The Marshall Islands is a small state lost in the endless ocean. Few people in our country were closely interested in him, and it was completely in vain - this is the land of insane beauty.
The islands were discovered by the Spanish in the first half of the 16th century and were explored by British Captain John Marshall (1788), from whom they received their name. Between 1885 and 1914 they were under German protectorate, and during World War II the area was part of the Japanese first line of defense. In 1944 the islands were conquered by the Americans, who administered them until 1990, when the country gained its independence. On Bikini and Enewetak Islands, the U.S.A. they conducted nuclear experiments.
The Republic of the Marshall Islands is an island state in the Pacific Ocean, north of the Equator, between the Caroline and Hawaii archipelagos, with an area of 181 km.
The territory of the country occupies several hundred islands (32 atolls, 867 reefs), arranged in two rows: Ralik in the west and Ratak in the east.
The climate is equatorial, determining a tropical (tree) vegetation, dominated by banana and palm trees, but also a fauna rich in birds, fish.
Bemorepanda collected some more interesting facts:
1. The Republic of the Marshall Islands is actually under the control and jurisdiction of the United States.
2. The archipelago, on which the republic is spread, includes 5 islands and 29 atolls.
3. The Marshall Islands were discovered in 1526.
4. The land area of this state is about 181 square kilometers.
5. Nuclear weapons were tested on two atolls.
6. There are no nature reserves in the Marshall Islands.
7. There are paved roads only on the two largest atolls of the archipelago.
8. The maximum height of the Marshall Islands above sea level is ten meters.
9. The country gained independence only in 1983.
10. It is here, on the Kwajalein Atoll, that the world's largest lagoon is located.
11. In the northern part of the archipelago, the climate is so arid that it receives about the same amount of precipitation as in the American deserts.
12. The Marshall Islands have two official languages - Marshall and English.
13. The currency of the Republic is the US dollar.
14. 98% of the population of the islands are Marshalls.
15. The Marshall Islands maintains diplomatic relations with many countries. With Russia too.
16. Also the Marshall Islands is a member of the United Nations.
17. Subsidies from the United States and other countries account for a large share of the state
budget.
18. On the territory of the Marshall Islands there are more than two thousand kilometers of highways.
19. Internet and mobile phones are available in the two largest atolls, but they are very poorly distributed.
20. The Marshall Islands publishes two newspapers, one private and one public.
21. The country's islands are significantly distant from each other.
22. In total, the Marshall Islands is home to just over fifty thousand people.
23. The most popular sport in the country is basketball.
24. In 2008, athletes from the Marshall Islands took part in the Olympic Games for the first time, but did not take prizes.
25. There are only two hospitals in the country.
Saint Vincent is a small state consisting of the island of the same name and the Grenadines - a small group of islets. The capital of Saint Vincent is Kingstown. The country is part of the Commonwealth of Nations. The island itself was discovered back in 1498 by Christopher Columbus. Catholics celebrate St. Vincent's Day, and the island received the same name on this day. There are other interesting facts about Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Interesting facts about Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is considered an elite holiday area. This applies in particular to the island of Mustique. Here, members of the British royal family and other world celebrities come to rest. The island has many five-star hotels, entertainment venues, and beautiful beaches. Also, visitors have the opportunity to see many exotic animals and plants. Despite the high prices for goods and services, many tourists visit the island yearly. We have compiled a selection of the most amazing facts about St. Vincent.
1. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is an independent state located in the Caribbean Sea. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are part of the Commonwealth of Nations.
2. The country of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is located in the Windward Islands, south of Saint Lucia and north of Grenada. From the west, it is washed by the waters of the Caribbean Sea, and from the east by the Atlantic Ocean.
3. The territory of this state is 389.3 km², which is 183rd in the world.
4. Its territory includes the relatively large island of St. Vincent and 32 small islands (Bequia, Mustique, Canouan, Union, and others), which are part of the Northern Grenadines group in the Lesser Antilles archipelago, as well as Tobago reefs.
5. The flag of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a tricolor of three vertical stripes of blue, yellow, and green. In the center of the yellow stripe, 1/2 the length of the flag, three diamonds (rhombuses) are depicted in green, arranged in the Latin letter V - the first letter in the name of Vincent Island.
6. Christopher Columbus discovered the island of St. Vincent during his third expedition to the New World on January 28, 1498, on the day of St. Vincent, from where the name of the island came from.
7. The Carib Indians lived on the islands when the Europeans appeared. For more than two centuries, the Caribs fiercely resisted European colonization. The cannons of the Spanish coastal forts were directed inland since the Caribs posed a greater danger to the colonists than external enemies.
8. During the 17th and 18th centuries, the territory of St. Vincent alternately came under the control of the French or the British.
9. In 1719, the French began to grow coffee, tobacco, indigo, and cotton there. Enslaved Africans were brought in to work on the plantations. As a result of mixed marriages of runaway and formerly enslaved people with local Indians, a layer of "dark-skinned Caribs" (Garifs) appeared. Now, most of the population is made up of blacks and mulattos.
