INDIA AT A GLANCE

AREA(" 3,287,262 square kilometers ") POPULATION (" 1 billion officially (closer to 1.5 billion if all responded to the census)") CAPITAL (" New Delhi ") RELIGION The religious demographics of the Republic of India show a predominance of Hinduism as the main religion in India accounting for 80% of the population. The second largest religion is Islam (13%).The other natively Indian religions, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism taken together account for less than 3%. About 2% of Indians adhere to Christianity and 2% are other religions. WEATHER Because of India's size, its climate depends not only on the time of year, but also the location. In general, temperatures tend to be cooler in the north, especially between September and March. The south is coolest between November to January. In June, winds and warm surface currents begin to move northwards and westwards, heading out of the Indian Ocean and into the Arabian Gulf. This creates a phenomenon known as the south-west monsoon, and it brings heavy rains to the west coast. Between October and December, a similar climatic pattern called the north-east monsoon appears in the Bay of Bengal, bringing rains to the east coast. In addition to the two monsoons, there are two other seasons, spring and autumn. CLIMATE Because of the unusual topography of the land, climatic conditions are widely diversified on both a seasonal and regional basis. The coolest weather lasts from November to mid-March, with cool, fresh mornings and evenings and dry, sunny days. Really hot weather, when it is dry, dusty and unpleasant, is between April and June. The mean temperature is approx. 29 degree Celsius or 84.2 Fahrenheit. SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT India is a constitutional democracy. There are 28 states and 7 union territories. Parliament is bicameral; the lower house is known as the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the upper house is known as the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). VISA TO INDIA Indian Missions Abroad are the right place to acquire your Visa to India. You may seek a tourist visa to India, business visa to India, student visa to India, employment visa to India, transit visa to India, or an entry visa to India, from these Indian missions abroad. The Embassies of India, High Commissions of India, and the Consulate Generals of India, will be happy to help you get a Visa to India. CURRENCY EXCHANGE Money: The currency is the Indian Rupee (INR), which is divided into 100 paise (singular paisa). Major currencies can be changed at banks, and authorised bureaux de changes as well as at Hotels. No matter what time you arrive in India there will be an exchange office open at the airport. It is illegal to exchange money through the black market and it is advisable to refuse torn notes, as no one will accept them apart from the National Bank. It is best to change money into small denominations. Travellers cheques and major credit cards are widely accepted, particularly in tourist orientated establishments. ATMs are generally available in all the major cities and towns TRADING HOURS Banks are open from 1000hrs - 1400hrs Monday through Friday and 1000hrs-1200 Noon on Saturday. Variations occur, so please check. In some tourist centres, there may be Bureaux de Changes that remains open later. Shops are open 0930hrs – 1900 hrs Monday through Saturday. In established markets, shopping hours usually stretch on till night falls. Market trading days and business hours vary. Check in advance with us. VOLTAGE Standard voltage is 230-240V (usually 240V). Pack a universal travel adaptor that will allow you to use a hairdryer, electric shaver, charge a mobile ‘phone or minidisc/CD Walkman. Take care with your choice of adaptor. Be sure that it is suitable for India, as Indian sockets accept round 3 pin plugs that are similar but not identical to European plugs. TOURIST HAWKERS. Meeting you in the street or watching you walk out of your hotel. These professionals dressed in western clothing, speaking perfect English are quick to start up a conversation. They will offer you assistance to find where you want to go or invite you for a cold drink. The best response is to ignore them. No matter what do not get into a conversation with them, let them walk with you or take you anywhere. During your visit to Monuments you will find many Hawkers chasing you over their wares. The best solution in this case is to ignore them if you do not intend to buy and not to enter into any price negotiation. If buying you need to be good at negotiating prices and need to watch your pockets and cameras as many hawkers surround you at the same time and you may end up getting your pocket picked. TAXIS / AUTORICKSHAWS If arriving on your own at airports or railway stations, hordes of touts and taxi men will crowd around you and offer to take you to wherever you need to go. You are very likely to get overcharged upon reaching your destination. You are not expected to tip taxis. If you are unsure about the cost conversions - which are usually one and a half times to twice what the meter reads, you can always ask for a meter card from the driver. When venturing out and about, you may need to take an auto rickshaw or taxi. Be sure to give your directions to your exact destination and be sure to ask for the direct route with no stops offs, shopping or detours on the way. Do not allow any extra co-passenger with you. Taxis charge a minimum fare of about Rs 8 and auto-rickshaws about Rs 5 for the first kilometre. There are no extras, except for luggage for which Rs. 5 is charged per piece and a late night charge for travel between 11 pm and 5 am. POSTAGE Post Card stamps are available at post offices and at some souvenir kiosks and hotel receptions. Indian postal services are generally excellent. Expected letters are almost always there and letters you send almost invariably reach their destination TELEPHONE The international direct dialing code for India is 91. Telephone booths are available in all towns/villages. (24hr service is available in large hotels). Please check with your mobile phone provider if your network & contract enable you to have coverage in India. You can also take a prepaid mobile connection on your arrival in India. But due to security reasons, the procedure is time consuming as a lot of paperwork is required. INTERNET CAFES & E-MAILS Like all other countries Internet Cafes are easily available at main cities except for small villages & towns. Most of the Hotels have internet facilities for the clients to use at a nominal cost. WATER There is no scarcity of drinking water in India. Most towns and cities have a well planned system of over head tanks that store water which can be used as and when the need be. Though Indian drinking water is clean, it is advisable that you have bottled water only. Bottled mineral water is available all through India in all roadside shops as well as in Hotels. As a precaution you are advised to drink mineral water only and do not