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. Older children could learn more at: Ukraine.
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. Children can learn more at: Moldova.
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. Older children can learn more at: Uzbekistan.
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. Older children could learn more at: Tajikistan.
John Kennedy
Cuban Missile Crisis began when President Kennedy in 1962 demanded that missiles placed in Cuba by the Soviet Union be removed. The United States also placed an embargo around the island to prevent other arms entering Cuba. On October 28 the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics started to remove the weapons. Older children could learn more at: State Department.
Flag of Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan celebrates Independence Day. It separated from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics in 1991. Slightly larger than the state of California, Turkmenistan borders the Caspian Sea. Two important agricultural products are cotton and wheat. Over five million people live in Turkmenistan, and Ashgabat is the capital. Children can learn more at: Turkmenistan.
Union of Soviet Socialist Republics expired in 1991. Many portions of the Soviet Union broke away and formed their own countries. These countries included Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan. Children could visit: USSR Map. There they could view the USSR map and today’s Russia and other countries map. They could also click on a country to learn more information.