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Population - 40,677,348 (est. 2008)
Area - 2,780,403 km sq or 1,078,7572 sq mi
Argentina, officially the Argentine Republic, is a country in South America, between the Andes mountain ranges in the west and the southern Atlantic Ocean in the east and south. Because of longitudinal and elevation amplitudes, Argentina is subject to a variety of climates. The climate is predominantly temperate with extremes ranging from subtropical in the north to sub-polar in the far south. Higher elevations at all latitudes experience cooler conditions.Argentina possesses some of the world's tallest mountains, expansive deserts, and impressive waterfalls, with the diversity of the land ranging from wild, remote areas in southern Patagonia to the bustling metropolis of Buenos Aires in the north.
Argentina's pleasures - stunning natural wonders, an elegant capital with a European-flavored sophistication, and a passionate culture - are as tempting as ever.
The Ignazu Falls, the Nahuel Huapi National Park, the Perito Moreno Glacier are just some of must see destination when visiting Argentina.
Argentina is a country of Gauchos, Mate, Asado, Tango, Pampas, and Dulce de Leche.
Its name immediately conjures up the image of big steaks, passionate men and women and long night of eating the best meat of the world.
Beside big and unique cities of Buenos Aires, Rosario, La Plata or Cordoba, many towns with historical centers that go back to colonial time, are worth visiting. In the west, the Andes mountains are home of many ski centers. The wine regions of Mendoza and Salta are very popular tourist destinations.
The Tango, sensual and extremely popular dance, is Argentina’s gift to the world.
Capital and the largest city is Buenos Aires.
Official language is Spanish.
Currency is Peso (ARS) |
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Population - 21,450,000 (est.2008)
Area - 7,741,220 km sq or 2,988,902 sq mi
Australia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the southern hemisphere comprising the mainland of the world's smallest continent, the major island of Tasmania and numerous islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Australia is the only single country to occupy an entire continent.
The largest part of Australia is desert or semi-arid lands commonly known as the outback. Australia is the flattest continent, with the oldest and least fertile soils, and is the driest inhabited continent. The climate is significantly influenced by ocean currents, and the most of the population lives along the temperate southeastern coastline.
Australia's biggest attraction is its natural beauty. Owing to its unique geographical character, there is much to see in Australia that you can't see anywhere else. Australian flora and fauna is essentially unique to the island continent, the result of having been isolated from the rest of the world for millions of years.
The Great barrier Reef, the world's largest coral reef, lies a short distance off the northeast coast and extends for over 2,000 kilometers (1,240 mi). Those who see it never forget it.
And then there’s the rain forests…the Wet Tropics in Tropical North Queensland and the Gondwana Rain forests of Australia on the Gold Coast.
Australia is famous for its natural wonders and wide open spaces, its beaches, deserts, "the bush", and "the Outback". The Gold Coast as well as the Sunshine Coast are homes of some of the worlds most beautiful sandy beaches.
It is also well known for the cosmopolitan attractions of its large cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth. Visitors expecting to see an opera in Sydney one night and then venture to the Outback and see the footprints of dinosaurs in a stampede site, will have to re-think their grasp of geography in this huge country.
You wouldn't be getting the whole picture if you traveled to Australia without making an effort to experience its indigenous culture, the world's oldest, and still one of its richest.
Its diverse population and sheer vastness gives Australia much of its character.
Capital is Canberra while the largest city is Sydney.
Official language is English.
Currency is Australian dollar (AUD).
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Population - 8,316,487 (est. 2007)
Area - 83,872 km sq or 32,383 sq mi
Austria, officially the Republic of Austria, is landlocked in central Europe. Austria is a largely mountainous country. Since, over half of the country dominated by the Alps the alpine climate is the predominant one, with cold winters and nice warm summers.
Austria offers many unforgettable vacation experiences. Alpine scenery and cultural attractions of Austria and its cities, have transformed it into a major tourism destination. Alpine skiing, castles, medieval villages and towns, monasteries, stunning mountain scenery, the Danube River Valley, music festivals and its cosmopolitan cities like Vienna and Salzburg with its historical points-of-interest, and Austria paints a very pleasant picture.
The city of Vienna is "the Music capital of the World." It is difficult to match the musical resume of Austria. It's the homeland of legendary composers like Brahms, Hayden, Mahler, Mozart, Schubert and both father and son Strauss.
Austria is the destination for those seeking energy, culture, and charm. It is an attractive destination for visitors year around.
Official language is German.
Currency is euro (EUR).
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Population - 10,584,534 (est.2007)
Area - 30,528 km sq or 11,787 sq mi
Belgium, or the Kingdom of Belgium, is a low-lying country on the North Sea coast in Western Europe. Belgium has three main geographical regions: the coastal plain in the north-west with sandy beaches, polders and small hills, the central plateau has some rolling hills and rover valleys and the Ardene's uplands in the south-east. Climate in Belgium ranges from temperate and mild winters to never hot summers, rainy, humid cloudy.
Belgium is called the Essence of Europe, it is both multicultural and multilingual.
The city of Brussels is one of the world's great cosmopolitan capitals, home to the European Union and NATO, as well as a many of international trade and finance companies.
Some of the finest artistic contributions to the Western cultural heritage exist in Belgium throughout Flanders and the Ardene's. From their glorious cathedrals and town halls to their castles, carillons and lively market squares, Belgium's historic cities are among the most fascinating and delightful works of art in the world.
In the north is a land of tree-lined canals, gorgeous skies, rich fields, carillons, festivals and breweries. A string of engaging historic cities such as Bruges, Ghent, Liege, Namur (and Brussels itself) offer impressive architecture, lively nightlife, first-rate cuisine and numerous other attractions for visitors.
Belgium is famous for its chocolates, which are appreciated the world over.
Capital and the largest city is Brussels
Official languages are Dutch, French and German.
Currency is Euro (EU)
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Population - 320,000 (est. 2008)
Area - 22,966 km sq or 8,867 sq mi
Belize, formerly British Honduras, is a country in Central America. It was part of the Mayan and Spanish Empires, and most recently it was affiliated with the Great Britain, prior to gaining its independence in 1981. Belize is located on the Caribbean coast of northern Central America. Belize has a tropical climate with wet and dry seasons.
A combination of natural factors such as, climate, the Belize Barrier Reef (longest in the Western Hemisphere), 127 offshore Cayes (islands), safe waters for boating, scuba diving and snorkeling, numerous rivers for rafting and kayaking, jungle and wildlife of fauna and flora, hiking, bird watching, as well as many Maya ruins make Belize one of top tourist destinations on tourism maps and eco-tourism especially.
The barrier reef and the cayes (pronounced keys), the offshore atolls, are one of the main attraction to Belize. The cayes and atolls provide superior opportunities for SCUBA diving, snorkeling, fishing, boating, sailing, kite boarding, and sea kayaking, as well as habitat for nesting birds and turtles.
When you move from beaches to inland, a network of picturesque rivers and cascading waterfalls winding from the Maya Mountains will take you back to the Caribbean Sea.
