Mount Pinatubo
Mount Pinatubo erupted in 1991 in the Philippines. The volcano, dormant for some time, disgorged ash and gas 60 miles into the air. Sulfuric acid droplets formed a layer in the earth’s atmosphere. It actually lowered the earth’s temperature by about one degree for several years. Children could learn about volcanoes in general at: Volcanoes.
Croatia and Slovenia celebrate Independence Day. They both broke away from Yugoslavia in 1991.
Flag of Croatia
Croatia is about the size of West Virginia. Croatia’s seacoast has a Mediterranean climate, and the interior has more of a continental climate. About four million people live in Croatia, and natural resources include oil and bauxite. Zagreb is the capital. Children could learn more at: Croatia.
Flag of Slovenia
Slovenia, according to the CIA World Factbook, is about the size of New Jersey. Slovenia, north of Croatia, also has a Mediterranean climate along its coast. Coal, lead, and zinc are natural resources. Almost two million Slovenians live in this small country. Ljubljana is the capital. Children could learn more about Slovenia at: Slovenia.
World Wide Web became available to the public in 1991. Sir Tim Berners-Lee developed a system of sharing files between computers. Within five years 40 million people were using the Web. Today almost 2.5 billion people use the Web. Berners-Lee could have become wealthy from his invention, but he wanted the Web to remain free and open. Children would find the following timeline interesting: Timeline.
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 Moldova
Moldova celebrates Independence Day. It broke away from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics in 1991. Two of its boundaries are formed by the Dneister and Prut Rivers. This landlocked country, slightly larger than the state of Maryland, has fertile soil that promotes good agriculture. About 3.6 million people live in Moldova, and Chisinau is the capital.
Flag of Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan celebrates Independence Day. Kyrgyzstan became free of Soviet rule in 1991. This landlocked country, located in eastern central Asia, has an area about equal to the area of South Dakota. Most of the country is covered with mountains. About 5.5 million people live in Kyrgyzstan, and Bishkek is the capital.
Flag of Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan celebrates Independence Day. This doubly landlocked country withdrew from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics in 1991. Steppes and deserts are major land features of this country, with an area about the same as the area of California. Over 28 million people live in Uzbekistan, and Tashkent is the capital.
Flag of North Macedonia
North Macedonia celebrates Independence Day. North Macedonia peacefully gained its freedom from Yugoslavia in 1991. This land-locked country, about the size of Vermont, has dry summers and cold, very snowy winters. Over two million people live in Macedonia, and Skopje is the capital.
Flag of Tajikistan
Tajikistan celebrates Independence Day. It separated itself from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics in 1991. Tajikistan, covered with mountains, is prone to earthquakes. This landlocked country is slightly smaller than the state of Wisconsin. Almost nine million people live in the country, and Dushanbe is the capital.
Flag of Armenia
Armenia celebrates Independence Day. It broke away from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics in 1991. Located in the Middle East, Armenia dates its history back to the sixth century BC. This landlocked country is a bit smaller than the state of Maryland. Almost three million people live in Armenia, and Yerevan is the capital. Children could learn more at: Armenia.