What English spa town was known to the Romans as Aquae Sulis?

AQUAE SVLIS SSE (1.5) to Combe Down The Roman Baths of Aquae Sulis (Picture Taken in November 2003) Aquae Sulis - The Spa Town of Sul [Minerva] Aquae Calidae - The Spa Town of the Hot Springs The Roman city of Bath was (and still is) known throughout the civilized world, by virtue of it being endowed with an impressive and complex bath-house built around natural hot springs. The baths were dedicated to the goddess Sulis Minerva, and was one of the most sought-after retirement places in Roman Britain, being surrounded by a plethora of country villas and several temples. The spa town was a major focus in the Roman road system and was also served by the sea-port of Abona (Sea Mills) at the mouth of the River Avon. Evidence from the Classical Geographies In the early second century Ptolemy's Geography attributed three towns to the Belgae tribe of Avon and Hampshire, one of which was named Aquae Calidae or 'The Spa Town of the Thermal Springs', which in Britain can be nowhere other than Bath. Aside from Bath, Ptolemy also mentions the cantonal capital Venta (Winchester, Hampshire) and the unknown town Iscalis. The Antonine Itinerary of the late second century contains an entry in Iter XIV - "an Alternative Route from Caerleon to Silchester" - named Aquis Solis, which again may be undoubtedly equated with Bath. The entry is listed 6 miles from an unidentified station named Traiectus which lies somewhere near Willsbridge in Avon, also 15 miles from Verlucio (Sandy Lane, Wiltshire). By far the most tentative link is contained in the difficult work, the Ravenna Cosmology of the seventh century, which, between the unknown towns Aranus and Melezo lists a town named Anicetis (R&C#35). This entry has been identified with Bath due to altarstone RIB 148 , the text of which contains the name Anicetus and is shown below. The name now commonly accepted for Roman Bath is that quoted in the Antonine Itinerary, Aquae Sulis 'The Spa Town of the goddess Sul'. The Roman Military at Aquae Sulis There are about half a dozen altarstones dedicated to various gods by men from nearly every Roman legion stationed in Britain, and almost an equal number of tombstones recording their earthly remains. There is, however, but a single inscription which mentions a Roman auxiliary regiment, on the tombstone of a retired cavalryman (RIB 159 infra). The presence of these military men here in a thriving Spa-town, where veteran soldiers and retired statesmen would often come to 'take the waters', cannot be taken as conclusive evidence that Bath was ever occupied by the Roman military. Legio Sextae Victrix - The Sixth Victorious Legion The Sixth Legion is mentioned in three inscriptions on stone recovered from Bath, all of them altarstones; one to the Genio Loci or the Local Spirit, (vide RIB 139 infra), and two altars to Sulis herself (RIB 143 & 144) the texts of which are shown below. These latter two altars are very interesting as they were both dedicated to the goddess to ensure the health and well-being of a centurion of the Sixth named Marcus Aufidius Maximus, who bears the traditional three names indicative of Roman citizenship. In traditional usage a citizens last name or cognomen was the name by which he was recognised among his peers, in this instance the praenomen Maximus 'The Best', was probably earned during service in the legions and would certainly indicate that this particular centurion was very good at his job. Each stone is dedicated by a freedman of this centurion who keep with ancient Roman tradition by taking the praenomen and gens of their former master, Marcus Aufidius, and retaining their former slave-name as their new cognomen, thus indicating their new standing as Roman citizens by their triple-barrelled names. Under ancient Roman law the grandchildren of these men would be eligable to enter the senatorial class of Rome, the most powerful citizens in the empire, other than the emperor and his family of course. DEAE SVLI PRO SALVTE ET INCOLVMITATE MAR AVFIDI MAXIMI C LEG VI VIC AVFIDIVS EVTVCHES LEB VSLM DEAE SVLI PRO SALVTE ET INCOLVMITAT


What U.S. military base is located on the island of Cuba?

Military Bases In Cuba | Navy, Army, Air Force, Marine Corps Bases - Military bases in Cuba Guantanamo Bay Naval Base Is military base in Cuba It is one of the oldest US Naval bases located in the Guantanamo Bay province of Cuba. The country is an island having a US base at the corner of the country with hills and mountains, which gives it many advantages of security. The base was opened in 1903 and it has been stationed in […]


What was the city of Kolkata formerly called?

India Place Name Changes - Major Cities and States India Place Name Changes India Place Name Changes Significant Place Name Changes Since Independence Over the past few years, several places in India have changed their names to shed their colonial monikers in favor of appropriate indigenous names.  Source: CIA World Factbook, 2007 By  Amanda Briney, Contributing Writer Since declaring its independence from the United Kingdom in 1947 after years of colonial rule, a number of India's biggest cities and states have undergone place name changes as their states underwent a reorganization. Many of these changes to city names were done to make those names reflect the linguistic systems in the various areas. The following is a brief history of some of India's most famous name changes: Mumbai vs. Bombay Mumbai is one of the world's ten largest cities today and is located in the Indian state of Maharashtra. This world-class city wasn't always known by this name however. Mumbai was formerly known as Bombay, which has its origins in the 1600s with the Portuguese. During their colonization of the area, they began calling it Bombaim - Portuguese for "Good Bay." In 1661 though, this Portuguese colony was given to King Charles II of England after he married the Portuguese princess Catherine de Braganza. When the British then took control of the colony, its name became Bombay- an anglicized version of Bombaim. The name Bombay then stuck until 1996 when the Indian government changed it to Mumbai. continue reading below our video 10 Best Universities in the United States It is believed that this was the name of a Kolis settlement in the same area because many Kolis communities were named after their Hindu deities. By the early 20th Century, one of these settlements was named Mumbadevi for a goddess of the same name. Therefore the change to the name of Mumbai in 1996 was an attempt to use the previous Hindi names for a city that was once controlled by the British. The use of the name Mumbai reached a global scale in 2006 when the Associated Press announced it would refer to what was once Bombay as Mumbai. Chennai vs. Madras However, Mumbai was not the only newly named Indian city in 1996. In August of that same year, the former city of Madras, located in the state of Tamil Nadu, had its name changed to Chennai. Both the names Chennai and Madras date back to 1639. In that year, the Raja of Chandragiri, (a suburb in South India), allowed the British East India Company to build a fort near the town of Madraspattinam. At the same time, the local people built another town close to the site of the fort. This town was named Chennappatnam, after the father of one of the early rulers. Later, both the fort and the town grew together but the British shortened their colony's name to Madras while the Indians changed theirs to Chennai. The name Madras (shortened from Madraspattinam) also has links to the Portuguese who were present in the area as early as the 1500s. Their exact impact on the naming of the area is unclear however and many rumors exist as to how the name really originated. Many historians believe that it may have come from the Madeiros family who lived there in the 1500s. No matter where it originated though, Madras is a much older name than Chennai. Despite that fact, the city was still renamed Chennai because it is in the language of the area’s original inhabitants and Madras was seen as being a Portuguese name and/or was associated with the former British colony. Kolkata vs. Calcutta More recently, in January 2001, one of the world's 25 largest cities, Calcutta, became Kolkata. At the same time the city’s name changed, its state changed from West Bengal to Bangla as well. Like Madras, the origin of the name Kolkata is disputed. One belief is that it is derived from in the name Kalikata - one of three villages present in the area where the city is today before the British arrived. The name Kalikata itself is derived from the Hindu goddess Kali. The name could have also been derived from the Bengali word kilkila which means "flat area." T


What is the largest landlocked country in Africa?

How Many African Countries Are Landlocked? How Many African Countries Are Landlocked? How Many African Countries Are Landlocked? And Why Does It Matter? A map of the landlocked countries in Africa.  Updated July 01, 2016. How Many African Countries Are Landlocked? Out of Africa’s 47 countries, 15 of them are landlocked . This means that about a third of the continent is made up of countries that have no access to the ocean or sea. Which Countries in Africa Are Landlocked? The landlocked countries in Africa are: Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Ethiopia, Lesotho, Malawi, Mali, Niger, Rwanda, Swaziland, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Why Does This Matter? A country’s level of access to water can have an enormous impact on its economy. It is not a coincidence that Africa, the continent with the largest number of landlocked countries, is also the poorest continent.  Of Africa’s 15 landlocked countries, 13 of them are ranked “low” or “least developed” on the Human Development Index (HDI), a statistic  that takes into account factors such as life expectancy, education, and income per capita. The six countries ranked "least developed" on the HDI are all landlocked African countries. So how does a country’s access to water affect its economy? Here are just a few factors:  Less Access to Trade: It is much cheaper to transport products over water than over land, making it more difficult for landlocked countries to participate in the global economy. High Transit Costs: Because of decreased access to trade, landlocked countries are often cut off from selling and purchasing goods, leading to higher fuel prices. It is also difficult for them to build infrastructure that would allow easy border passage. As a result, landlocked nations can’t benefit from tourism to the extent that coastal states can, which can be an increased detriment to their economies. But the lack of access to easy transit in and out of the country can have even worse effects; in times of natural disaster or violent regional conflict, it is much more difficult for residents of landlocked nations to escape. Increased dependence on neighbors: In theory, international treaties should guarantee access to oceans, but it is not always this easy. “Transit states”  -- those with access to coasts -- determine how to implement these treaties. These nations can be corrupt or simply lack incentives to invest in infrastructure that would allow easier access for landlocked nations.


What is the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina?

Where is Bosnia And Herzegovina? / Where is Bosnia And Herzegovina Located in The World? / Bosnia And Herzegovina Map - WorldAtlas.com Where is Bosnia And Herzegovina? Location of Bosnia And Herzegovina on a map. What is the capital of Bosnia And Herzegovina? Located in the continent of Europe , Bosnia and Herzegovina covers 51,187 square kilometers of land and 10 square kilometers of water, making it the 130th largest nation in the world with a total area of 51,197 square kilometers. Bosnia And Herzegovina became an independent state in 1992, after gaining its sovereignty from Turkey. The population of Bosnia And Herzegovina is 4,622,292 (2012) and the nation has a density of 90 people per square kilometer. The currency of Bosnia And Herzegovina is the Convertible Mark (BAM). As well, the people of Bosnia And Herzegovina are refered to as Bosnian/Herzegovinian. The dialing code for the country is 387 and the top level internet domain for Bosnian/Herzegovinian sites is .ba. Bosnia And Herzegovina shares land borders with 3 countries: Croatia , Montenegro , Serbia . To learn more, visit our detailed Bosnia and Herzegovina section. Quick facts


What country is bordered by Panama and Nicaragua?

