James Cook
James Cook in 1773 became the first person to cross the Antarctic Circle. Sailing on the Resolution, Cook crossed the Antarctic Circle twice more on the voyage. On the same trip he visited a number of locations, including Easter Island, Tahiti, and the New Hebrides. Children could learn more at: James Cook.
Flag of Vanuatu
Vanuatu celebrates Independence Day. It gained its freedom from France and Great Britain in 1980. This group of twelve larger islands and sixty smaller islands changed its name from the New Hebrides to Vanuatu on this day as well. The country is located in the Pacific Ocean, and Port Vila is the capital. The area of Vanuatu is about the same as the area of Connecticut. Approximately two thirds of the 260,000 people living on the islands are farmers. Other industries include tourism and off-shore fishing. Children could learn more at: Vanuatu.