forget to check the manufacturing and expiry date on the bottle. TOILET & FACILITIES Public Toilets, when they can be found are usually ‘squats’ – holes in the floors with the footrest at either side. They come with a compulsory usage of Rs 5- Rs10. They can be of poor hygienic standards. Most come with a water squirter for washing yourself, so always have a paper with you. Always pack some toilet papers and anti bacterial wipes for your comfort. CREDIT CARDS Major credit cards are generally accepted by large establishments, including hotels, shops and airlines. Hotels may refuse to accept credit cards at certain destinations. It is best to pre check with your booking agent. ATMS & CASH MACHINES ATM’S and cash machines are easily available in big cities in India but not in villages & small towns. SECURITY OF PERSONAL BELONGINGS Avoid carrying valuable things. Wear a money necklace or stitch a pocket inside your outfit to keep important documents like passport, credit cards, travellers' cheques, etc. It's always better to take photocopies of important documents and leave them with someone trustworthy. Make sure you keep a card mentioning important contact numbers, your age, blood group, etc, so that people may help you in the event of an emergency. Also make sure to carry the Hotel Card from reception if you are going out on your own – You might lose your way back! Carry only essentials Taking cognisance of time, place and season of visit, carry only the most important things with you. Avoid unnecessary items like too much of eatables, bulky clothing, heavy items, etc. WOMEN TRAVELLERS IN INDIA India is a very warm and hospitable country. Though modern in most aspects, India still remains traditional. The western influence is very much there in India, but it is not very appealing to the Indian sensibilities. It is not always safe for women to travel alone. Don't wear clothes that are revealing or provocative. When in India, it is best to cover up yourself so as not to attract unwanted attention. Women can roam around in jeans and tee shirts, long cotton pants and cotton shirts. Skirts, if long are much better than the short ones. It is not quite advisable to show public displays of affection as it may attract lewd remarks and gestures. Refrain from any such physical activity that is intimate. HANDLING BEGGARS You may see lots of beggars on the streets, the main roads and on the traffic signals, begging for alms. Though most of them leave after begging for a minute or two, handling beggars in India is an acquired skill as some may be too nudging and reluctant to leave unless you give them some money. In order to help you out, we bring you some beggar handling tips that will prove useful during your travel in India. 1. You can give food or eatables to the handicapped and the really old ones. But, look out for some beggars posing as handicapped ones. They trade crutches with fellow beggars and go around begging. 2. Some women beggars with a small malnourished baby may use hand gestures to signal they are hungry. It is okay to give them food or eatables. But, watch out for some women who trade babies for this purpose. 3. Don't be surprised to see children begging on the streets. Most of them are young kids, hardly 5 years old, who have been sent by their parents to beg for money. It is best to give them some left over food or candy. Children can't resist candies and it is better than giving them money. 4. We strongly recommend that you do not offer money to beggars as it encourages a well organised criminal syndicates running the begging business. PHOTOGRAPHY For amateur photography of national monuments, there are no restrictions on taking photographs with a still camera (with flash inside the camera synchronized with exposure) or an 8mm.movie camera. At few monuments there is a camera fees applicable for still cameras as well as video cameras. FOOD PRECAUTIONS IN INDIA The vast range of food offered in India tempts most people. While this lip smacking food is usually prepared with much care, some of it may be contaminated. That is how people tend to fall ill while on their trip to India. Certain food precautions in India have to be followed by tourists. These Indian food precautions are for your own benefit and well-being. So go through these safety measures for food in India and stay healthy! 1. Always have food that is hot. Warm food is a bit risky and one may fall ill. 2. Avoid cut fruits and salads since they have high levels of contamination. Go for unpeeled fruits, as they are the safest. It is recommended to wash the fruits before. 3. Do not have fresh fruit juices from the roadside juice stalls. Go for packed juices that are branded or bottled sodas. 4. Do not have food from roadside vendors. They are usually contaminated with dust and flies. 5. If you want to have non-vegetarian food, go to a decent restaurant that locals may recommend. 6. Avoid eating at dingy restaurants and the ones that are empty. Empty restaurants are a sign that the food is not that great. 7. There are many fast food joints and international names in all major cities. If you cannot find a decent restaurant while touring, go to these joints. SHOPPING IN INDIA Every tourist who visits Indiawishes to take back a part of this lovely country. Shopping in India is the ideal way to fulfill your wish of taking a memory of India with you. Indian shopping attractions offer a variety of items to suit your diverse needs and taste. Ask your booking agent for a list of authentic places of shopping in every city as per your requirements and interest. TRAIN TRAVEL IN INDIA Travelling by train is one of the great experiences in India, and a good way to meet Indian people. According to the itinerary, these may be during the day or night.. Useful tips while traveling on trains in India 1. Beware of pickpocket while boarding or de-boarding the train. 2. Do not accept any eatables from unknown persons/unknown fellow passengers. Refuse politely. 3. Never leave your luggage/valuables unattended especially when the train is not moving. Take extra care of your cameras and other small but valuable equipment. 4. After de-boarding from the train, wait for our representative at the platform itself. Railway stations normally have more than one exit. If you have arranged a pick up service with us and in the unlikely event of our representative not already being there, it is advisable to wait at the platform for him, making it easier for him to locate you. USEFUL PHRASES When traveling in India, having an idea of common Indian phrases will help you in communicating more effectively with the locals. These frequently used phrases in India are usually very handy when you want to know your surroundings better and mingle with the locals. It also ensures that you are not taken for a ride in an unknown country. You will find help right away if you are stuck in a situation, as you are able to communicate at a more personal level with people around you. Check out this list of common helpful phrases for conversing with people in India.