About Nicaragua | By Nicaragua Channel City finder About Nicaragua Nicaragua is a democratic republic and the largest country in Central America. Nicaragua (or Surrounded by Water as the name is literally translated) is bordered by Costa Rica to the South and Honduras to the North. Nicaragua’s proximity to Costa Rica has encouraged reciprocal tourism between the countries. On the western side of the country, Nicaragua’s coastline abuts the Pacific Ocean, while on the eastern coast the Caribbean Sea meets is shores. Nicaragua has three distinct regions: the Atlantic Lowlands, the North-Central Highlands and the Pacific Lowlands each possessing a unique climate and geography. The capital and largest city is Managua. The national currency is the Cordoba. Getting Here For U.S. citizens, a valid US Passport is required for entry into Nicaragua but a visa is not required. Most foreign travelers arrive at Managua International Airport, which is located approximately 8 miles from the center of Managua . The airport is a modern facility and has recently been renovated. Managua International also serves as a regional hub for the many national airlines in the Caribbean. For U.S. travelers there are regularly scheduled flights offered by a number of U.S. carriers, while domestic and regional flights are offered by Copa Airlines, Aerocaribbean and Taca Airlines. Numerous cruise lines stop in Nicaragua at the Corinto Port. Travel Seasons Nicaragua is considered to have two main travel seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. The most popular travel season is typically between January and April as the weather is driest. The wettest parts of the year occur between May and October. For sport fishing enthusiasts, April to July is generally considered to be the best season. Accommodations Nicaragua has many fine hotels that offer a range of accommodations for every budget, from luxury resorts to bed and breakfasts. In Managua, the Intercontinental Hotel is considered amongst the city’s finest along with a number of similarly priced and equally comfortable hotels, such as the Best Western, Crowne Plaza and Hilton. In the city, country and along the coast there are numerous boutique and small hotels. These small hotels or Hoteles Pequenos are not to be confused with inexpensive as they offer some of the finest accommodations in the region. Budget travel is also popular in Nicaragua as some tourists prefer to enjoy the local scenery and outdoors while camping or staying at such eco-friendly hotels as the Los Cardones EcoLodge or the Bahia Majagual EcoLodge. In addition to accommodations for vacationers, Nicaragua has become one of the favorite Central America destinations for part time residents who have chosen to purchase property and second homes for investment or retirement purposes while enjoying the high standard of living afforded by differences in currency valuation. Attractions Nicaragua offers a number of cultural activities, ranging from theatre to religious sites. In Managua, there are three popular theatres - the Rubén Darío National Theater , the Victor Romeo Theater , and the Justo Rufino Garay Theatre, each offering a unique ambiance and venue for special performances. There are many historical buildings and attractions to see such as the Cathedral of Leon, the Church of Jaleva and Parque Central in Granada, and the colorful markets of Masaya. For nature enthusiasts, Nicaragua has 78 national parks , including sanctuaries, refuges, and reserves, each teaming with unique wildlife and flora not seen outside of Central America. Some of the more popular National Parks include the Los Guatuzos Wildlife Refuge , Mombacho Cloud Forest Reserve , and Indio-Maìz Biological Reserve. Outdoor Enthusiasts For outdoor enthusiasts, sport fishing, golf , canopy tours, scuba diving, and boating offer exciting activities and memorable experiences. Deep sea fishing in Nicaragua is considered to be the best in Central America where the sparkling Pacific Ocean offers exceptional opportunities to catch Marlin. Fishermen can fly fish in places


"What is a synonym of the word ""shire""?"

Shire Synonyms, Shire Antonyms | Thesaurus.com Cite This Source Word Origin & History shire O.E. scir "administrative office or district," from P.Gmc. *skizo (cf. O.H.G. scira "care, official charge"). Ousted since 14c. by Anglo-Fr. county (q.v.). The gentrified sense is from The Shires (1796), used by people in other parts of England of those counties that end in -shire; sense transferred to the hunting country of the Midlands (1860). Example Sentences for shire For a knight of a shire the qualification was fixed at five hundred a year; for a burgess at two hundred a year. The shire was the scene of much strife after the Reformation. Mr. Bennet and his daughters saw all the advantages of Wickham's removal from the ——shire as clearly as Mr. Gardiner could do. Castle of Carny, in the parish of Moonzie, in the shire of Fife. The Valley of the Chess is one of the prettiest districts in the shire. Thence they at once directed their course up the Zambesi to the Shire. He had heard people talk as if America were about as large as one English shire, and settled principally from their own villages. And why have you left your home in ——-shire, and why this new change of name? Longford was a county in 1377, but was not maintained as shire ground. You are to return immediately to England, and come down to his house in—shire.


What is the biggest city on the Yangtze river?

Yangtze River Facts: Length, Port Cities, Dam Project with Photos Water System Map (Click the map to enlarge it) The Yangtze water network covers about 1,800,000 square km (694,983 square miles), accounting for 18.8% of the land area in China. The upper stream is between Yibin City in Sichuan Province and Yichang City in Hubei Province. It is also called Chuan River because most parts flows through Sichuan Province. The river in this section has many shoals and rapids. The famous scenic sight "Three Gorges" is located here. The middle stream starts from Yichang City to Jiujiang City in Jiangxi Province. The river system is highly developed in the area. Many lakes are scattered around. The section between Yidu City in Hubei Province and Chenglingji Harbor in Yueyang City in Hunan Province is called Jingjiang because it passes the ancient Jingzhou area. The down stream refers to the main river section between Jiujiang and Shanghai. Originally, "Yangtze" was the name of this section due to the ancient Yangzijin Ferry in the area. Yangtze River has numerous tributaries, merging into the river and forming great water source to it. There are 49 tributaries whose basin area surpasses 10,000 square km (3,861 square miles). The main ones are Hanjiang, Yalongjiang, Minjiang, Jialingjiang, Wujiang, Xiangjiang, Yuanjiang and Ganjiang. The famous Huangpu River in Shanghai, not as large as the former ones although, is also a tributary of the Yangtze River. Big lakes in the Yangtze Basin include Dongting Lake , Poyang Lake , Taihu Lake , Liangzi Lake, Chaohu Lake and Honghu Lake.  Irrigation Projects The earliest irrigation project on Yangtze River is Dujiangyan Irrigation Project . Located on Minjiang, west to Chengdu City, it is the oldest and existing no-dam irrigation system in the world.   Gezhouba Dam, Yichang In 1988, the construction of the first big dam on the river - Gezhouba Dam was finished. It creates the effects of generating electricity and improving the gorge river channel. In 2009, another big dam - the Three Gorges Dam was completed. Located near Sandouping Town in Yichang City, Hubei Province, it is the largest hydropower project, the most efficient dam in flood control and the largest migration project in the world. The two dams together produce a marked effect to the power generation, flood control, navigation and tourism in the middle and upper reaches of the river.  Crossings Before the founding of People's Republic of China, the transportation across the Yangtze River reckoned only on the ferry which brought much inconvenience. In 1957, the first big bridge across the river – Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge was completed and opened to traffic. Later many big bridges both on the main streams and the branches of the river were constructed, including the famous ones in Chongqing, Wuhan, Jiujiang, Nanjing and Shanghai etc. Now there are hundreds of bridges on the Yangtze. On Dec.28 2008, Wuhan Yangtze River Crossing Tunnel was opened to traffic. Shanghai Yangtze River Tunnel has been in operation since Oct. 31 2009.


"If an American is from the ""Bay Area"", what bay do they live nearby?"

Things To Do in San Francisco - Attractions Things To Do in San Francisco - Attractions Overview | Attractions | Events | Lodging | Restaurants | History Bay    Area Discovery Museum - Just under the North tower of the    Golden Gate Bridge is a fantastic place where toddlers to ten-year-olds    and their families will find limitless opportunities for discoveries    in art, science and media. Madame Tussauds San Francisco - The world famous Madame Tussauds is now open on Fisherman's Wharf, next to Pier 39. Meet Al Capone in Alcatraz, Tony Bennett on Lombard Street and Jimmy Hendrix in a purple haze on stage.        Mingle with the A-list and get up close to your favorite sports and music stars for the ultimate fame experience at Madame Tussauds San Francisco. California Academy of Sciences - Immerse yourself in the    world's oceans and fresh water environments displayed in Steinhart    Aquarium, including a two-story coral reef tank. Discover the    wonders of the natural world through changing natural history    exhibits. The Academy is open to the public at 875 Howard Street    in downtown San Francisco during its rebuilding project in Golden    Park, which is scheduled to be completed in 2008. de Young Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco - The City's    largest public arts institution. Comprised of the M.H. de Young    Memorial Museum and the California Palace of the Legion of Honor,    FAMSF is also the City's most successful public/private partnership. Exploratorium - Housed within the walls of San Francisco's    Palace of Fine Arts, the Exploratorium is a collage of over    650 science, art, and human perception exhibits. The Exploratorium    is a leader in the movement to promote the museum as an educational    center. PIER 39 - San Francisco's Number One Attraction provides visitors with    postcard views of Alcatraz, the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges,    the San Francisco Bay and the City skyline. Visitors can enjoy    shopping, entertainment, dining, and more! Fisherman's Wharf - San Francisco's most popular destination    is known for its historic waterfront, delicious seafood, spectacular    sights and unique shopping, Fisherman's Wharf offers a wide    array of things to do for everyone. Golden    Gate Bridge - The Golden Gate Bridge is the internationally    recognized symbol of San Francisco. Completed in 1937, this    bridge spans the opening of the San Francisco Bay into the Pacific    Ocean. Visitors are invited to walk, drive or bike across the    bridge. There is also a gift center located on the southeast    side of the bridge. Lombard Street - Considered "the crookedest street in the    world," Lombard Street is best known for the one-way section    on Russian Hill which has eight sharp switchbacks. An amazing    site to see, the street is paved with bricks and passes many    beautiful Victorian mansions Alcatraz    Cruises - One of the world's most legendary prisons, Alcatraz,    is now a historic site open for tours. The island is located    1.5 miles offshore from San Francisco. Visitors reach the island    by ferry ride from Pier 33, near Fisherman's Wharf. Visitors    have the option of taking a guided tour or an audio tour. Alcatraz    also gardens for guests to enjoy. San Francisco    Cable Cars - Interactive demos on how cable cars work, cable    car route maps with popular destinations, cable car fares and    etiquette, and the location and hours for the San Francisco    Cable Car Powerhouse. Oakland Museum    of California - Provides unique collections, exhibitions    and educational opportunities designed to generate a broader    and deeper understanding of and interest in California's environment,    history, art and people. Phoebe    A. Hearst Museum of Anthropology - Explore the diversity    of human cultures from the state of California and around the    world, visit The Phoebe A. Hearst Museum of Anthropology at    the Universit


Besides Cape Town and Bloemfontein, what city is a capital of South Africa?

