Information on Hinduism for Kids River Ganges is one of many holy places Who is the founder of Hinduism? Hinduism has no founder, it developed out of Brahminism. Hinduism is the oldest religion, it may date to prehistoric times. What is the symbol of Hinduism? Aum is the main symbol of Hinduism. It is the sound heard in deepest meditation and is said to be the name most suited for God. Hindu Artefacts Where does the name Hindu come from? The word "Hindu" comes from the name of the river Indus, which flows 1800 miles from Tibet through Kashmir and Pakistan to the sea. How is Hinduism different from other faiths? Hinduism has no founder, single teacher nor any prophets. Hinduism is not a Single Religion. Hinduism is the practices of a variety of different religious groups which come out of India. What do Hindus believe? For many Hindus, religion is a matter of practice rather than of beliefs. It's more what you do, than what you believe. Hindus believe in a universal soul or God called Brahman. Brahman takes on many forms that some Hindus worship as gods or goddesses in their own right. Hindus believe that there is a part of Brahman in everyone and this is called the Atman. Hindus believe in reincarnation - a belief that the soul is eternal and lives many lifetimes, in one body after another. The soul is sometimes born in a human body, sometimes in an animal body and sometimes in a plant body etc.. Hindus believe that all forms of life contain a soul, and all souls have the chance to experience life in different forms. Samsara means going through the cycle of repeated births and deaths (reincarnation). Hindus believe that existence of this cycle is governed by Karma. What is Karma? Hindus believe that the soul passes through a cycle of successive lives and its next incarnation is always dependent on how the previous life was lived. (Similar to Buddhist beliefs) Karma is the cause of our particular destiny. Misfortunes in our present life are the result of acts that we have committed in the past. In the same way, our actions in our present lives will determine our fate in the lives that follow. Hindus therefore aim to live in a way that will cause each of their lives to be better than the life before. What is Moksha? The spiritual goal of a Hindu is to become one with Brahma. This freedom is referred to as moksha. Until moksha is achieved, a Hindu believes that he/she will be repeatedly reincarnated in order that he/she may work towards self-realization of the truth (the truth being that only Brahman exists, nothing else). What is the Hindu way of life? For many Hindus there are four goals in human life (purusharthas); 1 Moksha - the release of the soul (Atman) from the cycle of rebirth. The individual soul (Atman) unites with Brahman the universal soul. There are different ways to Moksha. spiritual - involves acquiring spiritual knowledge through yoga and meditation. devotion to god working selflessly for the good of society. How a person is reincarnated is determined by karma. 2 Dharma - the code for leading one's life. Respect for elders is considered important and many consider marriage as a son's religious duty. 3 Artha - the pursuit of material gain by lawful means. 4 Karma- through pure acts, knowledge and devotion, you can reincarnate to a higher level. The opposite achieves the contrary result. How do Hindus achieve Moksha? There are four different paths to achieve Moksha which a Hindu can take. The Hindu can choose one or all four of the paths they are: 1 The path of knowledge - Jnana-Yoga Spiritual knowledge -leading to the knowledge of the relationship between the soul (atman) and God (Brahman) 2 The path of meditation - Dhyana-yoga The idea is to concentrate so you can reach the real self within you and become one with Brahman 3 The Path of Devotion - Bhakti-yoga Choosing a particular god or goddess and worshipping them throughout your life in actions, words and deeds. 4 The path of good works - Karma-yoga This involves doing all your duties correctly throughout your life. Why are there so many Hindu Gods?


Basic Facts About Lemurs     Lemurs are small primates known as "prosimians," which, roughly translated, means  "pre-primates" or "before monkeys." Native only to the island of Madagascar and the neighboring Comoro Islands,  lemurs resemble the oldest ancestors of  primates which existed tens of millions of years ago. Lemur Species Exact classification of some types of lemurs is a subject of debate, but it's  generally accepted that there are five families of  lemurs with about a dozen genera and just over 30 living species.  Some species of lemurs are now extinct, including one ancient lemur said to be  as large as a gorilla — over 400 pounds. Some prosimian species contain a  number of subspecies, all with distinct characteristics, which brings the total  types of living lemurs to around 50. Today's lemur species range in size from  the tiny pygmy mouse lemur, weighing in at about an ounce, to the 15-pound indri  lemur and the sifaka, which are both about the size of a standard house cat. Living Arrangements Most lemurs are arboreal, living in trees. They spend most of their time  at the top of the rainforest canopy or in the forest midlevel. An exception is the ring-tailed lemur, which  spends most of its time on the ground. The majority of lemurs are also diurnal, awake during the day and asleep  at night — especially those that live in groups, including the ring-tailed lemurs,  brown lemurs, and sifakas. The smaller mouse lemurs and dwarf lemurs are  nocturnal, preferring to be active in the relative safety of nighttime darkness.  The aye-aye, a fascinating lemur with an elongated, claw-like middle finger which  it uses to dig insects out of tree bark, is also nocturnal, and is often  feared by the Malagasy people of its native Madagascar because of its unusual  appearance. Lemur females are dominant. A group of lemurs usually has one dominant female who  leads the group, controls their movement, and has first choice of food and mates.  Common parts of a lemur diet in the wild include fruits, leaves, and other edible plant  materials. Insects may also be on the menu, especially for the smaller lemurs. Physical Features Unlike some other primates, lemurs do not have prehensile tails (they cannot hang by  their tails from trees like monkeys) but they do have long, wet noses. Lemurs have a keen sense  of smell and they also have good vision, even at night. Their thumbs and big  toes are opposable, but they mainly use their teeth and an extended "toilet claw"  on the second toe of their hind feet for grooming.


What is the most common religion in India?

What is the most popular religion in India? | Reference.com What is the most popular religion in India? A: Quick Answer India is home to many religions, but the dominant one is Hinduism. Hinduism, which originated in India, is practiced by over 80 percent of India's population and is the world's oldest religious and philosophical system. Islam is the dominant foreign religion and is practiced by 13 percent of the population.


What name is given to the northeast part of China?

Geographical regions of china - Introduction to China Introduction to China Introduction to China - Geographical Regions of China China's total area covers nearly 10 million square kilometers.     Two-thirds of the country is high plateaus and mountains with     populations living at altitudes from 1,000 to 4,000 meters above sea     level and high mountain areas reaching 7,000 to 8,000 meters. Climate     varies from subarctic to subtropical. The Han majority is densely     settled in the eastern half of the country—also called     "inner China"—along the coastal areas, on the great     plains, in the river valleys, and in the foothills. Most Han live in     temperate zones, at elevations well below 1,000 meters. The minorities     are more sparsely distributed over the remaining 55 percent of the     country lying to the north, southwest, and west of the main areas of Han     settlement. In the mountainous provinces of Yunnan and Guizhou, where     Han and other ethnic groups have coexisted for several centuries, they     are separated by elevation, with the minorities living at higher     altitudes. Inner China is suited to intensive, settled agriculture with an emphasis     on grain crops supplemented by vegetables and fruits. Irrigation systems     have long been used to lessen the dependence on rainfall and the damage     from floods and drought. These problems have been further reduced in     recent decades. Since 1949, the government has completed numerous     hydraulic projects along the lower Huang He (Yellow River) and the Huai     and Hai rivers. Major projects are planned for the Yangzi (Chang Jiang)     in coming decades. Additionally, introduction of chemical fertilizers and insecticides has increased productivity even as drainage projects     and hillside terracing have opened up additional land. Conversely, some     agricultural land has been lost because of salinization and erosion. There are eight major geographical regions, which overlap somewhat with     cultural or subcultural (regional culture) areas. The Northeast. This area, formerly called Manchuria and now known as Dongbei, is      composed of the three provinces of Jilin, Liaoning, and Heilongjiang,      as well as eastern Inner Mongolia. In the north, there are vast areas      of coniferous forest or mixed coniferous/broad-leaved forest, a rich      source of timber. To the south there is large-scale mechanized farming      on the plains and on reclaimed lands. Most of China's state      farms are located here. Dongbei has long, cold winters and heavy      rainfall during the short, hot summers. Ample supply of water supports      summer crops of wheat, maize, potatoes, sugar beets, soybeans, and gaoliang (sorghum). Some areas are warm enough to raise rice and cotton.      Dongbei's major source of wealth is industrial. Since 1949,      Dongbei has rapidly developed as a key industrial area, providing oil      and petrochemical products, coal, iron and steel, motor vehicles, and      a variety of consumer products. Rapid population growth is mainly the      result of heavy Han immigration from north China, beginning in the      nineteenth century and accelerating after 1949. Indigenous national      minorities include Manchu, Koreans, Ewenki, Oroqen, Mongols, and Hui.      They now constitute less than 8 percent of the population. North China Plain. This region of inner China includes the provinces of Henan, Hebei,      Shandong, and the northern parts of Jiangsu and Anhui. Moving north to      south, the area has from 190 to 250 frost-free days, light snowfall,      and hot (30° C), rainy summers. Rich deposits from the Huang He      and its tributaries have enriched and built up the soils in many      areas. Flooding and drought continue to be problems because of erratic      rainfall. Agriculture is intensive: forests and grasslands have


What is a three-letter word for a professor from that university?