English Phrase Hindi Translation Hello Namaste/Namaskar How are you? Kaise hain? I am fine Main theek hoon Goodbye Main chalta hoon (chalti for female) How much/ What is the cost? Kitna hua/ kitna daam hai? I want to go to hotel Mujhe hotel jana hai Can you please help me? Kya aap meri madad karenge? What is your name? Apka naam Kya hai? My name is … Mera naam … hai Yes Haan No Nahi Thank you Shukriya/ Dhanyavaad OK/Fine/Good/Whatever Achaa What happened? Kya hua?

INTERNATIONAL FACTS

India Facts  India is officially known as the Republic of India. India has the second largest population in the world, with over 1.2 billion people (1,205,073,612 as of July 2012). India is the seventh largest country by total area. India belongs to the continent of Asia, it is bordered by the countries of Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma, China, Nepal, and Pakistan. The highest mountain in India is Kanchenjunga, standing at 8,598m (28,209 ft), which it shares with Nepal. Kanchenjunga is the third highest mountain in the world. Many different languages are spoken in India. The main ones are Hindi, Bengali, Telugu, Marathi, Tamil, and Urdu. The capital city is New Delhi, while the most populated city is Mumbai. Other major cities include Kolkata, Chennai and Bangalore. Because of India's location, it experiences periods of heavy rain called Monsoon. The Taj Mahal (a famous mausoleum and popular tourist attraction) is located in the region of Agra. India became an independent nation in 1947 after ending British rule that began in 1858. Mahatma Gandhi is famous for the important part he played in gaining India's independence. Once British rule was over, India was split into the Republic of India and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Later, an area between India and Pakistan became the People's Republic of Bangladesh. The national symbol of India is the endangered Bengal Tiger. The most popular sport in India is cricket, with the Indian team being the first to win the Cricket World Cup on home soil when they were victorious in 2011. India hosted the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, but has never hosted the Olympic Games.  Australia Facts As of 2012, Australia has an estimated population of over 22 million people. Australia is the world's 6th largest country by area. Due to its large size and isolation from the rest of the world, Australia is sometimes known as the ‘island continent’. The largest cities in Australia are Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide. A desert area known as the ‘outback’ covers much of the land. The name ‘Australia’ comes from the Latin word ‘australis’, meaning southern. It is estimated the humans have lived in Australia for around 45000 years. The indigenous people of Australia are Australian Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders. The highest mountain on mainland Australia is Mt Kosciuszko, standing 2228m (7310ft) above sea level. The world's largest reef system, the Great Barrier Reef, is found off the north-eastern coast of Australia. Australia has a range of different landscapes, including urban areas, mountain ranges, deserts and rain forests. Australia is home to a variety of unique animals, including the koala, kangaroo, emu, kookaburra and platypus. Although they usually keep to themselves, there are a range of dangerous snakes in Australia, such as the Brown Snake, Tiger Snake and Taipan. Australia has over 750 different reptile species, more than any other country in the world. Australia is a relatively wealthy country with a high life expectancy. Australia hosted the 1956 (Melbourne) and 2000 (Sydney) Summer Olympics.    Brazil Facts Brazil is the largest country in South America. The name Brazil comes from a tree named brazilwood. It is called Brasil in Portuguese, the official language spoken in Brazil. Brazil is the only country in South America that speaks Portuguese. Portugal claimed the land of Brazil in the year 1500. Independence was declared in 1822. Brazil is the 5th largest country in the world by both land area and population. The population in 2012 was around 194 million people. The capital city is Brasilia, while the largest city is Sao Paulo. Other major cities include Rio de Janeiro, Salvador and Fortaleza. In Brazil they drive on the right-hand side of the road. Brazil has a large coastline on the eastern side of South America, stretching 7491 kilometres (4655 miles) in length. Brazil shares a border with all South American countries except for Chile and Ecuador. Brazil covers 3 time zones. Brazil has one of the largest economies in the world. Brazil is one of the 77 founding members of the United Nations. The Amazon River flows through Brazil, it is the 2nd longest river in the world (after the Nile). Around 60% of the Amazon Rainforest is located in Brazil. The climate in the majority of Brazil is tropical. Brazil is home to a wide range of animals, including armadillo, tapirs, jaguars and pumas. Human activities such as logging, mining fishing and agriculture are important to the Brazilian economy but are also a serious threat to Brazil's diverse environment. Millions of tourists visit Brazil every year. There are around 2500 airports in Brazil. Football (soccer) is the most popular sport in Brazil with the national team consistently among the best in the world, winning the World Cup a record 5 times.  Canada Facts In 2012 the population of Canada was around 35 million. The capital city of Canada is Ottawa. Major cities include Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Edmonton and Calgary. The 2 main languages spoken in Canada are English and French. Canada is the second largest country in the world by total area (Russia is the largest). Canada is made up of 10 provinces and 3 territories. Canada features the longest coastline in the world, stretching 202080 kilometres (125570 miles). Canada shares the longest land border in the world with the United States, totaling 8891 kilometres (5525 miles). The name Canada comes from the word ‘kanata’ which means ‘settlement’ or ‘village’ in the language of the indigenous St Lawrence Iroquoians. Canada has over 30000 lakes. Winters can be very cold in Canada with temperatures dropping below −40 °C (−40 °F) in some parts of the country. Canada is rich in resources such as zinc, nickel, lead and gold. The most popular sport in Canada is ice hockey. Calgary hosted the 1988 Winter Olympics, Vancouver the 2010 Winter Olympics and Montreal the 1976 Summer Olympics. The maple leaf is a Canadian symbol and features prominently on the national flag. China Facts