Over 40% of the country are protected areas as parks and natural reserves. All that natural beauty combined with friendly people makes Belize an adventurer's paradise.
Capital is Belmopan.
Official language is English.
Currency is Belize dollar (BZD). |
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 Population- 3,981,239 (est. 2007)
Area - 51,197 km sq or 19,767 sq mi
Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country on the Balkan peninsula of Southern Europe. The country is mostly mountainous, encompassing the central Dinaric Alps. The country's name comes from the two regions Bosnia and Herzegovina. Bosnia the larger geographic region ,occupies northern areas, with moderate continental climate. Smaller Herzegovina is the southern part of the country, with Mediterranean climate and topography.
According to an estimation of the World Tourism Organization, Bosnia and Herzegovina will have the third highest tourism growth rate in the world between 1995 and 2020.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is a beautiful country with a vast array of landscapes, cultures, traditions and people. Due to its unique geographic positioning and climate, Bosnia and Herzegovina is ideal for multi-season visits and every type of tourist, from sun seekers on the Adriatic Coast to white powder skiers.
Sarajevo is a capitol and largest city in which strangers can feel at home. Tourism in Sarajevo is focused on historical, religious, and cultural aspects. A few places on earth feature an Orthodox and a Catholic church, a mosque and a synagogue within easy walking distance of each other as in Sarajevo.
Bosnia has also become an increasingly popular skiing and Eco tourism destination.
Jahorina, Bjelasnica and Igman are names synonymous with the 1984 Winter Olympic Games. Their ideal geographical position more or less guarantees three to four months of good ski snow.
The country has only 20 kilometers (12 mi) of coastline, around the town of Neum in the Herzegovina. The Adriatic Sea is gorgeous, clean and Neum is an important tourism destination.
Medugorje is well known to most Catholics in the world. It is well known pilgrimage site and millions of people have visited this tiny place.
There are many more interesting places in Bosnia and Herzegovina for visitors to discover, historic, cultural and religious monuments, beautiful nature, like lakes, rivers, mountains and landscapes in general as well as rich flora and fauna.
Official languages are Bosnian, Croatian and Serbian.
Currency is Convertible mark (BAM) |
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 Population - 190,132,630 (est. 2008)
Area - 8,514,877 km sq or 3,287,597 sq mi
Brazil, officially the Federative Republic of Brazil, is the largest and most populous country in South America. Bounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the east, Brazil has a coastline of over 7,491 kilometers (4,655 mi). Brazilian topography is diverse, including hills, mountains, plains, highlands, and scrub lands. Much of Brazil lies between 200 meters (660 ft) and 800 meters (2,600 ft) in elevation. Brazil is a huge country with different climate zones. In the north, near the equator there is a wet and a dry season and from Sao Paulo, down, to the south there is spring/summer/fall/winter.
Brazil is a country of great diversity, from the bustling urban mosaic of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, to the infinite cultural energy of Pernambuco and Bahia, the untouched wilderness of the Amazon rain forest and world-class landmarks such as the Iguaçu Falls, there is plenty to see and to do in Brazil.
Amazon Rain Forest is the most bio diverse place on Earth. It harbors incredible wildlife and numerous indigenous cultures that maintain little or no contact with the outside world. Brazilian coast is home of many tourist destinations and over 3900 beautiful beaches. Among the most visited beaches in the country are, the famous beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana, along the Rio de Janeiro coast; Joaquina, in the south of the country, famous for holding national and international surf championships; Praia do Forte, along the north coast of Bahia, headquarters for the Tamar Project for the preservation of sea turtles; and the wonderful beaches in the Fernando de Noronha archipelago.
Carnival is always present when talking about Brazil, attracting the interest of a great number of tourist, visiting Brazil.
Eco tourism, is the segment of tourism that attracts more visitors to Brazil every year, since it has one of the world icons for ecology and biodiversity: the Amazon.
Capital is Brasilia and the largest city is Sao Paulo.
Official Language is Portuguese.
Currency is Real (BRL). |
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 Population - 33,390,000 (est. 2008)
Area - 9,984,670 km sq or 3,854,085 sq mi
Canada is occupying most of northern North America, extending from the Atlantic Ocean in the east, to the Pacific Ocean in the west, northward into the Arctic Ocean and Greenland is to the northeast. Canada is sharing land borders with the continental United States to the south and with the U.S. state of Alaska to the northwest.
Average winter and summer high temperatures across Canada vary depending on the location. Winters can be harsh in many regions of the country, particularly in the interior and Prairie provinces which experience a continental climate. Coastal British Columbia is an exception and enjoys a temperate climate with a mild and rainy winter.
Canada offers a broad range of cultural and geographical features. Made up of 10 distinct provinces and three unique territories, Canada offers a broad range of cultural and geographical features.
The edginess between Canada's indigenous, French and British traditions gives the nation its complex three-dimensional character. When you add to this a constant infusion of US culture and a plethora of traditions brought by migrants, you have a thriving multicultural society.
The mighty Rocky Mountains and powerful pacific tides meet with vibrant communities in British Columbia. Urban flair mixes with cowboy culture in Alberta. Rural living comes alive under endless skies in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, while Ontario offers a diverse mix of big-city sophistication and relaxed country living. The sights and sounds of historic Quebec are not to be missed and the friendly fishing villages of Atlantic Canada are well worth the visit. Northern Canada offers visitors a chance to take in some of the only truly untamed landscapes in the world. Visiting Canada offers unforgettable encounters with nature, diverse cultural discoveries as well as beautiful urban retreats in Vancouver, Toronto or Montreal, just to name a few.
Official languages are English and French.
Capital is Ottawa while the largest city is Toronto.
Currency is Dollar (CAD). |
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Population - 16,763,470 (est. 2008)
Area - 756,950 km sq or 292,183 sq mi
Chile, officially the Republic of Chile is a country in South America occupying a long and narrow coastal strip between the Andes mountains and the Pacific Ocean. All along its length Chile is marked by a narrow depression between the mountains and the sea. The Pacific Ocean forms the country's entire western border, with a coastline that stretches over 6,435 kilometers while the Andes Mountains are located on the eastern border.
Chile controls Easter Island and Sala y Gomez Island, islands of Polynesia , and Robinson Crusoe Island more than 600 km (373 mi) from the mainland, in the Juan Fernandez archipelago.
Chile's unusual shape, 4,300 km (2,672 mi) long and on average 175 km (109 mi) wide, has given it a huge variety of climate, ranging from the world's driest desert, the Atacama in the north, through a Mediterranean climate in the center of the country, to a snow-prone Alpine climate in the south, with lakes, glaciers and fjords.
The main attractions for tourists, visiting Chile, are places of natural beauty. It is a country of startling contrasts and extreme beauty, with attractions ranging from the towering volcanic peaks of the Andes to the ancient forests of the Lake District and beautiful beaches on Pacific coast, not to mention the mysterious Easter Island as the main Chilean tourist destination.
Visiting Chile, should include taking one of famous 11 Wine Routs, journey through world of wine and discovery of the wine couture.