Arranging Letters of a Word (all letters different) Arranging Letters of a Word (all letters different) Page PSC 1 Permutations/Arrangements The number of permutations with n different things taking r at a time is given by nPr, where nPr = (n)! × (n − 1)! × (n − 2)! × .... r times Permutations/Arrangements in making words from letters nL : Number of letters with which the words are to be formed nP : Number of places to fill the letters i.e. the number of letters in the word to be formed nP ≤ nL Since the maximum length of the word that can be formed is limited to the number of letters available Number of nP lettered words that can be formed using nL letters where all the letters are different ⇒ Number of words that can be formed using nL letters taking nP letters at a time ⇒ Number of permutations of nL items taking nP at a time ⇒ nLPnP = (nL) × (nL − 1) × (nL − 2) × .... nP times Explanation Forming a nP letter word with nL letters can be assumed as the act of arranging nL letters into nP places. 1st Total Event (E) Arranging the nL letters in nP places The total event can be divided into the sub-events of placing each letter in a place starting from the first. 1st sub-event (SE1) Placing a letter in the First place The 1st place can be filled with any one of the available nL letters ⇒ SE1 can be accomplished in nL ways ⇒ nSE1 = nL Placing a letter in the Second place The 2nd place can be filled with any one of the remaining nL − 1 letters ⇒ SE2 can be accomplished in nL − 1 ways ⇒ nSE2 = nL − 1 Placing a letter in the Third place The 3rd place can be filled with any one of the remaining nL − 2 letters ⇒ SE3 can be accomplished in nL − 2 ways ⇒ nSE3 = nL − 2 nPth sub-event (SEnP) Placing a letter in the nPth place The nPth place can be filled with any one of the nL − (nP − 1) letters remaining after filling the first nP − 1 places ⇒ SE3 can be accomplished in nL − (nP − 1) ways ⇒ nSEnp = nL − nP + 1 By the fundamental counting principle of multiplication, Number of ways in which the nL letters can be filled in the nP places ⇒ nE (nL) × (nL − 1) × (nL − 2) × ... × (nL − nP + 1) = (nL) × (nL − 1) × (nL − 2) × ... nP times ≡ n × (n − 1) × (n − 2) × ... × (n − r + 1) = ≡ nPr Example The number of 5 letter words that can be formed with the letters of the word subdermatoglyphic In the word subdermatoglyphic Number of letters = 17 {S, U, B, D, E, R, M, A, T, O, G, L, Y, P, H, I, C} ⇒ nL = 17 Number of letters in the word to be formed ⇒ Number of places to be filled in forming the word = 5 ⇒ nP = 5 Number of words that can be formed with the letters of the word subdermatoglyphic = Number of words that can be formed using nL letters taking nP letters at a time = Number of permutations of nL items taking nP at a time = nLPnP = 17 × 16 × 15 × 14 × 13 Where all letters are used Where all letters are used in forming the words, nL = nP Number of ways in which the nL letters can be filled in the nP places ⇒ nE The number of words that can be formed with the letters of the word Algebra In the word Algebra {A, L, G, E, B, R, A} ⇒ nL = 7 Number of letters in the word to be formed ⇒ Number of places to be filled in forming the word = 7 ⇒ nP = 7 Number of words that can be formed with the letters of the word Algebra = Number of words that can be formed using nL letters taking nP letters at a time = Number of permutations of nL items taking nP at a time = nLPnP Fixing letters (each in its own place) nL : Number of letters with which the words are to be formed nP : Number of places to fill the letters i.e. the number of letters in the word to be formed nP ≤ nL Since the maximum length of the word that can be formed is limited to the number of letters available nFL : Number of letters to be fixed each in its own place After fixing nFL letters each in its own place Number of Letters remaining = Total number of letters − Number of letters to be fixed ⇒ nRL = nL − nFL Number of Places remaining to be filled = Total number of places − Number of letters to be fixed ⇒ nRP = nP − nFL Number of nP letter words that can be formed using nL letters by f


What was the former name of Ho Chi Minh city?

Former name of Ho Chi Minh City - Crossword Clue Answer | Crossword Heaven Last Seen In: King Syndicate - Thomas Joseph - April 28, 2008 Found an answer for the clue Former name of Ho Chi Minh City that we don't have? Then please submit it to us so we can make the clue database even better!


In what U.S. state does the Mississippi River begin?

Where does the Mississippi river end? | Reference.com Where does the Mississippi river end? A: Quick Answer The Mississippi River flows into the Gulf of Mexico from its source at Lake Itasca, Minnesota. As the third longest river in the North American continent, the Mississippi River flows a total length of 2,350 miles through the center of the United States. Full Answer The exact length of the Mississippi River may vary year to year due to erosion or soil deposition. At its narrowest at Lake Itasca, the Mississippi River stretches between 20 and 30 feet. At its widest at Lake Winnibigoshish, the river stretches over 11 miles wide. According to reports by the Environmental Protection Agency, as of 2014, more than 50 cities in the United States used the Mississippi River as their main water supply.


What is the official residence of the Russian President?

Kremlin the Residence of the President of Russian Federation - Mabetex Group Mabetex Group ↓ Kremlin the Residence of the President of Russian Federation Reconstruction and Supply of Palace N. 1 at the Kremlin, Official Residence of the President of the Russian Federation Kremlin The work started in 1995, the building was delivered to the President, in the record time of 11 months with an official ceremony held on February 1996. Over 30,000 sqm were carefully reconstructed and restored, employing hundreds of the most talented Italian, Russian and Swiss professionals   On June 11th 1997 Mr. Behgjet Pacolli and Mabetex Group were awarded with the “National Russian Award for Exceptional Achievements in the Fields of Literature and the Arts”.   Administration of the President of Russian Federation, Moscow Project


Every year, the Spanish town of Buñol has a food fight. What type of food is thrown?

Spanish Town Hosts Annual Food Fight | Luxury Travel Advisor Spanish Town Hosts Annual Food Fight by Jena Tesse Fox | Aug 12, 2011 1:00am Are you Spain-bound clients looking for something unique (and decidedly messy) to do on their holiday? Here's a fun suggestion: In less than a month, the world’s biggest food fight, La Tomatina, will take place on August 31. Every year on the last Wednesday of August, the town of Buñol in the Spanish region of Valencia celebrates the tomato. Some 40,000 participants flock here from around the world during this messy festival. Last year, over 100 tons of tomatoes (valued at more than $35,000) were consumed in the battle. The week-long festival honors the city’s patron saints: San Luis Bertran and the Virgin de los Desamparados celebrating them with parades, concerts, cultural events and culinary competitions. But on Tuesday night the locals and visitors rev up for the next day’s tomato fight. The town holds a night-long fiesta with concerts and spinning DJs. The next morning breakfast pastries and sandwiches are handed out so that everyone is sure to have sustenance for the great battle, and locals douse attendees with buckets of water. The morning’s first attraction is the palo jabon – a tall pole slicked with soap which promises the reward of a whole jamon at the top, to the first to be able to scale the slippery pole. At 11 AM a water rocket is shot off and trucks release tons of tomatoes onto the street. The hurling of tomatoes begins.  Participants are instructed to crush the tomatoes in their hands before lancing them through the air to reduce the impact of a successful hit. Everyone and everything is stained red as participants wade through a tide of tomato pulp. An hour later, another water rocket is shot off signaling the end of the tomato throwing. The tomato mush is hosed off the streets – leaving the cobblestones bleached and disinfected thanks to the acids of the tomatoes. Participants also get a rinse following their tomato skin treatment (reputed to be an astringent, which can shrink pores and treat sunburn.) The Tomatina dates back to 1944 when a street fight erupted during one of the parades celebrating the town’s patron saints. During the street fight, tomatoes from a nearby vegetable stall were used as ammunition and the tradition began – at times prohibited by Buñol’s law enforcement – though now fully sponsored by the town government. Once the fight is over, there's still plenty to do in town. Buñol is known as the Valencian Switzerland for its parks and gardens. The old city is built around a 13th century Arab castle. The surrounding area is ideal for hiking with plenty of rivers, waterfalls, caves and other interesting geological formations such as the natural bridge of Carcalín. Visit www.latomatina.es for more information.  Read more on


What is the westernmost region of France? (not counting overseas territories)

Historic monuments in France - About-France.com Historic monuments in France   The About-France.com thematic guide to France Travel and tourism, life and institutions Historic monuments and other attractions : subject  index Theme parks   Official historic monument logo With over 40,000 officially classified historic monuments, France has one of the densest concentrations of historic buildings and other monuments of any country in Europe. From great palaces and cathedrals to the tiniest of mediaeval chapels, Roman remains, or vestiges from the time of the Industrial Revolution, France has them all. And that is just counting the officially listed historic monuments. Apart from the 40,000 officially listed sites, many thousands more old bridges, barns, houses, chapels, villages, priories and private residences are historic monuments in all but official designation. Top sites: the most visited historic monuments in France The top twenty most visited monuments in France (Source French national statistical office: includes only monuments visited primarily for historic and cultural interest, rather than other reasons: ) Notre Dame cathedral, Paris Sacré Coeur basilica, Montmartre, Paris Gardens of the château de Versailles, near Paris The Georges Pompidou centre and museum of art, Notre Dame Cathedral, Strasbourg La Villette science museum, Paris Château de Versailles (photo top of page) The ramparts of St. Malo ( Brittany ) Notre Dame cathedral, Reims ( Champagne ) Notre-Dame cathedral, Chartres ( Centre ) The Pont du Gard (near Nimes, Languedoc ) The Arc de Triomphe, Paris  Palace of the Popes , Avignon, Provence Basilique de Vézelay, Burgundy The top 20 most visited monuments in France are not necessarily the twenty most interesting historic monuments in France. The most visited monuments are most visited because they happen to be easily accessible from the main tourist centres in France. ► Here are a few more major monuments that are just as worth visiting as any of the above: The cathedral of St. Cecilia in Albi (Midi Pyrenees), the Chateau de Chenonceaux (Centre - Loire valley), the Royal saltworks at Arc et Senans (Franche comté), the walled city of Carcassonne (Languedoc), the cathedral at Amiens (Picardy).... , the amazing Caverne du Pont d'Arc museum in Ardèche (prehistoric cave paintings) and so many more.   For details by region, see Tourist attractions in France by region Historic French cities Here are the six most visited historic city centres among the major cities of France. Each of these cities is a regional capital, has a rich historic centre, and is very much worth the visit during a holiday in France or for a weekend break. Paris : one of the greatest concentrations of historic monuments on Earth. Lyon  : a historic ensemble, without any particularly great historic monument; the quays along the Saone have a similar ambiance to the banks of the Seine in Paris. Strasbourg :  Old quarter, including "Petite France", half-timbered hoses, canals, and famous mediaeval cathedral Nice :  the "old town" is a classic Mediterranean town in the Italian style; it was Italian until the eighteenth century. Very narrow streets, piazzas, old churches, and the famous flower market. Rouen: historic city centre, half timbered houses, great gothic cathedral, interesting mediaval clock tower. Bordeaux: great historic city centre, much of it dating from the eighteenth century.  These six cities are by no means the only - nor necessarily the most interesting - city centres to visit when on holiday in France. Many smaller towns and cities in France - notably some that are less important now than they were in the past - have city centres with remarkable collections of historic monuments.   Click for more ideas on the most interesting and attractive historic cities in France Historic areas with rich collections of monuments : While the richest concentration of historic monuments can be found in Paris, the vast majority of historic monuments lie in the regions. And there are thousands of them ..... Here is a short themed selection: Fr


What building is the headquarters of the U.S. military?

