What's the story behind the Lazy Susan tables?

 As you and your friends are enjoying a good talk at a restaurant, they unintentionally interrupt by requesting to pass the salt. Seems like a distraction, right? The Chinese understood the assignment and designed a rotating, circular tray, usually made of wood, that was placed on a table so that people could have access to different foods with no break in the flow of the conversation. This table goes by its name, Lazy Susan.
 Did you know that the original purpose of those tables was not for eating? They were, actually, used to arrange Chinese characters at printing presses - for easy access. Lazy Susan's origins can be traced back to Wang Zhen, a Chinese official who helped pioneer moveable type, in the 700-year-old Book of Agriculture, which has the earliest known description of a Chinese revolving table.

Thousands of Chinese characters needed to be arranged in order during the printing process. So, Wang Zhen decided to create a moving table, thus saving trouble for the typesetter. Wu Lien-Teh, a Chinese physician, repurposed the revolving table a.k.a. Lazy Susan, as dinner tables.

For his work, he studied several pneumonia and tuberculosis outbreaks and had developed a critical eye toward Chinese hygiene norms, particularly about eating habits. One of his articles from 1915 described group Chinese lunches as a potential source of infection and suggested a "hygienic dining tray" as a cure. A medical historian at Taiwan's Academica Sinica recently rediscovered his invention, and Wu's 1915 description was close to the Lazy Susan table.

But the name Lazy Susan' had nothing to do with Chinese cuisine because in the early 1900s, to reduce household labor during meals, these rotating tables were utilized throughout Europe and America to replace the waiters. Some historians attribute the name "Lazy Susan" to Thomas Jefferson and Thomas Edison. According to The Los Angeles Times, the two Thomases named their invention after their lazy children; nevertheless, without a piece of reliable evidence, this story is often regarded as doubtful.

The Lazy Susan phenomenon began to gain popularity in the 1900s as a significant dining item in households and Chinese-American restaurants started to feature lazy Susans regularly. With a side order of hygienic dining etiquette for which the Lazy Susan was created, it went global for its easy-to-use facility during dinner. Lazy Susan is a groundbreaking creation with a mysterious name.

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How do human live in extreme environments?

EXTREME LIVING

Humans have found a way of living in some of the most inhospitable environments on Earth – including the scorching deserts, the icy Arctic, and the steamy rainforests. Desert dwellers have to cope with the daily problem of finding water. In the Arctic, the challenges are keeping warm and finding food to eat. The rainforests are full of life, but many of the animals are dangerous, and some of the plants are poisonous.

ARCTIC

The frozen Arctic is one of the toughest places on Earth to survive. There are no plant foods, so Arctic people came to rely on hunting seals, walruses, whales, birds, and fish. Without timber, they used skins and bones to build shelters, sleds, and boats. Modern inventions, such as the snowmobile, have made life in this frozen wilderness easier.

RAINFOREST

Unlike the Arctic and the desert, the South American rainforest has a wide variety of animals and plants. The problem is that many of the animals and birds suitable for eating live high up in the canopy. Hunters scan the trees above for prey, such as monkeys, and then shoot them down using blowpipes firing poison darts.

DESERT

The extremes of temperature faced in the desert – extremely hot during the day, and very cold at night – is the main problem desert dwellers face. They are constantly on the move, searching for fresh water supplies, sometimes using the flight of birds and insects as their guide. Having found water, they must make sure that not a drop is wasted.

Ostrich egg: The San people of the Kalahari Desert, in southern Africa, fill ostrich eggs with water and bury them for using later.

Camels: Bedouins travel using camels, which can go without water for long periods thanks to the fat stored on their backs.

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Can you describe the cities?

CITIES

Cities have existed since ancient times, when they functioned as trading hubs, often at the heart of sprawling empires. By the early 20th century, one in 10 people lived in a city. Industrialization has led to massive urbanization, and more than half the world’s population are now city-dwellers. Modern cities are centres of commerce, culture, and government.

CITY-STATE

In Ancient Greece, it was common for cities to establish themselves as independent states, with their own political systems. By the 5th century BCE, there were hundreds of city-states, and Athens was one of the most important. Today, Athens is the Greek capital.

HIGH-RISE

The first high-rise buildings, now known as “skyscrapers”, were constructed in the 1880s. With limited space in city centres, building upwards became the solution. Today, more than 7,000 skyscrapers tower above the city of Hong Kong.

