Flag of Jamaica
Jamaica celebrates Independence Day. It became free from Great Britain in 1962, but Jamaica remains a part of the British Commonwealth. Located in the Caribbean Sea, Jamaica is about the size of Connecticut. This mountainous island has a tropical climate. Almost three million people live there, and tourism is an important industry. Kingston is the capital.
Flag of Cote D’Ivoire
Cote D’Ivoire celebrates Independence Day. The west African country gained its independence in 1960 from France. Bordering the Atlantic Ocean, Cote D’Ivoire has an area about the same as the area of New Mexico. The mostly flat country has a tropical climate along the coast. The country exports cocoa beans and coffee beans. Over 22 million people live there, and Yamoussoukro is the capital.
Flag of Ecuador
Ecuador celebrates Independence Day. It declared its autonomy from Spain in 1809. Located on the western coast of South America, the country is slightly smaller than the state of Nevada. The geography includes a coastal plain, a portion of the Andes Mountains, and an interior plain. Petroleum reserves help support the economy. Over fifteen million people live in Ecuador, and Quito is the capital. Ecuador owns the Galapagos Islands. Children can learn more at: Ecuador.
Flag of Chad
Chad celebrates Its Independence Day from France. Chad became a sovereign country in 1962. It is a landlocked country, about three times the size of California. This African country’s arid climate allows some farming and some pastoral activity. It has huge oil reserves. Over eleven million people live in Chad. N’Djamena is the capital. Idea: Children could make a map of Chad and its neighbors.
Flag of Republic of the Congo
Republic of the Congo celebrates Independence Day. It became free from French control in 1960. Located on the western coast of Africa, this country, about the size of the state of Montana, exports sugarcane, coffee and many other products. About 4.5 million people live in the Republic of the Congo, and Brazzaville is the capital.
Flag of Indonesia
Indonesia celebrates Independence Day. It became free from Dutch control in 1945. About 13,700 islands comprise this archipelago, located between Asia and Australia. The total area of the islands is about three times the size of Texas. Over 251 million people live in Indonesia, making it the fourth most populous country. Jakarta is the capital. Idea: Indonesia grows cassava. Children could find out more about this crop.
Flag of Gabon
Gabon celebrates Independence Day. It gained autonomy from France in 1960. The country, located on the western coast of Africa, is for the most part covered with rain forest. The country’s area is about the same as the area of Colorado, and about 1.6 million people live there. Libreville is the capital.
Flag of Afghanistan
Afghanistan celebrates Independence Day. In 1919 Afghanistan gained its freedom from the United Kingdom. Slightly smaller than the state of Texas, land-locked Afghanistan has an arid to semi-arid climate. Its natural resources include metals and petroleum. Over 31 million people live there, and Kabul is the capital.
Flag of Ukraine
Ukraine celebrates Independence Day. It seceded from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics in 1991. Located in eastern Europe and bordering the Black Sea, the Ukraine has an area a bit smaller than the area of Texas. Most of the country is covered with fertile, flat land. Agricultural products include grains, sugar beets, and sunflower seeds. Over 44 million people live in Ukraine, and Kyiv is the capital.
Flag of Uruguay
Uruguay celebrates Independence Day. It became free from Brazilian rule in 1825. Located on the southeastern coast of South America, the country is about the size of the state of Washington. The country’s rolling plains and mild climate allow ranchers to raise a great deal of livestock. Over three million people live in Uruguay, and Montevideo is the capital. Children can learn more at: Uruguay.