Winter tourism is popular in this country with many ski centers throughout the central Andes. In summer time tourism is concentrated mainly in coastal beach towns.
There are five world heritage sites designated in Chile: Sewll, Saltpetre, Easter Island, Chiloe and Valparaiso.
Capital and the largest city is Santiago.
Official language is Spanish.
Currency is Peso (CLP). |
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Population - 4,133,884 (est. 2007)
Area - 51,100 km sq or 19,730 sq mi
Costa Rica, officially the Republic of Costa Rica is a country in Central America. It borders, both, the Caribbean Sea (to the east) and the Pacific Ocean (to the west). Between the coasts, the interior of the country is shaped by four cordilleras, mountain ranges. Climate in Costa Rica is mild subtropical that prevails year-round. Temperature varies mainly according to elevation. The rainy season lasts from May through November, while a brief dry period is from February to April.
The nature and biodiversity is one of the main reasons for visiting Costa Rica. It is the most visited nation in the Central American region. Ecotourism is extremely popular with the many tourists visiting the national parks and protected areas around the country. There is 20 natural parks and 8 biological reserves as well as series of protected areas. These protective areas cover more than 25% of the national territory, the highest rate in the world. It possesses the greatest density of species in the world. Costa Rica was a pioneer in this type of tourism and the country is recognized as one of the few with real ecotourism
Costa Rica is the ideal tropical paradise for vacation. Tourists can enjoy the pristine beaches, see whales and dolphins at play. For nature lovers there is a great variety of exotic wildlife and tropical plants, butterflies and orchids, crocodiles and sharks, turtles and many more species are everywhere. The rain-forest covering the mountains are a paradise for ecotourism. Active vacation visitors can surf, hike, do rafting, canopying, diving, deep water fishing and snorkeling. For relaxation there are beautiful unique golf courses and luxury spas. Costa Rica has some of the best Sport Fishing in the world on the Pacific as well as the Caribbean side.Costa Rica has over thirteen hundred species of orchids.
Official language is Spanish.
Capital and the largest city is San Jose.
Currency is Costa Rican Colon (CRC).
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 Population - 4,453,500 (est. 2008)
Area - 56,542 km sq or 21,831 sq mi
Croatia, officially the Republic of Croatia is a southern Central European country. Its shape resembles that of a crescent or a horseshoe. Its terrain is diverse and includes: plains, lakes and rolling hills, densely wooded mountains and beautiful coastline on the Adriatic Sea.
Croatia has a mixture of climates; continental, Mediterranean a mountainous climate.
With its beautiful Adriatic coast, Croatia has long been regarded as one of the most beautiful parts of Europe. It is a land of islands because it has more than a thousand of them.
Tourism in Croatia is a well-developed industry. Many tourists visit to experience the country's extensive coastline and well-preserved coastal renaissance towns. This is a unique area in Europe with long beaches, cruising boats, speedboats or sailboats, but also for enjoying the underwater world. Also, the country is famous for its many national parks.
In Croatia, it is possible to enjoy forests, mountains, plains, the sea and Karst without crossing more than a hundred kilometers.
Zagreb is capital, economic, traffic, cultural and academic centre of the country.
Official language is Croatian.
Currency is kuna (HRK). |
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Population - 10,424,926 (est. 2008)
Area - 78,866 km sq or 30,450 sq mi
The Czech Republic, short form in Czech is a landlocked country in Central Europe and a member state of the European Union. Country is located at large plateau surrounded by mountains, with a large central lowland. The Czech Republic has a continental climate with relatively hot summers and cold winters usually with snow.
There are several centers of tourist activity. The historic city of Prague is the primary tourist attraction, and it is also the most common point of entry for tourists visiting other parts of the country. Also, other cities in the country attract significant numbers of tourists especially spa towns are particularly popular holiday destinations. The Czech spas are famous around the world with a tradition going back centuries.
The Czech countryside is captivating with a pleasant combination of mountains, water, meadows and forests. The seasonal changes of weather create a unique environment for various leisure activities, relaxation, sports and agricultural activities. Many castles and châteaux will make stay more pleasant and interesting. There are over 70 golf courses and many ski facilities for winter fun.
Prague, the Czech capital, is a beautiful cities with an inimitable atmosphere created by its millennium of history with museums, galleries and other tourist sights that can be found.
Czech Republic cultural heritage is represented by the likes of classical composer Antonin Dvorák and writer Franz Kafka.
Official language is Czech.
Capital and the largest city is Prague.
Official currency is Euro (EUR). |
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Population - 75,360,000 (est. 2008)
Area - 1,002,450 km sq or 387,048 sq mi
Egypt is a country in North Africa and includes the Asian Sinai Peninsula. Egypt is one of the most populous countries in Africa and the Middle East. Apart from the Nile Valley, the majority of Egypt's landscape is a sandy desert. Egypt includes parts of the Sahara Desert and of the Libyan Desert. It does not receive much rainfall except in the winter months. Due Egypt's climate, 99% of the population is concentrated along the narrow Nile Valley and Delta.
The Nile Valley was home to one of the oldest culture in the world, spanning three thousand years of continuous history. Egypt is famous for some of the world's most famous monuments, including the Giza pyramid complex and its Great Sphinx. Luxor, and the surrounding area is a living museum with vast numbers of ancient monuments. It is also highly oriented to tourists. Other centers that attract millions of tourist every year are Cairo , Alexandria, Aswan, Hurghada, just to name some.
Egypt is much more than Pyramids and monuments. It is also Red Sea scuba diving, hot night spots, luxury hotels and restaurants. It is romantic cruises down the Nile on festive river boats, a night at the grand opera and it is completely unique cultural experience.
Today, Egypt, probably attracts more beach vacationers than any other type of tourists. This is because the warm Egyptian beaches are inexpensive and well appointed and vacationers can choose among many of them on the Mediterranean coast or the Red Sea.
Capital and the largest city is Cairo.
Official language is Arabic.
Currency is Egyptian pound (EGP) |
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Population - 64,473,140 (est. 2008)
Area - 674,843 km sq or 260,558 sq mi
France, officially the French Republic is located in Western Europe. France is one of the largest countries in Europe, stretching from the North Sea to the Mediterranean. It also has a number of territories in the North America, the Caribbean, the South America and the southern Indian Ocean. France possesses a diverse landscape, with mountains (Alps and Pyrenees), lowland consists of four river basins, to coastal plains. Climate varies from the Mediterranean to continental, alpine and oceanic.
France is one of leading tourist destination in the world. France features cities of high cultural interest, seaside regions with beautiful beaches, winter-ski tourism and rural regions that many enjoy for their beauty and tranquility. French cuisine is one of the finest in Europe but France has much more to offer to visitors. All those who enjoy history, culture and the art will find memorable visits to many châteaux, museums and monuments, cathedrals and basilicas. Popular tourist sites include: Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Palace of Versailles, Arc de Triomphe, just to name some.
The French Riviera along the Mediterranean coast, provides its visitors with fashionable elegant surroundings and international atmosphere, with sunny beaches, casinos and numerous golf courses. They can choose between the vibrant towns of Nice and Cannes, or some quite and calm discreet villages.
