Things you didn't know about (insert your countries name)

[Kathryn41 3,205]

Facts about Canada

* Canada is the second largest country in the world, with 9,971,000 square kilometres of land.

* The baseball glove was invented in Canada in 1883.

* With only three people per square kilometer, Canada has the fourth lowest population density in the world.

* Vancouver Canada is tied with Zurich Switzerland for the highest quality of life of any city in the world.

* The world's smallest jail is believed to be in Rodney, Ontario, Canada. It is only 24.3 square meters (about 270 square feet).

* Canada has the ninth biggest economy of the world

* According to the United Nations Human Development Index, Canada has the highest quality of life in the world.

* Contrary to popular opinion, Canada does not own the North Pole. In fact, the North Pole is not owned by any country. It is believed, however, that Santa Claus is from Canada.

* Canada is the world's eighth biggest trader.

* Of all of the world's producers of natural gas, copper, zinc, nickel, aluminum, and gold, Canada is in the top five.

* Canada is the home of many great inventions, including: basketball, the electric light bulb, the electric range, the electron microscope, standard time, the television, the telephone, and the zipper.

* Canada is the fifth largest energy producer.

* Canada has the world's highest tertiary education enrolment.

[raymaga 25]

CANADA

We don't live in igloos.

We do have summer weather (sometimes).

Health care is cheap, cheap, cheap.

Income taxes are high, high, high (to pay for the cheap health care).

We have Tim Horton's (the best darn coffee in the world and then there's ICE CAPPS, too!!!!) MMMMMmmmmmm!!!

We get a year off work (with 60% of our pay) after we have babies.

French is spoken mainly in Quebec.

Edit: Glad Kathryn gave some useful facts about Canada..... mine are just my facts!!!

Edited May 16, 2007 by raymaga

[Kathryn41 3,205]

Facts about Georgia

# Okefenokee Swamp encompasses over 400,000 acres of canals; moss draped cypress trees, and lily pad prairies providing sanctuaries for hundreds of species of birds and wildlife including several endangered species.

# Cumberland Island National Seashore contains the ruins of Dungeness, the once magnificent Carnegie estate. In addition, wild horses graze among wind swept dunes.

# Historic Saint Marys Georgia is the second oldest city in the nation.

# The City of Savanna was the first steamship to cross the Atlantic.

It sailed from Georgia.

# The pirate Edward "Blackbeard" Teach made a home on Blackbeard Island. The United States Congress designated the Blackbeard Island Wilderness Area in 1975 and it now has a total of 3,000 acres.

# On January 19, 1861, Georgia joined the Confederacy.

# The official state fish is the largemouth bass.

# In Gainesville, the Chicken Capital of the World it is illegal to eat chicken with a fork.

# Georgia was named for King George II of England.

# Stone Mountain near Atlanta is one of the largest single masses of exposed granite in the world.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

Some more interesting facts about Canada and the US relationship - (from the Canadian Embassy, US)

Total 2005 Canada- US merchandise trade=$461 billion

Canada is the third largest producer and the second largest exporter of natural gas in the world. Canada supplies the US with 85% of its natural gas imports.

Canada has the 2nd largest proved reserves of oil in the world at around 179 billion barrels. Over 2 million barrels (17%) of US imports a day come to the US from Canada - more than from any other country

260,000 business people, tourists and commuters travel between Canada and the US every day.

[ivona 0]

CROATIA

Area of Croatia is 56,542 km2, with an additional 31,067 km2 of territorial waters.

Population in Croatia is 4.437.460

There is 1,185 islands in Croatia. The largest islands are Krk and Cres. There are 67 inhabited islands.

The east coast of the Adriatic Sea was inhabited as early as the beginning of the early Stone Age, and there is proof that most of the accessible islands were also inhabited (archaeological findings in caves near the islands of Hvar and Palagruza, etc.).

It is not known where do Croats come from, there are several theories. The more prevalent one is that Croats were nomadic people who came from the area of current Iran to settle in what is now Croatia.

Croatia is known for its long history, especially for the old alphabet called Glagoljica, which was used no where else.... the city of Dubrovnik has been declared a Cultural Historical Monument and is under the protection of UNESCO....