• China is officially known as the People's Republic of China.
  
• China has the largest population in the world, with over 1.3 billion people (1,343,239,923) as of July 2012.
  
• China is the 3rd largest country by area at 9,706,961 sq km (3,747,879 sq miles).
  
• China belongs to the continent of Asia. Bordering countries include Afghanistan, Bhutan, Burma, India, Kazakhstan, North Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Vietnam.
  
• The summit of Mt Everest marks the border between China and Nepal.
  
• There are many different languages spoken in China, including Mandarin, Yue, Wu, Minbei, Minnan, Xiang, Gan and Hakka.
  
• The capital city is Beijing, while the most populated city is Shanghai. Other major cities include Chongqing, Shenzhen and Guangzhou.
  
• 47% of the population live in urban areas.
  
• China experiences typhoons every year and also suffers from floods, tsunamis, earthquakes and droughts.
  
• China has the fourth longest river in the world, the Yangtze River, which reaches 5,797km (3,602 miles) in length. It also has the sixth longest, the Yellow River, stretching 4,667km (2,900 miles).
  
• China is the second largest economy in the world, after the United States of America.
  
• In 2003, China became the third country to successfully send a person to space.
  
• The Great Wall of China is the largest man made structure in the world, stretching an incredible 8,850 kilometres (5,500 miles).
  
• The famous Giant Panda is found near the Yangtze River in China.
  
• China hosted the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing.
  
  
  
  

  
Egypt Facts

• Egypt is officially known as the Arab Republic of Egypt.
• In 2012, the population of Egypt was just over 83 million (83,688,164).
• Egypt is bordered by the Gaza Strip, Israel, Libya and Sudan as well as the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea.
• The Sinai Peninsula in Egypt spans across two continents, Africa and Asia.
• Mount Catherine is the highest mountain in Egypt, standing 2,629m high (8625 ft).
• The official language of Egypt is Arabic, but others languages such as English and French are also understood by many.
• The capital city is Cairo, which also has the largest population. Other major cities include Alexandria and Giza.
• Egypt is a very dry country. The Sahara and Libyan Desert make up most of the area of Egypt.
• Egypt experiences natural hazards such as droughts, earthquakes, flash floods, landslides, windstorms (called khamsin), dust storms and sandstorms.
• The longest river in the world, the Nile, runs through Egypt.
• Egypt is famous for its ancient civilization, the Ancient Egyptians, who date back to around 3150 B.C.
• Egypt is home the Great Pyramid of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
• The most popular sport in Egypt is football (soccer).
  
  

  
England Facts

• England is the most populated country in the United Kingdom. The other countries that make up the United Kingdom are Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
• England is bordered by Wales to the west and Scotland to the north.
• The population of England in 2011 was around 53 million.
• The capital city of England is London. Other major cities include Birmingham, Manchester, Sheffield, Liverpool, Newcastle and Leeds.
• England includes many small islands such as the Isle of Wight and Hayling Island.
• There is only a 34 kilometre (21 mile) gap between England and France and the countries are connected by the Channel Tunnel which opened in 1994.
• England was the first industrialized nation after the industrial revolution that began around 1760.
• Famous English scientists include Charles Darwin, Michael Faraday, Isaac Newton and Stephen Hawking among many others.
• The longest river in the United Kingdom is the River Severn. Located in England and Wales, it stretches around 354 kilometres (220 miles) in length.
• The longest river found entirely in England is the River Thames, it flows through London and is slightly shorter than the River Severn at around 346 kilometres (215 miles) in length.
• The largest lake in England is named Windermere.
• The highest mountain in England is Scafell Pike, which stands at around 978 metres (3,209 ft) in height.
• England has a large economy and uses the pound sterling as its currency.
• English computer scientist Tim Berners-Lee is credited with inventing the World Wide Web.
• There have been a number of influential English authors but perhaps the most well known is William Shakespeare, who wrote classics such as Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth and Hamlet.
• Football (soccer) is the most popular sport in England but others such as cricket and rugby have large followings.
• The Summer Olympic Games have been held in London 3 times, in 1908, 1948 and 2012.
• The official London home of the British monarch (king or queen) is Buckingham Palace.