10. The British first took possession of St. Vincent in 1763, and it became a British colony under the Treaty of Versailles in 1783. In 1796, the British crushed an uprising of dark-skinned Caribs and exiled more than 5,000 rebels to one of the islands off the coast of Honduras.
11. At the beginning of the 19th century, sugar cane plantations appeared in St. Vincent, where enslaved people worked. After the abolition of slavery in the English colonies (1834), emigrants from India and Portugal were attracted to the islands as a labor force.
12. In 1925, the first legislative council was created on the island; in 1951, universal suffrage was introduced; in 1969, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines received the status of an "associated state" with the right to full internal self-government.
13. And the country gained complete independence on October 27, 1979, by the constitution drawn up in September 1978 in London. In the same year, 1979, the Labor Party, which won the parliamentary elections, formed a government.
14. In 1984, the New Democratic Party won, and its leader, James Mitchell, became Prime Minister. This party also won in 1989, 1994, and 1998.
On February 15, 2001, Parliament was dissolved. A month later, early parliamentary elections were held, in which the United Labor Party (ULP) won 12 seats and the New Democratic Party 3. The government was headed and formed by the leader of the ULP, Ralph Gonsalves.
COUNTRY COMBAT SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES
16. The coat of arms of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines consists of a cotton flower, an emblem, and a ribbon with the text "Peace and Justice" in Latin. The symbol is based on the colonial version used from 1907 to 1979, which depicts two women in classic Roman dress, one holding a palm branch and the other with clasped hands.
17. St. Vincent is a mountainous island of volcanic origin; its area is 344 km². The entire central part of the main island is covered with forest.
18. The islands of the Grenadines archipelago are small in size; the largest are Bequia, Mustique, Canouan, Mero, and Union. Many of the Grenadines are surrounded by coral reefs.
19. The central part of the island of St. Vincent is occupied by mountains covered with forests. The highest point is the active volcano Soufriere (1234 meters). There is a lake in its crater. Soufrière erupted in 1718, 1812, 1902, and 1979.
20. To the south of it is a chain of gradually lowering cones of extinct volcanoes. Streams run down to the sea on the steep western slopes of the mountains, forming picturesque waterfalls and turning into turbulent streams after tropical downpours.
21. The eastern slopes are gentler, longer, wider, and more abundant rivers flow down them. The island's beaches are covered with black volcanic sand; the exception is the white sandy beaches at the southern tip of the island.
22. The climate here is tropical, trade wind, and humid. There are often intense hurricanes. Average monthly temperatures range from +24 to +28° C. The dry season lasts from December to April. The average annual rainfall on the southeast coast is 1500 mm, and in the interior mountainous regions - 3750 mm. 70% of precipitation falls from May to November.
23. The mountains are covered in places with dense tropical rainforests and shrubs. The fauna is rich in birds: the endangered St. Vincent Amazon parrot, a rare subspecies of the red-throated hermit thrush, and others.
24. Coastal waters abound with fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. Several forest and ornithological reserves operate on the islands for nature protection.
CAPITAL - CITY OF KINGSTOWN
25. The capital of the island of St. Vincent is Kingstown, which means “city of kings.” A little more than 40 thousand inhabitants live here.
26. The capital city of Kingstown is the largest in the state. Kingstown is located in the harbor on the southwestern tip of St. Vincent.
27. Since Kingstown was under British rule for a long time, its architecture was dominated by the colonial style.
28. The city has several old churches: St. Mary's, St. George's, and the Kingstown Methodist Church.
29. Kingstown is an important financial center where tax incentives attract many banks.
30. Also, it is the main economic center of the state. The rich soil of the islands allows you to grow various vegetables and fruits. Arrowroot grows here, which is added to desserts, sweet potatoes, coconuts, breadfruit, and bananas, which are the country's pride. Banana varieties such as figs and bluggo are considered especially popular.
31. Agriculture in the country specializes in producing bananas, coconuts, and arrowroot, starchy flour from arrowroot rhizomes. Among the local population, cassava tubers are widely used, from which choki cakes are made.
BOTANICAL GARDEN IN KINGSTOWN
32. Also, there is a Botanical Garden in Kingstown, founded more than 200 years ago in 1762. Plants from all over the world are collected here. The complex is the oldest in the entire Western Hemisphere. In its exposition, there are more than 450 species of tropical plants. In addition, there is an aviary for birds, including the endangered species of parrot - the Amazon.
33. The official language of the state is English. But in fact, the local population speaks Creole or Vincentian.
34. North of Kingstown are the ruins of Fort Charlotte, which was built in 1806 to guard the city and harbor. The Museum of the History of the Black Caribs is currently located here.