France gave Champagne, symbol of sophistication, graceful living and celebration, to the world. Region known for Champagne production, picturesque rolling hills and vineyards, is only 90 minutes from Paris.
France has produced some of the Europe’s most influential writers and thinkers, Rousseau, Voltaire, Balzac, just to name some of them. In the last two centuries it has given the art world the works of Renoir, Monet, Cezanne, Gauguin, Matisse, to name but a few.
UNESCO has classified 27 cultural and natural sites in France as “World Heritage Sites”.
Official language is French.
Capital and the largest city is Paris.
Currency is Euro (EUR). |
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Population - 82,217,800 (est. 2007)
Area - 357,021 km sq or 137,847 sq mi
Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany, is a country in Central Europe. Elevation ranges from the mountains of the Alps in the south to the shores of the North Sea and the Baltic Sea in the north. Between lie the forested uplands of central Germany and the low-lying lands of northern Germany traversed by some of Europe's major rivers such as the Rhine, Danube and Elbe. Most of Germany has a temperate seasonal climate in which humid westerly winds predominate. In the north-west and the north, the climate is oceanic and rainfall occurs year round. In the east, the climate is more continental, winters can be very cold and summers can be very warm.
Germany is a land of a thousand possibilities. There's always something happening in Germany. Every day travelers experience new things, have fun and relax. They enjoy vibrant cities with amazing architecture, fascinating museums, amusement parks, fabulous shopping and pulsating nightlife. On other side they can see enchanting medieval villages, the colorful history of the castles and palaces and traditional wine villages with friendly festivals and regional specialties. Picturesque countryside is perfect for walking or simply relaxing in.
Germany's classical music heritage is second to none: Johann Sebastian Bach, Ludwig van Beethoven, Robert Schumann, Felix Mendelssohn, Johannes Brahms and Richard Wagner are just a some of the many great German composers whose music is performed throughout the world.
Berlin is capital and the largest city. Berlin is the heart of modern Germany, with grand buildings, glorious museums and theaters, urbane restaurants, bustling pubs and raucous nightclubs.
Currency is Euro (EUR).
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Population - 11,216,708 (est. 2008)
Area - 131,990 km sq or 50,944 sq mi
Greece, officially the Hellenic Republic, is a country in southeastern Europe, situated on the southern end of the Balkan Peninsula. The Aegean Sea lies to the east and south of mainland Greece, while the Ionian Sea lies to the west. Greece consists of a mountainous mainland at the Peloponnese peninsula and thousands of islands. Most of the country, including all coastal areas, enjoys a Mediterranean climate, but also two other climate systems are present. One is the cool Alpine climate which is found on mountainous areas, including many high-altitude valleys and another system is the Continental climate found on the interiors of north-central and northeastern Greece.
Greece is full of archaeological sites and monuments of distinctive prestige and charm, on which all known periods of its long-standing history have left their mark. Visitors have the opportunity to make a unique and unforgettable journey through the rare mosaic of history and culture which have left an mark on every region of the country and highlights the manifestations of Greek culture. According to the UNESCO, 17 archaeological sites and cultural areas in Greece have been characterized as Monuments of Cultural Heritage. There are over 300 museums operate throughout the country that allow visitors to see artifacts and scientific achievements produced on Greek territory more than 6.000 years ago.
The wealth and diversity of the Greek seas, the beautiful coast, the thousands of islands, the mild climate and its interesting and varying landscape make Greece the ideal destination for the development of sea tourism activities. Crete, Rhodes, Santorini, Mykonos are just some of extremely popular islands among foreign visitors as well as Greeks.
The nation's terrain is just as varied as its architectural heritage: idyllic beaches, towering mountain ranges, wine-producing valleys, vast stretches of olive orchards in the south, and lush forests in the north. Greece, a particularly rich with diversified natural environment with many striking natural contrasts and areas of great ecological value, is among the ideal destinations for eco-tourism and alternative forms of tourism.
Greece is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations, today.
Capital and the largest city is Athens.
Official language is Greek.
Currency is Euro (EUR). |
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Population - 10,041,000 (est.2008)
Area - 93,030 km sq or 35,919 sq mi
Hungary, officially in English the Republic of Hungary, is a landlocked country in the Central Europe. More than one half of Hungary's landscape consists of flat to rolling plains of the Pannonian Basin. The highest mountains of the country are located in the Carpathians, in the northern parts, in a wide band along the Slovakian border. Hungary has a Continental climate, with hot summers with low overall humidity levels but frequent rain showers and cold snowy winters.
Hungary is a land of thermal water. Due to an geographical location thermal water can be found with good quality and in great quantities on over 80% of Hungarian territory. Approximately 1,500 thermal springs can be found there. About half of these are used for bathing. A passion for spa culture is connected with Hungarian history from the very beginning. Hungarian spa culture is multicultural, and its spas feature Roman, Greek and Turkish architectural elements.
The spa culture has a nearly 2,000 year history in capital city Budapest with more than one hundred hot thermal springs.
Budapest is situated on both banks of the Danube Rivera. It is a magnificent city, even compared with the great pantheon of European capitals. It has been an anchor of Hungarian culture since its inception. Budapest, the "Pearl of the Danube", whose wonderful panorama is on UNESCO's World Heritage list.
Lake Balaton has special place in tourist picture of Hungary. Nature has bestowed beauty in plenty on Lake Balaton. Much of the outstanding landscape there, belongs to the protected area of the National Park of the Upper Balaton. There are countless lookouts, to enjoy pure beauty of Central Europe's largest lake. With many activities offered there, along with beautiful water and landscape, Lake Balaton is definitely place to visit and spend some time.
Hungarians are unique among the nations of Europe in that they speak a language that is not related to any other major European language.
The Hungarian cuisine is a prominent feature of the Hungarian culture, just as much like the art of hospitality.
Capital and the largest city is Budapest.
Official language is Hungarian.
Currency is Forint. (HUF). |
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Population - 1,147,995,904 (est. 2008)
Area - 3,287,240 km sq or 1,269,210 sq mi
India, officially the Republic of India is a country in South Asia. To the north it is bordered by the world's highest mountain chain, the Himalayas, where foothill valleys cover the northernmost of the country. Further south, plateaus, tropical rain forests and sandy deserts are bordered by palm fringed beaches . India holds virtually every kind of landscape imaginable. India's climate is strongly influenced by the Himalayas and the Thar Desert, both of which drive the monsoons. The Himalayas prevent cold Central Asian winds from blowing in, keeping the bulk of the Indian subcontinent warmer than most locations at similar latitudes. The Thar Desert plays a crucial role in attracting the moisture-laden southwest summer monsoon winds that provides the majority of India's rainfall. Major climatic groupings predominate in India are tropical wet, tropical dry, subtropical humid.
Major Himalayan-origin rivers that substantially flow through India include the Ganges and the Brahmaputra, both of which drain into the Bay of Bengal.