 
France Facts

• France is officially known as the French Republic.
• The name France comes from the Latin word Francia, which means 'country of the Franks'.
• French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte, and Reunion are also recognized as a part of France.
• In 2012, the population of mainland France was just under 63 million (62,814,233). Another 2.8 million (2,816,459) are split between French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte and Reunion.
• Mainland France belongs to the continent of Europe. Bordering countries are Andorra, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, Spain, and Switzerland.
• The Alps mountain range on the border of France and Italy is home to France’s highest mountain, Mont Blanc, which stands at 4,807m high (15,771 ft).
• The official language is French.
• French is the second most studied language in the world after English.
• The capital city is Paris. Other major cities include Marseille, Lyon, Lille, and Nice-Cannes.
• France is the most visited country in the world, with over 80 million visitors every year.
• The Louvre is the most visited art museum in the world. The famous Mona Lisa painting is on display in this museum.
• During World War II, Allied forces landed on the beaches of Normandy in northern France. The first day of these landings is called D-Day.
• The famous Eiffel Tower in Paris was built as the entrance point for the 1889 World Fair. It is one of the most visited monuments in the world.
• The Millau Bridge in southern France is the world's tallest bridge and France's tallest structure. At its highest point, it stands 343m (1125 ft) above the ground.
• France was the second country to host the modern Olympic Games in 1900 in Paris. Paris also hosted the games again in 1924. Three winter Olympics have been hosted in France.
• The most famous road bicycle race in the world, the Tour de France zig zags through the French landscape.
• One of the four grand slam tennis events, the French Open, is held in Paris every year.
• Louis Pasteur was a French scientist who made many discoveries in the fields of chemistry and microbiology.

 
Germany Facts

• The name for Germany in the German language is Deutschland.
• The population of Germany was around 82 million in 2010.
• The capital of Germany is Berlin, it is also the largest city.
• Other major cities include Munich, Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart and Frankfurt.
• Germany is a member of the European Union.
• Germany has had an unsettled history, including the Nazi regime and tension between East and West Germany (which were reunified in 1990).
• Countries that border Germany include Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, Austria, the Czech Republic, France, Luxembourg, Poland and Switzerland.
• Germany has the largest economy in Europe.
• Large German companies include BMW, Adidas, SAP, Mercedes-Benz, Nivea, Audi, Bayer, Volkswagen and Siemens.
• Germany has a number of important natural resources, including copper, nickel, natural gas, uranium and coal.
• Germany is in the process of phasing out nuclear power plants.
• There are many national parks in Germany include the Bavarian Forest National Park, Jasmund National Park, Harz National Park, and the Wadden Sea National Parks among others.
• Over 100 Germans have been awarded the Nobel prize in their field, including Albert Einstein, who was born in Germany.
• Germany has been home to famous composers such as Johann Bach, Ludwig van Beethoven and Richard Wagner.
• The German coat of arms features a black eagle against a yellow shield.
• Football (soccer) is the most popular sport in Germany.

  
 
Greece Facts

• The official name of Greece is the Hellenic Republic.
• Greece is located in southeast Europe, close to both Africa and Asia.
• In 2011 the population of Greece was around 11 million.
• The capital and largest city in Greece is Athens. Other major cities include Thessaloniki, Patras and Heraklion.
• Around two thirds of the Greek population live in urban areas.
• Greek is the official language spoken in Greece.
• Greece is a member of the European Union and uses the Euro as its currency.
• Greece is a developed country with a high standard of living. Important industries include the service sector, agriculture and tourism.
• Greece is a popular tourist destination and home to over a dozen World Heritage Sites.
• Greece features thousands of islands, including destinations such as Santorini and Mykonos.
• Greece is one of the most mountainous countries in Europe.
• The highest mountain in Greece is Mount Olympus, it has over 50 peaks with the highest reaching 2917 metres (9570 feet).
• Ancient Greece is said to have laid the foundation for Western civilization, having a large influence on the Roman Empire and European culture.
• The Olympic Games originated in Ancient Greece.
• Athens most recently hosted the Summer Olympic Games in 2004.

  
 
Italy Facts

• Italy is officially known as the Italian Republic.
• Vatican City and San Marino are very small independent states located inside Italy.
• Campione d'Italia is part of Italy but located within the borders of Switzerland.
• Italy belongs to the continent of Europe. Countries that border Italy are Austria, France, Vatican City, San Marino, and Switzerland.
• Rome is the capital city of Italy. Other major cities include Milan, Naples, Turin, and Palermo.
• Rome was the home to the Ancient Romans, a civilization that grew into a huge empire. Western civilization as we know today is based on many Ancient Roman principles.
• Italy has many earthquakes and volcanoes due to the conflict between the Eurasian and the African tectonic plates. The volcanoes Etna and Vesuvius are a constant danger to humans due to their closeness to big cities.
• Over 61 million people live in Italy (61,261,254) as of 2012.
• Italy was the birthplace of the Renaissance, which was a period of great cultural achievements in poetry, painting and architecture. Famous artists such as Michelangelo, Raphael, Donatello, and Leonardo Da Vinci were part of the Renaissance.
• Italian is the main language in Italy. German, French and Slovene are also spoken in certain areas.
• Ferrari, Lamborghini, Alfa Romeo and Maserati are well known Italian car manufacturers.
• The most popular sport in Italy is football (soccer). Italy has won four world cups, the last one being in 2006.
• Rome hosted the 1960 summer Olympic Games, the only time it has been held in Italy. The winter Olympics has been held in Italy three times.
• Italian cuisine is popular around the world. Dishes such as pizza, spaghetti bolognese, lasagne and risotto all come from Italy.
• Many famous scientists and mathematicians were born and raised in Italy. Leonardo Da Vinci, Galileo Galilei, Alessandro Volta, and Fibonacci to name just a few. 
• Italy has played a large role in the history of architecture, discovering important building techniques such as the arch and the dome. Buildings such as the Colosseum, Pantheon and the Leaning Tower of Pisa are examples of such architecture.

