Countries Project

By Natalie Rose

UruguayUruguay

Geographical FeaturesGeographical Features

• Capital: Montevideo • Area: 68,039 square miles • Slightly smaller then the state of Washington • Climate: usually warm and freezing temperatures are

unheard of• Location: South America, bordered by Argentina, Brazil,

and the Atlantic Ocean• Many beautiful sights to see such as its many coastal

lagoons and the Punta Del Este Beaches all while riding on a horse!

HistoryHistory

The Native people to Uruguay were the Charrúa Indians. Then, about five hundred years ago, the first Spanish explorers came to Uruguay. The Charrúa were eventually driven out and the Spanish took over. They used Montevideo as the major Spanish port of the South Atlantic and that’s how Montevideo became the Capital.

For some time, Portugal and Spain fought over Uruguay. Then Uruguay became an independent state because of José Gervasio Artigas in 1815. Only a year later Brazil attacked it’s capital and Uruguay and Brazil fought for four years then declaration of independence was issued in August 25, 1825. Later, in 1828, Britain signed the declaration guaranteeing Uruguay's independence.

GovernmentGovernment

• Uruguay government is a democratic constitutional republic.

• Currently there President is José Mujica and vice president is Danilo Astori.

• They have a president who is both chief of state and head of government.

• Each president serves a five-year term.• They’re are thirteen cabinet ministers who are elected by

the president. • They’re legal system is ultimately based upon the

Constitution.

EconomyEconomy

• Currently Uruguay’s economy is stable but back in 2002, Uruguay went through a very bad economic and financial crisis.

• The information software industry is rapidly growing • In Uruguay there are 12 free trade zones in which other countries

can trade with which improves the economy.

Exports:• Beef, soybeans, rice, wheat, wood, dairy products, and wool.• Export to Brazil, Nueva Palmira Free Zone, Argentina, Chile, and

Russia.

Imports:• Refined oil, transportation vehicles, vehicles parts, cellular phone,

and insecticides. • Imports from: Brazil, Argentina, China, Venezuela, US, and Russia.

Culture and Daily LifeCulture and Daily Life

Daily Life:

• Beef is what is normally eaten at dinner. It is an extremely popular meet there.

• Each meal consists of fresh produce from the various venders in the cities

• No car? No problem! Transportation by train is quick, common, and efficient.

Culture:

• There is a large number of writers, artists, and musicians

• Uruguayan people are gifted in the art of theater as well as many musical and dance traditions. 

• The most popular and traditional dance is the Tango.

EstoniaEstonia

Geographical FeaturesGeographical Features

Capital: TallinnCapital: Tallinn Area: 42,388 square milesArea: 42,388 square miles Climate: wet, moderate winters, cool summers Climate: wet, moderate winters, cool summers Location: Eastern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea and Gulf Location: Eastern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea and Gulf

of Finland, between Latvia and Russia.of Finland, between Latvia and Russia. Although it is a little chilly, some great things to do would to Although it is a little chilly, some great things to do would to

go to Tallinn's old city which is one of   Europe’s largest and go to Tallinn's old city which is one of   Europe’s largest and best-preserved old cities.best-preserved old cities.

Tallinn’s Old City Tallinn’s Old City

HistoryHistory

For the longest time Estonia was ruled by For the longest time Estonia was ruled by the Danish, Swedish, German, and Russian the Danish, Swedish, German, and Russian until it gained its independence in 1918.until it gained its independence in 1918.

Later, in 1940, Estonia was forced into Later, in 1940, Estonia was forced into corporation with the USSR then it gained its corporation with the USSR then it gained its Independence (again) in 1991.Independence (again) in 1991.

GovernmentGovernment

Estonia’s government is a Parliamentary Estonia’s government is a Parliamentary democracy.democracy.

The legal system is based on a civil law system.The legal system is based on a civil law system. The Chief of State is President Toomas Hendrik The Chief of State is President Toomas Hendrik

IlvesIlves The head of government is Prime Minister Andrus The head of government is Prime Minister Andrus

AnsipAnsip The cabinet members are appointed by the prim The cabinet members are appointed by the prim

minister and approved by Parliament. minister and approved by Parliament.

