Aruba’s Holidays And Traditions

Aruba is a culturally active island where a number of holidays and traditions are celebrated throughout the year. While many of Aruba’s holidays and traditions are influenced by the cultures of other countries, such as Holland, Venezuela, America, and other Caribbean islands, others are by and large homegrown. The following holidays and traditions add depth and excitement to the lives of Arubans and to the vacation experience of island guests who take part in these celebrations.

Bon Bini Festival at Fort Zoutman

Every Tuesday evening of the year, whether rain or shine, the Bon Bini Festival regales island guests with a unique folkloric celebration at Fort Zoutman in downtown Oranjestad. The quaint, open-air courtyard within the fort’s antiquated stone walls provides the perfect setting to enjoy traditional Antillean dance performances, listen to the sweet melody of steel pans, browse a small bazaar of local arts and crafts, and sample plenty of tasty local foods and refreshments.

Caha di Orgel

The caha di orgel (organ box) is a traditional musical instrument typically played during national holidays and the occasional wedding or birthday celebration. Each organ has two or three barrels pegged with metal pins that move strings attached to hammers to create a song when the barrel is cranked. On Aruba, the caha di orgel is endearingly referred to as the tingilingi box for the teeng-ee-leeng-ee sound that it makes.

Carnaval

Carnaval is the event of the year on the Aruban calendar. Beginning after the new year with the Torch Parade and ending at midnight on the eve of Ash Wednesday, Carnaval serves as a last hurrah before the abstinent period of Lent. The Carnaval schedule features a handful of parades characterized by colorful floats, extravagant costumes, and rolling sound trucks that fuel the dancing crowd with roadmarch songs. Jump-ups (street parties), impressive steelpan drum performances, a tumba contest, a calypso and roadmarch contest, and king and queen elections round out the Aruban Carnaval season.

Dande

Aubans celebrate New Year’s Day with a special tradition known as Dande. Groups made up of five to six people visit the homes of their families and friends, wishing these loved ones success and happiness in the coming year through song. A drum, tambu, wiri-wiri (very traditional Aruban musical instrument), and raspa produce the festive upbeat rhythm and contagious chorus of Dande songs.

Dera Gai

On June 24, Arubans observe Dera Gai , a folkloric festival celebrated on the Nativity of St. John the Baptist. Dera Gai is rife with both pagan and Catholic symbolism reflecting the influences of the Arawak natives and Spanish missionaries on the Island, respectively. Traditionally, blindfolded revelers, using a long pole, were given three tries to decapitate a rooster buried up to its head in the ground. Today, a more humane approach to the ritual involves trying to locate a flag staked into the ground while being blindfolded. Decked out in bright yellow-and-red costumes, folk groups perform harvest dances, and as in long-begone days, huge bonfires are burned all across the island to herald the arrival of Dera Gai.
Dera Gai Aruba - Bon Bini Festival at Fort Zoutman,

Dia Di Betico

This national holiday commemorates the birthday of G. F. “Betico” Croes, the charismatic political activist who engineered Aruba’s secession from the Netherlands Antilles, eventually occurring in 1986. Consequently, Aruba became a separate, autonomous member of the Kingdom of the Netherlands with the power to establish its own constitution, parliament, police force, currency, national anthem, and flag. On January 25, Arubans gather at Plaza Betico Croes to honor their “Father of the Nation” with a special flag ceremony, a culinary festival, a sale of local goods, and a cultural show featuring Aruban folk and Carnaval dances. An island-wide Harley Davidson bike tour and marathons held in Betico’s hometown, Santa Cruz, also mark the occasion.

Flag & Anthem Day

On March 18, 1948, the Aruban politician Shon A. Eman presented the first formal proposal for the self-determination of the Aruban people to Queen Juliana of the Netherlands. In 1976, twenty-eight years later to the day, political leader Betico Croes declared the first Flag & Anthem Day. This patriotic holiday is celebrated with a scout parade, a classic-car parade, sporting events, a folkloric performance at Plaza Betico Croes, and special cultural activities at museums in downtown Oranjestad. Arubans are especially proud of their beautiful anthem, “Aruba Dushi Tera,” a waltz composed by three of Aruba’s celebrated artists: Juan Chabaya “Padu” Lampe, Rufo Wever, and Hubert Booi.