A brand-new U.S. military headquarters in Afghanistan. And nobody to use it. - The Washington Post A brand-new U.S. military headquarters in Afghanistan. And nobody to use it. The inside track on Washington politics. Be the first to know about new stories from PowerPost. Sign up to follow, and we’ll e-mail you free updates as they’re published. You’ll receive free e-mail news updates each time a new story is published. You’re all set! By Rajiv Chandrasekaran July 10, 2013 The U.S. military has erected a 64,000-square-foot headquarters building on the dusty moonscape of southwestern Afghanistan that comes with all the tools to wage a modern war. A vast operations center with tiered seating. A briefing theater. Spacious offices. Fancy chairs. Powerful air conditioning. Everything, that is, except troops. The windowless, two-story structure, which is larger than a football field, was completed this year at a cost of $34 million. But the military has no plans to ever use it. Commanders in the area, who insisted three years ago that they did not need the building, now are in the process of withdrawing forces and see no reason to move into the new facility. For many senior officers, the unused headquarters has come to symbolize the staggering cost of Pentagon mismanagement: As American troops pack up to return home, U.S.-funded contractors are placing the finishing touches on projects that are no longer required or pulling the plug after investing millions of dollars. In Kandahar province, the U.S. military recently completed a $45 million facility to repair armored vehicles and other complex pieces of equipment. The space is now being used as a staging ground to sort through equipment that is being shipped out of the country. In northern Afghanistan, the State Department last year abandoned plans to occupy a large building it had intended to use as a consulate. After spending more than $80 million and signing a 10-year lease, officials determined the facility was too vulnerable to attacks. But some senior officers see the giant headquarters as the whitest elephant in a war littered with wasteful, dysfunctional and unnecessary projects funded by American taxpayers. A hulking presence at the center of Camp Leatherneck in Helmand province, it has become the butt of jokes among Marines stationed there and an object lesson for senior officers in Kabul and Washington. The top Marine commander in Helmand sent a memo to the U.S. headquarters in Kabul three years ago stating that the new structure was unnecessary. But his assessment was ignored or disregarded by officers issuing contracts for construction projects, according to senior military officials familiar with the issue. The building’s amenities also have prompted alarm among senior officers. A two-star Marine general who has toured the facility called it “better appointed than any Marine headquarters anywhere in the world.” A two-star Army general said the operations center is as large as those at the U.S. Central Command or the supreme allied headquarters in Europe. “What the hell were they thinking?” the Army general said. “There was never any justification to build something this fancy.” Both generals spoke on the condition of anonymity. In a letter sent Monday to Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel , the special inspector general for the reconstruction of Afghanistan, John F. Sopko, called it “the best constructed building I have seen in my travels to Afghanistan.” “Unfortunately, it is unused, unoccupied, and presumably will never be used for its intended purpose,” Sopko wrote. “This is an example of what is wrong with military construction in general — once a project is started, it is very difficult to stop.” A Pentagon spokesman said Hagel’s office intends to provide a formal response to Sopko before commenting further on the project. The headquarters has its origin in 2009, when President Obama decided to surge more troops to southern Afghanistan to beat back Taliban insurgents. Army planners in South Carolina and at the Pentagon determined that Camp Leatherneck, which had b


What major river flows through the Grand Canyon?

What is the major river that flows through the Grand Canyon? | Reference.com What is the major river that flows through the Grand Canyon? A: Quick Answer The Colorado River is the major body of water that flows through the Grand Canyon. Two dams affect the flow of the river through the canyon: the Hoover Dam at the lower end of the canyon and the Glen Canyon Dam at the upper end, according to Arizona State University.


Hobart, capital of Tasmania Hobart, capital of Tasmania Custom Search Search this site - results will display in a new Google web page. Hobart has a population of around 47,000. It is situated on the banks of the mouth of the Derwent River, beneath the slopes of majestic Mount Wellington. With such a lovely setting, it is no wonder that the city has been described as the most picturesque of all the capital cities of Australia. Hobart began as a convict settlement in 1803. By 1827 it had become a bustling trading port, and one of the whaling capitals of the world. Even today, this city evokes a strong seafaring flavour and the harbour continues to be its lifeblood. Being the second-oldest city of Australia, there are many elegant historic buildings. Many of these were erected by convicts during the city's earliest days. The streets of the city centre are arranged in a grid round Elizabeth Street Mall (main shopping centre), hence it is easy to get around. So easy that I once spent a lovely morning in Hobart and was amazed at how much I got to see in just a short space of time! Here is my list of notable places of interest: Cascade brewery Tasman Bridge Arguably the most famous structure in Hobart, it is 1,417 meters long, longer than the more famous Sydney Harbour Bridge. It crosses the Derwent River, linking the city centre to the eastern shore, where the airport is located. Back to list. Salamanca place A row of beautiful old sandstone warehouses that have been converted into cafes, shops, art galleries and restaurants. It was extremely difficult to tear myself away! The delightful open-air Salamanca market is held here on Saturday mornings from 8.30am. Back to list. Battery point This area dates back almost 150 years and started off as a mariner's village. I enjoyed a relaxing stroll through the alley-ways, as I admired the quaint cottages and well-preserved historic streets. As I wandered around, I was often rewarded with sudden unexpected glimpses of the harbour too. Back to list. Constitution Dock More pretty century-old warehouses and wharves which have been restored and converted into pubs and restaurants. It was great having a meal here by the water's edge, with so much to admire all around. It is here that the world-famous Sydney to Hobart yacht race finishes. Back to list. Cadbury chocolate factory Few humans can resist it. And when you have a factory-ful, it's almost a no-brainer. Built way back in 1922, the Cadbury chocolate factory welcomes visitors. At the visitor centre, you can sample the products, and of course make purchases too. Back to list. Cascade brewery Built in 1823, Australia's oldest brewery will impress you with its chateau-like appearance. Tours are offered here as well, hence it is a must-visit for lovers of fine beverages, alcoholic or otherwise. Back to list. Theatre Royal Back to list. Museums Hobart's earliest surviving building is the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, constructed by convicts in 1808. I passed an easy couple of hours there, absorbed with the Aboriginal artifacts and convict relics. Most memorable for me was seeing what is believed to be the last remaining footage of the well-known but now-extinct Tasmanian tiger (or thylacine). It was hard to stop watching it, knowing that the doomed animal was to cease to exist shortly thereafter. Other museums include: Maritime Museum of Tasmania showcasing the strong seafaring heritage of Tasmania. Tasmanian Cricket Museum celebrating the passionately followed sport (religion, more-like) of cricket. Back to list. Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens Fans of flora will be happy to walk around the 14 hectares at the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens , and view the thousands of plant species. Back to list. Wrest Point Casino Another of Australia's oldest buildings, although this time a very modern type of establishment. The first Australian hotel-casino awaits those who love a punt. It is the tallest building in the city. Back to list. Mount Wellington I cannot leave out the impressive 1270 metre high mountain that is the back


What is the smallest province in Canada?

What is the Smallest Province in Canada | Were You Wondering… Home Geography What is the Smallest Province in Canada What is the Smallest Province in Canada Posted By: Katrina Cain on: June 25, 2008 Tweet The smallest province in Canada is Prince Edward Island, at 5.6 thousand square kilometers and a mere 140,000 residents. It is known as the Birthplace of the Confederation as a conference took place in its capital; Charlottetown, to discuss uniting the areas of what are now New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Ontario and Quebec. Ironically, Prince Edward Island decided not to join Confederation until 1873. Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick united to form Canada in 1867. The last province to join Canada was Newfoundland in 1949. Prince Edward Island is well known for having the largest bridge span over icy water, the Confederation Bridge that connects New Brunswick on the Canadian mainland to Prince Edward Island. It is over 12 kilometers long and was completed in 1997. PEI is better known for Lucy Maud Montgomery’s book series Anne of Green Gables. Thousands of tourists flock to PEI every year to see the places that inspired Anne of Green Gables. The series was especially cherished in Japan and many Japanese couples come to PEI to get married on the grounds of Green Gables. The book has been published in 36 different languages. PEI’s main industry is agriculture; specifically in potatoes and it accounts for 1/3 of Canada’s potato production and exports potato seeds to over 20 countries. Related Posts


In what country would you find Mount Kilimanjaro?

Mount Kilimanjaro travel guide - Wikitravel 12 Get out Mount Kilimanjaro is a currently inactive strato-volcano in northern Tanzania , near the border with Kenya . At 5,895 metres (19,340 feet) above sea level, Kilimanjaro is Africa's highest peak and the world's highest free-standing mountain. As such - and aided by its relatively easy ascent - Kilimanjaro has become a major destination for mountaineers and trekkers from around the world. Understand[ edit ] Mount Kilimanjaro Although positioned close to the Equator (330 km south), Mount Kilimanjaro is famous as Africa's snow-capped mountain looming over the plains of the savannah. In recent years, however, the snows have been fast disappearing. Kilimanjaro National Park [1] protects the area above 2,700 metres (8,850 ft), on the mountain and includes the moorland and highland zones, Shira Plateau, Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. The Park also has six corridors or rights of way through the Kilimanjaro Forest Reserve. The Forest Reserve, which is also a Game Reserve, was established in 1921; the Park was established in 1973 and officially opened in 1977. History[ edit ] It is commonly perceived that Queen Victoria of England gave her grandson, Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany, Mount Kilimanjaro as a birthday present. However, this is not the case. In fact, Karl Peters, a German traveller in Africa and one of the founders of today's Tanzania , snuck into Tanganyika and persuaded various Chagga chieftains to sign treaties in which they agreed to cede their territories to his Society for German Colonization. Landscape[ edit ] The landscape on Kilimanjaro is very beautiful. The mountain can be divided into 5 climatic zones, each with its own fauna and flora. The lower reaches of the mountain are dominated by evergreen forests. At approx. 3,000m the landscape starts to change into a shrub land setting. At around 4,000m the landscape becomes very arid and rocky, similar to a lunar landscape. The fourth zone consists of a very fine glacial scree / silt dessert setting. The top of Kilimanjaro is partially snow-capped with large glaciers interspersed between the volcanic craters. The glaciers have been receding over the past 40 years, though. Flora and fauna[ edit ] The mountain is rich in flora and fauna. You get to see the various climatic conditions starting from the bushland on the bottom of the mountain to the arctic ice region on top of the mountain. You have the tropical rain forests, the evergreen forests, the moorlands and the alpine desert regions in between. It is something like walking from the equator to the arctic pole in a matter of days. You get to see some unique plants and flowers on the mountain which is specific to Mt Kilimanjaro. Though there is not much of wildlife on the mountain, you can see some wild buffaloes, elephants and leopards while traversing through the Lemosho Route. You are accompanied by armed rangers in the initial day of the trek while going via the Lemosho route. Climate[ edit ] Due to Mount Kilimanjaro's proximity to the equator, this region does not experience the extremes of winter and summer weather, but rather dry and wet seasons. January and February are the warmest months, April and May are the wettest months, June and July are the coolest months, and August and September are the driest months. January, February, and September are considered to be the best months to climb Kilimanjaro in terms of weather. The journey from the gate to the peak is like traveling from the equator to Antarctica in a matter of days. This is because the routes to the Uruhu peak cross different ecological zones. Throughout the climb, temperatures vary considerably with the altitude and time of day. Mount Kilimanjaro has five major ecological zones, each approximately 3,280 feet (1,000 m) in altitude. Each zone is subject to a corresponding decrease in rainfall, temperature and life as the altitude increases. At the beginning of the climb, at the base of the mountain, the average temperature is around 70°F to 80°F (27°C to 32°C). From there, the temperatures will decrease