Mountains, jungles, deserts and beaches, India has it all. India is home to a rich diversity of wildlife and an equally rich variety of flora and fauna. The country offers grate opportunity for wildlife tourism. The immense heritage of wildlife in India comprises of more than 70 national parks and about 400 wildlife sanctuaries including the bird sanctuaries. Also, India has its fair share of Tiger Reserves. The tiger is India’s National Animal and there are two-dozen of Tiger Reserves. The Royal Bengal tiger is among the most majestic species of the tiger.
An abundance of mountain ranges and national parks provide ample opportunity for eco-tourism and trekking and it gains popularity in India with every passing year.
Bounded by the Indian Ocean on the south, the Arabian Sea on the west, and the Bay of Bengal on the east, India has a coastline of 7,517 kilometers (4,671 mi). The West Coast with the Arabian Sea and the East Coast with the Bay of Bengal offer many a opportunities to the travelers who enjoy beaches. The coasts of India have their own seafood cuisine, relaxing spas and water sports and great places to stay for a holiday.
India's culture is marked by a high degree of cultural pluralism. It has managed to preserve established traditions while absorbing new customs. It's an extremely diverse country, with vast differences in geography, climate, culture, language and ethnicity
Capital is New Delhi and the largest city is Mumbai.
Official Languages are Hindi , English and 18 more languages are officially recognized.
Currency is Indian rupee (INR). |
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Population - 234,693,997 (est. 2007
Area - 1,919,440 (land) km sq or 735,355 sq mi
The Republic of Indonesia is a country in Southeast Asia. Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world (over 17,500 islands), scattered over both sides of the equator, between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. The five largest islands are Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan (the Indonesian part of Borneo), New Guinea (shared with Papua New Guinea), and Sulawesi. Lying along the equator, Indonesia has a tropical climate, with two distinct monsoonal seasons, wet and dry. It is generally hot and humid throughout the year, with moderate cooling in the higher elevations.
Located along the Ring of Fire, Indonesia has some 400 volcanoes within its borders, with at least 90 still active in some way.
Indonesia's size, tropical climate, and archipelago geography, support the world's second highest level of biodiversity (after Brazil), and its flora and fauna is a mixture of Asian and Australasian species. There are species indigenous to Indonesia, like the "orang utan" apes of Sumatra and Kalimantan, the giant “komodo“ lizards which are the only ones of their kind in the world today roaming free on the island of Komodo; the one-horned rhinoceros of Java, the wild "banteng" oxen, tigers and many other species which are now protected in wildlife reserves. The flora of Indonesia ranges from the tiny orchid to the giant “Rafflesia” plant which has a bloom almost a meter (3.2 feet) in diameter - the largest flower in the world - and many other species of plant life which can be seen at the botanical gardens. Indonesia and its thousands of islands offer a diverse variety of ecologies, and in recent years eco-tourism has increased dramatically.
The capital city of Jakarta remains the major attraction, with its colonial-style buildings and monuments reminiscent of its Dutch and British periods. Additionally, points-of-interest include the Central Museum; historic Portuguese Church; Istiqlal Mosque, and the many antique markets, shopping bazaars and ethnic restaurants that cover the streets. Outside of Jakarta, other destinations include the islands of Sulawesi (Orchid Island), Sumatra, with its volcanic mountains and hot springs, and of course, Bali.
Indonesia abounds in monuments of the past. There are the temples of the Buddhist and Hindu dynasties; Hindu temples of Prambanan and the Dieng Plateau, the "kraton" (palace) of sultans in Surakarta, Yogyakarta, the Maimun palace of the Sultanate of Deli (in Medan), the Hall of justice in Bali, ruins of ancient fortresses and museums, mosques and churches steeped in folklore. The main destination areas contain many of these places of interest which are easily accessible.
Capital and the largest city is Jakarta.
Official language is Indonesian.
Currency is Rupiah (IDR) |
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Population - 59,619,290 (est. 2008)
Area - 301,338 km sq or 116,346.5 sq mi
Italy, officially the Italian Republic, is located on the Italian Peninsula in Southern Europe and on the two largest islands in the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily and Sardinia. Italy occupies a long, boot-shaped peninsula, surrounded on the west by the Tyrrhenian Sea and on the east by the Adriatic Sea. Most of the inland northern areas of Italy have a continental climate, while the coastal areas of and most of the peninsula’s south have the Mediterranean climate.
Travelers visiting Italy are facing a big problem, and that is what to choose among the nation's endless cultural attractions. Italy has been the home of many European cultures. It was the birthplace of the universities, the movement of the Renaissance began in Tuscany and spread all over Europe. Italy's capital Rome was for centuries the center of Western Civilization, it also spawned the Baroque movement and seats the Catholic Church.
Italy has so many things to offer, just to name some: skiing in the Alps, beautiful lakes in north, historic cities (Venice, Siena, Florence, Milan, Tuscany), the Mediterranean cost with beaches, Rome…
Italy hosts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and they attract more and more tourists every year. Climate, soil and very old traditions make Italy a natural wine growing nation. A large part of the population is engaged in the world famous wine industry. Italy is very rich in thermal and mineral waters. Those resources combined with the mild climate and the beauty of the scenery, have made it a favorite place for "health care tourism".
According to UNESCO, two thirds of the world's historical artistic heritage are in Italy.
Official language is Italian.
Capital and the largest city is Rome.
Official currency is Euro (EUR).
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Population -106,682,500 (est. 2008)
Area - 1,972,550 km sq or 761,606 sq mi
The United Mexican States, or commonly Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in the southern portion of North America. Mexico has been graced with an unusually temperate climate year-round. Important to remember is that the Mexican summer is also the rainy season, although the rain rarely lasts more than a few hours, and typically arrives in the late afternoon. Most of country has two seasons: wet (June-September) and dry (October-April). In general, low rainfall in interior and north and abundant rainfall along east coast, in south, and in Yucatan Peninsula.
The coastal climate and unique culture, a fusion of European (particularly Spanish) and Meso-American cultures, make Mexico very attractive tourist destination.
The most notable tourist draws are the ancient Meso-American ruins, and popular coastal areas with beautiful beaches. The peak tourist seasons in Mexico are during December and during July and August.
Once the capital city of the Aztecs, later the capital of colonial New Spain, Mexico City is now a modern metropolis brimming with possibilities for the visitor. Many cities in Mexico are attractive for tourists, because they retain their colonial town plan, museums, historical buildings, cobblestone streets and beautiful colonial architecture. Just to name a few, Guadalajara, Puebla, Oaxaca, Morelia ….
With nearly 6000 miles (9330 km) of coastline, Mexico has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world to offer.
Nearly 100 miles of beautiful white-sand beaches with brilliant turquoise colored water are located just South of Cancun. Called the Riviera Maya or Mayan Riviera, this world-renowned paradise offers mangroves and lagoons, ancient Mayan cities, ecological reserves and the world's second largest coral reef. Also, there are beautiful places such as, Acapulco, Ixtapa ,Cancun, Los Cabos… just to name some.
Official language is Spanish.
Capital and the largest city is Mexico City.
