taiwan.

Political Life

Government. Vietnam is a socialist republic with a government that includes an elected legislature, the national
assembly, a president as head of state, and a prime minister as head of government. However, real political power lies
with the Vietnamese Communist Party. Party members hold virtually all executive and administrative positions in the
government. The party's Fatherland Front determines which candidates can run in elections and its politburo sets the
guidelines for all major governmental policy initiatives. The most powerful position in the country is the Communist
Party general secretary. Other important positions are the prime minister, the president, the minister of public security,
and the chief of the armed forces. Women and members of Vietnam's ethnic groups are nominally represented in the
government. One of the most sensitive issues the government faces is balancing regional interests.

Leadership and Political Officials. The Communist Party pressures its members to serve as examples of political virtue.
The image they employ as their ideal leader is Ho Chi Minh. Ho was a devoted revolutionary who lived a life of simplicity,
avoided corruption, behaved in a fair and egalitarian manner, and put the nation and revolution above his own personal
interests. Party members and others often invoke the numerous moral adages coined by Ho during his life as a
benchmark for social and political morality. Ho's popularity is greatest in the north. Residents of other regions
sometimes have more ambivalent feelings about him.

Marriage. Marriage is an expected rite of passage for the attainment of adulthood. Almost all people marry, usually in
their late teens or early twenties. According to Vietnamese law, arranged marriage and polygamy are illegal. Young
people can court freely, but many women are careful not to court too openly for fear of developing a negative
reputation. Many Vietnamese regard the development of romantic love as an important component in deciding to
marry, but many will also balance family considerations when making their decision. Vietnamese prefer to marry
someone of equal status, though it is better for the husband to be of slightly higher status. Such considerations have
become more significant in recent years as wealth differentials have grown. Vietnamese law allows both men and
women to ask for a divorce. Divorce rates have increased, particularly in urban areas, but many women are reluctant to
divorce because remarriage is difficult for them.

Etiquette
Polite behavior is highly valued. One of the most important dimensions of politeness is for the young to show respect to
their elders. In everyday life, younger people show this respect by using hierarchical terms of address when interacting
with their seniors and parents regularly instruct their children on their proper usage. Younger people should also be the
first to issue the common salutation chao when meeting someone older, should always invite their seniors to begin
eating before they do, ask for permission to leave the house, announce their arrival when they return, and not dominate
conversations or speak in a confrontational manner with their seniors. Prerevolutionary practices demanded that juniors
bow or kowtow to their seniors, but the revolution has largely eliminated such practices. Many elders today feel that the
revolution produced a general decline in politeness.

People of the same gender often maintain close proximity in social contexts. Both males and females will hold hands or
sit very close together. People of different genders, however, especially if they are not married or related, should not
have physical contact. In general woman are expected to maintain greater decorum than men by avoiding alcohol and
tobacco, speaking quietly, and dressing modestly. In many public spaces, however, people often avoid standing in
queues, resulting in a chaotic environment where people touch or press up against one another as they go about their
business.

Religion

Religious Beliefs. The Vietnamese government recognizes six official religions: Buddhism, Catholicism, Protestantism,
Islam, and two indigenous religious traditions that emerged during the colonial period, Cao Dai and Hoa Hao. The
Mahayana tradition of Buddhism is dominant in Vietnam, and over 70 percent of Vietnamese consider themselves at
least nominally Buddhist. The constitution technically allows for the freedom of religion, but this right is often
constrained, particularly with regard to any religious activities that could become a forum for dissent. All religious
organizations are technically overseen by the Communist Party's Fatherland Front, but opposition, notably from the Cao
Dai, Hoa Hao, and some Buddhist sects, has been present.

Death and the Afterlife. The vast majority of Vietnamese hold that a person's soul lives on after death. One of the most
important moral obligations for the living, especially the deceased's children, is to conduct a proper funeral that will
facilitate the soul's movement from the world of the living to what Vietnamese refer to as "the other world" ( gioi khac ).
This transfer is vital because a soul that does not move to the other world is condemned to becoming a malevolent
wandering ghost, while the soul that does move can become a benevolent family ancestor. There is a great deal of
variation regarding the conduct of funeral rites, but they share this common goal.

CULTURAL PLACE

Ho Chi Minh City- For big city fans, no visit to Vietnam is really complete without a visit to Ho Chi Minh City, the buzzing
and crazy commercial hub of the country. The streets are an insane clog of motorbikes and cars, the restaurant and cafe
scene is incredibly cosmopolitan, and the shopping is the best you'll find in the country. At its center is Dong Khoi, a
relatively small and easily navigable central district, which holds most of the city's sights. Here, you'll find the HCMC
Museum, with a brilliant collection of artefacts that weaves together the story of the city, and the grand Notre Dame
Cathedral, built in the late 19th century. Check out the old district of Da Kao nearby for some of the best surviving
examples of the city's French colonial architecture and also to visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda with its dazzling array of
Buddhist and Taoist religious iconography. Afterwards, the History Museum is a must-do for history fans with stacks of
relics on display from various archaeological sites.

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park- One of the world's best caving destinations, World Heritage-listed Phong Nha-Ke
Bang National Park is a dramatic karst mountain formation honeycombed with huge caverns, which are home to superb
stalactite and stalagmite displays. The most popular destination within the park is the Paradise Cave, which extends for a
staggering 31 kilometers below ground. The yawning caverns here are truly spectacular. Tu Lan Cave is a "wet cave," and
a visit here includes swimming through the cave-systems river. The other most popular excursion is to the Phong Nha
Caves, where the interior is accessed by boat. You can access Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park from Son Trach.

Hoi An- Beautiful Hoi An is the most atmospheric city in Vietnam, with bags of surviving historic architecture. The old
town quarter is a joy to explore, packed to the brim with well-preserved merchant houses that hark back to Hoi An's
trading center heyday of the 15th century, when the town was a major meeting point for Japanese and Chinese
merchants who flocked here for the local silks. Plenty of the old merchant houses have been opened to the public, so
you can get a taste of these times. The best is 17th-century Tan Ky House, with fascinating architectural and decorative
elements.