Gaita

Arubans adopted this Venezuelan Christmas music and turned it into their own holiday tradition. Gaita bands—typically made up of a line of female singers accompanied by musicians playing the furucu, cuarta, bass, piano, tambu, raspa, timbal, and conga—perform from October through December at shopping malls, other island businesses, and private residences.

Pagara

On the days between Christmas and New Year’s Day, local businesses and residences fire up
pagaras —long strings of Chinese firecrackers—in order to ward off evil spirits for the coming year. The length of a pagara sometimes reflects a business’s success in the previous year, and some pagaras can last as long as half an hour once lit! The lighting of a pagara is no small deal; the event is scheduled days in advance so that as many onlookers as possible can attend.

King’s Day

On April 27, the Dutch Kingdom celebrates the official birthday and coronation of its beloved king, King Willem Alexander. On Aruba, this special day is filled with activities including official ceremonies, kite-flying competitions, sporting events, parades featuring national music, and other family activities, all of which encourage and reflect national unity and togetherness.

Sinterklaas

Sinterklaas is the Dutch equivalent of Santa Claus, and true to their Dutch roots, Arubans celebrate the tradition of this saint and his penchant for gift-giving. In mid-November, Arubans welcome Sinterklaas, his white horse, and his handful of helpers, called Zwarte Pieten, as they sail into Aruba’s harbor from Spain. On the days leading up to his feast day, December 6, Sinterklaas—with his long white beard, bishop’s robes, and golden staff—makes appearances at schools and stores all across the island; his ever-amusing Zwarte Pieten are always in tow, carrying sacks filled with treats for children. Most anticipated of all are the evenings leading up to and including the night of December 5, when Sinterklaas leaves chocolate letters and coins, gingerbread cookies, and small toys in the shoes of good Aruban boys and girls.

•culled from www.wheninaruba.com

Is Northern Ireland A Country?

Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, but its status as a country is not universally accepted.

The United Kingdom is made up of four countries:

Scotland, Wales, England, and Northern Ireland. However, these four countries are sometimes not recognized as true countries, as they do not have individual representatives in international organizations such as the United Nations . While England, Wales, and Scotland have been independent countries in the past, Northern Ireland has never been a sovereign country. No legal definition explicitly states whether North Ireland is a state, country, or province. Furthermore, the list of countries provided by the International Organization for Standardization does not recognize Northern Ireland as a country.

Definition of a Country

The basic definition of a country is a distinct political entity and a sovereign state. The International Organization for Standardization is the body that is tasked with determining the number of internationally-accepted countries in the world. There are about 206 sovereign countries in the world, 193 of which are members of the United Nations. Northern Ireland is not among these internationally-accepted countries and is instead considered as a province of the United Kingdom.

Description

Northern Ireland is the smallest of the four countries that make up the United Kingdom, with an area of 5,460 square miles. The population is estimated at over 1.876 million people, which translates to a population density of 344.5 persons per square mile.

Belfast is Northern Ireland’s most populous city, as well as its capital. Northern Ireland was established after the division of the island of Ireland in 1921, as defined by the 1920 Government of Ireland Act. The act directed the island of Ireland to be partitioned into Northern and Southern Ireland, although Southern Ireland would later become known as the Republic of Ireland. Residents of Northern Ireland have divergent views on their identity, with studies showing that the majority of them identify themselves as either British or Irish (37% and 29% of the population, respectively).

Government Structure

Northern Ireland is governed under a consociational devolved legislature, which is under the unitary constitutional monarchy of the United Kingdom. The Northern Ireland Assembly is the legislative body in Northern Ireland and works within the confines of Northern Ireland Law. The use of Northern Ireland Law is exclusive to Northern Ireland since it has a separate legal judicial system from the other countries in the United Kingdom. The functions of the legislative assembly are restricted to devolved policy issues, while national matters are handled by the British Government. The Northern Ireland Executive holds the executive arm of the government. Unlike the other countries that make up the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland does not have an international flag. The former flag, the Ulster Banner, is no longer used in Northern Ireland but has limited use in certain sporting events.