35. Hiking enthusiasts can walk along the nature trail Bookament-Vermont-Nature-Trail, during which the opportunity to wander through the rainforest and watch the birds.
36. On St. Vincent, as on other islands, there are many beautiful bays and white beaches framed by palm trees. Some of the islands are privately owned.
37. The combination of coral reefs and clear water is ideal for spearfishing.
38. The largest seaport is located in Kingstown. Arnos Vale International Airport is located near the capital. In addition to it, there are five more airports on the islands.
39. Local coins have the most diverse geometric shapes. This is because most of the locals are illiterate. This currency is expected in seven countries in the region.
40. There are unusual laws and traditions here. For example, do not do in St. Vincent: 1. Kick the ballot boxes. Every waste bin has its sponsor who will not like this treatment. 2. Walk without an umbrella. Generally, this is not forbidden, but the weather here is unpredictable. 3. Go to street bars. These are ordinary wooden stalls where a simple TV and music play. 4. Joking about religion. Very devout people live in St. Vincent, no matter what denomination they belong to.
41. Tobago Reefs is one of the most beautiful places in the Caribbean. They are uninhabited. Stunning corals grow here, and the variety of algae and fish is impressive. This area has been given the status of a National Park. Fishing on Tobacco is prohibited, and a severe fine is imposed for garbage thrown in the wrong place.
42. On the archipelago islands and beaches, they filmed Pirates of the Caribbean with Johnny Depp in the title role. The filming location has long been a center for excursions and pilgrimages. It is called Jack Sparrow Valley.
43. There is no rail connection in the country. Movement is carried out mainly by cars. The total length of roads in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is 1,000 kilometers. The hard coating has only a third of them. Tourists can rent a car. You can also use taxi services.
44. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are members of the UN and the Organization of American States. From 1958 to 1962, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines were part of the West Indies Federation. The country maintains economic ties with other states of the West Indies, being a member of the Caribbean Community and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States.
45. Oldheg Turtle Sanctuary is located on the island of Bequia. The staff of the reserve is working on the conservation of one of the rare species of turtles. Since many newborns die immediately after birth, the reserve workers, together with volunteers, collect newborn turtles and place them in a special nursery. There, young turtles learn to survive in nature on their own. Only after the young turtles can get food and take care of their safety are they released into the ocean.
46. On the west coast of the island of St. Vincent, there are beautiful Balein waterfalls.
47. A particular type of acacia grows on the islands. Its pods are large, and the seeds begin to make sounds when dried. As a result, a fascinating musical instrument called “shak-shak” is obtained from huge pods.
48. The locals here live modestly, as in other developing countries. The lack of a medical and educational system and high unemployment led to the mass migration of residents to other countries.
49. Approximately 20% of residents experience difficulties in finding employment. It also has a meager birth rate. On average, one woman gives birth to no more than two children.
50. The country has banned the export of things of cultural value without accompanying documents. This also applies to corals and products from them.
51. Given the growing popularity of the resorts of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the demand for the purchase of real estate on the islands is also growing.
52. However, potential buyers are faced with several protective measures introduced by the state due to the small size of the territory. So, to purchase real estate, foreign citizens are first required to obtain a special permit and pay some fees.
53. The most popular real estate types are villas on the coast. The cost of such villas starts from $ 200,000. Apartments are less popular, but there is also a demand for them. Most of the apartments are rented out.
54. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is the perfect place for a beach holiday. All the islands have white sand beaches, and in the east of St. Vincent, you can see black sand beaches.
55. Although people go to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines for a beach holiday, you should remember the rules of conduct in public places. Outside the hotel, a bathing suit is considered unacceptable here. Moreover, you are unlikely to be allowed into a good restaurant in this form.
56. The islands of St. Vincent and nearby Kanukan and Bequia are where the best beaches, restaurants, and cafes are concentrated. St. Vincent is more crowded, and there is more entertainment, while on other islands, it is the other way around: there are many secluded bays and trails for hiking.
57. The country of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is focused on elite tourism. The government is considered a fashionable resort. It has a well-developed infrastructure, beautiful nature, and excellent ecology. Tourists also have the opportunity to see many exotic animals and plants.
58. There are many five-star resort hotels in the country. Most of them are on the coast and have their beach and developed infrastructure.
59. Holidays in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are considered elite. Mustique Island is a holiday destination for celebrities. Such famous people as Bill Gates, the English royal family members, and Mick Jagger spent time here. The resort area organized here is superbly equipped. Horse riding and golf courses, magnificent beaches, exotic animals, and citrus orchards - all this is on the island. The prices are appropriate.
60. Despite the high prices for goods and services, many tourists visit the island yearly.
61. The monetary unit of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is the East Caribbean dollar. It is in circulation in 6 countries that are members of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States.
62. St. Vincent and Grenadine's cuisine is based on seafood. The main recipe of many menus here is grilled fish. Shellfish, shrimp, and lobsters are used in cooking, and three to three fish, are a local delicacy. It is prepared in various ways but always with curry and spices.