RIVER LIVING

Towns and cities were often built next to rivers, to take advantage of the trading opportunities and transport links they offered. Founded by the Romans, the city of London now spreads far and wide on both sides of the River Thames.

RELIGIOUS CENTRE

Some cities are important religious sites. Mecca, in Saudi Arabia, is sacred to Muslims as the birthplace of the prophet Muhammad. All Muslims should make a pilgrimage to Mecca once in their lifetime.

CONURBATION

When a city expands to merge with neighbouring towns, it becomes one huge urban area called a conurbation. The world’s largest conurbation is Tokyo, Japan, with currently 37 million inhabitants.

PURPOSE-BUILT

Until 1960, the capital of Brazil was Rio de Janeiro on the east coast. However, the government wanted to encourage growth and development in the centre of the country, and so a brand new capital was purpose-built in the interior – the modern capital of Brasília.

POPULATION GROWTH

Until recently, the majority of the world’s population lived in rural areas. Today, most people live in cities, where they have migrated in search of work and opportunity. In many cities, such as Mumbai in India, this has led to overcrowding as temporary shelters spring up on the outskirts.

WORLD HERITAGE

The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has listed sites of outstanding cultural or natural importance in order to preserve them. Called World Heritage Sites, these include cities such as Djenne in Mali, with its large mud brick mosque.

DESERT CITY

At night, the lights of Las Vegas shine out across the Nevada Desert, USA. Las vegas means “the meadows” because the vast city was once just a place where travellers stopped for water as they crossed America.

CITY WITHIN A CITY

Few city-states remain today, but one exception is the Vatican City in Rome, Italy, home of the Pope and the centre of the Roman Catholic Church. The Vatican remains a city-state with its own flag, coins, national anthem, and postage stamps.

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What is the importance of festivals in life?

FESTIVALS

Across the world, people celebrate festivals for a range of reasons. Though many form part of religious worship, others were created to mark a change in seasons, to focus on cultural traditions, or to celebrate an important milestone in history. Some festivals take place on the same day every year; others are based on ancient calendars or a new moon, so the dates change. Special food is almost always a part of each festival.

  • CHRISTMAS

This Christian festival celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, and is celebrated in most countries on 25 December. Traditions include decorating fir trees, exchanging gifts, attending church, and waiting for a visit from Santa Claus.

  • DAY OF THE DEAD

During this Mexican festival, held on 1 November, families believe that the souls of dead relatives are able to return to the land of the living for one night. They decorate altars in homes and cemeteries with candles and flowers.

  • THANKSGIVING

This North American festival is held on the fourth Thursday of November in the USA and the second Monday in October in Canada. Families get together to give thanks for the first good harvest of the European settlers more than 400 years ago.

  • DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL

This festival is celebrated in East Asia. According to legend, when a Chinese official named Qu Yuan drowned in a river, people rowed out on boats with dragon-head prows and dropped parcels of rice wrapped in bamboo (zongzi) into the water to divert the hungry fish away from his body.

  • MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL

This East Asian celebration, which dates back more than 3,000 years, falls near the traditional harvest, when the Moon is at its lightest and brightest. Family and friends gather in the evening to eat mooncakes, rich rounds of pastry with lotus-seed fillings.

  • FEAST OF ST LUCIA

Each year, on 13 December, people in Sweden and Norway celebrate the feast of Saint Lucia (a Christian girl who died for her faith). Early in the morning, a young girl dressed in white (often the youngest daughter in the house) takes a tray of hot saffron buns to her family.

  • EID AL-FITR

This Muslim festival marks the end of Ramadan, a month-long fast. The celebration lasts for three days, starting with the sighting of the new moon. People dress in their best clothes and go to the mosque.

  • DIWALI

Also known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali celebrates the victory of good over evil. Hindu families light oil lamps and put them on ledges and balconies. They also send cards with wishes for a good year.

  • PASSOVER

In March or April, Jews celebrate Passover to remember when Moses led the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Passover lasts for seven or eight days and includes a special meal called a seder. Each part of the meal has a symbolic meaning.

  • EASTER

The Christian festival of Easter recognizes the resurrection of Jesus on the third day after his death. It falls between late March and April each year. People attend church and exchange Easter eggs.

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Which are the major Religions in the world?