Edited May 16, 2007 by ivona

[ivona 0]

Oh, I forgot about the tie

Although started in the 17th century in a small region on the Adriatic coast, the consequences of this event are still very much evident the world over. 600 million people now wear the ubiquitous symbol of Croatia around their necks, close to their hearts.

Did you know that Croatia is the mother country of the necktie?

In his book, La Grande Histoire de la Cravate (Flamarion, Paris, 1994), François Chaille tells us about the appearance of this article of clothing and how it became fashionable.

"... Around the year 1635, some six thousand soldiers and knights came to Paris to give their support to King Louis XIII and Cardinal Richelieu. Among them were a great number of Croatian mercenaries led by a ban, or Croatian viceroy.

The traditional outfit of these Croats aroused interest on account of the unusual and picturesque scarves distinctively tied about their necks. The scarves were made of various cloths, ranging from coarse material for common soldiers, to fine cotton and silk for officers. This elegant "Croatian style" immediately enamoured the French, who were delighted by the new article of clothing, which had been previously unknown in Europe.

Around the year 1650, during the reign of Louis XIV, the Croatian scarf was accepted in France, above all in court, where military ornaments were much admired. The fashionable expression, ’a la croate’, soon evolved into a new French word, which still exists today: la cravate. This innovation symbolized the height of culture and elegance. On his return to England from exile, Charles II brought with him this new word in fashion. Over the next ten years, this fashion novelty spread across Europe, as well as across the colonies on the American continent..."

[brnidokiegurl 0]

Here is more Okla facts

http://www.50states.com/facts/okla.htm

[Alex+R 0]

Philippines

The Philippines consists of 7,107 islands lying between the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Even though the Philippines lies just north of the world's largest Muslim state, Indonesia, it is about 94 percent Christian—mostly Roman Catholic. About five percent of Filipinos are Muslim, mostly living on the islands of Mindanao and Palawan—islands closest to the Muslim countries of Malaysia and Indonesia.

The Philippine Islands became a Spanish colony during the 16th century; they were ceded to the US in 1898 following the Spanish-American War. In 1935 the Philippines became a self-governing commonwealth.

Modern day Filipinos are of Austronesian descent, although there is a minority of Filipinos with Spanish, Mexican, American, Chinese, Arab, and Indian ancestry.

A former Spanish and United States colony, the Philippines has many affinities with the Western world including Spain and Latin America due to three centuries of Spanish colonial rule. Roman Catholicism is the predominant religion, and Filipino and English are the official languages.

Oo got any more guys? I really want to learn more about the Phils...

I know they still use servants there. I was a bit shocked by it when I got there. Jinky's family has a househelper - a boy who's about 18 with no real formal education. He cooks, he cleans, he runs errands. They pay him but I don't think it's much.

Crazy, but I guess a lot of cultures do that still...

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Facts about Georgia

# Okefenokee Swamp encompasses over 400,000 acres of canals; moss draped cypress trees, and lily pad prairies providing sanctuaries for hundreds of species of birds and wildlife including several endangered species.

# Cumberland Island National Seashore contains the ruins of Dungeness, the once magnificent Carnegie estate. In addition, wild horses graze among wind swept dunes.

# Historic Saint Marys Georgia is the second oldest city in the nation.

# The City of Savanna was the first steamship to cross the Atlantic.

It sailed from Georgia.

# The pirate Edward "Blackbeard" Teach made a home on Blackbeard Island. The United States Congress designated the Blackbeard Island Wilderness Area in 1975 and it now has a total of 3,000 acres.

# On January 19, 1861, Georgia joined the Confederacy.

# The official state fish is the largemouth bass.

# In Gainesville, the Chicken Capital of the World it is illegal to eat chicken with a fork.

# Georgia was named for King George II of England.

# Stone Mountain near Atlanta is one of the largest single masses of exposed granite in the world.

I've got Georgia on my mind...Ray Charles.

[brnidokiegurl 0]

Ahmed lives in Safi Morocco

Safi (French: Safi, Arabic: آسفي) is a city in western Morocco on the Atlantic Ocean. The capital of the Doukkala-Abda Region, it has a population of 284,750 (2004 census), but is also the centre of an agglomeration which has an estimated 793,000 inhabitants (1987).