Capital of South Africa - 3 Capitals - Cape Town, Pretoria, Bloemfontein Capital of South Africa Pretoria, South Africa Unlike most other countries around the world, South Africa has not one but three capital cities. More precisely, the government branches are divided among three major South African cities: Pretoria, Cape Town, and Bloemfontein. This concept dates back to the creation of the Union of South Africa, where conflicting views on which city should hold the capital led to this compromise. Much like the very idea of the balance of powers, leaders of early South Africa decided that having all government centralized in one place could give that place too much power, so it divided the branches among three provinces. Pretoria, located in the Gauteng Province, is the administrative capital and the seat of the President of the Cabinet, that is the executive branch. Pretoria is often considered the de facto national capital, and was the capital of Apartheid South Africa. This city is the headquarters for many government departments, as well as foreign embassies. The city's name has been the source of controversy for several years, and may soon be changed back to the indigenous name Tshwane. Pretoria is located about 55 kilometers (34 miles) from Johannesburg in the northeast of the nation. Cape Town, South Africa is the legislative capital, and the seat of the nation's Parliament. South Africa's parliament consists of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces. After Johannesbug, Cape Town is the second largest city by population in South Africa. Finally, Bloemfontein serves as the judicial capital, as the seat of the Supreme Court of Appeal. Bloemfontein is also the capital of its province, the Free State, and is centrally located within South Africa. ACOD~20121214


What country is the world's top oil exporter?

Top Ten Oil Exporting Countries | Which Country Exports the Most Oil | WhichCountry.co Which Country Exports the Most Oil 1.4k Views SHARES   Even with the initiation of green economy, oil is still considered a precious commodity that has the power and ability to create the fortunes of different nations around the world. Number of Fuel markets have abundance of causes to be spooked. Libya is considered the home of Africa’s Crud oil reserves than all other African nations. Today no one can deny the importance of Fuel due to the world’s largest running commodity. There is no country having no fuel consumption but their production, import and export vary from each other. Currently Russia is the largest oil-producing country with more than 10,730,000 BB/per day and contributing to 12.65% in global fuel output. Russia has world’s leading Petroleum industry. It is the largest natural gas exporting nation in the world. Similarly it is considered world’s third largest energy-consuming nation too so by the figures of export, Saudi Arabia leads Russia exporting 7,635,000 barrels of refined oil each day.KSA produces 10.3 Million Barrels per day in totals List of Top Ten Oil Exporters in the World Rank 1,920,000   KSA is an Islamic country which is respected all over the world due to its holy places mainly Mecca and Medina. Its Capital city is Al Riyadh. Official language is Arabic and law is purely Islamic. Most of the countries get benefit from Saudi government for their fuel needs. Though since 2009, a decline in its annual exports has observed but still it is world’s largest exporter. It has animatedly one-fifth of the world’s proven natural fuel reserves and said to be the largest producer as well as exporter of all the petroleum liquid products. The Following chart is showing the Saudi Exports by Destination. From different authentic resources it is concluded that Saudi Arabia is the biggest exporter of oil. Also See :


What is the most populous urban area in Africa?

Largest City in Africa   The Question: What is the most populous capital city in Africa? What African     capital city has the largest land area? The Answer: Cairo , the capital of Egypt , is the     African capital with the largest population, about 7.9 million. When     the surrounding metropolitan area is included, Cairo has a population     of 14.8 million, making it the among the 20 largest cities in the     world. Other large African capital cities include: While it is not the capital, the urban area based around Lagos, Nigeria has a     population of 11.4 million. In land area, Cairo (104 square miles) and Lagos (56 square     miles) are generally considered the largest in Africa. It is often     difficult to estimate the size of African cities because recent urban     sprawl has spilled into the surrounding countryside.


What group of Caribbean islands includes St. Croix, St. Thomas, and Tortola?

Home - St. Thomas Island travel in the US Virgin Islands and Caribbean - Saint JohnSt. Thomas Island travel in the US Virgin Islands and Caribbean – Saint John Get away to the Caribbean life! stthomasisland.com is your one stop website for current U.S.Virgin Island information. St. Thomas is a spectacular Virgin Island with exceptional beaches, great restaurants, relaxing accommodations and a duty free port. It’s also located close to many other nearby Islands including St. John, St. Croix, Jost Van Dyke, Tortola,  and Virgin Gorda.  (You’ll need a valid passport to enter the British Virgin Islands and to return to the U.S. Virgin Islands.) Charlotte Amalie, the main city and port in Saint Thomas is just minutes from the STT international airport.  It has a cruise ship port and ferry service to surrounding Virgin and other Caribbean islands.  It’s full of great restaurants, shops, villas, condos, hotels, boat rental/charter companies, waterfront shops, art galleries and other points of attraction. Red Hook, once a secluded fishing village, also boasts fabulous and fun restaurants, bars, places to stay, shops, marinas, and charter companies.  About 20 minutes away from Charlotte Amalie by car, taxi or bus, it has the fastest ferry ride to St. John, USVI and Tortola Island in the British Virgin Islands.


In what city would you find the district of Pudong, home to the world's second tallest building?

Shanghai Tower, the world's second-tallest building, tops out 6 comments News: the topping-out ceremony for the Gensler-designed Shanghai Tower, the world's second-tallest building, takes place in Shanghai tomorrow (Saturday). The 632 metre-high tower has now reached its full height and is second only to the Burj Khalifa tower in Dubai , which measures 828 metres. The topping-out ceremony, to be held at the construction site in the Lujiazui development zone in Shanghai, will be attended by Gensler founder Art Gensler and senior figures from the Chinese government. The twisting form of the tower is the result of wind-tunnel tests and is designed to reduce wind load by 24% during typhoons. The 121-storey tower will be divided into nine vertical zones, with retail at the bottom and hotels, cultural facilities and observation decks at the top. The zones in between will contain offices. Shanghai Tower is due to open in 2014. It forms the centrepiece of the emerging Lujiazui high-rise district in Pudong, which is located on a bend of the Huangpu river opposite downtown Shanghai. The building already towers over neighbouring buildings including the 421 metre-high, pagoda-shaped Jin Mao Tower by SOM, and the 492 metre-high Shanghai World Financial Center by Kohn Pedersen Fox. Work briefly started earlier this month on what would be the tallest building on earth - the 838 metre-high Sky City in Changsha in central China, which its developers believe they can build in just seven months . However construction was abruptly postponed due to issues with safety certificates and building permits . Here's some text about Shanghai Tower from Gensler: Shanghai Tower will anchor the city’s Lujiazui district, which has emerged as one of East Asia’s leading financial centers. Designed by a local team of Gensler architects to embody Shanghai’s rich culture, the 632-meter-high mixed-use building will complete the city’s super-highrise precinct. It is the most forward-looking of the three towers symbolizing Shanghai’s past, present, and future. The new tower takes inspiration from Shanghai’s tradition of parks and neighborhoods. Its curved façade and spiraling form symbolize the dynamic emergence of modern China. By incorporating sustainable best practices, Shanghai Tower is at the forefront of a new generation of super-highrise towers, achieving the highest level of performance and offering unprecedented community access. Gensler’s vision for Shanghai Tower has taken tangible form after completion of the immense foundation. Soil conditions in Shanghai—a clay-based mixture typical of a river delta—meant supporting the tower on 831 rein- forced concrete bore piles sunk deep into the ground. For three days, a small army of workers assembled to complete the marathon, 60-hour continuous concrete pour. When the job was finished, more than 61,000 cubic meters of concrete had been used to create the six-meter-thick mat foundation. The tower’s scale and complexity have created so many “firsts” for China’s construction industry that more than 100 expert panels have been established to analyze every aspect of the design. Workers are busy building forms for the concrete core and erecting the gigantic composite supercolumns—measuring 5 x 4 meters at the base and reinforced with steel plates that weigh 145 metric tons each—that will provide structural support for the tower. To carry the load of the trans- parent glass skin, Gensler designed an innovative curtain wall that is suspended from the mechanical floors above and stabilized by a system of hoop rings and struts. And the strategic division of the tower into nine vertical zones will supply the lifeblood of the building’s heating, cooling, water, and power throughout with less energy and at lower cost. Gensler won the Shanghai Tower project in an invited multi-stage competition among leading international architects. What secured the win were the tower’s design and performance, and Gensler’s commitment to China. To refine the tower’s shape, Gensler’s team used a series of wind tunnel tests to simulate th


What part of France is located on the continent of South America?