International Sport Competitions

Northern Ireland is recognized as a separate entity in international competitions. An example is the Olympic Games, in which Northern Ireland participates independently and together with Great Britain. Northern Ireland also has an independent national football team that participates in international football competitions. However, Northern Ireland participates in international cricket and rugby tournaments as an All-Ireland team together with the Republic of Ireland.

By Benjamin Elisha Sawe

•culled from www.worldatlas.com

What Are The Differences Between Northern Ireland And The Republic Of Ireland?

Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland share the island of Ireland.

READ MORE ABOUT

Ireland

Ireland is an island situated in the British Isles. The island is politically divided into two distinct regions;

Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland . The political dichotomy of the island was done in the early 20th century in what was known as the partitioning of Ireland. Northern Ireland, England, Wales, and Scotland are countries that form the UK, officially known as the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Despite Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland sharing much of their history, the two countries are quite different. As an example, speed limits in the Republic of Ireland are indicated in kilometers per hour while those in Northern Ireland are indicated in miles per hour. The differences between the two parts of Ireland go beyond speed limits, with Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland differing in culture, economy, geography, and governance.

Demographics

An estimated 1.8 million people reside in Northern Ireland, most of whom live in the country’s urban centers. The Republic of Ireland is home to over 4.8 million people which translates to a population density of 179 persons per square mile, compared to Northern Ireland’s 344 persons per square mile. Most of the Republic of Ireland’s inhabitants reside in the nation’s capital, Dublin. Northern Ireland’s largest city is Belfast which is also its capital while Dublin is the Republic of Ireland’s capital city. Dublin is also the island’s most-populous city as it is home to about 1.8 million people, nearly as many people are the entire population of Northern Ireland. English is the most popular language in both countries and it is the official language in the Republic of Ireland (there is no official language in Northern Ireland). The Polish language has more speakers in the Republic of Ireland than the Irish language, something that is attributed to increased immigration of Polish people to the Republic of Ireland. Irish is on a decline in Northern Ireland where less than 4% of the population has proficient knowledge of the language.

Geography

The Republic of Ireland is larger than its northern neighbor, covering an area of 27,133 square miles. In comparison, Northern Ireland occupies an area of 5,460 square miles. The island’s largest lake , Lough Neagh, which covers an area of 151 square miles is situated in Northern Ireland. The lake is also recognized as the largest lake in the British Isles. The two countries have a long land border separating them. The border was heavily patrolled in the late 20th century when Northern Ireland experienced violent internal conflict.

Religion

Freedom of religion is provided for by law in both countries. Christianity is the island’s largest religion, having more followers than any other religion in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. The largest Christian denomination in Northern Ireland is Protestant Christianity where over 41.5% of the population identify themselves as Protestants. In contrast, only 4.2% of the Republic of Ireland’s population are Protestants. The Roman Catholic Church is the Republic of Ireland’s largest Christian denomination with more than 78% of residents identifying themselves as Roman Catholic. Religion plays a critical role in many facets of the island’s culture and politics.

Economy

The Euro is used in the Republic of Ireland as the
country’s official currency , after adopting the currency in 2002. The country is rich in fossil fuels, having some of the largest oil and natural gas deposits in Europe. The Republic has also invested heavily in renewable energy and has set up wind power stations with the capacity of producing 3000 MW for domestic use as well as for export. Northern Ireland uses the Sterling Pound as its official currency. The service industry is the primary economic driver in Northern Ireland, accounting for about 70% of the country’s revenue. Dublin Airport in the Republic of Ireland is the largest and busiest airports in the country . Unlike Northern Ireland, which does not have a national carrier, the Republic of Ireland has Aer Lingus as its flag carrier.

Demonym

The demonym associated with people who reside in the Republic of Ireland is Irish. On the other hand, residents of Northern Ireland have divergent preferences on their desired demonym. Most Catholics in Northern Ireland prefer being identified as Irish while the majority of Protestants in the country regard themselves as British.