Official currency is Peso (MXN).
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Population - 678,177 (est. 2008)
Area - 13,812 km sq or 5,019 sq mi
Montenegro is a country located in Southeastern Europe. Montenegro ranges from high peaks along its borders with Serbia and Albania, a segment of the Karst of the western Balkan Peninsula, to a narrow coastal plain on Adriatic coast. There are four climatic types with a variety of micro-climatic changes and variations.
Montenegro is a small Mediterranean country, with rich architectural and cultural heritage diversity of landscapes and climates, and well preserved natural environment. Naturally is well-suited for development of all varieties of tourism, and it is focused on becoming an elite tourist destination.
Coastal region of Adriatic Sea is of main interest to tourists because of well-preserved ancient old towns, long sandy beaches and vibrant nightlife.
Central region is most densely populated area of Montenegro, with significant cultural, historical and heritage sites. Montenegro's medieval monasteries contain thousands of square meters of frescoes on their walls.
Northern region is center of Montenegrin mountain tourism. It has ski centers and is popular for its untouched nature.
Official language is Montenegrin but following languages are in everyday use: Serbian, Bosnian, Albanian and Croatian
Podgorica is capital and largest city.
Currency is euro (EUR).
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Population - 4,268,000 (est. 2008 )
Area - 268,689 km sq or 103,738 sq mi
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific comprising two main islands (the North Island and the South Island) and numerous smaller islands. The South Island is the largest land mass of New Zealand, and is divided along its length by the Southern Alps. The North Island is less mountainous but is marked by volcanism.
New Zealand is notable for its geographic isolation, situated about 2000 km (1250 miles) southeast of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and its closest neighbors to the north, New Caledonia, Fiji and Tonga.
Its isolation from continental influences and exposure to cold southerly winds and ocean currents give the climate of New Zealand a much milder character. The climate throughout the country is mild with temperatures rarely falling below 0°C (32°F) or rising above 30°C (86°F) in populated areas. New Zealand has extraordinary flora and fauna, because of its long isolation from the rest of the world and its island bio-geography.
Much of contemporary culture of New Zealand is derived from British roots, but it also includes significant influences from American, Australian, European, Asian and Maori cultures.
New Zealand is a country of rare seismic beauty, glacial mountains, fast-flowing rivers, deep, clear lakes, hissing geysers, boiling mud, abundant native forests, long and deserted beaches. Tourism is the country's biggest 'export' earner with two million tourists visiting per year. New Zealand is marketed as a "clean, green" adventure playground. Popular tourist activities in New Zealand include sightseeing, hiking (tramping), camping and adventure tourism. New Zealand is marketed as a "clean, green" adventure playground. Popular tourist activities in New Zealand include sightseeing, hiking (tramping), camping and adventure tourism. Eco-tourism is an increasing segment of the tourism market. Awesome landscapes, lush forests, amazing and unique wildlife and pleasant climate make it a haven for nature lovers and many outdoor activities. Fourteen national parks protect New Zealand's most famous natural assets.
Official language is English and Maori.
Capital is Wellington and the largest city is Auckland.
Currency is New Zealand Dollar (NZD).
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Population - 3,309,679 (est. 2008)
Area - 75,517 km sq or 29,157 sq mi
Panama, officially the Republic of Panama, is the southernmost country of Central America. It is bordering the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, and is located between Columbia and Costa Rica. Panama is strategically located on the isthmus that forms the land bridge connecting North and South America. It controls the Panama Canal that links the North Atlantic Ocean via Caribbean Sea with North Pacific Ocean, one of the most important shipping routes in the world.
Climate is tropical with hot, humid, cloudy, prolonged rainy season, and short dry season.
The Panama Canal is an engineering marvel and one of the most significant waterways on earth. It stretches 80km (50 miles) from Panama City on the Pacific coast to Colón on the Caribbean coast, and provides passage for over 12,000 oceangoing vessels per year.
Seeing the Canal is an essential part of a Panama trip, but this country is more than the Panama Canal. It is also stunning coastline with palm fringed beaches, national parks, astounding wildlife, friendly people and a superb tourism infrastructure.
Panama offers exceptional choice of beaches, both on the mainland and on islands just offshore. Both coasts have beautiful beaches with crystal clear waters, white sand, coral reefs and coconut palm trees.
Because of its unique geographical position, Panama harbors a great diversity of wildlife.
As natural land bridge between two continents, Panama is home to many South American species as well as North American wildlife.
About 29% of Panama's land area is protected in 14 national parks, more then a dozen forest reserves and 10 wildlife refuges.
Capital and the largest city is Panama City.
Official Language is Spanish.
Currency is Balboa (PAB) and U.S, Dollar (USD).
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Population - 29,180,900 (est. 2008)
Area - 1,285,220 km sq or 496,222 sq mi
Peru, officially the Republic of Peru, is a country in western South America. It is third largest country in South America.. It’s geography varies from the arid plains of the Pacific coast to the peaks of the Andes mountains and the tropical forests of the Amazon Basin.
Peru, unlike other equatorial countries, does not have an exclusively tropical climate. The influence of the Andes and the Humboldt Current causes great climatic diversity within the country. Peru's climate varies considerably by region, although January through March tends everywhere to be the wet season. The coastal areas, which are quite hot and humid during those months, are cooled during the rest of the year. The western side of the Andes is very clear, warm, and dry for the greater part of the year. The eastern slope of the Andes, Amazon basin, experiences very heavy rainfall during the wet season, which extends from January all the way through April.
The main attractions in Peru are their archaeological patrimony of ancient cultures and the center of Inca's Empire, their gastronomy, their colonial architecture and their natural resources, a paradise for the eco-tourism. Peru's astounding variety of climates and eco-systems ranks the country among the world's top eight nations in terms of biodiversity. There are a total of 63 natural areas or conservation units, covering approximately 15% of the country's territory.
The Andes are one of the world's most interesting mountain ranges, with frequent earthquakes, landslides, and flash floods. The Andes are also the site of the most fascinating ancient cities of South America-like the great city of the clouds, Machu Picchu. While Peru evokes images of Machu Picchu and the Inca empire, the country is also riddled with other archaeological sites which are a legacy of even more ancient times.
Also, visitors show a great interest in Peru's narrow, lowland coastal region with location of three major population centers, Lima, Trujillo, and Chiclayo.
Peru celebrates some 3,000 festivals a year. Most of them are held in homage to a patron saint and are part of the Christian calendar adopted in colonial times, but at same time they have blended with the magical beliefs of ancient forms of worship.
Peru's geography is reflected in numbers of lakes and lagoons, which with their beauty attract more and more visitors. Also, rivers with the canyons which their waters have carved out over centuries, and their spectacular waterfalls are big attraction.
Capitol and the largest city is Lima.
Official language is Spanish.
Currency is Nuevo Sol (PEN). |
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Population - 10,617,575 (est. 2007)
Area - 92,345 km sq or 35,645 sq mi
Portugal, officially the Portuguese Republic, is a country on the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and south and by Spain to the north and east. The Atlantic archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira are also part of Portugal.