South America Continent | The 7 Continents of the World The 7 Continents of the World 6,888,000 (mi²) / 15,539,928 (km²) Population: São Paulo, Brazil – 21,090,791 (2014) Number of Countries: Atacama Desert South America is one of the 7 continents on the planet. The majority of its position lies within the Southern Hemisphere, and geographers designate it as a subcontinent of the Americas. The Pacific Ocean borders South America to the west, and the Atlantic Ocean borders it to the east. The Caribbean Sea and the North American continent lie to the northwest. South America includes the following countries: Venezuela, Argentina, Uruguay, Bolivia, Suriname, Brazil, Peru, Chile, Paraguay, Colombia, Guyana, and Ecuador. In addition, South America has two non-sovereign territories: French Guiana, a territory of France, and the Falkland Islands, a territory of the United Kingdom. The geographic area of South America encompasses over 6,890,000 square miles. The population estimates from 2013 exceed 386,000,000 people. As one of the 7 continents, South America ranks fourth in geographic size behind Asia , Africa and North America . It ranks fifth in total population behind Asia, Africa, Europe and North America. The majority of the population lives in the coastal regions. The interior and southern regions tend to be sparsely populated. The Andes mountain range dominates the Western region of the continent while highlands and extensive river basins, including the Parana, Amazon and Orinoco basins, comprise the Eastern region. The majority of the continent lies in the tropical zone. The societies of South American make up a racially, ethnically and culturally diverse group of people originating from Africa, Europe, and Asia. Generally, the societies reflect a background of colonialism, and most South Americans speak Spanish or Portuguese. Many traditions trace their roots to origins in Western civilization. The South American continent contains many spectacular geographic sights. The highest waterfall in the world, Angel Falls, lies in Venezuela. In addition, South America contains the highest volume river, the Amazon, the longest mountain range, the Andes, and the driest area on the planet, the Atacama Desert . The Amazon Rainforest claims the title of the largest rainforest in the world, and Lake Titicaca remains at the highest altitude and is regarded as the most commercially viable lake in the world. South America continues to provide the world with extensive mineral resources, including silver, gold, iron ore, copper, petroleum, and tin. These mining and exportation of these minerals have brought significant economic growth through a consistent source of income. However, some countries have concentrated their economies on one or two mineral exports, and this practice hinders the development of broader economies. The price fluctuations in the commodities markets can lend instability to the economies of the continent, and this instability can contribute to political instability as well. This has led to efforts to diversify the economies and strengthen the overall stability of the continent. The biodiversity of South America contains many unique and fascinating species of animals on the planet, including the anaconda, llama, jaguar, tapir, vicuna, and piranha. The Amazon rain forest provides habitat for a major segment of the Earth’s species. The largest country in South America is Brazil, which comprises almost half of the entire continent’s land mass and population. The other territories and countries make up three regions: The Southern Cone, The Andean States, and The Guiana region. One of the earliest cultures of South America was at Norte Chico along the central coast of Peru. This culture existed contemporaneously with the Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt. The Portuguese and Spanish established colonies in South America in the 1500s and beginning in the early 1600s, foreign conquistadors laid claim to many of the natural resources and cultures. The competing conquerors divided the continent and claimed the land for their sponsori


What river forms part of the border between France and Germany?

European Rivers - Rivers of Europe, Map of Rivers in Europe, Major Rivers in Europe - Worldatlas.com Hundreds of rivers and their tributaries cross the European continent. Here we highlight those over 600 miles in length, and a few others of note. DANUBE Beginning in the Black Forest region of Germany, it flows across central Europe and the countries of Austria, Hungary, Croatia and Yugoslavia. It then forms the border between Romania and Bulgaria, turning north across Romania to eventually end in the Black Sea. It's (1,771 miles) (2,850 km) in length, and one of the most significant commercial waterways on the continent. DNIEPER Rising in the southwestern part of the Russian Federation, it flows generally south through Belarus, then southeast through Ukraine, ending in the Black Sea. Overall it's (1,420 miles) (2,285 km) in length. DON Beginning it the southwestern Russian Federation, to the south of Moscow, it flows southeasterly towards the Volga, then turns abruptly west, ending in the Sea of Azov. Overall it's (1,224 miles) (1,969 km) in length. ELBE Rising in the Czech Republic, the Elbe River then flows north through Germany, ending in the North Sea near Cuxhaven. It's (724 miles) (1,165 km) in length LOIRE Recognized as the longest river in France, the navigable Loire begins in the foothills of the Massif Central, then flows north and west across the heartland of France, finally ending in the Bay of Biscay. It's (634 miles) (1,020 km) in length. ODER Rising in the rugged mountains of the eastern Czech Republic, it flows west and north through south-central Poland, eventually emptying into the Baltic Sea. It's (567 miles) (912 km) in length. PO Italy's longest river begins in the upper reaches of the Alps, flowing west to east across northern Italy, ending in the Adriatic Sea. It's (405 miles) (652 km) in length. RHINE Forming in the mountains of southeastern Switzerland, this legendary river flows west, forming Switzerland's northeastern border with Germany, then runs directly north through western Germany forming part of that country's border with France, then finally dissecting the Netherlands and ending in the North Sea. Numerous tributaries and branches run in all directions, and in overall length is (820 miles) (1,319 km). RHONE Begin high in the Swiss Alps, this fast moving river flows into the eastern end of Lake Geneva, then south through south-eastern France, emptying into the Mediterranean Sea. Small branches run in all directions, and in overall length, it's (300 miles) (485 km). SHANNON Rising in northwestern Ireland, it flows south through a series of lakes, then turns west to eventually empty into the Atlantic Ocean. It's 230 miles (370 km) in length. TAGUS The Tagus River rises in the central highlands of Spain, flowing southwest across Portugal, then south to Lisbon and the Atlantic Ocean. It's 626 miles (1,007 km) in length. Volga The Volga is the largest river in European Russia in terms of length, discharge, and watershed. It flows through central Russia, and is widely viewed as the national river of Russia. It's 3,692 km (2,294 mi) long


What is Canada's largest, newest, and least populated territory?

Canada | Provinces and Territories | World Population Statistics World Population Statistics » Canada | Provinces and Territories Canada | Provinces and Territories Alberta Population - Alberta Population According to calculations made using historical population census data and statistical population growth rates, the population of Alberta as of the year 2013 is 3,847,100. Alberta’s population of 3,847,100 makes up approximately 10.9% of the Canadian national population. With a 10.8% population growth rate Alberta has seen over the … Continue reading → British Columbia Population - British Columbia Population According to calculation estimates, the population of British Columbia is 4,606,451. Currently, British Columbia’s population makes up approximately 13.2% of the Canadian national population. Despite the 7.0% population growth Quebec has seen over the past years, British Columbia is the third most populated Canadian province.  (Quebec is … Continue reading → Manitoba Population - Manitoba Population According to a 2011 estimate, the population of British Columbia is 1,208,268. Currently, Manitoba’s population makes up approximately 3.6% of the Canadian national population. With a 5.2% population growth, Manitoba is the fifth most populated Canadian province, after Ontario (1), Quebec (2), British Columbia (3), and Alberta (4). … Continue reading → New Brunswick Population - New Brunswick Population This page of the site is currently under construction. Our content experts are diligently working to release new up to date content for your use. Thanks for stopping and looking around. Come back again soon to see what we have released. Interactive Canadian Province Population Map Other … Continue reading → Newfoundland and Labrador Population - Newfoundland and Labrador Population This page of the site is currently under construction. Our content experts are diligently working to release new up to date content for your use. Thanks for stopping and looking around. Come back again soon to see what we have released. Interactive Canadian Province Population Map … Continue reading → Northwest Territories Population - Northwest Territories Population This page of the site is currently under construction. Our content experts are diligently working to release new up to date content for your use. Thanks for stopping and looking around. Come back again soon to see what we have released. Interactive Canadian Province Population Map Other … Continue reading → Nova Scotia Population - Nova Scotia Population According to recent calculations and estimates, the population of Nova Scotia is 921,727, making it the 2nd most densely populated province in Canada. Currently, Nova Scotia’s population makes up approximately 2.8% of the Canadian national population.  With a 0.9% population growth, Nova Scotia is the seventh most … Continue reading → Nunavut Population - Nunavut Population This page of the site is currently under construction. Our content experts are diligently working to release new up to date content for your use. Thanks for stopping and looking around. Come back again soon to see what we have released. Interactive Canadian Province Population Map Other Resources … Continue reading → Ontario Population - Ontario Population Based on the estimates made using population census data and historical population growth statistics, the population of Ontario as of the year 2013 is 13,472,400. Ontario’s population of 13,472,400 makes up approximately 38.4% of Canada’s total national population. Due to the 5.7% population growth Ontario has experienced over the past … Continue reading → Prince Edward Island Population - Prince Edward Island Population This page of the site is currently under construction. Our content experts are diligently working to release new up to date content for your use. Thanks for stopping and looking around. Come back again soon to see what we have released. Interactive Canadian Province Population Map … Continue reading → Quebec Population - Quebec Population According to the estimates made using population cens


What is the second largest urban area in Japan?

Japan’s Rural-Urban Divide | The Diplomat Japan’s Rural-Urban Divide The nation’s rural communities are becoming more vocal about central government priorities. By Justin R. Moore for The Diplomat February 08, 2014     An untold story is emerging in the mountains, farmlands, and forests of Japan. On March 11, 2011, disaster struck the island country: first in the form of one of the largest earthquakes to hit the island country and, second, a nuclear reactor meltdown. The disasters have forced the Japanese government to reconsider its position on energy and environmental planning. But while considerable time has been dedicated to the ways in which Japan can surmount the questions of energy security in the post-Fukushima Daiichi era, a new story – not one cradled in the bright lights of Tokyo or Osaka, but instead in the ancient Japanese countryside – is being ignored. Rural communities throughout Japan are becoming increasingly vocal about an urban-rural divide that has been generally unquestioned for over 150 years. This newfound rural voice is pulsating throughout the countryside, speaking of environmental justice and an unfair urban bias in planning. As the Japanese government continues with ongoing energy and environmental planning debates in this new era, this voice is positioned to become increasingly loud. Industrialization in Japan has two historical periods of particularly rapid development and urbanization. The first period between 1910 and 1930 followed a series of radical political and economic changes ushered in by the Meiji government. Meiji leaders “concentrated industrialization efforts in existing major urban areas,” namely Tokyo and the commercial center of Osaka where, for example, the first national government constructed railroad systems were built. During this time, Osaka, Tokyo, Kitakyushu and Nagoya – all large urban centers – emerged as the industrial and economic centers of Japan, accounting for more than half of the nation’s industrial production in the 1920s with Osaka accounting for 27 percent alone. Enjoying this article? Click here to subscribe for full access. Just $5 a month. By the end of the second, post-World War Two period of industrialization in the 1980s, growth in and directly around Tokyo increased further, resulting in the “Tokyo unipolar concentration problem, [which is] an acute condition of political, economic, and socio-demographic activities converging in Tokyo at the cost of other areas.” However, the growing divide did not go unnoticed by those marginalized in regional and peripheral prefectures throughout Japan during both periods. As industrialization and urbanization progressed, social and economic divisions between the urban and rural spheres in Japan began to become increasingly more pronounced. It is important to consider the implications of these developments. In particular, the way in which neoliberal restructuring has manifested itself in the power dynamic between cities and peripheral regions is crucial to understanding the post-Fukushima Daiichi incident’s political and social environment. As the Japanese government in Tokyo seeks to minimize the effects of the disasters through new policies, the history of restructuring and the urban bias tears the fibers between urban and rural Japan. According to David Harvey, social justice strongly correlates to the power of the ruling class. In particular, neoliberal restructuring – under the auspices of endless capital accumulation – creates markets that further divide the gap between rich and poor while also exacerbating racial, religious and ethnic divisions. The thirty year history of neoliberalism in Europe, the United States, and currently Asia demonstrates that “the freer the market the greater the inequalities and the greater the monopoly power.” This divide, Harvey argues, involves the right to the city, or namely the ability to change spaces to meet our needs and desires. However, neoliberalism is effectively resting power in specific places and spaces. For Harvey, the manifestations are negative: private property


In the Gulf War, what gulf is being referred to?