Safi is the main fishing port for the country's sardine industry, and also exports phosphates, textiles and ceramics. During the Second World War, Safi was one of the landing sites for Operation Torch.

Safi, under the name Safim, was under Portuguese rule between 1488 and 1541.

[Fandango 1,439]

http://www.stjohns80.org.uk/sunderland_facts.htm

Sunderland Facts and Figures (D's birthplace)

* Sunderland is a city of over 200 000 residents

* It is the largest town or city between Edinburgh and Leeds

* It was the largest shipbuilding town in the world, producing a greater tonnage per year than any other town or city. The first recorded ship built on the Wear was in 1346. By 1814 there were 24 shipyards and by 1840, more than 60.

* When sunk in 1846, the Wearmouth Colliery shaft was the deepest mineshaft in the world, reaching a depth of 1700ft.

* When built, the Wearmouth Bridge was the largest single span bridge in the world (as well as the largest iron bridge in the world). A smaller bridge based on the original Wearmouth Bridge, can be seen at Newport Pagnell (Buckinghamshire). This bridge is the oldest iron bridge in the world that still carries traffic.

* The first stained glass (when you click on the link, go to main, education then glassmaking in Sunderland) in England was made in Sunderland in 674 AD at St. Peter's Monastery

* Sunderland was the birthplace of the inventor of the electric lightbulb Jospeh Swan.

* The Venerable Bede, who wrote the LIndisfarne Gospels and helped to establish Christianity in the British Isles was born in the vicinity of Sunderland and began his Monastic life at St. Peter's Monastery (now St. Peters Church) in Monkwearmouth, Sunderland. The Monastery was built in 674 AD by Benedict Biscop and, together with St. Paul's in Jarrow, became a major centre for learning in England

* Sunderland Parish Church was the first brick built church in England

* The first patented rope factory in England (Websters) was opened in Sunderland

* The family of George Washington, the first president of the U.S.A. came from Washington, which is now part of Sunderland. It is interesting to note that the colours of Sunderland Association Football Club are red and white shirts (with black shorts). Red and white are also the main colours in the Washington coat of arms and the USA flag.

* During the English Civil war, Newcastle, which had a Royal charter to export coal, supported the Royalist cause. This charter enabled Newcastle to prosper, whilst holding the growth of Sunderland back. Sunderland's port did not have a charter to export coal, so the town (perhaps due to its large contingent of Scottish traders) decided to support the Parliamentary cause. It therefore became a stronghold for these forces and played a vital role in the support of Cromwell's troops, being the only major town in the area to offer support. Without Sunderland supplying Cromwell with coal, it is possible that the outcome of the civil war would have been different. This is thought by many to be the start of the rivalry between the two cities that is manifested mainly between the football teams. This may be particularly true when it is considered that one of the major events in the area during the Civil War was the siege of Newcastle in 1644, the garrison for which was based at Sunderland.

* Sunderland was the seventh most bombed town in the country during the Second World War, a total of 267 people were killed, 1 000 houses were destroyed and 90% of the town's dwellings were damaged. It's shipyards were an inviting target for the German aircraft. During the War, they were responsible for producing 25% of the nation's tonnage of ships. On one of these raids, a bomb fell on the pitch of Roker Park (the old football ground) but miraculously, the stands were undamaged. Unfortunately, one policeman was killed in the incident.

* The town has a plane named after it, the Sunderland flying boat, which is able to take off and land on water

* The sleek, effective shape that you see on the bow of a modern ship was developed and pioneered at Sunderland.

* In 1875, a Sunderland built clipper ship, The Torrens set a new record of 64 days for the Australia run.

* The tongue of Big Ben was forged on the outskirts of the town, at Hoppers Foundry in Houghton

* The author of the history book series, "The Horrible Histories" is from Sunderland

* Kate Adie the BBC news reporter was born in the town, although we have noticed that she has lost her accent for the television

* Dave Stewart of Eurythmics fame was brought up in the town

* Nissan built its UK manufacturing plant in the town and it is now the most productive car plant in Europe

* People from Sunderland are called Makems, not Geordies. The latter are from Newcastle. Makems is a relatively new term, the roots of which are disputed. The version that I tend to believe is that it comes from the local dialect,where locals say "mak" instead of "make" and "tak" instead of "take". So we mak the ships and others tak them......makem and takem....or Makem for short. It is interesting that this is a newish phrase, I personally think that it's grew in the psyche of Sunderland people as a result of the boundary changes in 1972, when Sunderland and Newcastle were merged into Tyne and Wear, instead of being in County Durham and Northumberland respectively. The people of Sunderland didn't particularly want to be associated with Newcastle and have been of the opinion that Newcastle got the best of the situation. Now Tyne and Wear does not exist as a county, there is only Sunderland Council and Newcastle Council, although some older residents still state County Durham as their address.