What Are the Four Main Islands of Japan? By Matt Rosenberg Updated August 06, 2016. Japan's "mainland" consists of four primary islands: Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu, and Shikoku. In total, the country of Japan includes 6,852 islands, many of which are very small and uninhabited. When trying to remember where the major islands are located, you can think of the archipelago of Japan as a letter "j."  Hokkaido is the j's dot. Honshu is the long body of the j. Shikoku and Kyushu make up the j's sweeping curve. The Island of Honshu Honshu is the largest island and the core of Japan. It is also the seventh largest island in the world. On the island of Honshu, you will find the majority of the Japanese population and most of its major cities including the capital of Tokyo. Because it is the center of Japan, Honshu is connected to the other primary islands via undersea tunnels and bridges.  Roughly the size of the state of Minnesota, Honshu is a mountainous island and home to many of the country's active volcanoes. Its most famous peak is Mt. Fuji. Major Cities: Tokyo, Hiroshima, Osaka-Kyoto, Nagoya, Sendai, Yokohama, Niigata Key Mountains: Mount Fuji (Japan's highest point at 12,388 feet/3776 meters), Mount Kita, Mount Hotaka, Hilda Mountains, Ou Mountains, Chugoku Range Other Key Geographic Features: Lake Biwa (Japan's largest lake), Mutsu Bay, Inawashiro Lake, Tokyo Bay The Island of Hokkaido Hokkaido is in the northernmost and second largest of the main Japanese islands. It is separated from Honshu by the Tsugaru Strait. Sapporo is the largest city on Hokkaido and also serves as the island's capital. The climate of Hokkaido is distinctly northern. It is known for its mountainous landscape, a number of volcanoes, and natural beauty. It is a popular destination for skiers and outdoor adventure enthusiasts and Hokkaido is home to many national parks, including Shiretoko National Park. During the winter, drift ice from the Ohotsk Sea creeps toward the northern coast and this is a popular site starting in January. The island is also known for its many festivals, including the popular Winter Festival. Major Cities: Sapporo, Hakodate, Obihiro, Asahikawa, Obihiro, Kitami, Shari, Abashiri, Wakkanai Key Mountains: Mount Asahi (highest point on the island at 7516 feet/2291 meters), Mount Hakuun, Mount Akadake, Mount Tokachi (active volcano), Daisetsu- zan Mountains Other Key Geographic Features: Sounkyo Gorge, Lake Kussharo, Lake Shikotsu The Island of Kyushu The third largest of Japan's big islands, Kyushu is to the southwest of Honchu. The largest city is Fukuoka and this island is known for its semi-tropical climate, hot springs, and volcanoes. Kyushu is known as the "Land of Fire" because of its chain of active volcanoes, which include Mount Kuju and Mount Aso. Major Cities: Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Kagoshima Key Mountains: Mount Aso (active volcano), Mount Kuju, Mount Tsurumi, Mount Kirishima, Sakura-jima, Ibusuki Other Key Geographic Features: Kumagawa River (largest on Kyushu), Ebino Plateau, multiple small islands The Island of Shikoku Shikoku is the smallest of the four islands and is located to the east of Kyushu and southeast of Honshu. It is a picturesque and cultural island, boasting many Buddhist temples and the home of famous haiku poets. Also a mountainous island, Shikoku's mountains are small in comparison to others in Japan as none of the island's peaks is higher than 6000 feet (1828 meters). There are no volcanoes on Shikoku. Shikoku is home to a Buddhist pilgrimage that is known worldwide. Visitors can walk around the island - either clockwise or counter-clockwise - visiting each of the 88 temples along the way. It is one of the oldest pilgrimages in the world. Major Cities: Matsuyama, Kochi Key Mountains: Mount Sasagamine, Mount Higashi-Akaishi, Mount Miune, Mount Tsurugi Other Key Geographic Features: Inland Sea, Hiuchi-nada Sea, Bingonada Sea, Iyo-nada Sea


What city hosts the most well-known Oktoberfest?

Visiting Oktoberfest de Blumenau in Santa Catarina | The Rio Times | Brazil News Visiting Oktoberfest de Blumenau in Santa Catarina Visiting Oktoberfest de Blumenau in Santa Catarina By - Advertisement - By Chesney Hearst, Senior Contributing Reporter RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Every year the city of Blumenau in the Southern Brazilian state of Santa Catarina hosts its own Oktoberfest, celebrating German food, music, beer, culture and the area’s deep ancestral roots. In addition to Oktoberfest, the city’s German heritage can be witnessed year-round throughout the city from its intact colonial structures to its historically inspired buildings to its museums and additional festivals. Vovó and Vovô Chopão or Grandma and Grandpa of Big Beer are the official mascots of Oktoberfest de Blumenau and can be found throughout the city during the festival, photo by Chesney Hearst. The most well known festival in Blumenau is Oktoberfest, this year running from October 8th to the 26th. Considered the biggest Oktoberfest celebration in South America and among the biggest in the world after the main festival held in Munich, Germany, the Oktoberfest de Blumenau alone annually attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists to the city during the month of October. “I like to do all three festivals every year, if I can,” one Canadian tourist, who identified himself simply as “Bill” told The Rio Times, speaking about the Oktoberfest de Blumenau, the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest held yearly in Ontario, Canada and the main Oktoberfest, a sixteen-day event held annually in Munich, Bavaria, Germany. “Oktoberfest is different in Brazil. It’s German-themed with a lot of lederhosen and things, but it’s still Brazilian. It’s interesting and a lot of fun.” This year, the Oktoberfest de Blumenau began its 31st edition and as is tradition, festivities kicked off with an opening parade down the Blumenau’s historic Rua XV de Novembro (November 15th Street). Originally known as “Wurstrasse” (Sausage Street), the Rua XV de Novembro stretches and curves 1,590 meters through the city. Marching down the street for the parade this year were over one hundred attractions, including live performances by German band Deggendorfer Stadmulsikaeten and Austrian band Bürgermeisterkapelle. After the parade, many visitors and locals headed to the city’s Parque Vila Germânica (German Vila Park), a specially built area, open year-round, complete with replica German houses and buildings with additional pavilions where the majority of the festival takes place. Festival organizers estimate that over 19,000 visitors passed through Parque Vila Germânica during opening night alone this year. Housed within the Parque Vila Germânica are multiple shops, restaurants, beer kiosks and live entertainment provided by both Brazilians groups and by German and International musicians. During Oktoberfest, attendees with steins and sausages in hand, fill the wooden benches and dancefloors inside the pavilions and stand outside to watch shows that include the Queen of the Oktoberfest contest, log-sawing contests and live musical entertainment complete with tubas and multiple accordions. Entrance to the Parque Vila Germânica was free on opening night and will be again on Mondays during Oktoberfest and on closing night of the festival, October 26th. Entry on Tuesdays through Thursdays is R$10 and on Fridays and Saturdays during the festival the entry is R$25. In addition to Oktoberfest, Blumenau has much more to offer visitors with over forty tourist attractions in all, and various festivals held throughout the year, including Dia do Turista Clubs de Caça e Tiro (Shooting and Hunting Clubs), Christmas and Easter. One of the most recognizable structures of the city, Castelinho da XV, located on Blumenau’s Rua XV de Novembro, was built in 1978 as a replica of the city hall of Michelstadt, Germay, photo by Chesney Hearst. The city was founded in 1850 as a Germany colony by a small group of immigrants lead by Dr. Hermann Blumenau . One of the city’s main tourist attractions, the Momento dos Imigrant


Not counting continents, what is the world's largest island?

Largest Islands of the World A map of the Largest Islands Greenland - (840,004 sq. miles) (2,175,600 sq. km) New Guinea - (303,381 sq. miles) (785,753 sq. km) Borneo - (288,869 sq. miles) (748,168 sq. km) Madagascar - (226,917 sq. miles) (587,713 sq. km) Baffin - (194,574 sq. miles) (503,944 sq. km) Sumatra - (171,069 sq. miles) (443,066 sq. km) Honshu - (88,982 sq. miles) (225,800 sq. km) Great Britain - (88,787 sq. miles) (229,957 sq. km) Victoria - (85,154 sq. miles) (220,548 sq. km) Ellesmere - (71,029 sq. miles) (183,965 sq. km) NOTE: Australia is widely considered as a continental landmass, not an island. It certainly is the largest island, with a size of (2,941,517 sq miles) (7,618,493 sq km). LARGEST ISLAND COUNTRIES Indonesia - (735,358 sq miles) (1,904,569 sq km) Madagascar - (226,917 sq miles) (587,713 sq km) Papua New Guinea - (178,704 sq miles) (462,840 sq km) Japan - (143,939 sq miles) (372,801 sq km) Malaysia - (127,320 sq miles) (329,758 sq km) Philippines - (115,831 sq miles) (300,000 sq km) New Zealand - (103,883 sq miles) (269,057 sq km) Great Britain - (88,787 sq miles) (229,957 sq km) NOTE: Great Britain is an island that combines the countries of England, Scotland, and Wales, and is a part of the country of the "United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland," commonly referred to as the UK. Cuba - (42,804 sq miles) (110,861 sq km) Iceland - (39,769 sq miles) (103,000 sq km) HIGHEST ISLANDS New Guinea - (16,503 feet) (5,030 meters) Hawaii, USA - (13,796 feet) (4,205 meters) Borneo, Indonesia - (13,698 feet) (4,175 meters) Formosa, China - (13,114 feet) (3,997 meters) Sumatra, Indonesia - (12,484 feet) (3,805 meters) Ross, Antarctica - (12,448 feet) (3,794 meters) Honshu, Japan - (12,388 feet) (3,776 meters) South Island, NZ - (12,349 feet) (3,764 meters) Lombok, Indonesia - (12,224 feet) (3,726 meters) LARGEST VOLCANIC ISLANDS Sumatra, Indonesia - (171,069 sq miles) (443,066 sq km) Honshu, Japan - (87,182 sq miles) (225,800 sq km) Java, Indonesia - (53,589 sq miles) (138,794 sq km) North Island, NZ - (43,082 sq miles) (111,583 sq km) Luzon, Philippines - (42,458 sq miles) (109,965 sq km) Iceland - (39,769 sq miles) (103,000 sq km) Mindanao, Philippines - (37,657 sq miles) (97,530 sq km) Hokkaido, Japan - (30,395 sq miles) (78,719 sq km) New Britain, PNG - (13,569 sq miles) (35,145 sq km) Halmaherea, Indonesia - (6,965 sq miles) (18,040 sq km) LARGEST LAKE ISLANDS Manitoulin, Lake Huron - (1,068 sq miles) (2,766 sq km) Vozrozhdeniya, Aral Sea - (888 sq miles) (2,300 sq km) Rene-Lavasseur, Manicouagan Reservoir, Quebec, Canada - (780 sq miles) (2,000 sq km) Olkhon, Lake Baykal - (282 sq miles) (730 sq km) Samosir, Toba - (243 sq miles) (630 sq km) Isle Royal, Lake Superior - (209 sq miles) (541 sq km) Ukerewe, Lake Victoria - (205 sq miles) (530 sq km) St. Joseph, Lake Huron - (141 sq miles) (365 sq km) Drummond, Lake Huron - (134 sq miles) (347 sq km) Idjwi, Lake Kivu, DRC - (110 sq miles) (285 sq km) LARGEST ISLANDS in the USA Hawaii, Hawaii - (4,037 sq miles) (10,456 sq km) Kodiak, Alaska - (3,672 sq miles) (9,510 sq km) Prince of Wales, Alaska - (2,587 sq miles) (6,700 sq km) Chichagof, Alaska - (2,085 sq miles) (5,400 sq km) Saint Lawrence, Alaska - (1,710 sq miles) (4,430 sq km) Admiralty, Alaska - (1,649 sq miles) (4,270 sq km) Baranof, Alaska - (1,636 sq miles) (4,237 sq km) Nunivak, Alaska - (1,625 sq miles) (4,210 sq km) Unimak, Alaska - (1,606 sq miles) (4,160 sq km) Long Island, NY - (1,401 sq miles) (3,629 sq km) LARGEST ISLANDS in EUROPE Great Britain - (88,787 sq miles) (229,957 sq km) Iceland - (39,769 sq miles) (103,000 sq km) Ireland - (33,342 sq miles) (83,766 sq km) West Spitsbergen - (15,200 sq miles) (39,368 sq km) Sicily - (9,807 sq miles) (25,400 sq km) Sardinia - (9,189 sq miles) (23,800 sq km) North East Land - (5,792 sq miles) (15,000 sq km) Cyprus - (3,572 sq miles) (9,251 sq km) Corsica - (3,367 sq miles) (8,720 sq km) Crete - (3,189 sq miles) (8,260 sq km)