International Relations

Since Northern Ireland is not recognized as a sovereign state, it does not have any international relations of its own, but instead, it is part of the United Kingdom. The country has no representative in major global organizations such as the United Nations . In contrast, the Republic of Ireland is recognized as a sovereign country and an important partner in Europe’s geopolitics and the world in general. The Republic is a member of the United Nations, after gaining membership into the international organization in 1955. The Republic of Ireland has deeply-entrenched ties with the neighboring United Kingdom which is also its major trading partner. Despite being close to the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland has practiced military neutrality during international conflicts. However, the country did participate indirectly in the Second World War by sending 50,000 people to be enlisted as part of the British Army.

In major international sporting events such as the Olympics, Northern Ireland can choose to participate under the United Kingdom (also known as Team Britain) or as Ireland. Northern Ireland has also participated in some competitions as a separate entity including the 1982 and 1986 editions of the World Cup. As a sovereign state, the Republic of Ireland can participate in all major sporting competitions and has had athletes representing it in the Olympic Games and the FIFA World Cup among other major sporting events.

Governance

Another area where the two countries differ is in governance. Northern Ireland is recognized as a devolved government under a constitutional monarchy and is, therefore, headed by the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. In contrast, the Republic of Ireland is a parliamentary constitutional republic with its own head of state and government.

The Partitioning of Ireland

The Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland came into existence in 1921 after Ireland was politically divided into the two distinct regions. The partitioning was done in line with the 1920 Government of Ireland Act which was provided under the Anglo-Irish Treaty. The treaty was signed in the aftermath of the Anglo-Irish War of the early 20th Century.

By Benjamin Elisha Sawe

•culled from www.worldatlas.com

The Culture Of Ireland

The Irish cuisine reflects the style of cooking that was developed by the Irish people over a period of centuries of political and social change.

READ MORE ABOUT

Ireland

The island of Ireland in the North Atlantic is politically divided between Northern Ireland (part of the United Kingdom) and the Republic of Ireland , a sovereign nation. Despite the political differences, the people of the island are called Irish and have their own Irish culture. As of 2011, Ireland had a population of about 6.6 million with 4.8 million residing in the Republic of Ireland and the rest in Northern Ireland. Learn more about culture of the Republic of Ireland and its similarities with its northern neighbors.

6. Ethnicity, Language, and Religion in Ireland

82.2% of the population of Ireland comprises the ethnic Irish. People from other white, Asian, and black ethnic backgrounds represent 9.5%, 2.1%, and 1.4% of the population, respectively. Both English and Irish are the official languages of the country. English is spoken throughout the island while Irish is spoken by around 39.8% of the population, especially by people living along the western coast of the country. Christianity is the religion of the vast majority of the Irish population. 78.3% of the population comprises of Roman Catholics. Adherents of the Church of Ireland represent 2.7% of the population. Orthodox Christians and Muslims both represent around 1.3% of the population. A significant section of the Irish population of around 9.8% does not claim affiliation to any religion.

Although the Irish are predominantly Christians, both Pagan customs and Christian traditions influence the Irish festival calendar. Christmas is celebrated with many local traditions not observed in other parts of the world. Saint Patrick's Day, the Irish national holiday, is celebrated with parades and festivals in all major cities and towns in Ireland. The Brigid's Day, although is not linked to Christianity, is another religious observance of the Irish people.

5. Cuisine of Ireland

Irish cuisine reflects the style of cooking that was developed by the Irish people over a period of centuries of political and social change. The crops that are grown and the animals reared in Ireland’s temperate climate have heavily determined the types of food consumed by the Irish people. English cuisine also had a significant impact on Irish cuisine. Potato is often regarded as the staple of the cuisine. Potatoes are used in a wide variety of Irish dishes. Some of the traditional and most popular Irish dishes include cabbage and bacon with potatoes, Irish stew (a meat stew made with goat or lamb meat), colcannon (mashed potato, cabbage, and butter), potato pancake, etc.

Irish Whiskey, known as the water of life, and beer have long histories in Ireland. Whiskey distilleries and beer breweries are found throughout the country. Guinness, the world's largest stout brewery, is based in Dublin, Ireland. Smithwick's, Harp, and Murphy's are other popular beer breweries based in the country while Jameson Irish Whiskey is one of the most well known Irish Whiskeys.