63. In addition to seafood, fruits and vegetables are used in local cuisine: sweet potatoes, arrowroot, bananas, coconuts, and breadfruit.
64. Of the drinks, tea, coffee, cocoa, and various juices are common. The islands produce rum, the basis of most cocktails, and brew beer.
65. Elite tourism brings the bulk of the income to the local budget. Also, St. Vincent is one of the most popular offshore zones.
The Republic of Palau is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. At least, this is how those who visit this island nation usually speak of it, admire the green islands growing from the sea surface and dive underwater, seeing with their own eyes the fantastic underwater world of Palau. It is as beautiful as the travel brochures promise.
Amazing facts about Palau
The country of Palau is, as it were, an independent state, but at the same time, as it were, not. It is associated with the United States; that is, it partially controls and undertakes, if necessary, to provide Palau with protection and patronage.
1. The Republic of Palau is one of the most beautiful countries in the world.
2. This is how those who visit this island nation usually speak of it, admire the green islands growing from the sea surface, and dive under the water, seeing with their eyes the fantastic underwater world of Palau.
3. Palau is an island state in the northwest of Oceania. It occupies the extreme western part of the arc of the Caroline Islands.
4. In the west and north, the country is washed by the waters of the Philippine Sea. The country consists of 26 large and more than 300 small islands. Most of the islands are covered with evergreen tropical forests.
5. They are divided into two groups: southwestern (Tobi Islands, Sonsorol Islands, and others) and the Palau Islands proper. Most uninhabited of the 328 islands that make up the Republic of Palau.
6. In the past, the Palau Islands belonged to Spain, Germany, Japan, and the United States.
7. The Republic of Palau received independence from the USA only in 1994, which makes it one of the youngest states in the world.
8. The official currency of Palau is the US dollar.
WATERFALLS OF PALAU
9. About 21 thousand people live in the entire Republic of Palau. This is about 600 times less than in Moscow. And from year to year, it practically does not change.
10. English here has official status on a par with Palauan, but in practice, only about 15% of the population speaks it. Primarily those who work with tourists.
11. Almost all Palauans profess various denominations of Christianity, but about 9% adhere to the Modekngei religion, which is not found in other countries. It combines elements of Christianity and traditional local beliefs.
12. The Spanish navigators called these islands “Enchanted” because they could not reach them due to storms and strong headwinds, although they tried repeatedly.
13. The climate here is one of the best on the planet - all year round, the air temperature here is from 25 to 30 degrees, give or take.
14. Precipitation here is more than 3000 mm per year, and humidity averages about 80%. February and March are the driest months, while June to August is a period of prolonged tropical rains.
15. Typhoons are rare here, as Palau is outside the typhoon belt, but sometimes they still sweep over the islands (usually between June and December). The island's water temperature is about 20 ° C all year round.
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF PALAU
16. An important attraction is the National Museum of Palau - a good enough place to understand the national culture and history.
17. Here, you can also find several interesting natural and ethnographic exhibits: the head of a 5-meter crocodile, the largest ever caught on the islands, beads, and money from shells, sea charts from cords and sticks, carvings and other items of local history and crafts, a beautiful traditional "bai" (joint meeting center) made of wood and straw, as well as a small collection of Japanese military equipment from World War II.
CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL MUSEUM
18. The Dolphin Center near the coast of Koror, the International Center for the Study of Coral Reefs with a beautiful aquarium, deserves attention here.
19. The best resort complex in the country is Palau Pacific Resort, with an extensive range of entertainment, a first-class dive center, and a secluded resort complex Carolines Resort.
20. Here is the famous Blue Corner dive site (closer to the Rock Islands), where you can expect to meet any sea creature - there is an incredible variety of fish and crustaceans, nurse sharks, barracudas soft and hard corals.
UNDERWATER WORLD IN THE WATER WASHING PALAU
21. About 130 sharks live in the waters washing the shores of Palau. And there are about 1500 species of other fish.
22. There is no army at all in this country.
23. There are no political parties here.
24. Here is one of the natural wonders of the world, Jellyfish Lake, which several million of them exist. They have bred so much due to the lack of natural enemies and therefore have lost the ability to sting.
25. the giant bivalve mollusks in the world live in the coastal waters of Palau - giant tridacna, up to 2 meters in diameter and weighing up to 220-250 kilograms.
ANGAUR ISLAND
26. Angaur Island, or Ngeur (only 8 square kilometers), is the southernmost in the Palau group of islands. This is a somewhat mysterious and calm place with only two villages and 188 inhabitants.
27. This island became famous for its phosphate mines, which the Germans began to develop in 1909. Now, on the site of mines and quarries, green ponds serve as the home of a small colony of crocodiles.
28. By the way, this is also the only place in the country where monkeys live - macaques that escaped from the cages of German miners at one time formed an utterly independent population and feel great among the green thickets of Angaur.