The Persian Gulf War .  George H. W. Bush    . WGBH American Experience  | PBS Other General Articles Iraq's August 2, 1990 invasion of Kuwait sent shockwaves around the world. Not only were the oil-rich states of the Persian Gulf important to the world economy. President  George H.W. Bush  also saw the invasion as a direct threat to the international system. Good and Evil Bush, a  World War II  veteran, condemned the aggression and spoke of it in terms of "good and evil," often comparing Iraqi president Saddam Hussein to  Adolf Hitler . For Bush, the only possible resolution to this "naked act of aggression" would be a clear and unequivocal withdrawal of Iraqi forces. And Bush became convinced early on that only military action would force Saddam to pull back.   Building and International Coalition Bush saw the invasion as a chance to strengthen the international community. Soon after Iraq's action became known, Bush drew on a lifetime of international contacts to begin putting together an international coalition. Within hours the United Nations Security Council had condemned the invasion and within days it had imposed sanctions on Iraq. The unanimous actions by the Security Council were the international body's strongest show of unanimity since its inception. Only a day after the invasion, the United States and the Soviet Union stood together in condemning the attack and cutting off the supply of arms to Baghdad. In all, the Security Council would approve 12 resolutions on Iraq.  The Post-Cold War World For Bush the Security Council provided domestic political cover -- his advisors felt strong U.N. action would help to convince the American public of the importance of American involvement. But the president also felt that a show of force by the international community would help to set a precedent for the  post-Cold War world . He hoped that the creation of what he called the "new world order" might help to deter such situations in the future and define a new era of  international cooperation .  Seeking Clear-Cut Victory President Bush's experiences in combat were never far from his mind as he began to discuss possible war plans with Secretary of Defense Richard Cheney and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Colin Powell. Powell would later remark that he was surprised by the level of detail in the president's questioning about the plans. After reviewing the initial draft, the president sent the war planners back to the drawing board. Bush wanted an approach that left no room for defeat. He was determined to provide the military with whatever they needed to win quickly and decisively. Cheney referred to Bush's approach as a  post-Vietnam  "don't screw-around school of military strategy."  Stopping Short of Baghdad On January 17, 1991, American and allied forces began launching air attacks on Iraqi forces and on February 24 the ground campaign began. By February 27, the coalition had achieved their stated mission of ejecting the Iraqi army out of Kuwait. Exactly 100 hundred hours after the ground battle had begun, the allies suspended all offensive operations. While Bush's decision to conclude the war without removing Saddam Hussein from power would become controversial, his advisors would recall that the president was insistent that the war should not exceed the authorization of the Security Council. Interviewed in 2007, when the U.S. had been fighting in Iraq for more than four years in a war initiated by Bush's son, President George W. Bush, Colin Powell remarked, "In recent months, nobody's been asking me about why we didn't go to Baghdad. Pretty good idea now why Baghdad should always be looked at with some reservations."


What group of islands are controlled by the United Kingdom, but claimed by Argentina?

Falkland Islands War | Argentina-United Kingdom | Britannica.com Falkland Islands War Alternative Titles: Falklands War, Malvinas War, South Atlantic War Related Topics Falkland Islands War, also called Falklands War, Malvinas War, or South Atlantic War, a brief undeclared war fought between Argentina and Great Britain in 1982 over control of the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) and associated island dependencies. The Argentine cruiser General Belgrano sinking after being torpedoed … AP The outbreak of conflict Argentina had claimed sovereignty over the Falkland Islands, which lie 300 miles (480 km) east of its coast, since the early 19th century, but Britain seized the islands in 1833, expelling the few remaining Argentine occupants, and since then consistently rejected Argentina’s claims. In early 1982 the Argentine military junta led by Lieut. Gen. Leopoldo Galtieri gave up on long-running negotiations with Britain and instead launched an invasion of the islands. The decision to invade was chiefly political: the junta, which was being criticized for economic mismanagement and human rights abuses, believed that the “recovery” of the islands would unite Argentines behind the government in a patriotic fervour. An elite invasion force trained in secrecy, but its timetable was shortened on March 19 when a dispute erupted on British-controlled South Georgia island, where Argentine salvage workers had raised the Argentine flag, 800 miles (1,300 km) east of the Falklands. Naval forces were quickly mobilized. Argentine troops invaded the Falklands on April 2, rapidly overcoming the small garrison of British marines at the capital Stanley (Port Stanley); they obeyed orders not to inflict any British casualties, despite losses to their own units. The next day Argentine marines seized the associated island of South Georgia. By late April Argentina had stationed more than 10,000 troops on the Falklands, although the vast majority of these were poorly trained conscripts, and they were not supplied with proper food, clothing, and shelter for the approaching winter. As expected, the Argentine populace reacted favourably, with large crowds gathering at the Plaza de Mayo (in front of the presidential palace) to demonstrate support for the military initiative . In response to the invasion, the British government under Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher declared a war zone for 200 miles (320 km) around the Falklands. The government quickly assembled a naval task force built around two aircraft carriers, the 30-year-old HMS Hermes and the new HMS Invincible light carrier, and two cruise ships pressed into service as troop carriers, the Queen Elizabeth 2 and the Canberra. The carriers sailed from Portsmouth on April 5 and were reinforced en route. Most European powers voiced support for Great Britain, and European military advisers were withdrawn from Argentine bases. However, most Latin American governments sympathized with Argentina. A notable exception was Chile , which maintained a state of alert against its neighbour because of a dispute over islands in the Beagle Channel . The perceived threat from Chile prompted Argentina to keep most of its elite troops on the mainland, distant from the Falklands theatre. In addition, Argentine military planners had trusted that the United States would remain neutral in the conflict, but, following unsuccessful mediation attempts, the United States offered full support to Great Britain, allowing its NATO ally to use its air-to-air missiles, communications equipment, aviation fuel, and other military stockpiles on British-held Ascension Island , as well as cooperating with military intelligence. The course of the conflict Similar Topics War of 1812 On April 25, while the British task force was steaming 8,000 miles (13,000 km) to the war zone via Ascension Island, a smaller British force retook South Georgia island, in the process capturing one of Argentina’s vintage U.S.-made diesel-electric submarines. On May 2 the obsolete Argentine cruiser General Belgrano (purchased from the United States after


"What peninsula is split in half by a ""demilitarized zone""?"

National Geographic Magazine - NGM.com By Tom O'Neill Photographs by Michael Yamashita Inside a "shoot house" at Camp Bonifas, South Korean infantrymen armed with live ammunition practice close-quarters combat. The soldiers are stationed a mile from Panmunjom, a DMZ enclave where meetings between North and South Korea are held. The Bonifas troops regularly practice rescue operations in case North Koreans should kidnap U.S. or South Korean officials meeting at Panmunjom. Day eighteen thousand, give or take a few, of the cease-fire   between South and North Korea begins like most other days: Soldiers are   preparing for war. In the bitter cold of pre-dawn darkness, 15 South   Korean infantrymen huddle together on a road outside a sleeping farm village   and streak their faces with camouflage paint. They snap magazines of live   ammunition into their M4 assault rifles. With the wind comes a faint strain of   martial music, as if from a ghostly parade, carrying from huge speakers mounted   across the border in North Korea. At a hand signal from the platoon leader, the   soldiers noiselessly line up and then disperse, melting into the surrounding   blackness. Their mission is to patrol a short stretch of the   Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the contentious no-man's-land that has divided the   two Koreas for 50 years. The bright lights of Seoul, the South Korean capital,   burn less than 35 miles (56 kilometers) away, but here in the fenced-off,   land-mined, guard-towered DMZ, the only reality is a shadowy cat-and-mouse game   played between soldiers of warring armies. Every 15 minutes the radioman   murmurs the platoon's position back to the command post: a road, a rice field   dike, now the border itself. As the platoon approaches a North Korean guard tower, the   leader signals his men to stay alert. If the patrol is particularly lucky, a   North Korean soldier will recklessly dash through the brush and offer to defect   with state secrets. If it is particularly unlucky, the North Koreans will open fire.   That would be unlucky for all of us: In a worst-case scenario, Korea's uneasy   peace could shatter, spilling war across the peninsula, with millions killed,   and then possibly on to China, Japan, and beyond, pushing the world toward   possible nuclear war. Apocalyptic thoughts come easy here. In a world full of   scary places—Kashmir, Chechnya, the West Bank—the DMZ is perhaps   the scariest of all, considering the massive fire-power deployed on both sides   and the brinkmanship practiced by the rival camps. All along the 148-mile   (238-kilometer) truce line that bisects the Korean peninsula, hundreds of   thousands of well-trained troops from two of the world's largest armies (plus   more than half of the 37,000 United States troops stationed in South Korea)   stand ready to fight, trained by their commanders to hate their ideological   opposites and never to let their defenses down. This state of emergency has persisted since July 27, 1953,   when an armistice agreement halted the vicious fighting of the three-year-old   Korean War. The origins of the conflict go back to the end of World War II,   when the peninsula was split at the 38th parallel by the Soviet Union and the   United States as the Allies drove Japan out of Korea. With the tacit consent of   its Soviet patron, North Korea launched a surprise, tank-led invasion across   the line on June 25, 1950, seeking to impose communist rule throughout the   peninsula. China, another freshly minted communist power, entered the war in   October, sending waves of soldiers into North Korea when UN forces threatened   to overrun the Yalu River on the Chinese border. By 1953 almost 900,000   soldiers had died—and more than two million civilians had been killed or   wounded—as the South Korean military, joined by United Nations troops   composed mostly of American units, battled the forces of North Korea and China   to a standstill. The end of fighting did not bring an end to hostilities.


"The island of Majorca has a name that means ""larger island"". Which island is the ""smaller island""?"

