Serbia celebrates National Day. Serbia has a complex history, belonging to other nations, including Yugoslavia. This European landlocked country is about the size of South Carolina. Over seven million people live in Serbia, and Belgrade is the capital. Its main agricultural products are wheat, maize, and sugar beets. Older children could learn more at: Serbia.
Kuwait observes National Day. This small country (about the size of New Jersey) is located on the northeastern Arabian Peninsula. About 2.6 million people live in the country. Kuwait City is the capital, and petroleum products compose the largest industries. Children could learn more at: Kuwait.
Sweden celebrates National Day. Gustavus I became the king of Sweden in 1523. Today Sweden still has a constitutional monarchy; the reigning monarch is King Carl XVI Gustaf. According to the CIA World Factbook, Sweden is about the size of California. This long, thin Scandinavian country is bordered by the Baltic Sea, and the climate ranges from sub-arctic in the north to temperate in the south. Over nine million people live in Sweden, and most of the population live in the southern portion. Iron ore, timber, and hydropower contribute greatly to the economy. Stockholm is the capital. Children can learn more at: Sweden.
Luxembourg celebrates National Day, the official birthday of His Royal Highness Grand Duke Henri. It is a European, landlocked country smaller than Rhode Island. French, German, and Luxembourgish are official languages of the country. About 500,000 people live in the country, and Luxembourg is the capital. Children can learn more at: Luxembourg.
Montenegro celebrates National Day. In 1878 it was recognized as an independent country. Since then it has been a part of several countries. However, it became independent again in 2006. Slightly smaller than Connecticut, Montenegro borders the Adriatic Sea. Over 650,000 people live in Montenegro, and Podgorica is the capital. Older children can learn more at: Montenegro.
Belgium celebrates National Day. King Leopold ascended to the throne in 1821. Brussels is the capital of this country, located in northwestern Europe. Belgium is about the size of the state of Maryland. Natural resources include silica sand and construction materials. Over ten million people live in Belgium, and Dutch, French, and German are official languages. Children could learn more at: Belgium.
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 few low mountains. Many people survive on subsistence farming, and cotton is one the the country’s major exports. Almost ten million people live in Benin, and Porto-Novo is the capital. Children can learn more at: Benin.
Singapore celebrates National Day. In 1965 Singapore gained its freedom from the Malaysian Federation. According to the CIA World Factbook, Singapore is about 3.5 times the size of Washington, DC. It has a tropical climate, and over five million people live there. Children can learn more at: Singapore.
Spain, recognizing Columbus’s 1492 accomplishment, celebrates National Day. At one time Spain controlled most of South America and Central America and portions of North America. Spain, home to over 47 million citizens, is about twice the size of Oregon, and Madrid is the capital. Children could learn more at: Spain.
Austria celebrates a national day; in 1955 the country adopted a stance of permanent neutrality. A landlocked country in Europe, Austria is slightly smaller than the state of Maine, and Vienna is the capital. Not quite nine million people live in Austria. Machinery production and tourism are major sources of income. Older children can learn more at: Austria.