The 3 Holiest Cities Of Islam - Boldsky.com »The 3 Holiest Cities Of Islam The 3 Holiest Cities Of Islam Updated: Friday, July 13, 2012, 18:14 [IST] Subscribe to Boldsky As the sun rises in East and the call of the melodious Azan is heard, millions of Muslims bow westwards to pay reverence to the holiest of the holy places in Islam, Mecca. Islam is the religion with the second largest number of followers in the world. There are three main branches of Islam, Sunni, Shia and Sufi. The 3 cities mentioned here are considered holy by all the three sects. These places mentioned here are 3 holiest cities of Islam. All of them are in the Middle East, where the religion of Islam originated. The core of the Islamic kingdom still lies here. The 3 Holies Cities Of Islam: 1. Mecca: It is the holiest city of Islam for Muslims all over the world. It is the city of the holy Kabaa, hosts the black stone that is supposed to be God sent. The Kabaa was built by Ibrahim, the son of Ishmael. The Masjid-e-Haram is the holiest mosque in all of the Islamic world. There is also the well called Zamzam whose water has therapeutic properties. Your pilgrimage to Mecca is not complete without paying homage to Mount Arafat where the Prophet have his last message to the devoted. Apart from these structural features, Mecca is the holy Islamic city in which the Prophet Mohammed was born and received his enlightenment from the angel Gabriel. 2. Medina: This was the adopted city of the Prophet and also the city that holds the honour of having the first truly real mosque built according to Islamic tenets. The Kabaa Mecca existed before the advent of Islam. Mohammed had to flee Mecca as a strong group of of adversaries were planning to attack him. But Medina welcomed him with open arms. It is here that he lived and is buried. The famous Mosque of the Prophet or Masjid-al-Nabawi is built on his house where he rests in peace. It is the seat of power in the hay days of the Islamic empire as the Caliphas presided here. In both the holy cities of Islam, Mecca and Medina, non Muslims are strictly forbidden to enter. 3. Jerusalem: There is something very special about this city. Three major religions namely, Islam, Christianity and Judaism, consider this city as holy. Jerusalem has the Mosque of Al-Aqsa (Arabic name for Jerusalem). It is also the city to which the Prophet travelled on the night of his ascension to heaven. He travelled to Jerusalem from where he received the message of Allah, prayed with the previous prophets and went back to Mecca. These were the holy cities of Islam. As the holy month of Ramzan is upon us, it is a good time to refresh your memory and cherish the rich historical heritage of Islam.


In what country would you find Annapurna?

How to Hike the Annapurna Circuit - Wandering Sasquatch | Wandering Sasquatch How to Hike the Annapurna Circuit Home » Hiking » How to Hike the Annapurna Circuit Before setting out to hike the Annapurna Circuit, I did quite a bit of research – or at least tried to do research. I quickly realized that there are dozens, possibly hundreds, of trekking companies in Nepal competing for your business. All of these businesses crowd the interwebs attempting to entice you to sign up for their services. I had also read in multiple online forums is that there is no need to sign up with a trekking company – that you can trek the Annapurna Circuit by yourself. What I couldn’t easily find was any information on how to hike it by yourself – the logistical information I needed to feel confident in hiking without a guide before arriving in Nepal. So I decided to (hopefully) fill this gap and provide you with the Wandering Sasquatch Guide on How to Hike the Annapurna Circuit. Before you start: Packing List I’ve put together an Annapurna Circuit packing list that covers everything you need you carry with you. You can find it here . Permits The Nepalese authorities require all hikers to purchase two permits before hiking, the Annapurna Conservation Area Permi t (ACAP) and Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS card). Both permits are required to enter the Annapurna area and are checked at points all along the Circuit. There is no expiration date on the permits, so once you enter the ACAP area you can stay as long as you like – but when you leave, you need to purchase new permits to re-enter. Cost: ACAP: 2,000 Nepali rupees (npr) (US $21.74) TIMS: US $20 (1,840 npr) Items Required for ACAP and TIMS: 3 passport photos Health insurance policy information Basic route information Where to purchase: ACAP and TIMS cards can be purchased at Nepal Tourism Board offices in both Kathmandu and Pokhara or at any trekking agency. Permits are typically available a few hours after filling out paperwork and payment. (Note: trekking agencies will charge a fee of 400-500 npr ($4.50-$5.50) for processing, but will also answer any questions you have about trekking.) Map Maps can be purchased at dozens of places in both Kathmandu or Pokhara. Maps of different size and scale are available, so just look at a few and choose one that suits your fancy. I highly recommend a map that shows the New Annapurna Trekking Trails (NATT) and side trails. Cost: A map will cost you 200-650 npr ($2-$7) NATT Guide Download the New Annapurna Trekking Trails guide here . The NATT guide provides information for trails that help to avoid the road and gives great information on all of the villages you walk through. This guide made our trek much more fulfilling by providing information on villages that we otherwise wouldn’t have learned. I recommend printing it out so you can carry the day-to-day information in your pocket as you hike. The guide is free to download. Gear If you don’t bring your own gear, you can purchase or rent gear in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Everything you will need, from underwear to tents (and everything in between) is available as knock-offs (unless a new brand called “The Northe Face” has been invented or Mammot started making coats that are sold only in Nepal). To find out all of the gear you need to carry with you, check out the Annapurna Circuit packing list . Costs: All prices are negotiable, so shop around. Ask both the prices to rent vs. buy, as if you are going to be on the trail for a while, it might be cheaper to purchase your gear. For a frame of reference, Kim and I purchased two 65-liter backpacks, two -10 °C sleeping bags, and two trekking poles for 10,000 npr ($109). We purchased instead of rented because I am notoriously hard on gear (we would have ended up buying my pack and pole anyway) and because we ended up trekking in Nepal for a total of 28 days. Traveling to Besi Sahar The Annapurna Circuit begins in Besi Sahar. To get to there, take the tourist bus from either Kathmandu or Pokhara. From Kathmandu the bus will take approx 6 hours and a t


What mountain range separates France and Spain?

Which mountains separate France and Spain? Science and Technology Which mountains separate France and Spain? The Pyrenees stretch for about 300 miles (500 km) from the Bay of Biscay in the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. This mountain range forms a natural boundary between France and Spain. The highest point is Pico d'Aneto at 3,404 metres.


What is the Capital of Djibouti? - Capital-of.com Dates of religious and Civil holidays around the world. www.when-is.com Capital of Djibouti The Capital City of Djibouti (officially named Republic of Djibouti) is the city of Djibouti. The population of Djibouti was 400,000. Djibouti, formerly known as French Somaliland, is an Arabic speaking country on the coasts of the The Red Sea. Additional Information


In what country did Zoroastrianism start?

Zoroastrianism - ReligionFacts ReligionFacts Faravarhar, das Symbol der menschlichen Seele im Zoroastrismus. OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA Zoroastrianism is the ancient, pre-Islamic religion of Persia (modern-day Iran). It survives there in isolated areas but primarily exists in India, where the descendants of Zoroastrian Persian immigrants are known as Parsis, or Parsees. In India the religion is called Parsiism. Founded by the Iranian prophet and reformer Zoroaster in the 6th century BCE, Zoroastrianism contains both monotheistic and dualistic features. Although a fairly small religion today, numbering about 200,000 adherents, it shares many central concepts with the major world religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. References


What is the tallest active volcano in Italy?

Italian volcanoes, volcanoes in italy, volcanic activity italy, mount etna, mount vesuvius, stromboli,active, dormant, extinct volcanoes Italian volcanoes, volcanoes in italy, volcanic activity italy, mount etna, mount vesuvius, stromboli,active, dormant, extinct volcanoes Profile Menu Jack of the Italian Navy Current time in Italy Level three Volcanoes in Italy Italy is home to three active volcanoes, all located in the south of the country. Mount Vesuvius, in Naples, is the only active volcano on mainland Europe. It is famous for the destruction of the Roman towns of Pompei and Herculaneum in 79 BC, an event described in great detail by Pliny the Younger. The last eruption was in 1944. Vesuvius is considered to be the most dangerous volcano in the world as it could erupt at any time, threatening the lives of the three million people who live nearby. Stromboli is one of the Aeolian Islands , situated off the north coast of Sicily, in the Tyrrhenian Sea. It is 926 metres high and has been erupting almost constantly for the last 2,000 years. The spectacular explosions are visible many miles out to sea, leading to the Island being nicknamed 'The Lighthouse of the Mediterranean'. Mount Etna is located on the eastern side of Sicily, between Messina and Catania. It is in an almost constant state of activity, and is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. At over 3,000 metres high, it is the tallest, active volcano on the European continent. It covers an area of 1,190 square kilometres, making it the largest of the three active volcanoes in Italy. What are volcanoes?


What is the most populous province of Canada?