About Mallorca, Spain | SeeMallorca.com About Mallorca Which country are you based in? Europe Map view An Introduction & guide to Mallorca Imagine an island with turquoise-blue seas, secret coves, soft golden sands, lush green foliage, soaring rugged mountains, sleepy honey-stone villages, and a vibrant capital city. A place steeped in history, with a rich artisan and cultural scene, featuring gastronomic excellence. Well, this island’s name is Mallorca and, thanks to its many charms, more and more people are visiting all year round. So we thought we would share a bit more information about this enchanting destination. Mallorca really does have it all - glorious beaches and majestic mountains, a wealth of historical buildings and cultural experiences, a buzzing and cosmopolitan city, theme parks for all the family and all the shopping you could care to do whilst on holiday. Whether you want to visit one of the beautiful country houses, enter one of the remarkable caves, or chill out in a beach club, Mallorca has it. Each  region in Mallorca  has its own particular appeal - the northeast for history, the east coast for beaches and caves, the north and west for spectacular mountains and picture-postcard villages. If you want to know about the real Mallorca, you should drive across Es Pla, the fertile plain at the centre of the island, with its almond groves, windmills and old market towns. Choosing where to stay depends on what you want to see and do, from the bustle of Palma, to the dreamy coastlines, or head inland for many luxury retreats where you can get away from it all. Of course, the island has also been well-known for its purpose built resorts and package holidays. Very popular they were too, but Mallorca has changed since their hey-day in the later part of the 20th century. Local town halls on Mallorca have invested time and energy into smartening up their resorts and making them a lot more family-friendly. Mallorca is now a destination where everyone can find their own spot. Is it Mallorca or Majorca? It's only the British (and their historical colonies) and the Irish who use the word 'Majorca'. To everyone else, it is Mallorca. 'Mallorca' comes from the Latin for 'larger island' - 'insula maior'. This is in reference to its smaller neighbour, Menorca, 'insula minor'. As you see, no 'j' is mentioned, and this is because the letter 'j' didn't exist in Latin until around the 13th century, when it was introduced to take the place of 'i' when used as a consonant (as in 'maior'). The English language is based on several languages, one of which is Latin. Now, we're not Latin scholars, but it seems that English embraced the use of 'j' more than the Mediterranean countries. So, 'maior' became 'major' and hence Majorca. As Mallorca continued to belong to what became Spain in the years subsequent to the Catalan invasion, the Catalán version 'Mallorca' remained as the name used by the rest of the world. Beaches in Mallorca With over 500km of coastline, there are over 200 beaches to choose from on Mallorca. Many of the best beaches are backed by holiday resorts and have great facilities from shops and cafes, to sun loungers and watersports. Equally, there are vast stretches of beach, particularly in the south, where there has been no development and virgin calas with Caribbean-esque seas await you. The east coast is filled with little sandy coves, ideal for sailing and snorkelling, while the west coast has a mixture of beaches and dramatic cliffs with stunning scenery. See Beaches in Mallorca Where is Mallorca? Mallorca is one of the Balearic Islands in the western Mediterranean, off the east coast of Spain. Its location means it is no more than a three-hour flight from northern Europe, making it easily accessible for those in search of a little piece of paradise. The easiest and quickest way to get to Mallorca is to fly. Palma de Mallorca airport is located in the south of the island and airlines fly from all over Europe throughout the year. You can also take a ferry (passenger or car ferry) from the Spanish mainland (Barc


Among U.S. states, which has the highest percentage of elderly residents?

Sixty-Five Plus in the United States SIXTY-FIVE PLUS IN THE UNITED STATES May 1995 Economics and Statistics Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce America's elderly population is now growing at a moderate pace. But not too far into the future, the growth will become rapid. So rapid, in fact, that by the middle of the next century, it might be completely inaccurate to think of ourselves as a Nation of the young: there could be more persons who are elderly (65 or over) than young (14 or younger)! The elderly population has grown substantially in this century .... During the 20th century, the number of persons in the United States under age 65 has tripled. At the same time, the number aged 65 or over has jumped by a factor of 11! Consequently, the elderly, who comprised only 1 in every 25 Americans (3.1 million) in 1900, made up 1 in 8 (33.2 million) in 1994. Declining fertility and mortality rates also have led to a sharp rise in the median age of our Nation's population -- from 20 years old in 1860 to 34 in 1994. .... and will continue to rise well into the next century .... According to the Census Bureau's "middle series" projections, the elderly population will more than double between now and the year 2050, to 80 million. By that year, as many as 1 in 5 Americans could be elderly. Most of this growth should occur between 2010 and 2030, when the "baby boom" generation enters their elderly years. During that period, the number of elderly will grow by an average of 2.8 percent annually. By comparison, annual growth will average 1.3 percent during the preceding 20 years and 0.7 percent during the following 20 years. (See graph below.) .... especially for the oldest old. The "oldest old" -- those aged 85 and over -- are the most rapidly growing elderly age group. Between 1960 and 1994, their numbers rose 274 percent. In contrast, the elderly population in general rose 100 percent and the entire U.S. population grew only 45 percent. The oldest old numbered 3 million in 1994, making them 10 percent of the elderly and just over 1 percent of the total population. Thanks to the arrival of the survivors of the baby boom generation, it is expected the oldest old will number 19 million in 2050. That would make them 24 percent of elderly Americans and 5 percent of all Americans. We're living longer. Back when the United States was founded, life expectancy at birth stood at only about 35 years. It reached 47 years in 1900, jumped to 68 years in 1950, and steadily rose to 76 years in 1991. In 1991, life expectancy was higher for women (79 years) than for men (72 years). Once we reach age 65, we can expect to live 17 more years. During the 1980's, post-65 life expectancy improved for all race/sex groups. The biggest improvement (a rise of over 1 year) belonged to White men. The elderly are becoming more racially and ethnically diverse. In 1994, 1 in 10 elderly were a race other than White. In 2050, this proportion should rise to 2 in 10. Similarly, the proportion of elderly who are Hispanic is expected to climb from 4 percent to 16 percent over the same period. California has the largest number of elderly, but Florida has the highest percentage. Our most populous States are also the ones with the largest number of elderly. In 1993, nine States had more than 1 million elderly. California, with 3.3 million, led the way, followed by Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, and New Jersey. Meanwhile, the States with the greatest proportion of elderly are generally different from those with the greatest number. Two exceptions, however, were Florida, where 19 percent of residents were elderly, and Pennsylvania, where 16 percent were. These 2 States led the Nation percentage-wise and, as just mentioned, ranked in the top 4 numerically. In-migration of the elderly contributed to Florida's high rankings. Joining Florida and Pennsylvania in having high proportions of elderly (14 percent or more) were 10 other States, including several sparsely populated Farm Belt States, such as North Dakota and Nebraska.


How to get a gondola ride in Venice • Save on gondola rides Technically the gondola is a mode of transportation, and technically you might find a gondolier willing to ferry you from point A to point B, but in practice these most famous of Venetian boats operate as supremely overpriced tourist mini-cruises, not as a viable means of public transportation. I know you'll take ride in one anyway, but it won't be to get anywhere. (There are gondola-like boats that do still serve as public transport; they're called traghetti and eight of them cross the Grand Canal for €2 a ride ). How long does a gondola ride last? Gondolieri in Venice. The average gondola ride lasts 40 minutes. Make absolutely sure you agree upon the price and the duration of the trip before you step into the boat, write it down, and go by your watch (strangely, the gondoliers' often run fast). Venice's gondolas and gondoliers are regulated by the Ente Gondola (tel. +39-041-528-5075; www.gondolavenezia.it ), so call if you have any questions or complaints. How much does a gondola ride cost? €80–€100 The official rates if you're using a gondola as a taxi are €80 ($104) for up to 6 people for a 40-minute ride; additional 20 minute increments cost €40 ($52). After 7pm, the price rises to €100 ($130) for 40 minutes, €50 ($65) each additional 20 minutes. However, if you come across any gondoliere that actually sticks even remotely by those official rates, get his name and write me about it, because a reasonably priced gondola ride is a Venetian rarity I've just got to see.


What is the tallest mountain in the United States?

20 Highest Mountain Peaks in the United States By Amanda Briney Updated October 02, 2016. The following is a list of the top 20 highest peaks in the United States. Notice that the highest point in the United States is Mt. McKinley in Alaska and the highest point in the contiguous (lower) 48 states is Mt. Whitney in California. (For reference, the state and mountain range in which the peak is located is included below.) 1) Mount McKinley (Denali): 20,320 feet (6,194 m) • State: Alaska 2) Mount Saint Elias: 18,008 feet (5,489 m) • States: Alaska and the Yukon Territory • Range: Saint Elias Mountains 3) Mount Foraker: 17,400 feet (5,304 m) • State: Alaska 4) Mount Bona: 16,550 feet (5,044 m) • State: Alaska 5) Mount Blackburn: 16,390 feet (4,996 m) • State: Alaska 6) Mount Sanford: 16,237 feet (4,949 m) • State: Alaska • States: Alaska and British Columbia • Range: Saint Elias Mountains 8) Mount Hubbard - 14,950 feet (4,557 m) • States: Alaska and the Yukon Territory • Range: Saint Elias Mountains 9) Mount Bear: 14,831 feet (4,520 m) • State: Alaska 10) Mount Hunter: 14,573 feet (4,442 m) • State: Alaska 11) Mount Whitney: 14,505 feet (4,421 m) • State: California 12) Mount Alverstone: 14,500 feet (4,420 m) • States: Alaska and the Yukon Territory • Range: Saint Elias Mountains 13) University Peak: 14,470 feet (4,410 m) • State: Alaska 14) Mount Elbert: 14,440 feet (4,401 m) • State: Colorado 15) Mount Massive: 14,428 feet (4,398 m) • State: Colorado 16) Mount Harvard: 14,427 feet (4,397 m) • State: Colorado 17) Mount Rainier: 14,417 feet (4,394 m) • State: Washington 18) Mount Williamson: 14,389 feet (4,386 m) • State: California 19) La Plata Peak: 14,368 feet (4,379 m) • State: Colorado 20) Blanca Peak: 14,351 feet (4,374 m) • State: Colorado • Range: Sangre de Cristo Range Reference continue reading below our video What are the Seven Wonders of the World (10 May 2010). Table of the Highest Major Summits of the United States - Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Table_of_the_highest_major_summits_of_the_United_States#cite_note-N_Mount_Harvard-31


What is the largest Russian city on the Pacific Ocean?