RELIGION

A religion is a set of beliefs that helps explain life’s mysteries. People seek guidance from their religion on how they should live their lives. Most people with religious faith believe in either one God or many gods. They express their faith through rituals, such as gathering together with others to worship, and by studying sacred books. There are many different religions, but those included here have the most followers around the world.

  • HINDUISM

One of the oldest religions, Hinduism began 5,000 years ago in India. Hindus believe in a supreme spirit, Brahman, who reveals himself through hundreds of gods and goddesses. Hindus practise their faith in different ways, but share a belief in reincarnation – the idea that a person’s soul has lived before and will live on after death in another form.

Krishna This popular Hindu god is thought to bring great happiness to believers.

Ganesh Hindus pray to Ganesh, the elephant god of wisdom and help, when facing a new challenge.

Water shaker In one Hindu ritual, priests sprinkle water over the worshippers.

Om is a sacred Sound, Om, spoken after Hindu prayer.

  • ISLAM

Muslims believe that God revealed his words through an angel to the prophet Muhammad, who collected them in the Qur’an, the holy book. The faithful try to live by the rules in this book. The most important duties are the Five Pillars: prayer, helping the needy, fasting for one month a year, making a pilgrimage to Mecca, and showing faith in God.

Islamic scribe Because the Qur’an is believed to contain God’s exact words, great care is taken when Muslim scribes recreate them.

Prayer beads God, or Allah, is thought to have 99 names. This string of 99 prayer beads can be used to remind Muslims of the many names of the one God.

Qibla Muslims must face the holy city of Mecca when they pray, five times a day.

  • CHRISTIANITY

Christianity is based on the belief that Jesus Christ is God’s son. The Bible, Christianity’s sacred book, contains the story of Jesus’s life and how he was put to death. Christians believe his sacrifice means that followers will have an eternal life with God.

Chalice In the ritual of Holy Communion, bread and wine represent the body and blood of Jesus. The wine is often served in a chalice.

Icon of Christ Paintings remind Christians that God lived as a human through Jesus.

Cross Because Jesus died on a cross, it is a powerful symbol of the Christian faith.

  • BUDDHISM

Unlike most religions, Buddhism is not based on worshipping a god or gods. Instead, it is based on the teachings of the Buddha, who showed his followers how to live a good life and avoid sufffering by controlling their desires. Buddhists hope to achieve true wisdom, known as enlightenment.

Buddha The founder of Buddhism, Siddhartha Gautama, was born in what is now Nepal in 563 BCE.

Statues of Buddha are often made of gold to show his importance

Merit sharing Buddhists believe that if they live caring lives, they will build up merit (good will) and have a better next life. They can pass on merit to others in a merit-sharing ceremony.

  • JUDAISM

This is the religion of the Jews, also called Hebrews. Judaism was the first successful religion based on the idea that there is only one God, and it formed the basis for both Christianity and Islam. Central to Jewish belief is that God chose the Jews as a special holy nation, and gave them a set of laws to follow. The story of the first Jewish people is told in the Hebrew Bible (the Christian Old Testament).

Chanukiah A nine-branched candlestick is used to celebrate Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of light. The central branch holds the candle used to light the others.

Prayer wheel and prayer Buddhist prayer wheel turns, a mantra (a blessing or prayer) written on a scroll inside “repeats” itself over and over again.

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Who are the 45 US Presidents in order?

US PRESIDENTS

The United States is a superpower, dominating global affairs. The nation’s head of state, the president, is regarded as one of the most powerful people in the world. Presidential elections are followed closely by other countries, as political decisions made by the US president can impact the rest of the world. The president serves a term of four years, and today can hold office for a maximum of two terms.

  • ABRAHAM LINCOLN

A passionate opponent of slavery, Lincoln led the Union States to victory in the Civil War of 1860-65. His speech at Gettysburg, on the principles of human equality, is one of the greatest in American history.

  • JAMES GARFIELD

The twentieth US president was James Garfield, an army general. In 1881, he was assassinated after less than four months in office.

  • GROVER CLEVELAND

Grover Cleveland is the only president to have served two non-consecutive terms in office, 1885-89 and 1893-97. His second term was plagued by industrial strikes.

  • BENJAMIN HARRISON

Electricity was first installed in the White House during the Harrison presidency (1889–93) – his wife would not touch the switches, fearing electrocution.

  • HERBERT HOOVER

The Hoover presidency saw the Great Depression of 1929, and public opposition to prohibition (the banning of alcohol). He did not win a second term.