EconomyEconomy

Estonia has a modern market-based economyEstonia has a modern market-based economy It has one of the higher per capita income levels in Central Europe and It has one of the higher per capita income levels in Central Europe and

the Baltic Regionthe Baltic RegionExports:Exports: Machinery, electrical equipment, wood products, metals, vehicles and Machinery, electrical equipment, wood products, metals, vehicles and

parts, food products, textiles, and platics.parts, food products, textiles, and platics. Export to Finland, Sweden, Latvia, Russia, Germany, and even the Export to Finland, Sweden, Latvia, Russia, Germany, and even the

U.S.U.S.Imports:Imports: Machinery, mineral fuels, chemical products and plastics.Machinery, mineral fuels, chemical products and plastics. Imports from Finland, Lithuania, Latvia, Germany, Russia, Sweeden, Imports from Finland, Lithuania, Latvia, Germany, Russia, Sweeden,

and Poland.and Poland.

Culture and Daily LifeCulture and Daily Life

Daily Life:Daily Life:

Family is very Important and is Family is very Important and is the central focus of social life.the central focus of social life.

Estonians on the whole are Estonians on the whole are quiet and reserved because quiet and reserved because they believe it is polite.they believe it is polite.

Proper etiquette is a Proper etiquette is a must must for for Estonians because if you have Estonians because if you have good manners you will amount good manners you will amount to much in life.to much in life.

Culture:Culture: Estonian culture as an identity is Estonian culture as an identity is

very strong. very strong. Oral traditions have played a key Oral traditions have played a key

role in preserving traditions, stories role in preserving traditions, stories and customs during Soviet and customs during Soviet administrationadministration

Singing is a very important part Singing is a very important part of there culture, not only are of there culture, not only are there many traditional songs but there many traditional songs but they are known to have sung they are known to have sung their way to freedom during the their way to freedom during the "Singing Revolution" of 1989-91. "Singing Revolution" of 1989-91.

Aland Islands

Geographical Features

• Capital: Mariehamn• Area: 5,219 Square miles • Climate: Summers are cool and winter days usually are

freezing. But this bitter climate does permits vegetable-growing.

• Location: The Aland Islands lie in the Baltic Sea between Sweden and Finland at the entrance to the Gulf of Bothnia.

• There are over 65 islands in The Aland Islands.

History

• Aland was once part of the kingdom of Sweden, then it was forced to imperial Russia in 1809 together with Finland.

• It has remained part of Finland since Finnish independence in 1917.

• Today the islands are autonomous. Mainly because Aland has a stable enough economy to be independent.

• Although the islands belong to Finland, hardly any of the inhabitants speak Finnish.

• Swedish is Aland's sole official language but the currency is the euro, as in Finland.

Government

• The Åland Islands are governed according to the Act on the Autonomy of Åland and international treaties.

• Apart from passing laws, the main task of the Parliament is to distribute the budget of Aland

• The Government may have up to eight members at a time.

• It is headed by the Chairman, lantrÅdet.• The Governor is Peter Lindbäck• The Aland Government is appointed by the parliament

according to parliamentary principles

Economy

• Aland's economy is heavily dominated by shipping, trade and tourism.

• Farming and fishing are important in combination with the food industry.

Exports:• Fish, vegetables, and energy (from wind turbines)• Exports to Finland, Sweden, Germany, Parts of Poland,

and LatviaImports:• Metals, plastics, gasoline, and machinery• Imports from Finland, Sweden, Poland, England, Japan,

Latvia, and China.

Culture and Daily Life

Daily Life:• Honesty and peacefulness

are signature traits of Alanders today.

• Crime is virtually unknown • Its motto is “Islands of

Peace” probably because of the 0% crime rate.

Culture:• Many cultural traditions

have been adopted from the Finland and Sweden

• the islands have many seafaring traditions such as a national day for boating and even a museum filled with old tales and artifacts of great sea voyages and ship wrecks.

Togo

Geographical Features

Capital: Lome Area: 21,925 square miles slightly smaller than West Virginia Climate: The climate is generally tropical near the coast and a

dry climate near the northern parts of the country. Location: Togo is in West Africa bordered by Ghana to the

west, Benin to the east and Burkina Faso to the north it is also by the Gulf of Guinea.