4. Literature and the Arts in Ireland

Despite its small size, Ireland has made massive contributions to the world of literature. Bram Stoker, Jonathan Swift, Oscar Wilde, and James Joyce are all globally renowned Irish writers. Ireland has also produced four Nobel laureates in the field of literature including the legendary poet William Butler Yeats and playwright George Bernard Shaw. Ireland also has a rich heritage of oral literature. Leprechaun, the mischievous fairy type creature, is an important figure of Irish folklore. The Irish literature is the third oldest literature in the European continent.

Like literature, Ireland has a great wealth of art and craft. The earliest forms of art from the country dates to the Bronze age. A strong indigenous tradition of painting developed in Ireland in the 19th and 20th centuries.

3. Performing Arts in Ireland

Ireland has a thriving scene of folk, classical, and contemporary music. The Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is an Irish folk music festival held every year in Ireland to promote Irish folk music. Traditional Irish folk elements are often incorporated in the other genres of music prevalent in the country. U2, The Undertones, Snow Patrol, etc., are some famous Irish bands of modern times. Rock, jazz, rock and roll, pop, and other contemporary music styles are popular among Irish youth.

A number of traditional dance forms have also originated from Ireland. They include both solo and group dancing performances. English country dancing and French quadrilles have significantly influenced Irish dance forms. The Sean-nós dance, Irish céilí dances, Irish set dancing, and festival Irish dance are some of the island's traditional dance forms.

2. Sports in Ireland

Irish people play a wide variety of sports. The most popular spectator sports played in the country include Gaelic football, rugby union, hockey, hurling, and soccer. The All-Ireland Football Final is the most watched spectator sports event in Ireland. Games with the highest number of participants include cycling, aerobics, swimming, Gaelic football, and snooker or billiards. The Irish national football team has performed well at the 1990 FIFA World Cup. While some sports in Ireland like Gaelic football and hurling have teams representing the island of Ireland, others like soccer have two separate organizing bodies representing the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

1. Life in the Irish Society

Despite Ireland being progressive in many respects, gender bias still remains an issue in the country. While the law of the country promotes gender equality in the workplace, gender-based inequities in pay continue to create trouble. Feminism is also growing throughout Ireland but still must overcome the obstacles put forth by traditionalists.

Marriages in Ireland are based on romantic relationships and are seldom arranged. Monogamous marriages are the norm and sanctioned by the state and the churches. Since 1995, divorce has been made legal in Ireland. Over the years, the rate of marriage has continued to decrease and the average age of marriage has continued to increase as in the case of neighboring Western cultures.

Most households are nuclear in nature. All children have legal rights to inheritance. In rural areas, however, sons are often the preferred inheritors of land and farm. Extended families continue to play a significant role in the lives of Irish people. Great emphasis is paid on education resulting in high literacy levels in Ireland.

Pub culture is prevalent in Irish society and pervades across all cultural divides. Most Irish frequent pubs or bars. Pubs are not just for drinking but also important meeting and socializing places. The traditional Irish pub is known for its relaxed atmosphere, tavern-like warmness, and traditional Irish music.

By Oishimaya Sen Nag

•culled from www.worldatlas.com

Ethnic Groups In The Netherlands

Almost 4 in every 5 residents are ethnic Dutch, with sizable minorities of Germans, Turks, Moroccans, and others also having a visible presence in the country.

The Netherlands is a small densely populated country located in Western Europe. It covers an area of 16,033 square miles with a population of approximately 17 million and borders Germany, Belgium, and the North Sea. Amsterdam is the country’s capital and one of the largest cities. The king is the head of state although he has limited powers while the prime minister is the head of government. Dutch is the country’s official and national language but other ethnic tribes like Frisian and English are used. The people of Netherlands are divided into several ethnic groups, but the Native Dutch are dominant.
Ethnic Groups In The Netherlands

Dutch

The Dutch are occasionally referred to as Netherlanders native to Netherlands. They share a common culture and language, the Dutch. In the thirteenth century, Netherlands was organized into a single administrative unit by its colonizers. But between the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, the northern part of the country gained its independence from Spain and became the Dutch Republic. The country grew, and urbanization increased at an early stage of their existence, this left a legacy. The Dutch are also the pioneers of the capitalist mode of economics and various traditional styles as well as architecture. The Dutch are predominantly Christians with also a high percentage of other forms of religion like atheism. They are the largest population in Netherlands making up to 78.3% of the entire population.