Canadian Demographics at a Glance: Provinces and regions Four Canadians in five live in a metropolitan area Canada's population is concentrated in the southern part of the country The    population is not distributed uniformly throughout Canada's    territory. The vast majority of people who make up the population of Canada    live in the southern part of the country, near the American border,    leaving the northern areas largely uninhabited. The    strongest concentrations of population are located, firstly, along the    axis extending from Québec city to Windsor, that is, along the St Lawrence    River and lakes Ontario and Erie, and secondly, in Western Canada, in    Vancouver and Victoria in British    Columbia and the area extending from Calgary to Edmonton in Alberta. Figure 35 Population density by dissemination area (DA) in Canada, 2006 Top of Page Ontario should remain the most populous province In    2006, Canada's    population was very largely concentrated in four provinces: Ontario,    Quebec, British     Columbia and Alberta.    Approximately 86% of Canadians in 2006 were living in one of these four    provinces. The 12.7 million Ontarians alone account for nearly 40% of    Canadians. The    population projected for 2031, under the six scenarios used for the most    recent population projections, shows that in most cases, the population of    the provinces and territories should be larger in 2031 than in 2006. Only    three provinces and one territory—Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick,    Saskatchewan and Yukon—are likely to have a    smaller population in 2031 than in 2006, and this is under certain    scenarios only. Thus, growth is    expected everywhere else. Figure 36 Population of the Canadian provinces and territories in 2006 and 2031 Top of Page The drop in fertility has affected almost all provinces and territories in the past 25 years In    2005, Northwest Territories    and Nunavut had the highest    fertility levels in Canada    with 2.11 and 2.72 children per woman. This situation is attributable to    the presence of a large Aboriginal population. Similarly, the high    fertility of the three Prairie provinces,    compared to other provinces, is largely due to their Aboriginal    population. The lowest fertility levels were registered in Newfoundland    and Labrador, British Columbia,    New Brunswick and Nova     Scotia, with total fertility rates of    respectively 1.34, 1.39, 1.41 and 1.40 children per woman. Quebec,    Ontario, Prince     Edward Island and the Yukon, on the other hand, had a    fertility rate close to the national average (1.54 children per woman). Between    1981 and 2005, fertility levels declined in almost every province and    territory. The largest drops occurred in the territories (Yukon    and Northwest Territories)    and Prince Edward Island. Manitoba    is the only province in which fertility    has not declined since 1981. Table 1 Total fertility rate in Canada, provinces and territories, 1981 and 2005 Top of Page An increase in life expectancy in all provinces As in Canada as a whole,    life expectancy observed in all provinces has been rising since 1971, for    both males and females. British     Columbia is the province which, in 2004,    had the highest life expectancy with 78.5 years for males and 83.1 for    females. On the other hand, Newfoundland and Labrador had the    lowest life expectancy (75.4 years for males and 80.9 years for females). According to    the most recent population projections, this rise in life expectancy    should continue in the upcoming years. Under almost all projection    assumptions and, in almost all provinces, it should exceed 80 years for males and 85 years for females. Table 2 Life expectancy at birth by sex in Canada and provinces, 1971, 2004 and 2031 Top of Page The majority of immigrants settle in Ontario In 2006, more than four immi


New Zealand was named after a province of what country?

Abel Janszoon Tasman - New Zealand in History The first European        to discover New Zealand Often, for pastime, mariners will ensnare The albatross, that vast sea-bird who sweeps On high companionable pinion where Their vessel glides upon the bitter deeps.       "The       Albatross" - Charles Baudelaire "Towards noon we        saw a large high lying land, bearing south-east of us" Abel Janszoon Tasman Abel        Janszoon Tasman was born in the village of Lutjegast, in today's        province of Groningen in the Netherlands, in 1603. Little is known        of Tasman's early life, and no portraits of him exist. In 1632 he married Jannetje Tjaerts. He was already        a widower at the time, and was recorded as being an ordinary sailor        - "vaerentgesel" - and that he lived in a street in Amsterdam        called Teerketelsteeg. In 1633 Tasman signed up with the Dutch East India        Company (Verenigde Oostindische Compagnie or VOC). The East India        Company was managed by a board of seventeen - "de Heeren XVII" - the Lords Seventeen - and was appointed by Chambers in the principal        trading towns. Eight Chambers were situated in Amsterdam, and four        Chambers were in Zealand, a maritime province of the Netherlands. On signing up with the Company, Tasman left for the        East to fulfil a three year contract. In 1638, he left the Netherlands for Batavia, (today's        Djakarta, Indonesia) in command of the ship "Engel", this        time on a ten year contract. His wife accompanied him. Batavia had        grown to be a rich city, and here, from this good vantage point        in the East Indies, the East India Company was successful and powerful        - not lacking in wealth, men or ships. On 13th August 1642 Tasman received instructions        to find the mysterious and supposedly rich Southern Continent, which        had been eluding and tempting explorers for centuries. This unknown        land, Terra Australis Incognita, was said to stretch across the        Pacific. Tasman's instructions were to take possession of all continents        and islands discovered and set foot on in the course of his voyage "on behalf of their High Mightinesses the States-General of        the United Provinces". Two ships were prepared for the voyage : the "Zeehaen",        a flute, (a long, narrow ship - like a flute - with a rounded stern        and three masts) of 100 tons carrying 50 men, and the "Heemskerck",        the flagship, a small warship of around 60 tons and carrying 60        men. The celebrated pilot, hydrographer and surveyor, Frans (Franchoys)        Jacobszoon Visscher accompanied Tasman. On 13th December 1642, the coast of New Zealand came into view,        and Tasman noted in his journal "groot hooch verheven landt" (a large land, uplifted high). Tasman named this land "Staten        Landt", which refers to the "Land of the (Dutch) States-General." The area of New Zealand which Tasman        sighted was in the vicinity of the coast between modern Hokitika        and Okarito, on the west coast of the South Island. Tasman thought, but was not sure, that he may have discovered the        western edge of the land discovered in the South Atlantic Ocean        in 1616 by his fellow countrymen, Willem Schouten and Isaac Le Maire.        (Le Maire Strait, or Estrecho de la Maire, is situated to the south        of Chile, between Terra des Fuego and Estados.) At the time, this        was believed to have been part of the northern tip of the Southern        Continent. Tasman noted this in his journal : "To this land we have        given the name of Staten Landt, in honour of Their High Mightinesses        the States-General, since it could be quite possible that this land


What historical overland route connected China to the Mediterranean?

Silk Road Definition & History [Silk Route & Trade Routes] Silk Road Trade & Travel Encyclopedia 丝绸之路网站（丝路网站） İPEK YOLU ve YOLLARI ANSİKLOPEDİSİ www.ipekyollari.net Definition & History of the "Silk Road," or "Silk Route" (The "Silk Routes" are collectively known as the "Silk Road") Tï¿½rkï¿½e The "Silk Road" is a network of ancient overland trade routes that extended across the Asian continent and connected China to the Mediterranean Sea. For centuries, the "Silk Road" also enabled the transmission of knowledge and ideas between the Eastern and Western worlds. The summary below is a selection of definitions and entries commonly found on the Internet and in reference books. As students explore this subject in depth, and try to define the Silk Road, they will realize that the Silk Road is a term that varies in meaning (making it an excellent essay topic). Click for Incense, Spice, Silk & Maritime Routes -- "The Silk Road" is made up of an interconnected network of trade routes that have bridged the Asian and Mediterranean worlds since antiquity. -- "The Silk Road" is a series of  trade routes between China and the Mediterranean Sea, extending some 6,400 km (4,000 mi). [The total length of all routes can be debated] -- "The Silk Road" is an ancient overland trade route that connects China with Europe. Originally a caravan route and used from c. 100 BC, the 4,000-mi (6,400-km) route began in Xi'an, China, followed the Great Wall to the northwest, climbed the Pamir Mountains, crossed Afghanistan, and went on to the eastern Mediterranean Sea, where goods were taken by ship to Venice and other European cities. Silk and other items were carried westward, while such goods as wool, gold, and silver were carried eastward. -- "The Silk Road" is a trade route that passed from the eastern borders of Europe through north India, then through the oasis kingdoms at the borders of the Himalaya mountain range and the Taklamakan Desert, terminating in the desert regions of Tun-huang in western China. This route served as the primary path of commerce for the states along its way until the 15th century, when maritime routes became increasingly used. Its significance for Buddhism is that it was the principal path for the early transmission of Buddhism from India to China, and later for Chinese pilgrims travelling from China to India in search of teachings and scriptures. After the 8th century, Islam spread along the Silk Road across Central Asia to China. Scientific developments, knowledge, and new inventions were also shared upon the routes. The rise and fall of empires along the regions of the routes also had an impact on trade and cultural exchanges. The Silk Routes influence carried over into Korea and Japan, and along the maritime routes which extended to the Philippines, Brunei, Thailand, Malacca, Sri Lanka, India, the Persian Gulf, Egypt, Italy, and Portugal and beyond. The "Silk Road" has been proposed for consideration as a UNESCO World Heritage. -- "The Silk Road" is a series of interconnected trade routes linking Asia and Europe, consisting of a network of caravan routes running from China across Central Asia to the shores of the Mediterranean. Its starting point was the ancient Chinese capital of Chang'an (modern Xi'an) in China; the endpoints were a number of cities on the Eastern Mediterranean. Some of its branches ran into South Asia, while others ended at Caspian or Black Sea ports. Among the modern countries traversed by the various routes are China, Turkey, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. It flourished from the 2d cent. BC to the 15th cent. AD, when sea routes between Europe and Asia were established, though caravan trade continued along the Silk Road into the 17th century and later. At different times the Silk Road was under the control of the Chinese, Turks, and Mongols. The end of the security provided by "Pax Mongolica" under the Mongol Empire was a factor in the route's decreased usage. The Mongol expansion throughout the Asian


What is the name for Russian exclave that borders Lithuania and Poland?