29. Another unique feature of the island is the dominance of the three official languages - English, Japanese, and Angaur (Western Austronesian group), as well as the country's first casino, opened by the national congress's decision in 2003.
30. There is virtually no crime in Palau.
CITY OF KOROR IN PALAU
31. Koror - the economic center and former capital of Palau - is located on the island of the same name. Now it is a much less vibrant city compared to the time when it was dominated by the Japanese, with a leisurely Micronesian pace of life, with a complete absence of crowds and bustle.
32. Here you can still find the remains of the traditional past, but at best this city is an excellent place to relax for a day or two, no more. But from here, starting a trip to Peleliu, Angaur, the Rock Islands, and many popular dive sites is very convenient.
33. The underwater world of Palau is vibrant. The vertical walls of the rocks, sheerly going into the abyss, are covered with a variety of bright corals - these are soft corals and fans of gorgonians and openwork colonies of macroporous corals. The total number of coral species in Palau reaches 700.
34. Various invertebrates live among the corals: starfish, Gorgon's Head brittle stars, crabs and shrimps, sea urchins, colorful nudibranchs, and huge pleurobranchia. At the bottom, huge tridacnas with bright mantles of different colors are visible: emerald green, blue, and purple.
35. Various tropical fish live near coral thickets, including giant Napoleon fish. In the water column near the steep outer walls of the reefs, pelagic fish are found in large numbers: tuna, marlin, mackerel, and barracuda.
36. In the Ulong Channel - a natural channel in the barrier reef - at a depth of 20 meters on a sandy plateau at the entrance to the track, whitetip and gray reef sharks constantly swim with cleaner fish. Diving with whitetip and gray reef sharks is unforgettable.
37. Saltwater crocodiles are found in Palau, and dives with crocodiles are organized for lovers of the exotic.
38. In addition to diving in the sea, dives are organized in Lake Medusa. The jellyfish here are similar to the Black Sea corners but differ in their orange color and the fact that they have lost their stinging cells during evolution. Dives are carried out in the first set; below 10 meters, the water is toxic.
39. Just 35 kilometers south of Koror are the famous Rock Islands - one of the best places for outdoor activities in the Pacific Ocean. The mushroom-shaped limestone rocks of this island group (about 200 islets and reefs in total) are covered with a robust vegetation cap, and the waters around are considered one of the most abundant places on Earth. Therefore they serve as a recognized Mecca for divers.
40. The main points of attraction here are the famous Ngemelis coral wall, which begins at the surface of the water and goes to a depth of 300 meters with a continuous cover of sponges, soft corals, gorgonians, and giant black coral “trees.”
BEACHES ON THE ROCK ISLANDS
41. Also, on the Rock Islands, there are many snow-white shores of coral sand, caves with stalactites and underground channels, ancient petroglyphs (especially on the island of Oolong), and other traces of ancient peoples (fascinating is the quarry where stone money of the Yapese culture was made, located in a cave near Airer-Channel).
42. There is no public transport in Palau at all. All residents use their vehicles.
43. And the guests of this state have only two options - to rent a car or a motorcycle or to use a costly taxi.
44. Due to the particular historical conditions of the country, it is impossible to single out any specific local cuisine here. Most traditional island dishes are variations on recipes from Polynesian and Melanesian peoples, with a substantial admixture of Japanese, Filipino and American cuisine.
45. The main elements of the traditional cuisine of Palau are coconut milk and copra, cassava (tapioca), sweet potatoes, and all kinds of fish and seafood.
46. Diplomatic relations between Palau and Russia were established only in 2006.
47. The only products exported here are coconut meat (copra) and some seafood.
48. Theft is not universal in Palau.
49. Slightly less than 10% of residents are not literate.
50. Locals are eager to help tourists determine the best fishing spots, so marlin, sailfish, tuna, mahi-mahi, and wahoo in a center and a half are not rare guests in the catches of sport fishing enthusiasts.
Interesting facts about Mozambique are an excellent opportunity to learn more about South East Africa. The country's territory stretches thousands of kilometers along the coast of the Indian Ocean. It has a presidential form of government with a unicameral parliament.
Interesting facts about Mozambique
Mozambique is a small and almost not visited by tourists, but a fascinating country. Wild African nature, safari tours, unusual local cuisine. And all this is adjacent to poverty and even poverty, which is found here, if not everywhere, then everywhere. However, only the most courageous tourists usually get into this country anyway, and nothing can frighten them.
1. The country of Mozambique is located in South East Africa. Its territory stretches thousands of kilometers along the coast of the Indian Ocean.
2. The area of the state is 801,590 km2. Mozambique is the 36th largest country in the world. Its dimensions are slightly larger than those of Turkey.
3. In the south, the state borders Eswatini, in the southwest with South Africa, in the west with Zimbabwe, in the northwest with Zambia and Malawi, in the north with Tanzania, and in the east with the Indian Ocean.