  
 
Jamaica Facts 

• Jamaica is an island nation located in the Caribbean.
• In 2012 the population of Jamaica was estimated to be around 2.9 million.
• 
  The capital and largest city in Jamaica is Kingston.
• Jamaica was claimed by Spain after Christopher Columbus landed there in 1494. It then came under English rule in 1655 before gaining independence in 1962.
• The longest mountain range in Jamaica is called the Blue Mountains. Blue Mountain Peak is the highest point on the island at 2256 metres (7402 feet).
• Jamaica has a tropical climate with high temperatures and humid weather.
• Jamaica is prone to damage caused by hurricanes.
• Jamaica has 8 native snake species, but relax, none of them are venomous.
• In Jamaica they drive on the left-hand side of the road.
• The currency is the Jamaican dollar.
• Jamaica exports agricultural products such as bananas, coffee and sugar.
• Languages spoken in Jamaica include Jamaican Patois and Jamaican English.
• Jamaica has a high level of crime.
• Reggae music originated in Jamaica, home of well known musician Bob Marley.
• Over 1 million tourists visit Jamaica every year.
• Jamaica produces many talented sportspeople, especially in track & field where athletes such as Usain Bolt, Johan Blake and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce have excelled.

  
 
Japan Facts

• The Japanese name for Japan is “Nihon” or “Nippon” which means “sun origin”.
• Japan belongs to the continent of Asia. Japan is an island nation surrounded by the Sea of Japan to the East and the Pacific Ocean to the West.
• Japan is made up of 6,852 islands.
• The highest point in Japan in Mount Fuji, which stands at 3,776m (12,388ft).
• As of July 2012, there are over 127 million people living in Japan (127,368,088), which is the tenth largest population in the world.
• Tokyo is the capital city of Japan and also the largest city. Other major cities include Osaka, Nagoya, and Sapporo.
• Japanese is the official language of Japan.
• Japan sits along the “Pacific Ring of Fire”, so has many volcanoes and experiences many earthquakes. In 2011, an earthquake of magnitude 9.0 hit Japan and created a tsunami which resulted in much devastation.
• Almost three quarters of Japan's land is either forest or mountains and is difficult to be made into farms, industrial or residential areas.
• Human life in Japan dates back thousands of years.
• Ancient warriors of Japan were known as Samurai. They were very skilled fighters and swordsmen. Their main weapon was the Katana, a sharp sword with a slight curve to it.
• Due to gases produced by power plants, Japan sometimes suffers from acid rain.
• Japan is an industrialized nation, producing some of the most technologically advanced motor vehicles, electronics, and machine tools. 
• Japan is a world leader in robotics. Japanese engineers are known for producing a range of human-like robots such as ASIMO.
• Some of the most well-known companies in the world are Japanese such as Toyota, Honda, Sony, Nintendo, Canon, Panasonic, Toshiba, and Sharp.
• Japanese cuisine has become popular around the world. Some well-known dishes are sushi, sashimi and tempura.
• Japan is home to many different forms of martial arts. Karate, Judo, Sumo, Ninjutsu, Kendo, Jujutsu, and Aikido to name a few.
• Sumo is recognized as the national sport of Japan, although the most popular spectator sport is baseball.
• Japan hosted the 1940 and 1964 Summer Olympic games, both times in Tokyo. They also hosted the 1940, 1972 and 1998 Winter Olympic Games.

  
 
Kenya Facts 

• Kenya is located in East Africa, on the equator.
• In 2012, the population of Kenya was estimated to be around 43 million.
• Kenya is officially known as the Republic of Kenya.
• The capital and largest city is Nairobi. Mombasa is the second largest city.
• The two official languages in Kenya are English and Swahili, although there are dozens of other languages spoken in various parts of the country.
• Kenya shares Lake Victoria, the world's second largest fresh water lake, with Tanzania and Uganda.
• Kenya features many national parks and wildlife reserves, with safaris being a popular activity for visitors.
• Agriculture is important to Kenya's economy, especially tea, coffee and flowers.
• Large animals such as lions, buffalo, leopards, elephants and rhinoceros are present in Kenya.
• In Kenya they drive on the left-hand side of the road.
• Kenya is named after Mt Kenya, the tallest mountain in the country (5,199 metres, 17,057 feet).
• Kenya gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1963.
• Hydroelectricity is the largest contributor to Kenya's electricity supply.
• Kenya is a developing country and half of the population live in poverty.
• In terms of sports, Kenya is perhaps best known for its middle distance and long distance runners, with the country frequently producing Olympic champions.

