Benin celebrates National Day. The country announced its independence from France in 1960. Located on the western coast of Africa, Benin is about the size of the state of Pennsylvania. The geography is mostly flat with a few low mountains. Almost ten million people live in Benin, and Porto-Novo is the capital. Children can learn more at: Benin.
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. Older children can learn more at: Cote D’Ivoire.
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. Older children can learn more at: Chad.
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. Older children could learn more at: Gabon.
Flag of Guinea-Bissau
Guinea-Bissau celebrates Independence Day. It gained its freedom from Portugal in 1973. Guinea-Bissau, about three times the size of Connecticut, is located at the far western edge of Africa. About 1.6 million people live in the country, and Bissau is the capital. Children can learn more at: Guinea-Bissau.
Flag of Botswana
Botswana celebrates Botswana Day, the day in 1966 when the United Kingdom gave up control of the country. This landlocked country in southern Africa is fairly prosperous. It is a leading producer of diamonds. Gold has also been found in the country. Because large herds of game still roam the country, tourism also brings in a great deal of revenue. Botswana, home to two million people, is a bit smaller than Texas. Gaborone is the capital. Children can learn more at: Botswana.
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.
Flag of Uganda
Uganda celebrates Independence Day. This African land-locked country became free from British rule in 1962. Slightly smaller than the state of Oregon, Uganda is home to almost 35 million people. Farmers comprise about 80 percent of the population, and coffee is one of its biggest exports. The capital is Kampala. Children can learn more at: Uganda.
Flag of Equatorial Guinea
Equatorial Guinea celebrates Independence Day. It gained its independence from Spain in 1968. The country consists of a mainland portion of Africa and five islands. The country, slightly larger than the state of Maryland, exports cocoa beans and coffee. About 700,000 people live in Equatorial Guinea, and Malabo is the capital. Older children could learn more at: Equatorial Guinea.
Flag of Zambia
Zambia celebrates Independence Day. It was declared free of British control in 1964. The country, larger than Texas, is located in southern, central Africa. One of Zambia’s major industries is copper mining and processing. Over fourteen million people live in Zambia, and Lusaka is the capital. Older children can learn more at: Zambia.