  • GERALD FORD

Called to office after Nixon’s resignation in 1974, Gerald Ford is the only president not to have been elected either president or vice-president.

  • FRANKLIN D ROOSEVELT

“FDR” served a record four terms in office from 1933–1945. He brought an end to the Depression with a “New Deal” to bring relief to the unemployed, and took the USA into World War II.

  • JIMMY CARTER

During Carter’s term of office, the USA was beset by crises. At home, there was recession. Abroad, US citizens were taken hostage in Iran.

  • HARRY TRUMAN

Truman saw the USA through a difficult postwar period. The Cold War (period of tension with communist Russia) began and the country went to war with Korea (1950-53).

  • RONALD REAGAN

Shortly after taking office in 1981, former Hollywood actor Ronald Reagan survived an assassination attempt. He went on to cut taxes, increase national defence, and improve relations with Russia.

  • WILLIAM McKINLEY

The first to campaign using advertising techniques, McKinley won the 1896 election promising to tax foreign goods.

  • THEODORE ROOSEVELT

A reformer, Roosevelt promised a “Square Deal” for all. The teddy bear is named after Roosevelt, who refused to shoot a bear on a hunting trip.

  • CALVIN COOLIDGE

Coolidge believed the government should not control too many aspects of people’s lives. A man of few words, he was nicknamed “Silent Cal”.

  • DWIGHT EISENHOWER

Known as “Ike”, Eisenhower launched the race between the USA and Russia to explore outer space.

  • JOHN F KENNEDY

In 1961, “JFK” became the youngest elected US president, aged 44. Kennedy’s leadership inspired hope. His assassination in 1963 left the country shattered.

  • RICHARD NIXON

In 1974, Nixon became the only president to resign, because of his involvement in the Watergate scandal (illegal spying in the opposition party’s headquarters).

  • GEORGE BUSH

George Bush became president in 1989. From 1990-91, he led an alliance of troops in the Gulf War, in response to Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait.

  • BILL CLINTON

A long period of economic growth meant that, despite allegations of scandals, Bill Clinton always remained popular.

  • BARACK OBAMA

The 44th president of the USA, Obama was the first African-American to hold the office and served for two continuous terms.

George Washington   1789-97

John Adams                 1797-1801

Thomas Jefferson        1801-09

James Madison           1809-17

James Monroe            1817-25

John Quincy Adams   1825-29

Andrew Jackson         1829-37

Martin Van Buren        1837-41

William Harrison           1841

John Tyler                     1841-45

James Knox Polk         1845-49

Zachary Taylor             1849-50

Millard Fillmore             1850-53

Franklin Pierce              1853-57

James Buchanan        1857-61

Abraham Lincoln         1861-65

Andrew Johnson          1865-69

Ulysses S Grant              1869-77

Rutherford Hayes          1877-81

James Garfield.             1881

Chester Arthur               1881-85

Grover Cleveland         1885-89

Benjamin Harrison         1889-93

Grover Cleveland         1893-97

William McKinley           1897-1901

Theodore Roosevelt     1901-09

William Taft                    1909-13

Woodrow Wilson           1913-21

Warren Harding            1921-23

Calvin Coolidge           1923-29

Herbert Hoover             1929-33

Franklin D Roosevelt     1933-45

Harry Truman                 1945-53

Dwight Eisenhower       1953-61

John F Kennedy            1961-63

Lyndon B Johnson        1963-69

Richard Nixon               1969-74

Gerald Ford                   1974-77

James Carter                1977-81

Ronald Reagan            1981-89

George Bush                 1989-93

William Clinton              1993-2001

George W Bush             2001-09

Barack Obama             2009-17

Donald Trump               2017

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What is a State?

THE STATE

Throughout history, countries have been run by a variety of leaders and governments. At one time, heads of state were royalty, ruling with absolute authority. In many countries, power has now passed to the people, as democratic elections have replaced royal rule. Many citizens have the right to vote for their political leaders and to protest against them when necessary. Having won a place at the forefront of government, prime ministers and presidents run many world states.

  • CITIZENSHIP

People born into a country or state are called its citizens. This gives them the right to protection by the government as well as the right to vote. Along with rights come responsibilities, and citizens are expected to abide by the laws of the land. Immigrants and refugees can sometimes become citizens of another country. Each country or state is identified by its national flag.