 
Mexico Facts

• The official name of for Mexico is the United Mexican States.
• Mexico is the 11th most populated country in the world with around 117 million people (as of July 2012).
• Mexico is the 14th largest country by land area.
• There are 31 states in Mexico as well as the capital city (Mexico City).
• Mexico is home to over 30 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is a popular tourist destination.
• Stone tools have been found in Mexico that suggest the existence of humans there around 23000 years ago.
• The highest mountain in Mexico is Pico de Orizaba, a dormant volcano that reaches 5,636 metres (18,491 ft) above sea level.
• The national symbol of Mexico is the golden eagle which features prominently on the coat of arms.
• The main language spoken in Mexico is Spanish.
• The largest source of immigration to the United States is from Mexico.
• Mexican food is known for its range of flavors and spices. Popular dishes include tacos, burritos and enchiladas.
• The most popular sport in Mexico is football (soccer).
• Mexico hosted the Football World Cup in both 1970 and 1986.
• Mexico City hosted the Summer Olympic Games in 1968.

  
 
Netherlands Facts

• The Netherlands is also known as Holland.
• The capital and largest city in the Netherlands is Amsterdam.
• Other major cities include Rotterdam, the Hague, Eindhoven and Utrecht.
• Around 20% of the Netherlands is located below sea level.
• The Netherlands border Belgium and Germany.
• The population of the Netherlands in 2013 was estimated to be around 17 million.
• The main language in the Netherlands is Dutch.
• The majority of Dutch people can speak more than one language.
• The Netherlands is part of the European Union and uses the Euro as its currency.
• The Netherlands also includes islands in the Caribbean named Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba.
• There are around 20 national parks in the Netherlands.
• The Netherlands is a developed nation with strong exports in a number of industries.
• Many of the world's tomatoes, cucumbers and flowers are exported from the Netherlands.
• The Netherlands is a tolerant country with liberal policies.
• Dutch drivers use the right-hand side of the road.
• Vincent van Gogh is perhaps the most famous Dutch painter.
• Dutch people enjoy a range of sports including football (soccer), swimming, volleyball, golf, tennis and hockey.

  
 
New Zealand Facts

• New Zealand is located in the south-western Pacific Ocean and features two main islands, the North Island and the South Island, as well as other smaller ones.
• Other smaller islands include Stewart Island, Waiheke Island, Chatham Island, Great Barrier Island and more, although many are uninhabited.
• The capital city of New Zealand is Wellington while the largest city is Auckland.
  Other major cities include Christchurch, Hamilton and Dunedin.
• The population of New Zealand was estimated to be around 4.5 million at the start of 2013.
• The official spoken languages of New Zealand are English and te reo Maori, with English being the most widely used.
• Maori are the indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand.
• The Maori name for New Zealand is Aotearoa.
• The Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 between the British and Maori, making New Zealand a colony of the British Empire.
• In 1893 New Zealand became the first country in the world to give all women the right to vote.
• Due to its isolation, New Zealand has developed unique animal and plant life.
• The bird species of New Zealand are particularly diverse, including alpine parrots and ground dwelling Kiwis.
• The term ‘Kiwi’ is also used as a nickname for a New Zealander.
• The Lord of the Rings movies were filmed in New Zealand.
• In New Zealand they drive on the left-hand side of the road.
• Located in the South Island, the highest mountain in New Zealand is Aoraki Mount Cook which reaches 3,754 metres (12,316 ft) in height.
• Dairy products are New Zealand’s highest earning exports.
• Rugby is the most popular spectator sport in New Zealand but a variety of sports such as football (soccer), cricket, netball, golf and others are popular among participants.

  
 
Russia Facts

• The official name for Russia is the Russian Federation.
• Russia shares borders with many countries, including China, Ukraine, North Korea and Norway.
• In terms of land area, Russia is the largest country in the world.
• Russia is located across 9 time zones.
• At the beginning of 2013, Russia was estimated to have a population of around 143 million.
• Russian is the official language of Russia but there are many other languages used in various parts of the country.
• The capital and largest city in Russia is Moscow. Other major cities in Russia include Saint Petersburg, Yekaterinburg and Novosibirsk.
• Russians drive on the right-hand side of the road.
• The currency used in Russia is the ruble.
• Russia has a wide range of natural resources and is one of the world’s largest producers of oil.
• The world’s first satellite, named Sputnik, was launched by the Soviet Union in 1957.
• The Soviet Union (USSR) was a socialist state that occupied much of northern Asia and eastern Europe from 1922 until it was dissolved in 1991. Former Soviet states include Lithuania, Georgia, Latvia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and others.
• The official residence of the Russian president is the Kremlin in Moscow. The name Kremlin means fortress.
• Russia is one of 5 permanent members of the UN Security Council, along with the US, UK, China and France.
• Russia has over 40 national parks and 100 wildlife reserves.
• Lake Baikal is the largest freshwater lake in the world. It reaches 1642 metres (5,387 feet) in depth and contains around 20% of the world’s unfrozen fresh water.
• Mount Elbrus is the highest mountain in Russia (and Europe), it reaches a height of 5642 metres (18,510 feet).
• Russia’s Volga River is the longest in Europe, with a length of around 3690 kilometres (2293 miles).
• Russia has the world’s largest area of forests.
• Russia produces a large amount of renewable energy thanks to its well developed hydropower stations.
• Moscow hosted the 1980 Summer Olympic Games.
• Basketball, ice hockey and football (soccer) are popular sports in Russia.

