Flag of China
National Day of the People’s Republic of China is celebrated today. The present government came into being in 1949. Slightly smaller than the United States, China has a variety of habitats, from Mount Everest to deserts to tropics. About 1.349 billion people live in China, and the capital is Beijing. Children can learn more at: China.
Flag of Nigeria
Nigeria celebrates Independence Day. In 1960 it became independent from the United Kingdom, and in 1963 it became a republic. The country, home to 175 million Nigerians, is a bit larger than twice the size of California, and Niamey is the capital. Children can learn more at: Nigeria.
Flag of Cyprus
Cyprus celebrates Independence Day. The country became free of British rule in 1960. An island in the Mediterranean Sea, Cyprus is a little bigger than half the size of Connecticut. About 1.2 million people live in Cyprus, and Nicosia is the capital. Older children can learn more at: Cyprus.
Tuvalu celebrates Independence Day. In 1978 it became an independent country, but it is still part of the British Commonwealth. The fourth smallest country in the world, Tuvalu has an area about the size of 0.1 the area of Washington, DC. Located about halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand, the country’s three islands and six atolls support about 11,000 people. Funafuti is the capital. Children could learn more at: Tuvalu.
Flag of Palau
Palau Celebrates Independence Day. It became independent of the United States in 1994, although it still has extremely close ties with America. Located in the North Pacific Ocean, this archipelago consists of over 300 islands that can be classified into six groups. In total, the country’s area is about 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC. The climate is tropical, and most islands’ terrain is mountainous. The capital is Ngerulmud, but the largest city is Koror, located on an island of the same name. About 22,000 people reside in Palau. The country has taken a strong ecological stand. It has created the first shark sanctuary, and all sunscreens that cause damage to coral reefs are banned. Children can learn more at: Palau.
Roosevelt and Muir at Yosemite
Yosemite National Park was established in 1864. Yosemite Valley and Mariposa Big Tree Grove combined to make the national park. Located in central California, the park encompasses over 700,000 acres. Over three million people visit the park annually. Children could visit the park’s website at: Yosemite National Park. The site presents some excellent multimedia presentations, and a great presentation on Moonbows is: Moonbows.
National Geographic Bulgaria Edition
First issue of National Geographic magazine was published in 1888. Today the magazine has a circulation of more than five million, and it is published in 38 languages. Children can learn more at: National Geographic.
World Series held its first game in 1903. The Boston Americans played against the Pittsburgh Nationals (or Pirates). Over 16,000 fans came to the game in Boston. Boston won the first game, but they lost the best-of-nine series to Pittsburgh. Children can view some great photos of past World Series at: World Series.
United Nations Flag
World Habitat Day is today! Sponsored by the United Nations, the day occurs on the first Monday in October. The day reminds us of the right to adequate shelter. It also celebrates towns and cities. This year’s theme is Urban economies. Cities as drivers of growth and recovery. The first celebration began in 1986 with a conference in Nairobi, Kenya.
Flag of Guinea
Guinea celebrates Independence Day. France relinquished control in 1958. Located in western Africa, the land was the site of ancient caravan routes. The country is slightly bigger than the state of Utah, and Conakry is the capital. About eleven million people live in Guinea. Children could learn more at: Guinea.