  • LEGISLATURE

States have elected representatives who are responsible for making laws, known as legislating. Government members debate new policies or changes to existing laws. Once the laws have been agreed, they are officially drafted by the legislatures. These laws must then be followed by all citizens.

  • PROTEST

If the citizens of a state or nation do not agree with the actions or policies of the ruling government, they sometimes rally together to stage a public protest. Often marching to the government’s headquarters, people voice their concerns in an attempt to bring about change.

  • DEMOCRACY

In democratic societies, citizens have the opportunity to vote for their preferred candidate from a range of political parties. On Election Day, people cast their vote and the party with the majority is established as the new government.

  • REPUBLICS

Countries that have a president as their head of state instead of a king or queen are called republics. Presidents can be elected by the citizens or appointed by the legislature, and usually act as head of the nation’s government.

  • LAW AND ORDER

A country’s judges, collectively called the judiciary, make rulings on criminal allegations or civil disputes in courts of law. They interpret and uphold laws passed by the government before delivering their verdicts to the citizens involved. The law in most countries is upheld by a police force.

  • MONARCHY

In the past, most countries were ruled by a king or a queen and, as head of state, the monarch’s word was considered law. Although some countries still maintain a monarchy, their role is mainly ceremonial. It is the elected government that generally takes responsibility for how the country is run.

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What are Alliances?

ALLIANCES

All over the world, groups of people or nations come together for common causes. The unions they form are called alliances. With financial backing and international influence, these alliances pursue shared goals.

  • INTERPOL

Established in 1923, Interpol helps national police forces co-operate on criminal cases across countries.

  • UN

After World War II ended in 1945, the United Nations (UN) was set up to promote peace. Today, the UN also plays a part in human rights, economic development, and fighting disease.

  • WORLD BANK

The World Bank was founded in 1944 to help rebuild postwar Europe. Today, it gives poorer nations financial and technical assistance.

  • NATO

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was established in 1949. The alliance protects the safety of its American and European members.

  • WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION

Created in 1995, this is the only international organization managing the laws of trade between countries.

  • OIC

In 1969, Islamic leaders formed an alliance to protect Muslim interests. Today, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has 57 member nations.

  • OPEC

The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) consists of 15 of the largest oil-producing nations. Its goal is to ensure there is a regular and constant supply of oil.

  • LA FRANCOPHONIE

About 220 million people speak French worldwide. To celebrate this, a group of French-speaking nations set up La Francophonie in 1970 to promote French language and culture.

  • EU

The European Union (EU) was created in 1993 to ensure that goods, services, finance, and labour could move freely between member nations.

  • CIS

After the communist Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, leaders of the new republics formed the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). Its 12 states coordinate foreign and economic policy.

  • LATIN UNION

Languages such as Italian, Spanish and French are derived from the Latin of Ancient Rome. The Latin Union was founded in 1954 to preserve and promote the common heritage of countries with Latin-based languages, until 2012 when it was dissolved.

  • AFRICAN UNION

In 2001, the African Union was established to reduce conflict and poverty across Africa. With its headquarters in Ethiopia, the organization has 55 member nations.

  • ASEAN

In 1967, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines founded the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Today, ten member nations share the goals of peace and economic growth.

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What are economy and its types?

ECONOMY

Since ancient times, farmers have taken goods to markets, where customers bartered over prices and sales were agreed. Today the range of goods is massive, but the principles remain the same. Societies function by people working together to grow, build, manufacture, or distribute products for consumers who want them. Such a system, for the production, distribution, and consumption of goods, is called an economy.

  • PRODUCTION

Every country uses its raw materials and its people to make all kinds of products to sell. The best ways to maximize profit are to reduce production costs, pay the workforce less, and use the speediest manufacturing tools. As production increases, so the economy grows.

  • TRADITIONAL ECONOMY

In less wealthy countries, a traditional economy is more common. People produce a few goods for themselves and sell what is left. Rural farmers may grow produce such as fruit and vegetables to feed their families, and then sell the rest at local markets.

  • COMMAND VERSUS MIXED

The government takes control in a command economy, and is in charge of the country’s economic activity. However, in a mixed economy, some industries, such as health and transport, are publicly owned and run by the government, but the rest are privately owned.

  • RAW MATERIALS

Some goods are used to create a different product. These are usually raw materials or partly finished items, such as steel, coal, wood, and paper. These goods are often unrecognizable in the final product.