Russia Russia Area: 17,075,200 square kilometers (6,592,771 square miles) Highest point on mainland: Mount El'brus (5,633 meters/18,481 feet) Lowest point on land: Caspian Sea (28 meters/92 feet below sea level) Hemispheres: Northern, Eastern, and Western Time zones: 3 A.M. Anadyr = noon GMT Longest distances: 4,000 kilometers (2,400 miles) from north to south; 10,000 kilometers    (6,200 miles) from east to west Coastline: 37,653 kilometers (23,396 miles) Land boundaries: 19,961 kilometers (12,403 miles) total boundary length; Azerbaijan 284    kilometers (176 miles); Belarus 959 kilometers (596 miles); China 3,605    kilometers (2,265 miles); Estonia 294 kilometers (183 miles); Finland    1,313 kilometers (816 miles); Georgia 723 kilometers (449 miles);    Kazakhstan 6,846 kilometers (4,254 miles); Latvia 217 kilometers (135    miles); Lithuania 227 kilometers (141 miles); Mongolia 3,485 kilometers    (2,165 miles); North Korea 19 kilometers (12 miles); Norway 167 kilometers    (104 miles); Poland 206 kilometers (128 miles); and Ukraine 1,576    kilometers (979 miles) Territorial sea limits: 22 kilometers (12 nautical miles) 1 LOCATION AND SIZE Russia is the largest country in the world, spreading from northeastern     Europe across the entire northern width of the Asian continent. It     shares borders with fourteen other countries and has coastlines on the     Arctic and Pacific Oceans. With a total area of about 17,075,200 square     kilometers (6,592,771 square miles), it is nearly twice the size of the     United States. Russia is administratively divided into forty-nine     oblasts, twenty-one republics, ten autonomous okrugs, six krays, two     federal cities, and one autonomous oblast. 2 TERRITORIES AND DEPENDENCIES A small portion of Russia, the Kaliningrad Oblast, is located in Eastern     Europe between Poland and Lithuania. There are no overseas dependencies     of Russia. 3 CLIMATE It is said that Russia has only two seasons: summer and winter. Though     this is a slight exaggeration, the statement accurately characterizes     the country's harsh climate with its long, cold winters and     short, cool summers. These conditions are owing to Russia's     location in the high northerly latitudes. More than half the country     lies above 60° north latitude, with only relatively small areas     below 50° north. Furthermore, the high mountains that form     Russia's southern border effectively block out warm air masses.     The predominant movement of the country's weather systems from     east to west essentially nullifies any moderating influence the warm      waters of the Pacific Ocean might have on the climate. In winter,     Siberia lies under a vast high-pressure cell centered in Mongolia, which     keeps the region enveloped in frigid air. The magnitude of this cold is     not easy to grasp. Soil in the far northern permafrost can be frozen     several hundred meters deep. Even into southern Siberia, the land is     covered by snow for more than six months. The annual average temperature     for most of Siberia is below freezing. For the majority of European     Russia, the average is only somewhat higher. In summer, warm, moist air from the Atlantic Ocean is able to push east     to central Siberia, under the influence of a prevailing low-pressure     system. That area thus receives moisture-bearing air that delivers     fairly high amounts of precipitation. Russia's short growing     season relies heavily upon this rainfall to water its crops;     unfortunately, distribution of the moisture in many areas is often     irregular and unpredictable. Droughts are not uncommon, especially in     early summer. On the other hand, heavy rains in middle and late summer     may compromise harvesting. In the east, late-summer Pacific air can     bring monsoon-like rainfall, with disastrous effects. Overall, lack of sunshine characterizes the Russi


What is the world's biggest river, by volume of water discharged?

Top 10 Largest Rivers in the World Top 10 Largest Rivers in the World Rivers have been instrumental in shaping the world’s history. Most ancient civilizations have sprung up and flourished along the largest rivers on earth. Apart from this, these rivers have seen empires rise and fall, and many battles won and lost. Thousands of gallons of water piercing through the land and rushing towards the sea make up one of Nature’s most amazing creations. Below are listed the largest rivers of the world, by: length the river’s average discharge 1. Nile This is the world’s longest river. It spans a mammoth journey of 4,132 miles before the mouth meets the Mediterranean Sea in the form of a vast delta in Egypt. The Nile drains about 10 % of the entire Africa. Nile has only two tributaries; White Nile that originates in Rwanda and Blue Nile from Ethiopia. Both tributaries meet at Sudan. From Sudan, the river flows through Sahara desert and discharges into Mediterranean Sea. This river is the lifeblood of most Egyptians and majority of them live on or near the river. Major settlements on this river include Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and Khartoum. 2. Amazon Amazon boasts being the 2nd longest river on earth at 3,976 miles. Apart from being one amongst the biggest rivers on earth, it’s also one of the widest rivers in the world measuring seven miles at various places along its course. During the wet season, this river has a width of up to 25 miles at some places. The river has its source in South America and mouth in the Atlantic Ocean. Because of its enormous size, it can count at least 1/5 of the world’s complete flow. This river is so powerful and so big that there aren’t any points along the river that can be crossed by a bridge. Amazon has a very powerful discharge at the mouth which can release as much as 8 trillion gallons of water every day. This river is about 150 deep! 3. Yangtze River Also known as Chang Jiang or Yangzi, this is the longest river in Asia and the third-longest in the world. The river flows for 3,915 miles from Tibet Plateau in eastward across the southwest, central and eastern China before emptying into East China at Shanghai. It is also one amongst the biggest rivers by discharge volume in the world. This river drains 1/5 of the land of the China, and its river basin is home to 1/3 of China’s population. 4. Mississippi This is the chief of the largest drainage system in North America. The river flows in the US; it rises in the northern Minnesota and Meanders slowly southwards for 2,340 miles to Mississippi River Delta at the Gulf of Mexico. The river has numerous tributaries and ranks as the 4th longest and 10th largest river in the world. This river passes and borders through Minnesota, Lowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas. 5. Yenisei This is largest river system flowing to the Arctic Ocean. It has a length of 3,445 miles. It is the most famous of three great Siberian rivers that flow into the Arctic Ocean. Rising in Mongolia, the river follows a northerly course to the Yenisei Gulf in Kara Sea, draining a huge part of the central Siberia, the longest stream following the Yenisei-Angara-Selenga-Ider River system. 6. Yellow River The Yellow River is the 3rd longest river in Asia and world’s 6th longest river at the estimated length of 3,395 miles. The river originates in the Bayan Har Mountain in Western China. The river flows through 9 provinces nine provinces, and empties into Bohai Sea near the city of Dongying in Shandong province. The river basin has an east-west extent of about 1,180 miles and north-south extent of about 680 miles. Its total basin area is approximately 742,442 square kilometers. 7. Ob River This is a major river in western Siberia, Russia, and the World’s 7th longest river. This river is 3,395 miles long, with a drainage area of 2,990,000 square kilometers and an average discharge of 12,475 cubic meters’ per-second. The Ob forms 16 miles southwest of Biysk in Altai Krai at the confluence of the Katun and Biya rivers. 8. Parana River This is found in south C


What country is nearest to the French territory of St. Pierre and Miquelon?

Saint Pierre and Miquelon Map World Map / France Map / Saint Pierre and Miquelon Map Saint Pierre and Miquelon Map   Facts about Saint Pierre and Miquelon   46° 47′ 0″ N, 56° 12′ 0″ W Location 242 km2 ,93 sq mi Population self-governing territorial collectivity of France Time zone .pm Saint Pierre and Miquelon Map About 4,000 kilometers away from France, near Canada, lies an island group named Saint Pierre and Miquelon, France’s Overseas Territory that is French in every way possible, despite being so far from its parent country. From building names and flag to the dialects and cuisine, the people of these islands are as much French as a Parisian, Basque, Normand, or Acadian (people from different regions in France). The islands of Saint Pierre and Miquelon are, hence, popularly referred to as a French destination in North America. About Saint Pierre and Miquelon Islands Best known for its panoramic views, fresh air, warm people, and a colorful history Saint Pierre and Miquelon is a favorite holiday destination for nearby North Americans. It is located in the Atlantic Ocean, just off the Canadian coast to the east and close to the island of Newfoundland. Saint Pierre and Miquelon is a self-governing archipelago under the territorial or "collectivity" administration of France. It is in fact the oldest and smallest "overseas collectivity" of the European country. Its currency is the Euro. Many businesses here also accept Canadian and US Dollars. According to historians, Saint Pierre and Miquelon was discovered by Vikings in the 11th century, and again by the French in the 17th century. Down the years, the islands were the center of a tug-of-war between France and the Great Britain for some years, until France finally achieved control. The islands themselves were inhabited by fishermen colonies, which fished in the surrounding waters for cod, stored them and traded them off to the nearby countries. This was until 1920, when the US government banned alcohol consumption in their country. Saint Pierre and Miquelon then became a hotspot for the alcohol trade, where Canada marketed their booze and the American mafia smuggled them secretly to the US (till 1933). In the present, artifacts associated with those days are visible in several places. Fishing now is history due to the current shortage of fish in the sea, and more importantly the international enforcement of cessation of cod-fishing by Canada. The businesses in the islands now focus more on cultural tourism and quarantine activities. Geography of Saint Pierre and Miquelon The archipelago of Saint Pierre and Miquelon is a group of eight small to big islands, of which the most significant ones are Saint Pierre Island and the Miquelon-Langlade Island(s) (populations about 6,500 and 619, respectively). Saint Pierre is the smaller land mass with only 25 sq km area, whereas Miquelon is sprawled across 205 sq km. Miquelon is actually made of three islands (Le Cap, Grand Miquelon, and Langlade or Petite Miquelon) connected by sand dunes (better known as tomboles). This land mass is separated from Saint Pierre by a 4.8 km wide strait, named La Baie. This strait is popularly referred to as the "Mouth of Hell," due to the prevalence of high-speed winds. It is no wonder that harbors of Saint Pierre and Miquelon are on opposite sides. The islands of Saint Pierre and Miquelon feature rocky terrain and deep ports. The coasts are mostly characterized by steep cliffs. There are a few short-length rivers as well in the islands, the largest being Belle in the Langlade Island. The Belle River valley is inhabited by warblers and sparrows. Many other types of birds are found in different regions of Saint Pierre and Miquelon. How to reach Saint Pierre and Miquelon The islands of Saint Pierre and Miquelon have two airports, one each in the two main islands. The Saint Pierre Airport is the international airport, which receives Air Saint-Pierre flights from the neighboring Miquelon Island and various cities of Canada. The Miquelon Airport has flights from Saint Pierre and a few from Canada as we


By land area, what is the largest country in Africa?