* The first police box in England, as seen in Dr. Who was in Sunderland in 1923. The box was an idea brought from America and developed in Sunderland by the Chief Constable, Frederick Crawley.

* The town's theatre, "The Empire" was known as the comic's graveyard, due to its hard audience. New acts were often blooded in Sunderland with the message being, if you can make it in Sunderland, then you stand a chance of making it anywhere. The Empire Theatre has recently reopened after a major refit. It is now the only theatre between Scotland and Manchester capable of hosting a full West End production. Its special effects, lighting, sound and electrical systems are amongst the most advanced in the country

* If you have ever wondered why all fire exits open outwards, here's why. During a show at the Victoria Hall in Sunderland, children were told that they could get free sweets from the stage. There was a sudden rush down the stairs. At the bottom of the stairs was a door. The door opened inwards and there was a massive crush. Over 180 children were killed and legislation was brought into place that doors should open outwards. A monument to this tragedy stands in Mowbray Park

* One of the reasons why you can not insure the life of a child in the UK is due to Mary Anne Cotton. A resident of Sunderland in the 1800s, she insured her children, murdered them and then claimed the insurance. In total she murdered 6 of her own children. She was sentenced to death.

* The first cholera cases of the epidemic in the country were seen in Sunderland in 1831.

* I have to mention the Sunderland Stadium of Light. It's the home of Sunderland Football Club and has a capacity 0f 48 500(ish). It's built on the old Wearmouth Colliery site and can be seen from miles around. At night, the main stand is lit up red an white, and search lights light up the night sky. A trip to see Sunderland play, especially when there is a full house, is a truely unforgettable experience. When asked if he was worried about going to the big grounds and clubs in Europe and their intimidating atmosphere, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger replied that he was not worried because they have played at places like Sunderland and had experienced the atmosphere there.

* Sunderland plays host to the largest free air show in Europe. Each year over 1 million visitors flock to the city to see the Sunderland International Air Show.

* The Sunderland International Festival of Kites, Music and Dance takes place on an annual basis and draws participants from around the world.

[athena_ny 1]

Well, I'll be state specific

In Florida, one can marry one's first cousin

In Florida, a woman cannot have her tubes tied without her husband's consent.

As for the husband? Well he can do what he damn well pleases and no one will ever know.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

http://www.stjohns80.org.uk/sunderland_facts.htm

Sunderland Facts and Figures (D's birthplace)

* Sunderland is a city of over 200 000 residents

* It is the largest town or city between Edinburgh and Leeds

* It was the largest shipbuilding town in the world, producing a greater tonnage per year than any other town or city. The first recorded ship built on the Wear was in 1346. By 1814 there were 24 shipyards and by 1840, more than 60.

* When sunk in 1846, the Wearmouth Colliery shaft was the deepest mineshaft in the world, reaching a depth of 1700ft.

* When built, the Wearmouth Bridge was the largest single span bridge in the world (as well as the largest iron bridge in the world). A smaller bridge based on the original Wearmouth Bridge, can be seen at Newport Pagnell (Buckinghamshire). This bridge is the oldest iron bridge in the world that still carries traffic.

* The first stained glass (when you click on the link, go to main, education then glassmaking in Sunderland) in England was made in Sunderland in 674 AD at St. Peter's Monastery

* Sunderland was the birthplace of the inventor of the electric lightbulb Jospeh Swan.