  • SUPPLY AND DEMAND

An economy works because there are people supplying goods and services to people who will pay for them. When there is a big demand, the price of these goods and services goes up, but if there is a huge supply, the prices drop to encourage the demand.

  • DOMESTIC WORK

Any unpaid work done at home is not counted as part of the economy. Housework, for example, only contributes to the market economy if a cleaner is paid for the job.

  • CONSUMER GOODS

Producers must recognize what people want in order to create consumer goods that will prove popular, sell well, and increase profit. A wide range of goods, such as cars, clothing, toys, and food, are offered by many different producers to ensure that individual consumer needs are satisfied.

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What are the flags of different countries?

FLAGS

Historically, army leaders carried flags into battle as a rallying point for the soldiers. Today, flags are used to decorate buildings, mark public events, start races, honour the dead, or to spell out messages or warnings from one ship to another. But by far the most recognizable ones are national flags – vibrant in colour and unique in symbolism. Organizations and citizens fly the flag for their countries, building up a strong sense of identity, pride, and unity.

  • AUSTRALIA

The flag features a combination of the United Kingdom’s flag, the Commonwealth Star (with its points symbolizing the original states of Australia), and the Southern Cross constellation (only visible in the Southern Hemisphere).

  • SOUTH KOREA

A red and blue Yin Yang symbol on the South Korean flag represents the Chinese philosophy that everything in the Universe has an opposite. The four surrounding trigrams (groups of three lines) represent the ideals of balance, circulation, harmony, and symmetry.

  • INDIA

At the centre of the tricolour (three colours) is the ashoka chakra, meaning “wheel of law”. This symbolizes the hope that the country will continue to move forward peacefully.

  • USA

This flag is nicknamed the “Stars and Stripes”. The 50 stars represent the states of the Union, while the red and white stripes are the 13 original colonies to join the Union.

  • KENYA

Since 1963, Kenya’s flag has been dominated by a shield and spears, used by the country’s Masai people. This symbol shows how the nation is determined to defend its freedom.

  • MEXICO

Traditionally, these colours had religious and military connotations, but the new meanings are defined as hope (green), unity (white), and the blood of heroes (red). The central image is a symbol from an earlier Aztec heritage.

  • GERMANY

During the Napoleonic wars of the 19th century, German soldiers wore black uniforms with red braid and gold buttons. These became the country’s official colours, appearing on the national flag. Public buildings often fly the flag vertically.

  • IRELAND

This has been the flag of Ireland since 1919. The orange stands for Protestants, the green for Catholics, and the white for the peace between them.

  • SPAIN

This young flag was established in 1981. On the left-hand side, where the flag gets hoisted, is the Spanish coat-of- arms, which includes the royal seal.

  • JAMAICA

The flag of this Caribbean country shows a gold diagonal cross, which embodies the shining sun, green, for the fertile land, and black, which represents strength and creativity.

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What are the different types of maps?

?APS

Maps provide visual representations of the world, revealing the layout of our planet in a variety of ways. Some depict Earth’s geographical features, or the borders and boundaries between nations. Other maps detail road routes and street names, or aid navigation on urban transport networks. Scales on maps can be used to work out real distances, and keys explain map symbols.

  • SATELLITE IMAGE

Space satellites are used to photograph Earth, capturing its surface in great detail. Orbiting thousands of kilometres above the planet, satellites track changes in the land, the ocean, and the atmosphere.

  • BUILDING PLAN

When planning a new structure, engineers first map out the building. Details such as layout, walls, and entrances are marked to assist workers during the construction. Precise measurements are added to give the true size of the project.

  • STREET MAP

Useful tools for navigating cities and towns, street maps include road names and notable landmarks such as railway stations, hospitals, churches, and parks. Street maps are available online and via some mobile phones.

  • GEOLOGICAL MAP

Different rock types are coded by colour on geological maps. Geologists study these maps to determine the location of minerals and oils, while structural engineers ensure rock types suit their construction plans before laying foundations.

  • ROAD MAP

This visual aid for road-users is the most commonly used map of all. Covering a much larger area than a street map, road maps use different colours and lines to represent motorways, main roads, and country routes.

  • SAILING CHART

Nautical maps of coastal or ocean areas are called charts. They include information about tides, currents, depths, potential hazards, and features of the seabed. Sailors carry these charts on board their ships to help with marine navigation.