4. Mozambique was the first place south of the equator where a permanent settlement of Caucasian people arose.
5. The attractiveness of these territories forced the Portuguese colonizers to make it one of the earliest colonies in the world.
6. Mozambique gained independence from Portugal in 1975, later than most African countries.
THE CAPITAL OF MOZAMBIQUE IS THE CITY OF MAPUTO
7. The capital of the state is the city of Maputo. Before independence, this city was called Lourenço Marchis.
8. The capital is the commercial and cultural center of the country.
9. Maputo boasts beautiful colonial-era architecture and attractive natural surroundings along the deep water harbor of Maputo Bay.
10. Other significant cities in this country are Beira, Quelimane, Chimayo, Tete, Nampula, and Nacala.
11. The capital of Mozambique - Maputo, is the only city with a million inhabitants in the state.
12. Less than a third of the country's population lives in cities.
13. By the way, all local beauties should be sought not in cities but national parks.
14. During the Portuguese rule, the streets of Maputo were washed with soap.
15. Mozambique was the first country in the southern hemisphere on whose territory firearms were used.
STATION TO MAPUTO
16. The station in the Mozambican capital, Maputo, was designed and built by Gustave Eiffel at the beginning of the 20th century. The building looks more like a palace with a huge copper dome than a railway station.
17. Mozambique is mainly in the tropics, and much of the coastline is subject to the regular seasonal influence of the Indian Ocean monsoon rains. The monsoon influence is most substantial in the northeast.
18. Daytime temperatures throughout the country average around 20 degrees Celsius. The highest temperatures are observed from October to February and the lowest from June to July.
19. There is a presidential form of government with a unicameral parliament.
20. Graça Machel was the wife of the President of Mozambique until 1986, and 12 years after his death, she married the head of South Africa, Nelson Mandela. So she became the only woman in history to have been the first lady of two different states.
FLAG OF MOZAMBIQUE
21. Several countries in the world have weapons on their flags. However, only the flag of Mozambique depicts modern AK-47 firearms. For Mozambicans, the AK-47 symbolized the war for independence from Portugal. The flag of modern Mozambique is based on the colors and logo of the FRELIMO political party, which led the resistance to Portuguese colonial rule.
22. In 2005, a proposal was made to remove firearms from the flag, and a competition was held. However, all proposed flags were rejected by the ruling party. As a result, the AK-47 remained on the canvas.
23. The Kalashnikov assault rifle also flaunts on the coat of arms of the country, as well as on the arms of East Timor and Zimbabwe.
24. The population of Mozambique is 28,829,476.
25. The population density on the island of Mozambique is a record for Africa - more than 36 thousand people per square kilometer.
26. Mozambique can be considered a religiously divided state. Here, 28% consider themselves Catholics, 18% Muslims, 15% Christian Zionists, and 12% Protestants. And one in four Mozambicans is not a religious person.
CAHORA-BASA RESERVOIR
27. The Cahora Basa reservoir, located in the province of Tete, is the second largest artificial lake in Africa.
28. The intentions of creating this reservoir were good - it was flood control and electricity generation, but the Kahora-Basa reservoir caused significant damage to the country's ecology.
29. Wetlands have dried up on the country's territory, and many fish species have disappeared. This resulted in a decline in the Caspian buffalo population by more than 90%. The number of people of zebras, waterbucks, and other animals also decreased.
30. The Mozambique Channel, about 1760 kilometers, is the longest on the planet.
MARINE NATIONAL PARK "BAZARUTO ARCHIPELAGO"
31. The Bazaruto Archipelago Marine National Park in Mozambique, consisting of 150 islands, is considered one of the most picturesque places on the entire African continent. Divers and travelers from around the world come here to look at the ancient coral reefs and schools of tropical fish.
32. even though the official language here is Portuguese, only a part of the population speaks it, approximately 2/5. Most Portuguese speakers are concentrated in large cities, particularly in Maputo.
33. And the vast majority of Mozambicans (about 3/5) speak the Bantu language group, the Niger-Congo language. This group's most widely spoken languages are Makua, Lomwe, Sena, Tsonga, and Shona.
34. The Mozambican army has a particular sapper unit consisting of marsupial rats. It turned out that these rodents were excellent at looking for explosives and other dangerous items left in local lands after the civil war.
35. Stone church on the island of Mozambique was the first stone building built by Europeans in the southern hemisphere.
MOUNTAIN BINGA
36. The state's highest point is Mount Binga - 2436 meters.
37. Mozambique is home to Africa's largest hydropower plant, Cahora Basa, with a capacity of 2,075 megawatts.
38. Although there are Islamic communities in most cities here, most Muslims are concentrated in the northern coastal region between the Lurio and Rovuma rivers.
39. Today, this State is one of the poorest in the world. Approximately 40% of the country's population lives below the poverty line.