 
Scotland Facts 

• Scotland is located in Europe, at the northern end of Great Britain.
• Scotland is a part on the United Kingdom, along with England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
• Scotland shares a border with England.
• Scotland includes over 700 islands. These include groups called Orkney, Shetland and the Hebrides.
• The population of Scotland in 2011 was around 5.3 million.
• The capital of Scotland is Edinburgh while the largest city is Glasgow. Other major cities include Aberdeen and Dundee.
• Aberdeen has become an important centre for the oil industry after the finding of oil in the North Sea.
• The highest mountain in Scotland is Ben Nevis which stands at a height of 1344 metres (4409 feet).
• The Scottish Highlands are a mountainous region of Scotland with historical importance and a low population density.
• Most major cities are located in the Scottish Lowlands.
• A variety of wildlife can be found in Scotland, including seals, mountain hare, ptarmigan, stoats and the golden eagle.
• Scotland has over 300 railway stations.
• Scottish drivers use the left-hand side of the road.
• Scotland has a unique culture with traditions such as bagpipes, kilts and highland dancing.
• In 1872, Scotland played England in the first international game of football (soccer). The result was a 0-0 draw.
• The thistle is a national symbol of Scotland.

 
South Africa

• The official name of South Africa is the Republic of South Africa.
• South Africa is located at the southern end of Africa.
• In 2011 the population of South Africa was around 52 million.
• South Africa has three capital cities, Cape Town, Bloemfontein and Pretoria.
• The largest city in South Africa is Johannesburg. Other major cities include Soweto and Durban.
• South Africa has 11 official languages, including Zulu, Afrikaans, Xhosa and English.
• South Africa has the largest economy of any African country.
• South Africa has had an unsettled history, with apartheid policies made by the National Party enforcing a system of segregation from 1948 until 1994. Nelson Mandela was elected president in 1994 after South Africa’s first universal elections.
• South Africa's coastline stretches over 2500 kilometres (1553 miles) in length.
• South Africa is home to a wide variety of animals including giraffes, hippopotamus, leopards and lions.
• Conservation is an important issue in South Africa. It has lost many natural habitats due to deforestation and overpopulation.
• South Africa is a member of the United Nations.
• South Africa has high unemployment.
• The first human heart transplant was performed in a Cape Town hospital in 1967.
• Cave paintings have been found in South Africa that date to around 75000 years ago.
• Drivers use the left-hand side of the road in South Africa.
• The most popular sports in South Africa are football (soccer), rugby and cricket.
• In 2010 South Africa hosted the FIFA World Cup.
  
  

    
Spain Facts

• The Spanish name for Spain is España.
• The Spanish language is spoken in many areas of the world due to the early influence of the Spanish Empire.
• Spain is located in Europe.
• It is a developed country with a high quality of life.
• The largest city and capital of Spain is Madrid.
• The second largest city is Barcelona, which is located in Catalonia.
• The population of Spain in 2012 was around 47 million.
• The currency used in Spain is the Euro.
• In Spain they drive on the right-hand side of the road.
•  It is believed that modern humans first arrived in Spain around 32000 years ago.
• Mount Teide is the highest mountain in Spain (3718 m, 12198 ft) and an active volcano.
• The Pyrenees is a mountain range that divides Spain and France.
• Spain includes a number of islands including Mallorca, Tenerife, Ibiza and Gran Canaria. Many can be found in the Canary Islands, an archipelago off the northwest coast of Africa.
• The Spanish tourism industry is one of the largest in the world, bringing in billions of Euros into the Spanish economy.
• Spain produces a large amount of renewable energy, including wind power and solar power.
• Spain has a variety of foods and unique dishes such as paella (a type of rice dish) and tapas (a range of small snacks or appetizers).
• Football (soccer) is the most popular sport in Spain.
• The 1992 Summer Olympic Games were held in Barcelona.
  
  

  
United States Facts

• The United States of America is also called the USA, US, United States or sometimes America.
• On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was issued, establishing the United States of America.
• The US is the 4th largest country in the world by land area and 3rd by population.
• On February 25, 2013, the estimated population of the US was 315,568,000.
• The US is a diverse country with a multicultural society.
• The US has the world's largest economy.
• The US developed the first nuclear weapons, using them on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki near the end of World War 2.
• The Mississippi and Missouri Rivers combine to form the longest river system in the US and the fourth longest in the world.
• The tallest mountain the US is Mt McKinley, located in the state of Alaska it reaches 20,320 ft (6,194 m) above sea level.
• Alaska was purchased from Russia in 1867 and is the largest state in the US by land area.
• Hawaii is the most recent of the 50 states in the US (joining in 1959) and is the only one made up entirely of islands.
• Most of the world's tornadoes occur in the Midwest region of the US known as Tornado Alley.
• The most populated city in the US is New York City, followed by Los Angeles and Chicago.
• English is the most commonly spoken language in the US, followed by Spanish.
• The first man to walk on the moon was American Neil Armstrong (July 21, 1969).
• The US was the leading force behind the development of the Internet.
• The US consumes more petroleum than any other country in the world.
• The most popular team sports in the US are American football, baseball, basketball and ice hockey.