  • POLITICAL MAP

National and state borders are shown on political maps. Contrasting colours highlight different countries, so the legal boundaries stand out more clearly. To aid understanding, major cities, rivers, seas, and oceans are also labelled.

  • PHYSICAL MAP

Permanent natural features are depicted on physical maps. Deserts, mountains, lakes, rivers, and oceans are identified, as well as the contrast between high and low land. Some physical maps go into more detail, pointing out land use and soil type.

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What are the Australasia and Oceania?

AUSTRALASIA AND OCEANIA

This southern-hemisphere region includes Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and neighbouring Pacific islands. As all 14 countries are islands, much of the wildlife is unique and the landscapes are largely unspoilt. Settlers from Southeast Asia first arrived in Australia thousands of years ago. By the 18th century, European immigrants had reached the region, which is now home to more than 30 million people.

  • SPORT

The climate allows Australasians to make the most of the great outdoors. Cricket, rugby, and golf are popular pastimes, while sailing and surfing are coastal favourites. Preferred spectactor sports are tennis, cricket, and rugby. Australia’s cricket side and New Zealand’s rugby union team enjoy huge success.

  • TREES AND PLANTS

Australasia has many trees and plants that don’t grow anywhere else. About 80 per cent of New Zealand’s plants are unique, while nearly all the world’s eucalyptus trees originated in Australia. The country’s centre is hot and barren, but trees, plants, and fungi thrive in the humid rainforests.

  • INDUSTRY

Sheep and cattle farming has made lush New Zealand a major exporter of wool, meat, and dairy products. Rich in natural resources such as iron ore, gold, nickel, silver, and diamonds, Australia is the leading exporter of coal. Minerals such as copper and gold are Papua New Guinea’s main exports.

  • PHYSICAL FEATURES

From New Zealand’s geysers and glaciers to Australia’s coral reefs and coastlines and the many volcanic islands of the Pacific, the region is a kaleidoscope of dramatic panoramas. The ancient rock of Uluru and the steaming vents of New Zealand are two of the region’s most famous features.

  • TOURISM

Australia and New Zealand are popular tourist destinations all year round thanks to the stunning scenery. Bustling harbour cities, such as Sydney and Auckland, offer a mix of beach life and culture. Famous buildings include the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

  • CULTURE

The beliefs, culture, and art of the continent’s original inhabitants form a rich heritage. Aboriginal Australians have a deep-rooted respect for the natural world. The Maoris of New Zealand practise a traditional dance called the haka. The Polynesians of the Pacific Islands enjoy a family-centred culture.

  • WILDLIFE

Australasia’s best-known native creatures are marsupials (mammals that hold their young in a pouch), such as kangaroos, koalas, and wombats. Many birds are also unique to the continent, including kookaburras and emus. Some of the world’s deadliest snakes and spiders live there as well.

Picture Credit : Google

What Is Antarctica?

ANTARCTICA

In the coldest continent on Earth, the temperature can drop to -80°C (-112°F) and human skin can freeze in seconds. Yet thanks to scientists who are specially equipped to brave this harsh habitat, research on some of the world’s most remote landscapes and wildlife is underway. Only discovered in 1820, Antarctica covers 14 million sq km (5.5 million sq miles) and, incredibly, 98 per cent of it is covered with ice.

  • RESEARCH

About 70 permanent and more than 100 temporary research stations have been set up in Antarctica. Scientists analyze Antarctica’s weather, climate, wildlife, and geology. Projects include monitoring ice samples to detect changes in the atmosphere, and tracking penguins.

  • TOURISM

Since the 1950s, cruise ships have brought tourists to Antarctica, and today about 50,000 people visit each year. They arrive either by ship or take sightseeing trips by plane over the South Pole, the southernmost point on the planet. Insulated clothing and goggles are essential at all times.

  • LANDSCAPE

Dramatic seas, steep glaciers, and giant icebergs up to 295 km (183miles) long are the main features of this unique landscape. The continent is separated into east and west Antarctica by the Transantarctic Mountains, which stretch for 3,500 km (2,175 miles).

  • CLIMATE

In winter, the Southern Ocean freezes, and the ice cap of Antarctica almost doubles in size. In summer, the temperature rarely rises above freezing. Less than 5 cm (2 in) of snow falls a year, making the area drier than the Sahara Desert. With gales blowing at more than 300 km/h (186 mph), it is the windiest continent, too.