40. The civil war that lasted for 15 years after independence, political instability, debt crisis, and severe climatic conditions such as droughts, floods, and cyclones hindered the country's economic growth.
LAKE NYASA
41. Lake Nyasa, located between Mozambique, Malawi, and Tanzania, is the third deepest freshwater reservoir in the world (after Baikal and Tanganyika). The local lake ecosystem is the richest in terms of the number of species; a significant part of them are not found anywhere else on the planet.
42. Since ancient times, the inhabitants of Mozambique have been catching sea turtles on fish sticks - a rope is tied to the tail of the fish, and then the “bait” is thrown onto the shell of the nearest turtle. If the prey is vast, you must use several fish at once since one stuck can pull an animal no heavier than 30 kilograms out of the water.
43. Since the Portuguese ruled the country for almost 500 years, they left a significant imprint on the cuisine of Mozambique. Mainly in this country, cassava (a tuberous starchy root vegetable) and cashew nuts were grown (once Mozambique was the largest producer of these nuts).
44. The Portuguese brought bay leaves, onions, garlic, paprika, chili peppers, sweet peppers, grapes, corn, rice, millet, and much more to this state. These same products are included in the circle of staple foods of the Mozambican people.
45. Meat in the markets of Mozambique is a rarity. You can buy it not always and not everywhere, and the quality, in any case, raises some doubts.
46. Although most Mozambicans (over 80%) are engaged in agriculture, almost 90% of the fertile land available to the State remains uncultivated.
47. Petrol stations in Mozambique cities are often located on the first floors of multi-story residential buildings.
48. Food in Mozambique is usually cooked on an open fire, even in good restaurants.
49. Mozambique is a country almost not visited by tourists. There are no famous resorts here, but Mozambican waters are not as dangerous as Somali ones.
50. Only the most courageous tourists usually come to this country, who are attracted by the wild African nature, safari tours, and unusual local cuisine.
All sandy beaches are beautiful, but tourists especially invariably love the white sandy beaches of Greece. The gentle sand seems to be created for the relaxation of tourists on it and the long walks along the coast. Here's all the information on white-sand beaches in Greece to choose the right option for you.
Top beaches in Greece
Greece - is a country with a long length from north to south, so the recommendations will vary depending on where you go. The holiday season begins in May and peaks in July-August: there are too many tourists, and the temperature on the southern island reaches 40 degrees, which may not yet play a role on the beach, but it is certainly not suitable for sightseeing. So the best time to relax in Greece is late spring-early summer or September-October.
20. Myrtos beach
To get from Agios Nikolaos, you have to cross the highway in a southerly direction (buses run to Ierapetra) and from Heraklion to the southeast (Shuttle bus to Ierapetra stops in Mirtos). You can quickly get there by car. The beach is located in an open bay. That's why it's windy.
The tourist infrastructure is well developed. There are umbrellas and sunbeds here. The line of taverns and mini-hotels goes almost to the water itself. There is a rental of sports equipment. There is a shower and a dressing room. The cover is with small gray pebbles, rarely sand. The descent into the water is gradual, uniform, and without borders. The bottom is secure, with no holes or sharp depth changes. The resort is ideal for children and guests with reduced mobility, thanks to the accessible beach, the nearby accommodation, and the convenient transfer.
Among the nearest attractions is only the Venetian fortress of Ierapetra. The walls of the defense and the surrounding palms - a good places for selfies. It doesn't make sense to go there just for the city's sake, but you can go on the road or take the time to visit the town completely.
19. Vroulidia
Vroulidia Beach is located in a secluded spot on the southernmost tip of Chios, just 9 km from the beautiful Greek village of Pyrgi. Although the coast is only 100 m, the beach gives the impression of an exotic place due to the unusual combination of colors and landscape. Tall white cliffs surround the quiet, deserted beach of Wroulidia.
18. Skoutaros
Skoutari is a beach located between Kontron and Gifio resorts. It is characterized by perfect cleanliness, many attractions, and a shallow and hot sea. There is a cozy tavern on-site where the best Greek cuisine is prepared and tourists are treated to young wine.
17. Faros
The largest and most beautiful beach on the island of Ikaria is Faros. Its turquoise waves and white sand can often be seen on postcards with typical Greek landscapes. But seeing is one thing, and feeling on your body - every grain of sand and a ray of fragrant sun and the aroma of needles and olives - is entirely different.
16. Gialos
Gialos is a harbor beach with modern infrastructure and lots of fun. It is famous for its white sand, clear water, and good order. There are monuments of Greek architecture, luxury and affordable hotels, churches, and ancient monasteries.
15. Kampos
The beach is located on the north coast of Icaria, next to a small village of the same name. The island's capital, Agios Kirikos, is about 40 miles away and can be reached by car or bus. A few kilometers west is the port of Evdilos, the second largest on the island. Ships depart from it to mainland Piraeus and the islands of Mykonos, Naxos, and Paros. Evdilos is connected to Campos by a road along which you can see the many ruins of ancient buildings and walls.