History

There where many tribes living in Togo (such as the Ewé from Nigeria and Benin; and the Mina and Guin from Ghana before they were all sold away during the slave trade.

For the next 200 years slaves were taken from Togo. Then, In 1905, this became the German colony of Togoland. After WWI the French took over and French Togoland became Togo in 1960. Despite the facade of multiparty elections instituted in the early 1990s,

the government was largely dominated by President Eyadema, who has maintained power almost continually since 1967.

Government

Togo’s government type is a republic. Its legal system is French-based court system. The Chief of State is president Faure Gnassingbé

and the head of government is Prime Minister Gilbert Houngbo.

The cabinet is a council of ministers appointed by the president and the prime minister.

Economy

Togo’s economy suffers from weak economic growth and depends heavily on both commercial and subsistence agriculture.

Exports: Cotton, phosphates, coffee, and cocoa. Export to Germany, Ghana, Burkina Faso, India, Belgium, Benin,

Netherlands, and Mali.Imports: Machinery and equipment, food and other produce, and petroleum

products. Imports from China, France, Netherlands, India 5.06%, and U.S.A.

Culture and Daily Life

Daily Life: In Togo PDA (or public

displays of affection) are often seldom and not seen between people.

The sacrament of marriage is sacred and not interrupted by meaningless dating.

If you live in Togo, there are not many Job opportunities, you would either be working on a farm or in a factory

Office jobs are few and rare.

Culture: Togo culture is highlighted by

its prominent festivals. These could be fighting

festivals, sports festivals, or ethnicity festivals.

Togo’s culture is very warm and welcoming

San MarinoSan Marino

Geographical FeaturesGeographical Features

Capital: San MarinoCapital: San Marino Area: Area: 24 square miles24 square miles It is the third smallest state in Europe It is the third smallest state in Europe Climate: Moderate climate of having warm Climate: Moderate climate of having warm

summers and cool winters.summers and cool winters. Location: In ItalyLocation: In Italy

HistoryHistory

According to tradition, Saint Marinus left the island of According to tradition, Saint Marinus left the island of Rab with his friend Leo, and went to the city of Rimini as Rab with his friend Leo, and went to the city of Rimini as a mason. After the Diocletianic Persecution following his a mason. After the Diocletianic Persecution following his Christian sermons, he escaped to the nearby Monte Christian sermons, he escaped to the nearby Monte Titano, where he built a small church and founded what Titano, where he built a small church and founded what is now the city and state of San Marino.is now the city and state of San Marino.

San Marino's foreign policy is aligned with that of the San Marino's foreign policy is aligned with that of the European Union, although it is not a member; social and European Union, although it is not a member; social and political trends in the republic track closely with those of political trends in the republic track closely with those of its larger neighborits larger neighbor, Italy. , Italy.

GovernmentGovernment

San Marino’s government is a Parliamentary republic.San Marino’s government is a Parliamentary republic. It’s legal system is based on civil law system with Italian It’s legal system is based on civil law system with Italian

law influences.law influences. The chief of state is Giovanni Francesco Ugolini and the The chief of state is Giovanni Francesco Ugolini and the

head of state is Antonella Mularoni.head of state is Antonella Mularoni. Congress of State elected by the Great and General Congress of State elected by the Great and General

Council for a five-year term Council for a five-year term

EconomyEconomy

San Marino's economy relies heavily on its tourism and San Marino's economy relies heavily on its tourism and banking industries, as well as on the manufacture and banking industries, as well as on the manufacture and export of its goodsexport of its goods

Exports:Exports: Building stone, lime, wood, chestnuts, wheat, wine, Building stone, lime, wood, chestnuts, wheat, wine,

baked goods, hides, and ceramics.baked goods, hides, and ceramics.

Imports:Imports: Import a wide variety of consumer manufactures and Import a wide variety of consumer manufactures and

food. food.

Culture and Daily LifeCulture and Daily Life

Daily Life:Daily Life: Many things that happen in Many things that happen in

Italy happen in San Marino Italy happen in San Marino (mainly because its located (mainly because its located directly in it)directly in it)

Want to visit Italy? Its just a 12 Want to visit Italy? Its just a 12 mile walk, drive, or run from mile walk, drive, or run from the center of the country either the center of the country either way you go. way you go.