The climate in Portugal varies considerably from one region to another and is influenced by the, latitude and proximity to the sea. In general, the climate can be classified as Mediterranean. In north and central regions, particularly inland, nearer Spain, the winters are colder, although the temperatures are still mild when compared to the rest of Europe. The climate in the Azores is influenced by the Gulf Stream and temperatures are mild there all year round, while the Madeira has subtropical climate.
Portugal offers outstanding landscape diversity, due to its North-South disposition along the western shore of the Iberian peninsula. You can travel in a single day from green mountains in the North, covered with vines and all varieties of trees to rocky mountains, with spectacular slopes and falls, to a near-desert landscape in the Alentejo region and finally to the glamorous beach destination Algarve.
Portugal has a rich, unique culture, lively cities, beautiful coast and countryside. There is something for everyone visiting Portugal, spending holidays in the countryside, visiting beautiful monuments, looking for nightlife or beautiful beaches. The most popular beaches are in the Algarve, with stunning coastlines and natural beauty. The water along the southern coast is warmer and calmer than the water along the west coast, because of the Gulf Stream. The Azores and Madeira are a natural haven, perfect for anyone who loves sport and the open air.
Portugal is a golfer’s paradise. There is more than 70 courses, and the mild climate makes it possible to play and enjoy it all year round.
Portugal is member of the European Union.
Official language is Portuguese.
Capital and the largest city is Lisbon.
Currency is Euro (EUR). |
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 Population - 3,994,259 (est. 2007)
Area - 9,104 km sq or 3,515 sq mi
Puerto Rico, officially the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, is a self-governing unincorporated territory of the United States and it located in the northeastern Caribbean.
Puerto Rico is composed of an archipelago that includes the main island of Puerto Rico and a number of smaller islands and keys, the largest are Vieques, Culebra and Mona. Located in the tropics, Puerto Rico enjoys an average temperature of 82.4 °F (30 °C) throughout the year. The Hurricane season spans from June to November.
As a result of its geographical position in the center of the arc of the Antilles, Puerto Rico is essentially a crossroads of Hispanic and Anglo cultures. Puerto Rico is a vibrant, modern, bilingual, multicultural society, one that has been molded by Spanish, African, Indian and U.S. influences.
You can drive around Puerto Rico in a day, but there are many things to see and to do. The coffee plantations, colonial towns, beaches, bars and restaurants are places worth to be explored. Regardless of where you stay in Puerto Rico, a visit to Old San Juan is a must. The most popular day trip out of San Juan is a drive or bus ride to the Caribbean National Forest, commonly known as El Yunque, the only tropical rain forest in the U.S. National Parks system.
Capital and the largest city is San Juan.
Official languages are Spanish and English.
Currency is United States dollar (USD). |
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Population - 7,498,000 ( 2002 census)
Area - 88,361 km sq or 34,116 sq mi
Serbia, officially the Republic of Serbia, is a landlocked country in Central and Southeastern Europe covering central part of the Balkans. Climate in Serbia is a continental climate with cold winters and heavy inland snowfall, and hot summers with well distributed rainfall.
Serbia is a country where various civilizations, cultures, religions, climates and landscapes meet. A great variety of beautiful scenery and cultural and historical monuments, spas, hunting grounds and fishing areas give the basis for Serbia's tourism.
The destination number 1 of the tourism in Serbia is Belgrade. Belgrade is the capital and the "soul" of modern Serbia. It is situated at the confluence of two rivers, the Sava and the Danube. It will surprise you by its cultural identity and its positive atmosphere for partying. Beside Belgrade and other big cities, tourism in Serbia is focused on the villages and mountains of the country as well as historical and architectural heritage. Many Roman sites had been flourishing throughout ages as well as medieval fortresses everywhere along the roads with extreme variety of architectural styles: Serbian, Hungarian, Austrian, Ottoman. Also, unbelievable density of the orthodox monasteries disseminated throughout the country, each for itself wealth of architectural creation and pictorial invention.
Serbia has 5 national parks.
Official language is Serbian but also recognized regional languages, Hungarian, Slovak, Romanian, Croatian and Albanian.
Currency is Dinar (RSD).
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Population - 2,023,358 (est. 2008)
Area - 20,273 km sq or 7,827 sq mi
Slovenia, officially the Republic of Slovenia, is a country in southern Central Europe. Four major European geographic regions meet in Slovenia: the Alps, the Dinarides , the Pannonian Plain and the Mediterranean. Around half of the country is covered by forests, it is the third most forested country in Europe. Its climate is sub-Mediterranean on the coast, alpine in the mountains and continental in the plateaus and valleys to the east.
With its points of interest and natural beauty, Slovenia is very interesting and suppraising country at thye same time.Slovenia’s rivers and lakes and its part of the Adriatic Sea offer various water-related activities. Slovenia has dozens of ski centers with modern ski lifts. The best known ski centers world-wide are Kranjska Gora and Maribor Pohorje. Attractions include the Julian Alps with the picturesque Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj, valleys as well as the nation's highest peak, Mount Triglav. Holidays in the countryside, at one of many tourist farms, can be an unforgettable experience – far from crowds and everyday rush which offer a close contact with nature and people, with their culture, customs and habits.
Very famous is Slovenia's karst named after the Karst Plateau in southwestern part of country with Postojna Cave. At Slovenian coast of the Adriatic Sea are well preserved renaissance towns.
The nation's capital Ljubljana shows its Baroque and Art Nouveau influence. The hills around the nation's second-largest city, Maribor are renowned for their wine-making.
Slovenia joined the European Union and in NATO 2004.
Official language is Slovene.
Currency is euro (EUR).
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Population - 47 900 000 (est. 2008)
Area - 1,221,037 km sq or 471 443 sq mi
South Africa, officially the Republic of South Africa, is located at the southern tip of the continent of Africa with a long coastline that stretches more than 2,500 kilometers (1,550 mi) and borders two oceans, the Atlantic and the Indian. It is one of the most geographically varied countries of the African continent.
South Africa has been favored by nature with one of the most temperate climates on the African continent, and plenty of sunny, dry days. The climate in South Africa ranges from desert and semi-desert in the north west of the country to sub-tropical on the eastern coastline.
South Africa is considered mega-diverse country. It has more than 20,000 different plants, or about 10% of all the known species of plants on Earth, making it particularly rich in plant biodiversity. There are 21 conservation areas that showcase the full spectrum of the country's fauna, flora and landscapes. Two of the world's most renowned wildlife reserves are the Kruger and the Kalahari Gemsbok National Parks
South Africa can be visited comfortably any time. Winter (June to September) is cooler, drier and ideal for hiking and outdoor pursuits. This is also the best time for wildlife-watching. Spring is the best time to see vast expanses of Northern Cape carpeted with wildflowers. While all of its diverse regions offer many opportunities for adventure travel, the focus in South Africa is the safari with unforgettable experience
There are many places to go and enjoy South Africa at her best. For those with a taste for excitement, cities - fast-paced, laid-back or exotic – come with all the urban magic required, fabulous food, entertainment, superb shopping, but with surprises thrown in such as World Heritage Sites and natural beauty all round.
South Africa is renowned for its wines and is the world's largest producer of gold.
Capital is Pretoria (executive), Cape Town (legislative) and Bloemfontein (judicial)
Largest city is Johannesburg.
There is 11 official languages (English among them).
Currency is Rand (ZAR). |
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Population - 45,200,737 (est. 2007)
Area - 504,030 km sq or 195,364 sq mi
Spain or the Kingdom of Spain is a country located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. The Spanish mainland is bordered to the south and east by the Mediterranean Sea and to the west by the Atlantic Ocean. Spanish territory also includes the Canary Island in the Atlantic Ocean and the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean.
Mainland Spain is dominated by high plateaus, highlands and mountain ranges. Due to geographical situation the climate is extremely diverse. It can be roughly divided into three areas: continental Mediterranean, Mediterranean and oceanic climate. Landscapes are extremely varied, some almost desert-like, others green and fertile, and of course there is long coast with beaches. Altogether, Spain has over two thousand beaches, many of them of great beauty and pleasant climate.
Spain is widely known for Flamenco music and dance, bull-fights, beaches and lots of sunshine, but it has to offer much more than that. It is - and has been for thousands of years - one of the cultural centers of Europe. It has beautiful cities and towns, offering really old monuments as well as futuristic architecture.
The architecture in Spain is extremely interesting. The oldest works of architecture found there go back to the period of approximately 3000 B.C. Many of Roman monuments are well conserved and among the most important are the great aqueduct of Segovia and the amphitheater of Mérida. Also, there are many monuments of the Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance style, all of them well conserved.
Best known among Spain's folklorist traditions are certainly Flamenco and bullfights. Bullfights can be found indeed throughout the country and they are part of any Fiesta., Perhaps, the most popular event is the "Running of Bulls" in Pamplona. On the other hand, Flamenco, is the musical tradition in the country's south, in particular in Andalusia.
Official language is Spanish.
Capital and the largest city is Madrid.
Currency is Euro (EUR).
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 Population - 7,591,400 (est. 2007)
Area - 41,285 km sq or 15,940 sq mi
Switzerland, officially the Swiss Confederation, is a landlocked Alpine country in Western Europe. The geography of Switzerland is known for its diversity. Switzerland’s three main geographical regions are the Jura, Plateau and the Alps. The Swiss climate is generally temperate, but can vary between the localities. Summers tend to be warm and humid at times with periodic rainfall so they are ideal for pastures and grazing. The winters in the mountains alternate with sun and snow. A two third of the area of Switzerland is covered with forests, mountains and lakes. Switzerland is famous for its many lakes, particularly those of the Alpine region, known for their scenic beauty, those include Lake Geneva, Lake of Constance, Lake of Lugano, and Lake Maggiore.
Tourism is the third biggest export industry in Switzerland. Every region of Switzerland aspire to some form of tourism, skiing in winter, climbing in summer or some type of water sports on lakes and rivers. The public transportation system is one of the best in the World. You can get to almost all places by public transportation.
Whether you're planning a hiking vacation in Switzerland or you plan to explore the country's culture and entertainment, you're in for a very exciting experience. Countless railway lines carry mountain enthusiasts up to mountain peaks, to the most beautiful panoramic spots, tourist trails, mountain hotels and various settings. Switzerland is truly as alive in the winter as in the three other seasons. There are around 250 winter sport locations. St. Moritz is the cradle of winter tourism. For winter sports enthusiasts there are miles of snow slopes with a state-of-the-art infrastructure in the surrounding area.
The official languages of Switzerland are German , French and Italian The fourth national language is Romansh.
The capital is Bern and largest city is Zürich.
Official currency is Swiss Franc (CHF).
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The Land of Smiles
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Population - 60,975,000 (est. 2007)
Area - 244,820 km sq or 94,526 sq mi
The United Kingdom is a unitary state consisting of four countries: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. The UK is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, the North Sea, The English Channel and Irish Sea. The largest island Great Britain is linked to France by the Channel Tunnel. The United Kingdom has a temperate climate, with plentiful rainfall all year round. Because of the country's proximity to the sea the weather can be changeable and conditions are often windy and wet.
England accounts for just over half of the total area of the UK, most of the country consists of lowland terrain, with mountainous terrain north-west. Scotland accounts for about a third of the total area of the UK, including nearly eight hundred islands, mainly west and north of the mainland. Scotland has two distinctively different regions, the Highlands to the north and west and the Lowlands to the south and east. Wales accounts for less than a tenth of the total area of the UK, and it is mostly mountainous.
Northern Ireland accounts for just 14,160 square kilometers (5,470 sq mi) and is mostly hilly.
The United Kingdom has an 14 National Parks, 49 designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and 35 National Scenic Areas that serve to preserve the country's natural heritage. There are many landmarks for visitors to see; Stonehenge, Georgian architecture and Roman baths, York Minster (Cathedral), Canterbury Cathedral, Shakespeare's Birthplace, universities of Oxford and Cambridge, The Eden Project, The Giant's Causeway, just to name some of them.
London needs little introduction. This vibrant, multi-cultural capital is a world leading destination city. London is full of history, heritage and culture, and one of the most fast-moving, cosmopolitan cities on the planet. It has the greatest concentration of major attractions in Britain.
United Kingdom is full of contrasts, whichever direction you travel you will find a wide variety of landscapes and diverse cultures to explore. England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are all unique countries with their own customs, cultures and traditions
There are literally thousands of world-class attractions and events to visit and see. You can enjoy British cuisine at food fair, amuse the family at a top theme park or simply soak up British heritage at a historic castles. Wherever you go in Britain, you’ll find no end to the entertainment.
Capital and the largest city is London.
Official Language is English, but Walsh and Scottish Gaelic are also spoken.
Currency is Pound Sterling (GBP). |
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Population - 305,131,000 (est. 2008)
Area - 9,826,630 km sq or 3,794,066 sq mi
The United States of America - commonly referred to as the United States, the U.S., the U.S.A., or America. The country is situated mostly in central North America, where its forty-eight contiguous states and Washington D.C., the capital district lie between Pacific and Atlantic oceans, bordered by Canada and Mexico. Because of its large size and wide range of geographic features, nearly every type of climate is represented in the United States. Tropical in Hawaii and southern Florida, polar in Alaska, semi-arid in the Great Plains, desert in the Southwest, Mediterranean in coastal California and arid in the Great Basin. Extreme weather is not uncommon—the states bordering the Gulf of Mexico are prone to hurricanes, and most of the world's tornadoes occur within the continental United States, primarily in the Midwest's Tornado Alley.
The United States has fifty-eight national parks and hundreds of other federally managed parks, forests, and wilderness areas. Beautiful beaches are found on west coast (Pacific) as well on east cost (Atlantic). Hawaii are top destination for tourists all over the world.
The United States of America is made of 50 states and District of Columbia.
Washington D. C. is capitol, while New York City is largest city.
Currency is United States dollar (USD).
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