  • WILDLIFE

Animals face a struggle for survival in Antarctica, but fish, seals, and whales can thrive in the sea. The Antarctic Peninsula has the mildest climate of the continent, making it a hub for wildlife. In summer, millions of seals and birds breed on the peninsula and nearby islands.

Picture Credit : Google

What is special about in South America?

SOUTH AMERICA

Rich in history, language, and culture, South America is a vibrant place. Nature has made its mark in the trees of the Amazon rainforest, while ancient civilizations have left theirs in the city of Machu Picchu in the Andes Mountains. The influence of Spanish and Portuguese colonization remains in the languages, while samba sounds and traditional tangos resonate at the festivals.

  • FOOD

Maize is a staple food used in bread and cakes stuffed with meat or cheese. Potatoes, squash, rice, and different types of beans are also meal-time favourites. Peruvians love spicy foods, so hot chilli peppers are often on the menu.

  • TREES AND PLANTS

A large part of the continent is pampas (grassy plain), which is one of the richest grazing areas in the world. Variety comes from the Amazon rainforest, where about 40,000 species of plants flourish. Unique plants grow in Venezuela’s sandstone hills and Chile’s Atacama Desert, where species have adapted to survive the lack of water.

  • INCAS

The Incas were the last great civilization to emerge in South America. During the 12th century, expert architects created their capital at Cusco. By the 15th century, their empire had spread from Equador through Peru to Chile. Hearing of great riches, the Spanish arrived in 1532 to set up colonies and ended the Inca reign.

  • PHYSICAL FEATURES

Three contrasting landscapes dominate South America. From the west rise the towering peaks of the Andes Mountains, leading down to the Pacific Ocean. In the northeast is the dense Amazon rainforest, which spreads across half of Brazil. To the south are vast, grassy plains called the pampas (which means “flat” in Spanish).

  • CROPS

Brazil produces one-third of the world’s coffee, while Ecuador’s climate is ideal for growing tomatoes and bananas. Steep hillsides are terraced for farming in Chile and Peru, where potatoes are planted on the higher slopes of the Andes, and corn is sown lower down.

  • CULTURE

Music and dance form the heart of South American culture. The rhythmic dance of the samba is a notable highlight of Rio de janeiro’s famous five-day carnival, which features spectacular parades and parties in Brazil’s capital. Another common sight is football games on the streets and beaches.

  • WILDLIFE

The Amazon is the world’s largest rainforest and could contain 10 per cent of all animal species. Jaguars, sloths, and tapirs live under the tree canopy, while the forest floor teems with snakes, lizards, and insects. Colourful toucans, macaws, and kingfishers swoop over the River Amazon, where dolphins and turtles swim.

Picture Credit : Google

Why Europe is the best continent?

EUROPE

For a small continent, Europe has a made a big impact. In centuries past, its inhabitants spread across the globe, building empires. Those days are gone, but the continent’s influence remains clear in the European languages, architecture, and entertainment still evident around the world. Thanks to industrial growth and big business, many of the 44 countries are wealthy, with people enjoying a high standard of living.

  • FOOD

Pizza and pasta are Italian favorites, while France is synonymous with strong cheese, crêpes, and mussels. Germans serve smoked sausages, Spaniards prepare their speciality paella, and sweet-toothed Belgians are known for their luxurious chocolates.

  • INDUSTRY

Germany is the continent’s industrial leader, with its car production and high-tech goods industries. Forestry flourishes in Finland and Sweden, while cod-fishing is big business in Norway and Iceland.

  • SPORT

The British, Spanish, and Italian football leagues are considered the best in the world. Football and rugby are played throughout the year, tennis and cricket are summer sports, and mountain ski resorts have busy winter seasons.

  • CITIES

Many European cities feature castles and cathedrals. The centre of the Czech capital Prague is a World Heritage Site. Paris and Milan are fashion leaders, while the financial centers of London and Geneva are amongst the world’s richest cities.

  • LANDSCAPES

Across the continent, landscapes differ dramatically. Iceland’s glaciers and Norway’s fjords contrast with the mountain ranges of the Alps and Pyrenees. Around the Mediterranean are fertile fields and sandy beaches.

  • CULTURE

Europe has a rich heritage of literature, art, music, opera, and ballet, with many pioneering writers, artists, composers, and dancers capturing the public imagination. Museums, theatres, opera houses, and art exhibitions draw crowds in the major cities.

Picture Credit : Google