Many people who live in San Many people who live in San Marino go to Italy for work or to Marino go to Italy for work or to visit family or friends.visit family or friends.

Culture:Culture: Roman Catholic is the Roman Catholic is the

dominant religion in the dominant religion in the country, while Italian is the country, while Italian is the most widely spoken language. most widely spoken language.

People in the San Marino People in the San Marino society are hospitable and society are hospitable and friendly with a fun quirky Italian friendly with a fun quirky Italian attitude.attitude.

Albania

Geographical Features Capital: Tirane Area:11,100 square miles  Climate: mild temperate; cool, cloudy, wet winters;

hot, clear, dry summers. Location: In Europe and borders Greece, Macedonia,

Montenegro, and Kosovo.

History Albania declared its independence from the Ottoman Empire in

1912, but then was conquered by Italy in 1939. To gain it’s independence, Albania allied itself first with the

USSR and then with China. After 46 years of Communist rule Albania established a

multiparty democracy. This later turned into a parliamentary democracy and has been

this ever since.

Government Slovenia's government type is a parliamentary

democracy. It’s legal system has a civil law system. The chief of state is President of the Republic Bamir

Topi and the head of government is Prime Minister Sali Berisha

Council of Ministers proposed by the prime minister, nominated by the president, and approved by parliament

Economy Albania, a formerly closed, centrally-planned state, is

making the difficult transition to a more modern open-market economy

Exports: Textiles, asphalt, metals and metallic ores, crude oil,

vegetables, fruits, and tobacco. Export to Italy, Kosovo, Turkey, Greece, and China. Imports: machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, textiles,

chemicals. Imports from Italy, Greece, China, Turkey, and Germany.

Culture and Daily Life Daily Life: Although not much food

grows there, Albanians cook almost every meal themselves.

It is rare for them to go out to restaurants to eat.

Most meals are eaten with the family because they believe it makes family bonds stronger.

Culture: Albania began to get

influenced by China and Russia. Today the country has many traditional dances, festivals, handicrafts and customs because of the Russian and Chinese influence.

Things like museums, libraries and theatres all form part of Albania's educative

entertainment section.

Slovenia

Geographical Features

• Capital: Ljubljana• Area: 20,273 square miles • Climate: continental climate with mild to hot

summers and cold winters • Location: In Central Europe, eastern Alps

bordering the Adriatic Sea, between Austria and Croatia.

History

• Slovenia was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until the end of World War I.

• The Slovenes joined the Serbs and Croats in 1918.

• By doing so they formed a new multinational state, which was named Yugoslavia in 1929.

• After the second World War Slovenia became a republic of the renewed Yugoslavia.

• However they did not like the exercise of power by the majority Serbs so after a short 10-day war the Slovenes got their independence in 199.

Government

• Slovenia’s government type is a parliamentary republic.• Its legal system is based on civil law system.• The chief of state is President Danilo Turk and the head of

government is Prime Minister Borut Pahor.• Council of Ministers nominated by the prime minister and

elected by the National Assembly

Economy

• Slovenia has become a model of economic success and stability for the region with the highest per capita GDP in Central Europe.

Exports:

• Manufactured goods, machinery and transport equipment, and chemicals.

• Export to Germany, Italy, Croatia, Austria, and France.

Imports

• Machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, chemicals, and fuels.

• Imports from Germany, Italy, Austria, France, and Croatia.

Culture and Daily Life

Daily Life:• Education is extremely

important to all people in Slovenia.

• All children attend school every day (except on weekends) for ten hours.

• Barely anyone is illiterate and if they are, they are considered and outcast.

Culture:• Urban culture has developed in

Slovenia over the last two centuries

• Slovenia has a myriad of theatres, cinemas, libraries and educational facilities

• Music plays a big role in culture especially music composed by a Young composer named Mitja Vrhovnik Smrekar who is establishing himself as a very reputable writer of theatre music.

What I Have Learned…

I learned that not every country is the same. They all have different ways to governing and protecting their people and they all have different traditions and cultures.

Just like how every country is different I made each of the country slide backgrounds different to show the diversity of each.

The EndThe End