Map of Top Ten Largest African Countries by Area Largest Countries in the World by Area Countries in Africa Africa is made up of over fifty sovereign nations, and several more territories and dependencies. Of the countries in Africa, Algeria is the largest country by area, with an area of 2,381,740 square kilometers. Algeria is situated in northwestern Africa, and its capital is in Algiers. Algeria has a population of over 33 million. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is the second largest country in Africa, falling just behind Algeria, with an area of 2,344,858 square miles. The DRC is located in Central Africa, and its capital is in Kinshasa. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has a population of almost 72 million. The Republic of the Sudan is the third largest nation, with 1,861,484 square kilometers in area. Sudan is located in northeastern Africa, and its capital is located in Khartoum. The population of Sudan is about 67 million. The fourth largest country in Africa is Libya, with an area of 1,759,540. Libya is situated in the far north of Africa along the Mediterranean Sea, and its capital is Tripoli. The population of Libya is just over 6 million people. Chad is in fifth place for largest African countries by area, with a total area of about 1,284,000 square kilometers. Chad is centrally located in Africa, and its capital is N'Djamena. The population of Chad is about 10.1 million. Niger has the sixth largest area in Africa, with its area measuring about 1,267,000 square kilometers. Niger is a central African country, with its capital in Niamey. The population of Niger is almost 14 millions. Angola has an area of 1,246,700 square kilometers, making it seventh largest in the African continent. Angola is a southwestern nation, with its capital in Lunda, and its population numbers under 16 million. Mali takes eighth place in terms of largest countries in Africa, with an area of 1,240,192 square kilometers. Mali is located in West Africa, and its capital is in Bamako. The population of Mali is about 13.5 million. South Africa is the ninth largest country in Africa. Located in the far south of the African continent, South Africa has an area of 1,221,037 square kilometers. The capital of South Africa is in three cities: Bloemfontein, Cape Town, and Pretoria, and the population of the country is about 47.5 million. The tenth largest country in Africa by area is Ethiopia, which is located in eastern Africa. The area of Ethiopia is 1,104,300 square kilometers, and its population is about 85.2 million. The capital of Ethiopia is Addis Adaba. Top 10 Largest African Countries by Area Country


What country's national bird is the kiwi?

Kiwi Bird - New Zealand's National Bird Kiwi Bird Kiwi Bird New Zealand's National Bird The kiwi bird is national bird and pride of New Zealand. Kiwis are only found here in this country, which makes them very rare creatures. These flightless birds of the wild have little two inch wings that cannot lift them, with rough hair-like feathers. Just hatched they are very small creatures, and mature to almost the size of a chicken. Females have a slightly larger body than males. Although their usual home is in the native bush, kiwis have also made their home in native grasslands and scrub. Since these birds are semi-nocturnal and very secretive, very few New Zealanders have ever seen them in the wild. Kiwis also come from the long extinct moa family, a flightless a very large animal, now only found in museums. Regardless of its gawky appearance kiwis can in reality out run humans. Their slyness and sharp three toed feet have kept them from extinction for a long time. Using its outstanding sense of smell, this bird finds worms, insects and grubs for its dinner, supplemented by berries and seeds. The thumbnail leads to send a nature picture ecard. Five types of kiwis are known, South Island brown, North Island brown, Karito brown, great spotted and little spotted. Their breeding time is from the ending of winter to the start of summer. Usually they nest in hollow logs or in natural holes. One or two eggs, which are ivory or greenish-white, form usually one nest. The kiwi has been recognized to be able to live up to twenty years. Before the arrival of Maori people , the kiwi didn’t have any predators. Even though the Maori treasured the feathers of the kiwi bird for their cloaks, the impact this made to the kiwi population was very insignificant. More significant for the duration of the last century, was the impact of the Europeans, possums, and motor vehicles. Europeans captured thousands for display in museums, zoos, and private collections. As well as the clearing of forest in many areas and the introduction of brush tailed possums . The ladder ones spread heavily with no predators and a menu that includes eggs and chicks. No wonder that the once safe national bird needs today protection. Otherwise this flightless bird remains creative source for wall decorations like a kiwi bird painted by Robyn Forbes and other popular travel gifts like printed T-shirts  or jewellery. Two great places to find examples online are Products from NZ and Shop NZ . The thumbnail leads to play an online jig saw puzzle. Motuora Recreation Reserve, an island in the Hauraki Gulf situated just before Auckland City , is a designated predator free sanctuary for the kiwi. In Northland captured kiwis are released to breed on this 80-hectar large island. When they are mature enough, to survive in the wild, they are returned to where they came from. About sixty kiwis populate the island. Apart of these night birds walking tracks, camp sites, batches, and beaches are destination for nature lovers.  As long as there is still habitat for the remaining kiwis where they stay undisturbed, the population of the kiwi birds is assured.


What salty lake is located at 1,388 ft below sea level?

10 Things You Didn’t Know About the Dead Sea «TwistedSifter     The Dead Sea , also known as the Salt Sea, is a salt lake bordering Jordan to the east and Israel and the West Bank to the west. It’s a hypersaline lake that is truly one of Earth’s unique places. Below you will find ten interesting facts along with a gallery of picture of this fascinating place. All information below via Wikipedia , enjoy!   Photograph by Dieter Manske   1. The surface and shores of the Dead Sea are 423 metres (1,388 ft) below sea level, making it Earth’s lowest elevation on land.   Photograph by David Shankbone   2. The Dead Sea is 377 m (1,237 ft) deep, making it the deepest hypersaline lake in the world. A hypersaline lake is a landlocked body of water that contains significant concentrations of sodium chloride or other mineral salts, with saline levels surpassing that of ocean water.   Photograph by Indyblue on Flickr   3. With 33.7% salinity, the Dead Sea is one of the world’s saltiest bodies of water. Although Lake Assal (Djibouti), Garabogazköl and some hypersaline lakes of the McMurdo Dry Valleys in Antarctica (such as Don Juan Pond) have reported higher salinities.   Photograph by Pete   4. The Dead Sea’s unusually high salt concentration means that people can easily float in the Dead Sea due to natural buoyancy. In this respect the Dead Sea is similar to the Great Salt Lake in Utah in the United States.   Photograph by Wilson44691   5. The Dead Sea is roughly 8.6 times saltier than the ocean. This salinity makes for a harsh environment in which animals cannot flourish (hence its name). The high salinity prevents macroscopic aquatic organisms such as fish and aquatic plants from living in it, though minuscule quantities of bacteria and microbial fungi are present.   Photograph by Mr. Kris on Flickr   6. The Dead Sea is 67 kilometres (42 mi) long and 18 kilometres (11 mi) wide at its widest point. It lies in the Jordan Rift Valley and its main tributary is the Jordan River.   Photograph by Ian Bothwell on Flickr   7. The Dead Sea area has become a major center for health research and treatment for several reasons. The mineral content of the water, the very low content of pollens and other allergens in the atmosphere, the reduced ultraviolet component of solar radiation, and the higher atmospheric pressure at this great depth each have specific health effects.   Photograph by NASA Earth Observatory   8. Biblically, the Dead Sea was a place of refuge for King David. It was one of the world’s first health resorts (for Herod the Great), and it has been the supplier of a wide variety of products, from balms for Egyptian mummification to potash for fertilizers.   Photograph by MarkGuitarPhoto on Flickr   9. An unusual feature of the Dead Sea is its discharge of asphalt. From deep seeps, the Dead Sea constantly spits up small pebbles and blocks of the black substance. Asphalt coated figurines and bitumen coated Neolithic skulls from archaeological sites have been found. Egyptian mummification processes used asphalt imported from the Dead Sea region.   Photograph via New 7 Wonders of Nature   10. The world’s lowest road, Highway 90, runs along the Israeli and West Bank shores of the Dead Sea at 393 m (1,289 ft) below sea level.


10 Largest Islands In The World - 10 Most Today 10 Largest Islands In The World 1. Greenland, Denmark – 2,130,800 km2 (822,706 sq ml). Greenland possesses the world’s second largest ice sheet, and has a population of around 56,000 people 10 Largest Islands In The World: Greenland [put_links_units_468_15] 2. New Guinea, Indonesia & Papua New Guinea – 785,753 km2 (303,381 sq ml) and a population of 7.5 million. With some 786,000 km of tropical land — less than one-half of one percent (0.5%) of the Earth’s surface — New Guinea has an immense biodiversity, containing between 5% and 10% of the total species on the planet 10 Largest Islands In The World: New guinea   3. Borneo, Asia – 748,168 km2 (288,869 sq ml). The island of Borneo is the largest island in Asia and is divided among 3 countries: Brunei & Indonesia & Malaysia. 10 Largest Islands In The World: Borneo 4. Madagascar, Madagascar – 587,713 km2 (226,917 sq ml) Located off the eastern coast of southern Africa, east of Mozambique 10 Largest Islands In The World: Madagascar   5. Baffin Island, Canada – 507,451 km2 (195,928 sq ml). The largest island in Canada with a population of only 11,000 10 Largest Islands In The World: Baffin Island   6. Sumatra, Indonesia – 473,481km2 (184,954 sq ml). It is the largest island that is entirely in Indonesia and has a population of almost 50 million. Its biggest city is Medan with over 4 million in the greater urban area. 10 Largest Islands In The World: Sumatra   7. Honshu, Japan – 225,800km2 (87,182 sq ml) is the largest and most populous island of Japan and the second most populous after Indonesia’s Java island. 10 Largest Islands In The World: Honshu   8. Victoria Island, Canada – 217,291km2 (83,897 sq ml) is Canada’s second largest island and slightly larger than the island of Great Britain 10 Largest Islands In The World: Victoria Island 9. Great Britain, United Kingdom – 209,331km2 (80,823 sq ml) is the largest European island and the largest of the British Isles. With a population of about 62 million people it is the third most populous island in the world 10 Largest Islands In The World: Great Britain   10. Ellesmere Island, Canada – 196,236km2 (75,767 sq ml) is the tenth largest island in the world and Canada’s third largest island 10 Largest Islands In The World: Ellesmere Island