14. Myrodato
Microdata is one of the best beaches in northern Greece. This comfortable and well-equipped Blue Flag Beach is located near Skala Avdiron, 26 km from Xanthi. The peculiarity of Mirodato is its white sand that shines in the sun, on which it is pleasant to walk and run barefoot. The beach will be an excellent option for relaxing on the sea.
13. Kedrodasos
Another wild beach in western Crete. It is located 20 kilometers west of Palaiochora. You can drive to Elafonisi, where there is tourist infrastructure and parking, and from there, you can walk along the path (a few kilometers to the southeast).
12. Castro
The first beach welcomes guests to the island of Lefkada and its northern part. The most convenient way to get to the recreation area is to rent a car, as a paved road leads directly to the beach. There is also free parking and a bus stop, which budget lovers may not need, as the beach is only 15 minutes away from the city.
11. Kavourotrypes
Kavurotripes (also known as Orange Beach) is a picturesque beach located 5 km from Sarti. It is famous for its orange cliffs, bright blue water, and soft and pleasant sand.
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10. Voidokilia
They are located in the Messina prefecture on the west coast of the Peloponnese. With a bizarrely curved amphitheater, it crowns the picturesque Yalova Lagoon, which is connected to a narrow sandy spit. The local landscapes admire their beauty, and their photographs adorn all the tourist brochures in Greece. Next to the beach is the fresh Lake Divariou, where about three hundred different birds migrate from Europe to Africa. Therefore, the local area is a conservation area under the control of the environmental organization Natura 2000.
9. Navagio
Navagio (or Shipwreck Beach) is one of the most famous and beautiful beaches in Zakynthos and the whole of Greece. The picturesque bay with a rusty ship on its shore has long been the primary illustration of guides on this Greek island paradise. The name of this attraction is due to the beach. Initially, it was named after Saint George and later renamed "Shipwreck," and the coast itself is often called Smugglers' Beach.
8. Kathisma
Kathisma is one of the most beautiful beaches in Lefkada, which ideally combines scenic landscapes with a highly developed infrastructure. It enjoys the fame of being the most visited on the island. It is located about 15 km southeast of the capital, near the village of Agios Nikitas (just 3.5 km from it). This is one of the longest white sand beaches on Lefkada. There are always a lot of tourists, and the Kathisma coast is considered a natural paradise for a beach holiday for young people.
7. Kriopigi
Kriopigi Beach is one of the most beautiful and unusual beaches on the Halkidiki Peninsula. Its name translates to "cold key," which is due to the numerous sources of ice water in the vicinity. Even swimming in the sea, you can feel the cold courses. It is believed that the waters here are saturated with functional trace elements, and swimming on this beach improves health. There are always a lot of people who want to experience this.
6. Sani
Sani is a snow-white beach in the Kassandra Peninsula. There are two swimming pools at guests' disposal, a photo area, sports fields, and park areas. The beach is popular with newlyweds. Greek celebrities and athletes often relax here.
5. Agios Prokopios
Agios Prokopios is one of the most beautiful beaches in Naxos, most often included in the first lists of picturesque coasts in Greece and throughout Europe. The Greeks constantly claim to keep the charm of this coast clean, preventing its development with modern buildings and entertainment centers. This beach is located about 5.5 km southwest of the island's capital, near Agios Georgios, from where many people go here.
4. Voulisma
It is located on the coast of Crete, near Istro, 12 km from the big city and the port of Agios Nikolaos. There are buses to Istro (the journey takes 15-20 minutes). The beach is located in one of the many bays in the depths of Mirabello Bay and is the largest and most beautiful in the area and the most popular. Mountains and low pilgrims surround the sandy beach. The water is clear, turquoise, slightly sloping bottom with standard depth, no depths, and potholes. The water is usually clean, but storms sometimes bring garbage.
3. Simos
It is located in the southern part of the Peloponnese, on the island of Elafonisos, part of the prefecture of Laconia. The island was part of the mainland, but a strong earthquake that took place centuries ago took it off the land. Despite its convenient location, Elafonisos is one of the best resorts in Greece, and Simos is considered its pearl. The beach is on the Natura 2000 list of nature reserves and is a conservation area in the EU.
2. Egremni
Egremni is a picturesque wild beach on the very southwestern edge of Lefkada, about 40 km from Lefkada. It is considered one of the most beautiful on the island and the Mediterranean. At the same time, the long coastline gives glory to the longest on the Lefkada. Therefore, impressive landscapes can be enjoyed here in relative isolation than on other beautiful but very crowded beaches of the island.
1. Balos
It is located 55 kilometers from Chania, near the Gypsy Cape, on the Korikos Peninsula, at the northwestern tip of Crete. There are waters from the three seas that wash the island converge.
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