* The Venerable Bede, who wrote the LIndisfarne Gospels and helped to establish Christianity in the British Isles was born in the vicinity of Sunderland and began his Monastic life at St. Peter's Monastery (now St. Peters Church) in Monkwearmouth, Sunderland. The Monastery was built in 674 AD by Benedict Biscop and, together with St. Paul's in Jarrow, became a major centre for learning in England

* Sunderland Parish Church was the first brick built church in England

* The first patented rope factory in England (Websters) was opened in Sunderland

* The family of George Washington, the first president of the U.S.A. came from Washington, which is now part of Sunderland. It is interesting to note that the colours of Sunderland Association Football Club are red and white shirts (with black shorts). Red and white are also the main colours in the Washington coat of arms and the USA flag.

* During the English Civil war, Newcastle, which had a Royal charter to export coal, supported the Royalist cause. This charter enabled Newcastle to prosper, whilst holding the growth of Sunderland back. Sunderland's port did not have a charter to export coal, so the town (perhaps due to its large contingent of Scottish traders) decided to support the Parliamentary cause. It therefore became a stronghold for these forces and played a vital role in the support of Cromwell's troops, being the only major town in the area to offer support. Without Sunderland supplying Cromwell with coal, it is possible that the outcome of the civil war would have been different. This is thought by many to be the start of the rivalry between the two cities that is manifested mainly between the football teams. This may be particularly true when it is considered that one of the major events in the area during the Civil War was the siege of Newcastle in 1644, the garrison for which was based at Sunderland.

* Sunderland was the seventh most bombed town in the country during the Second World War, a total of 267 people were killed, 1 000 houses were destroyed and 90% of the town's dwellings were damaged. It's shipyards were an inviting target for the German aircraft. During the War, they were responsible for producing 25% of the nation's tonnage of ships. On one of these raids, a bomb fell on the pitch of Roker Park (the old football ground) but miraculously, the stands were undamaged. Unfortunately, one policeman was killed in the incident.

* The town has a plane named after it, the Sunderland flying boat, which is able to take off and land on water

* The sleek, effective shape that you see on the bow of a modern ship was developed and pioneered at Sunderland.

* In 1875, a Sunderland built clipper ship, The Torrens set a new record of 64 days for the Australia run.

* The tongue of Big Ben was forged on the outskirts of the town, at Hoppers Foundry in Houghton

* The author of the history book series, "The Horrible Histories" is from Sunderland

* Kate Adie the BBC news reporter was born in the town, although we have noticed that she has lost her accent for the television

* Dave Stewart of Eurythmics fame was brought up in the town

* Nissan built its UK manufacturing plant in the town and it is now the most productive car plant in Europe

* People from Sunderland are called Makems, not Geordies. The latter are from Newcastle. Makems is a relatively new term, the roots of which are disputed. The version that I tend to believe is that it comes from the local dialect,where locals say "mak" instead of "make" and "tak" instead of "take". So we mak the ships and others tak them......makem and takem....or Makem for short. It is interesting that this is a newish phrase, I personally think that it's grew in the psyche of Sunderland people as a result of the boundary changes in 1972, when Sunderland and Newcastle were merged into Tyne and Wear, instead of being in County Durham and Northumberland respectively. The people of Sunderland didn't particularly want to be associated with Newcastle and have been of the opinion that Newcastle got the best of the situation. Now Tyne and Wear does not exist as a county, there is only Sunderland Council and Newcastle Council, although some older residents still state County Durham as their address.

* The first police box in England, as seen in Dr. Who was in Sunderland in 1923. The box was an idea brought from America and developed in Sunderland by the Chief Constable, Frederick Crawley.

* The town's theatre, "The Empire" was known as the comic's graveyard, due to its hard audience. New acts were often blooded in Sunderland with the message being, if you can make it in Sunderland, then you stand a chance of making it anywhere. The Empire Theatre has recently reopened after a major refit. It is now the only theatre between Scotland and Manchester capable of hosting a full West End production. Its special effects, lighting, sound and electrical systems are amongst the most advanced in the country

* If you have ever wondered why all fire exits open outwards, here's why. During a show at the Victoria Hall in Sunderland, children were told that they could get free sweets from the stage. There was a sudden rush down the stairs. At the bottom of the stairs was a door. The door opened inwards and there was a massive crush. Over 180 children were killed and legislation was brought into place that doors should open outwards. A monument to this tragedy stands in Mowbray Park

* One of the reasons why you can not insure the life of a child in the UK is due to Mary Anne Cotton. A resident of Sunderland in the 1800s, she insured her children, murdered them and then claimed the insurance. In total she murdered 6 of her own children. She was sentenced to death.