The Invasion of Crimea Is Hurting Russia's Other Exclave The Invasion of Crimea Is Hurting Russia's Other Exclave {{article.article.images.featured.caption}} Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Full Bio The author is a Forbes contributor. The opinions expressed are those of the writer. Loading ... Loading ... This story appears in the {{article.article.magazine.pretty_date}} issue of {{article.article.magazine.pubName}}. Subscribe If there is one Russian region that has been hit hardest by Vladimir Putin’s annexation of Crimea, it is Kaliningrad -- the Kremlin’s exclave wedged between Poland and Lithuania on the Baltic Sea. Putin’s land grab of Ukraine’s Crimean peninsula following the Euromaidan revolution in March has recast a buried controversy of European territorial disputes. With the Russian president exploiting ethnic Russian population as tools for the Kremlin’s future adventures abroad, the governments of “the Russian world” (what Putin calls post-Soviet lands) are particularly alarmed. Today, no country sharing a border with Russia can feel entirely secure. Fragile empire Moscow claiming a “historical right” to lands it lost, however, also undermines its claims to some of its own regions that were once non-Russian. By recasting international frontiers, Russia has also revived the question of the legitimacy of its very own borders. Japan, Finland and China are three countries that could, by Putin’s criteria, contest Russian territory: in the volcanic Kuril Islands, western Karelia and the north bank of Russia’s Far-Easter Amur River respectively. But no Russian region is more aware of its non-Russian past than Kaliningrad. The exclave of half a million people had for centuries been known as Konigsberg – an important Prussian port and the birthplace of Immanuel Kant. Destroyed by a Soviet ground offensive and British bombings during the Second World War, Kaliningrad was incorporated into the USSR and its German population fled or was removed by force. It was then rechristened with its current name in homage of Mikhail Kalinin, a Bolshevik zealot who sent his own wife to a Siberian Gulag. Today, Kaliningrad is 87% ethnic Russian and Germany has (at the time of writing) no plans to invade. These days, residents of the Baltic port have worries of a different kind. At the heart of Russian isolation With its small size and isolated location between two EU states, Kaliningrad will feel the pain of the diplomatic backlash against the Kremlin more acutely than Russia proper. Of all the Russian regions, Kaliningrad depends most on its links to the EU. Russia’s trade wars against the exclave’s EU neighbours have often strained Kaliningrad’s finances. When Moscow banned the import of  Lithuanian dairy and Polish meat during bilateral political disputes, Kaliningrad had to transport Belarusian equivalents through EU territory. Now, with Russia internationally isolated following its aggression in Ukraine, Kaliningrad’s problems have just got worse. Closer to Gdansk than to Moscow Moscow’s Crimean incursion has also impeded freedom of travel in far-off Kaliningrad. The small border traffic agreement between Kaliningrad and Poland’s northern regions is one of the greatest recent successes of EU-Russia diplomacy. Kaliningraders soon grew accustomed to buying sprees in cheap Polish shops without needing a visa. But now that guns and fighters are seeping through Ukraine’s porous eastern border with Russia, Warsaw is considering restricting the movement. Black or Baltic? Kaliningrad is no longer Russia’s only ice-free European port. Sevastopol, in Crimea, is now firmly in Russian hands and the Kremlin aims to pump money into its Black Sea Fleet. All this is bad news for Kaliningrad’s Baltic Fleet, which has done little besides collect rust during much of the Putin era. The Russian Navy is a ghost of its Soviet self -- nowhere is this more visible that in Kaliningrad’s derelict dockyards. With the Kremlin’s eye on Crimea -- and French plans to sell Mistral-class helicopter carriers to Russia which will no doubt


What was the world's tallest building in 1950?

History of the World's Tallest Buildings | Statistics | EMPORIS Add Building History of the World's Tallest Buildings Tall structures have always fascinated mankind. There were buildings stretching well over 100 meters into the sky even before industrialization. But how has the history of the tallest buildings in the world developed? Which structures have played a role in this history? The essential details can be found here. There are a few very early examples of architecture reaching far up into the sky. The Pyramid of Khufu for instance, from the 4th Dynasty (2620 to 2500 B.C.), at 139 meters the world's tallest pyramid, or the Pharos of Alexandria, which according to its legend was, at around 140 meters' height, the tallest lighthouse ever built up until the 20th century. And not to forget the Tower of Babel, which according to the Old Testament reached all the way up to Heaven. Since the 19th century, however, it has not just been sacred buildings that have been touching the clouds. Increasing numbers of high-rises with apartments, offices and hotel rooms have been built. Skyscraper construction received its first significant impulse with the invention of the elevator by Elisha Grave Otis in 1852. While it would, from a technical point of view, already have been possible to build tall structures with more than six stories, one would have been unable to find many tenants for them. The invention of steel frame construction was the next important step on the road toward skyscraper architecture. The first building constructed in this way was the Home Insurance Building in Chicago, built in 1885. At a height of 55 meters and ten floors it was the world's first high-rise – and revolutionary for the development of skyscraper construction. 1901 - 1908 Philadelphia City Hall From 1901 onward, Philadelphia City Hall in the American city of Philadelphia, already substantially taller at 167 meters, reached for the skies. In fact, the architecture of this skyscraper with a bell tower was not based on the recently-invented steel frame construction: to this day it is considered the tallest masonry structure in the world. 1908 - 1909 Singer Building For seven years, Philadelphia City Hall was the world's tallest building until it was superseded in 1908 by the Singer Building in New York City, which was 20 meters taller. This particular skyscraper was only able to stay in pole position a short time, however. 1913, only four years later, saw the opening of the 213-meter-tall Metropolitan Life Tower, also located in New York City. 1909 - 1913 Metropolitan Life Tower The skyscrapers that followed the Met Life Tower were also located in New York City. After just four years, the Woolworth Building, built in the borough of Manhattan and 241 meters tall, forced the Met Life Tower from the top spot. 1913 - 1930 Woolworth Building Construction of the Woolworth Building was only possible thanks to the development of reinforced foundations, technology intended to prevent the skyscraper from leaning too heavily and toppling over in the case of earth movements. Until 1930, the Woolworth Building was the world's tallest skyscraper. 1930 - 1930 The Trump Building The history of the skyscraper was increasingly concentrated in the decades that followed in the one city – New York City. 1930 saw the completion there, after less than a year's construction, of The Trump Building. At a height of 283 meters, it was briefly the world's tallest building. 1930 - 1931 Chrysler Building The Trump Building unfortunately had to cede its title after just a few weeks to the Chrysler Building, which, at 319 meters, exceeded it by far. The man who had it built, Walter Chrysler, was inspired by the Eiffel Tower in Paris – at that time the world's tallest structure – to want to build the world's tallest skyscraper in the Chrysler Building in New York City. To win the race, Chrysler and his architect William van Alen came up with a sophisticated trick: Van Alen had an additional 56-meter-long spire built, which was then delivered secretly in pieces, put together in the


What river intersects the Mississippi river near St. Louis?

National Weather Service Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service Latitude/Longitude Disclaimer: The gauge location shown in the above map         is the approximate location based on the latitude/longitude coordinates         provided to the NWS by the gauge owner. Flood Impacts & Photos If you notice any errors in the below information, please contact our Webmaster 54 The Metro East St Louis and Fish Lake levees which protect 71,000 acres are overtopped. Also...at this height the St. Louis flood wall is overtopped. 54 The Metro East St Louis and Fish Lake levees which protect 71,000 acres are overtopped. Also...at this height the St. Louis flood wall is overtopped. 49 Hartford Public Water supply is threatened. The last of the St. Louis City floodgates is installed at the Missouri-Pacific railroad (panel gate). 48 The Harrisonville and Prairie DuPont levees protect 37,360 acres. 47.7 The Columbia levee protects 14,000 acres. 47 The panel floodgate is installed at the CB&Q railraod. Businesses along North Commercial Street in Laclede's Landing in downtown St. Louis begin flooding. 44.1 Chouteau Island Pump Station begins to flood. Power to the Chouteau Island Pump Station disconnected. The Harrisonville and Columbia Levees are overtopped. 43 At this level, 5 floodgates are installed: 3 floodgates at the Corps of Engineers Service Base, another at Zepp Street, and another at the railroad near Guthrie Street. 42 Riverview Blvd becomes flooded. A panel floodgate is installed at Riverview Blvd. 41 At this level, St. Louis City installs a double floodgate at Branch Street in north St. Louis. 40.3 With record inflows from the Meramec, this was the stage at which U.S. Highway 61/67 at Route K west of Kimmswick was closed in both directions in December 2015. 40 At this level the Choteau Island Levee, protecting 2400 acres, is overtopped.  Lemay Park just south of Lemay Ferry Road will begin flooding. The St. Louis Metropolitan Sewer District will shut down the Watkins Creek pump station in the 11000 block of Riverview Drive in Spanish Lake. 39.1 Windsor Harbor Road bridge southeast of Kimmswick begins flooding, isolating residents south of the bridge. 39 The city of Kimmswick, MO begins flooding. Two more St. Louis floodgates are closed at North Market Street (north St. Louis) and at Barton Street on the south side. 38.5 Nellie Avenue, south of Lemay Ferry Road along River des Peres, begins flooding. 38 The U.S. Coast Guard will consider closing the St. Louis harbor to navigation above this level. Four more floodgates are closed at Prairie Avenue, Madison Avenue, Mullanphy Street, and the railroad bed near Lesparance Street. 37.5 Highway 61/67 south of Pevely begin flooding at the Joachim Creek bridge within a foot of this level. 37 Three more floodgates are closed at this level: the Missouri Illinois Sand Company gate in south St. Louis, the City of St. Louis railroad gate, and a double gate at East Grand in north St. Louis. Also, with record inflow from the Meramec in December 2015, Missouri Route K west of Kimmswick was closed in both directions at Rock Creek near this height. 36.5 At this height, water will reach the base of floodgates at Poplar and at Chouteau. With record inflows from the Meramec, Missouri Route M was closed near this height from I-55 to U.S. 61/67 in December 2015. 36 Near this height, Riverview Drive, or Route H, is closed from the Northernbelt Industrial Railroad bridge to just past Scranton Avenue. 35 The floodgates at Gratiot Road railroad and Chouteau Street are closed. At this height, water will reach the base of the floodgates at Carr Street. 34 Leonor K. Sullivan Bouelvard begins flooding at this level near the Eads bridge underpass. 33 Floodgates at the Rutger Street railroad and at Miller Street are closed. 32 Flood panels at Carr Street and Poplar Street are installed. Water will reach the base of the floodgates at Carr Street at 35 feet, and at Poplar Street at 36.5 feet. 31.9 The entrance to the parking garage just north of Eads bridge begins flooding. 30 Flood


What is the world's most populous country?

World's 50 Most Populous   Countries: 2016 World > World Statistics > Population Statistics World's 50 Most Populous Countries:   2016 This table provides figures about the 50 most populous nations in the   world as of July 2016. China is the most populous. Rank


What is the highest mountain range in South America?

