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.
Mauritania celebrates Independence Day. It gained its freedom from France in 1960. The country, located in northwestern Africa, is larger than the state of Texas. Over three million people live in Mauritania, and the capital is Nouakchott. Located in the Sahara Desert, the country derives most of its income from livestock, iron ore, and gypsum.
Howdy Doody
Photograph by Volcan Yuksel
Howdy Doody appeared on television for the first time in 1947. The extremely popular children’s show featured a combination of people and puppets. Cartoons were also shown. It last aired September 24, 1960. Idea: Children could create a puppet show relating to the upcoming New Year’s Eve.
LASER (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation) was patented in 1960 by Charles Townes and Arthur Schawlow. Today we do not capitalize all the letters in the word laser. Children can learn how lasers work at: LASER.
Flag of Senegal
Senegal celebrates Independence Day. France gave up custody of the country in 1960. According to the CIA World Factbook, Senegal is a bit smaller than the state of South Dakota. Located in western Africa, it borders the Atlantic Ocean. Plains cover most of the country, but some jungle grows in the southwestern portions. About thirteen million people live in the country. Dakar is the capital.
Flag of Madagascar
Madagascar celebrates Independence Day. It became free from French rule in 1960. It is an island, the fourth largest island in the world, off the southeastern coast of Africa. It is slightly smaller than Texas. It exports coffee, vanilla, and cloves, and about 23 million people live there. Antananarivo is the capital. Children can learn more at: Madagascar.
Flag of the Democratic Republic of Congo
Democratic Republic of Congo, formerly Zaire, celebrates Independence Day. Belgium relinquished control of this African country in 1960. It is about one and a half times the size of Alaska. The country is famous for its minerals and forest products. Over 75 million people live in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The capital is Kinshasa. Children could learn more at: Democratic Republic of Congo.
Flag of Somalia
Somalia celebrates Foundation Day. In 1960 British Somaliland and Italian Somaliland united to form Somalia. The African country borders the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden. Slightly smaller than the area of Texas, Somalia is covered mostly by deserts. Over ten million people live in Somalia, and Mogadishu is the capital.