* The first cholera cases of the epidemic in the country were seen in Sunderland in 1831.

* I have to mention the Sunderland Stadium of Light. It's the home of Sunderland Football Club and has a capacity 0f 48 500(ish). It's built on the old Wearmouth Colliery site and can be seen from miles around. At night, the main stand is lit up red an white, and search lights light up the night sky. A trip to see Sunderland play, especially when there is a full house, is a truely unforgettable experience. When asked if he was worried about going to the big grounds and clubs in Europe and their intimidating atmosphere, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger replied that he was not worried because they have played at places like Sunderland and had experienced the atmosphere there.

* Sunderland plays host to the largest free air show in Europe. Each year over 1 million visitors flock to the city to see the Sunderland International Air Show.

* The Sunderland International Festival of Kites, Music and Dance takes place on an annual basis and draws participants from around the world.

...it's like I've already been there.

[JVKn'CVO 11]

Argentina

*We have a reputation of having big egos!!

*We eat a lot of meat. Oddly enough, we mostly raise british breeds: hereford, aberdeen angus and shorton.

*We have the southest city of the world, called Ushuaia

*It was an argentinian that developed the by-pass procedure, and first put it into practice. His name was Dr Rene Favaloro. He commited suicide in the year 2000. His Fundation, University, and Hospital, all named after him, still remain active.

*The Public university is the most challenging and respected of all. It's free, and it's called Universidad De Buenos Aires (UBA)

*Famous comics: Mafalda (Joaquin Salvador Lavado, "Quino") and Paturuzito. Mafalda has been translated into 5 languages and made into a cartoon program.

*Soccer (or "Futbol") is huge!. Home of Diego "El 10" Armando Maradona!!. We won the World Cup twice, Copa de America 23 times.

Our most promesing players now: Messi and Riquelme

*Night clubs open at 12. people ussually get there around 2am. they close at 6am

*We have a great public transportation system. you can take a bus anywhere, and they have a frequency of 5-10 minutes.

Edited May 17, 2007 by JVKn'CVO

[KHURRAM SERAJ 0]

PAKISTAN

Few people know much about Pakistan beyond media impressions of Islamic fundamentalism, communal violence and martial law, but it contains some of Asia's most mind-blowing landscapes, extraordinary trekking, a multitude of cultures and a long tradition of hospitality.

Pakistan is the site of some of the earliest human settlements, home to an ancient civilisation rivalling those of Egypt and Mesopotamia, and the crucible of two of the world's major religions, Hinduism and Buddhism, both of which have their roots in the subcontinent. It's far more than the last hurdle before reaching India.

Area: 310,401 sq miles

Religions: 97% Muslim, 3% Christian and Hindu

Nationwide celebrations include Ramadan, a month of sunrise-to-sunset fasting which changes dates every year (as the Islamic calendar differs from the Gregorian one); Eid-ul-Fitr, two to three days of feasting and goodwill that marks the end of Ramadan; Eid-ul-Azha, when animals are slaughtered and the meat shared between relatives and the needy; and Eid-Milad-un-Nabi, which celebrates Prophet Mohammad's birthday.

Most flights from European and Asian centres arrive in Karachi, though a few also go to Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta and Gwadar (Balochistan). Much more interesting is the overland route. A railway links Lahore with the Indian railway system through Amritsar, and another from Quetta crosses briefly into Iran. After the Grand Trunk Road, the most famous road into Pakistan is the Karakoram Highway, over the 4730m (15,514ft) Khunjerab Pass from Kashgar in China; roads also run from India and Iran. A bus service between Delhi and Lahore is also up and running.

Visas are required by nationals from most European and English-speaking countries. A Pakistan visa allows you to enter the country up to six months from the date you get it, and stay up to three months from the date you enter. However, if you stay longer than 30 days you are required to register at a foreigners' registration office; these are in the larger towns and cities.

Health risks: dengue fever, hepatitis A, malaria and, in rural areas, Japanese encephalitis.

Time: GMT/UTC plus five hours

Electricity: 220V, 50 Hz

Weights & measures: metric