Climbing Aconcagua: Highest Mountain in South America Highest mountain in South America. 2nd most prominent mountain in the world. Highest mountain in Argentina. Highest mountain in the world outside of Asia. Highest mountain in the Western Hemisphere. Ultra-prominence mountain. One of the Seven Summits--the highest points on the seven continents. South America's Highest Mountain Cerro Aconcagua is the highest mountain in South America ; the highest mountain in the Western and Southern Hemispheres; and the highest mountain outside Asia. Aconcagua is one of the Seven Summits . Aconcagua's Name The origin of the name Aconcagua is unknown. It possibly derives from Aconca Hue, a Arauca word meaning "Comes from the Other Side" and referring to the Aconcagua River or from Ackon Cahuak, Quechuan words meaning "Stone Sentinel." A similar Quechuan phrase is Ancho Cahuac or "White Sentinel." Take your pick! continue reading below our video What Size Bike Should I Buy? How to Pronounce Aconcagua Aconcagua is pronounced as ɑːkəŋˈkɑːɡwə in English and akoŋˈkaɣwa in Spanish. Argentine High Point Aconcagua lies within Aconcagua Provincial Park in the province of Mendoza in the Republic of Argentina . The mountain lies completely within Argentina and, unlike many other Andean peaks, does not sit on the international border with Chile . Highest Mountain in the Andes Aconcagua is the highest point in the Andes , the world's longest mountain range. The Andes, beginning in northern South America and ending at the continent's tip, stretch over 4,300 miles (7,000 kilometers) in a narrow band along the west edge of South America. The Andes pass through seven countries-- Columbia , Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina , and Chile . How Did Aconcagua Form? Aconcagua is not a volcano. The mountain was formed by the collision of the Nazca Plate and the South American Plate during the relatively recent Andean orogeny or period of mountain building. The Nazca Plate, the ocean crust to the west, is being subducted or pushed beneath the South American Plate, forming the long chain of the Andes. 1897: First Known Ascent The first known ascent of Aconcagua was during an expedition led by Edward Fitz Gerald in the summer of 1897. Swiss climber Mathias Zurbriggen reached the summit alone on January 14 via today's Normal Route. A few days later Nicholas Lanti and Stuart Vines made the second ascent. These were the highest ascents in the world at that time. Did the Incas Climb Aconcagua? It is possible that the mountain had previously been climbed by Pre-Columbian Incans . The skeleton of a guanaco was found on the summit ridge and in 1985 a well-preserved mummy was found at 17,060 feet (5,200 meters) on the southwest ridge of Cerro Pyramidal, an Aconcagua sub-peak. First Woman to Climb  The first female ascent was by Adrienne Bance from France on March 7, 1940 with members of the Andinist Club of Mendoza. First Winter Ascent The first winter ascent was by Argentines E. Huerta, H. Vasalla, and F. Godoy from September 11 to 15, 1953. First Ascent of South Face The first ascent of the 9,000-foot-high South Face was by French climbers Robert Paragot, Guy Poulet, Adrien Dagory, Lucien Berandini, Pierre Lesseur, and Edmond Denis in seven stormy days in February 1954. First Woman to Climb South Face The first woman to climb the South Face was Titoune Meunier and her former husband John Bouchard via the French 1954 route in 1984. Speed Flying Descent in 2008 In March, 2008, Francois Bon made a speed-flying descent of Aconcagua's 9,000-foot-high South Face in 4 minutes and 50 seconds. Speed flying is a blend of free skiing and high-speed paragliding. Bon later said, "I fell from the sky along the walls." How Many Climbers Reach the Top? No hard records are kept about Aconcagua ascents but the Provincial Park reports a success rate of about 60% of climbers who attempt the mountain. About 75% of climbers are foreigners and 25% are Argentinean. The United States leads in number of climbers, followed by Germany and the UK. About 54% of climbers ascend the Norma


What family name is shared by approximately 40% of Vietnamese people?

Vietnam Genealogy - Vietnam Most Popular Last Name Vietnam Genealogy Tweet Vietnam has quite a wide range of genealogies. The country has more than 150 genealogies (just among Viet ethnic groups only) and adding, the 53 other ethnic minorities, the number can even reach 1000. Among them, Nguyen genealogy is the most popular and ranks highest in number. They account for a large percentage of Vietnamese people, 38.4% to be more specific. Since Nguyen dynasty is the last  feudalist administration in Vietnam, many people with this surname are still alive until today, avoiding the tragic fate happening to Ly genealogy, Tran genealogy and Le genealogy. These genealogies all achieved the power of Emperor at one time or another, but when they had been taken down, the Emperors after them launched genocides against their families in order to strengthen the new power. Ly dynasty was destroyed by Tran dynasty, and after that many people with Ly surname were killed. A large number of them must escape to other countries (It is said that people with Lee surname in Korean nowadays are originally from Ly dynasty of Vietnam). Tran dynasty suffered the same fate that they had brought to Ly dynasty. After being replaced by Ho dynasty, Tran genealogy was nearly vanished due to a genocide launched by Ming dynasty (the Chinese dynasty who ruled Vietnam after Ho dynasty). A huge number of Le people were killed by Nguyen dynasty after their success in throne at 19th century. Moreover, in Nguyen dynasty, Nguyen people were offered more advantages than others, thus many people changed their surname into Nguyen. Another reason that helps Nguyen family reach such a high ratio is that many people of different origins from Nguyen family, who were afraid of the threat of revenge, changed their surname. Right after Nguyen family, Tran family and Le family come to the second and the third largest genealogy in Vietnam with 11% and 9.5% of the total population given these name, respectively. Pham genealogy is also a large family, making up 7% of the population. Hoang/Huynh family comes with a quite small number, 5%. Along with 5 biggest genealogies, 10 other ones together top the list of 15 biggest families of Vietnam, representing for 90% of the population. These family names are: Phan, Vu/Vo, Dang, Bui, Do, Ho, Ngo, Kim, Duong, Ly. Ranked under 15 biggest families, more than 120 surnames share 10% of the population. Leu is the only one original surname of Vietnam. The others stem from other countries, like China, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, etc. Last name


What strait separates Alaska and Russia?

Map of Bering Strait - Bering Strait Map, World Strait Locations - World Atlas Map of Bering Strait - Bering Strait Map, World Strait Locations Bering Strait The Bering Strait, located just to the south of the Arctic Circle at the northern edges of the Bering Sea, is a somewhat narrow sea passage between the easternmost point of the Asian continent and the westernmost point of the North American continent. This strait separates the United States and Russia by 58 miles (85 km), with a water depth that measures 100–165 feet, (30–50 meters). It is named for Danish-born Russian mariner Vitus Bering, who first spotted the Alaskan mainland while exploring the area with an expedition of Russian sailors in the mid-18th century. The official boundary between the United States and Russia lies at the tip of the red arrow; at that exact point in the middle of the strait, are two islands - Big and Little Diomede. Archaeologists have concluded that during the last Ice Age, a natural land bridge still spanned the short distance between the two continents, which over eons of times has all but eroded due to the strong currents and relentless winds. In the last few decades some factions have discussed the construction of a bridge over the strait, however, financial and weather concerns have continually stalled the project. Recently, talk of a tunnel under the strait has been on the front burner, however, the high cost of same will certainly be a factor, but imagine driving from Alaska to Russia. Wow, what a concept! A satellite image of the Bering Strait


What is the world's biggest freshwater lake by surface area?

Largest Lake in the World - Largest in the United States Largest Lake in the World & Largest Lake in the United States Caspian Sea map: Map of the Caspian Sea - World's largest landlocked water body (by surface area). Image by CIA. Which Lake is the World's Largest? There are a few different ways to define the world's largest lake. Are you interested in the lake with the largest surface area? Or, the lake with the greatest water volume? And, do you want to consider saltwater seas in your comparison? "Which lake is the world's largest?" is not a simple question to answer. So, we will explore the question from a few different perspectives. World's Largest Lake (by volume): Lake Baikal is the world's largest freshwater lake in terms of volume. It contains about 5,521 cubic miles of water (23,013 cubic kilometers), or approximately 20% of Earth's fresh surface water. This is a volume of water approximately equivalent to all five of the North American Great Lakes combined. While Lake Baikal is extremely deep, its surface area is only about 12,248 square miles (31,722 square kilometers), putting it in seventh place worldwide in terms of surface area. Lake Baikal map: Map of Lake Baikal - World's largest freshwater lake (by volume). Image by CIA. World's Largest Lake (by surface area): The salty Caspian Sea has the greatest surface area of any lake at 143,200 square miles (370,886 square kilometers). Lake Superior, on the United States/Canada border, is the named freshwater lake with the greatest surface area at 31,700 square miles (82,103 square kilometers). However, Lake Michigan and Lake Huron can technically be considered a single lake because they both have the same surface elevation and they are connected by the Mackinac Strait (which is not a river because the water does not have a consistent flow direction). So, Lake Michigan-Huron could be considered the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area. It has a total surface area of 45,410 square miles (117,611 square kilometers), which is significantly larger than Lake Superior. The total water volume in Lake Michigan-Huron, at 2,026 cubic miles (8,443 cubic kilometers), is much smaller than the volume of Lake Baikal. Great Lakes map: Map of Lake Superior and Lake Michigan-Huron - World's largest freshwater lakes (by surface area). Image by CIA. Largest Lake in the United States (by volume): The largest lake in the United States on the basis of water volume is Lake Superior with a volume of 2,904 cubic miles (12,104 cubic kilometers). Largest Lake in the United States (by surface area): Lake Superior is the single named lake with the largest surface area in the United States at 31,700 square miles (82,103 square kilometers). However, as mentioned above, if you consider Lake Michigan and Lake Huron as a single lake, then Lake Michigan-Huron has the largest surface area at 45,410 square miles (117,611 square kilometers).


What word is used to describe a chain of islands?

Group of islands - definition of Group of islands by The Free Dictionary Group of islands - definition of Group of islands by The Free Dictionary http://www.thefreedictionary.com/Group+of+islands Related to Group of islands: archipelago ar·chi·pel·a·go  (är′kə-pĕl′ə-gō′, är′chə-) n. pl. ar·chi·pel·a·goes or ar·chi·pel·a·gos 1. A large group of islands: the Philippine archipelago. 2. A sea, such as the Aegean, containing a large number of scattered islands. [Italian Arcipelago, the Aegean Sea, alteration (influenced by arci-, chief, archi-) of Medieval Latin Ēgēopelagus : Latin Aegaeus, Ēgēus, Aegean (from Greek Aigaios) + Latin pelagus, sea (from Greek pelagos; see plāk-1 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots).] ar′chi·pe·lag′ic (-pə-lăj′ĭk) adj. archipelago n, pl -gos or -goes 1. (Physical Geography) a group of islands 2. (Physical Geography) a sea studded with islands [C16 (meaning: the Aegean Sea): from Italian arcipelago, literally: the chief sea (perhaps originally a mistranslation of Greek Aigaion pelagos the Aegean Sea), from archi- + pelago sea, from Latin pelagus, from Greek pelagos] archipelagic, archipelagian adj ar•chi•pel•a•go (ˌɑr kəˈpɛl əˌgoʊ) 1. a large group or chain of islands. 2. a large body of water with many islands. 3. the Archipelago, the Aegean Sea. [1495–1505; alter. ( archi - for arci-) of Italian arcipelago, alter. of Egeopelago the Aegean Sea < Greek Aigaîon pélagos] ar`chi•pe•lag′ic (-pəˈlædʒ ɪk) ar`chi•pe•la′gi•an (-ˈleɪ dʒi ən, -dʒən) adj. Archipelago  the Greek islands in the Aegean Sea, hence, any sea or broad sheet of water containing many islands. Examples: archipelago of isolated communities, 1862; of the Polar Ocean, 1830. archipelago A large group of islands, or a sea that contains one, for example the Aegean. ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend: