virtual tour

i've gone on a virtual educational vacation for the past few nights! if u're interested to join me, try the BBC country profiles section xD

i never knew so many countries exist before i went on the clicking spree.
Here are a few interesting ones:

Theres St Vincent and the Grenadines in S. America, where its citizens are called 'Vincentians'! Its a pity it suffers high unemployment rate. The govt has tried to reduce its reliance on banana exports after the European Union phased out preferential treatment to producers from former colonies. its really small, of only abt 389 sq km, and consists of a chain of islands.

Benin is located in Africa, otherwise known as a "slave coast". Its name came abt because captives were shipped off the coast of Benin, across the Atlantic, in the past. The Voodoo tradition originated from Benin too! it was brought along by the slaves to countries like america, thereby proliferating it to the rest of the world. The voodoo tradition was banned by Benin for a particular period of time, but it was later lifted, and they now celebrate voodoo day! its a cotton producer, but unfortunately, unfair trade deals and unfathomable weather has left the already impoverished country to be one of the poorest in the world.

Bhutan is located in the Southern part of Asia. It remained enclosed from the outside world for centuries! it is to the extent that Television did not arrive in Bhutan until 1999. For years, the country pursued a policy of isolation, fearing that outside influences would undermine its monarchy and culture. The 1st daily newspaper only just arrived in Bhutan in October this yr! (2008). To my surprise, the current monarch,Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck , is a graduate from Oxford University!

Heres a test: Which is the smallest independent state in the world?
It is Vatican! i honestly didnt know abt this. haha forgive my lack of GK. It is only 0.44 sq km and consists of mainly priests and nuns, and hence, population is only at 900 heads. Its main exports are Postage stamps, publications, tourist souvenirs! it is surrounded by Italian captial Rome.

okay. thats all for today. i'm off to my detective show! =D