Germans

Germans invaded the Netherlands at the beginning of the Second World War in 1940 at the decree of Adolf Hitler. After the bombing of Rotterdam, the Dutch forces surrendered, and the royal family escaped the country into London. The country was occupied by the Germans who continued to oppress the native residents of the country. In 1944 more than half the country was liberated and in 1945 the entire country was liberated when the German forces surrendered entirely but continued to occupy the country and manage it. They make up 2.4% of the total population.

Turks

The Turks in Netherlands are the native Turks living in the Netherlands making up to 2.3% of the entire Netherlands population. Due to the high immigration in the 1950s, Netherlands faced a problem with a shortage of labor, and there were high unemployment rates in Turkey. Labor had to be imported, and this solved problems in both countries. After some period, a recruitment agreement was signed by both countries.

Moroccan

The Moroccan-Dutch are the immigrants from Morocco to the Netherlands. They are one of the larger immigrants in Netherlands just like the Turks. They came from the Netherlands colony, Morocco, during the treaty agreement signed between the countries. Most workers arrived in the country due to the bilateral treaty that was implemented and at the end of the treaty they did not go back to their original country.

Other Ethnic Groups Of Netherlands

Indonesians in Netherlands have both the Dutch and Indonesian descent ,and form up to 2.1% of the entire population. The Surinamese people in Netherlands came from the Suriname, a former kingdom of the Netherlands. They constitute 2% of the entire countries population. Antillean, Aruban, or the Dutch Caribbean are the immigrants from the Dutch Empire and the Kingdom of Netherlands constituting up to 0.8% of the population. Several other minority groups in the country sum up to 9.9% of the country’s population.

Ethnic Groups In The Netherlands

Rank Ethnic Group Share of Population in the Netherlands

1 Dutch 78.3%
2 German 2.4%
3 Turks 2.3%
4 Moroccans 2.2%
5 Indonesian 2.1%
6 Surinamese 2.0%
7 Antillean, Aruban, or Dutch Caribbean 0.8%
Other Ethnic Groups 9.9%

By Kenneth Kimutai too

•culled from www.worldatlas.com

Biggest Cities In The Netherlands

Amsterdam and Rotterdam are the largest cities in the Netherlands.

The Netherlands is a constituent, and the main, country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The country is located in the Western Europe, and it is bordered by German, Belgium, and the North Sea.
Netherlands is one of the countries with the high rate of urbanization in Europe and the world with over 75% of the population living in urban areas. The country has some of the biggest and important cities in Europe. The Dutch cities are important financial, commercial, administrative, political, traditional, and cultural centers. The cities give insight into the level of the development and the expected future trends in Netherlands. The biggest cities in the Netherlands are looked at below.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the capital city of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and the most populous municipality in the country. The metropolitan area of Amsterdam has a population of 2,431,000 with the urban areas having a population of 1.3 million people. Amsterdam is found in the province of North Holland in the western part of the country. Amsterdam, as the name suggests, originated from a dam of River Amstel. It began as a fishing village but became an important port in the 17 th Century during the Dutch Golden Age. Amsterdam is the commercial and cultural capital of Netherlands and a top financial center in Europe. The city also has the oldest stock exchange in the world. Some of the Amsterdam attractions include Ann Frank House, Amsterdam Museum, historic canals, and its red-light district among other attractions.

Rotterdam

Rotterdam is located in the South Holland region of the Netherlands. Its history can be traced back to 1270 when people constructed a dam for safety on the Rotte River. The city was given the city rights in 1340 by the Count of Holland. Rotterdam developed into a major economic and logistics center. The city currently hosts the largest port in the whole of Europe. With a population of 1,181,284, Rotterdam is the second largest city in Netherlands. Rotterdam is famous for the vibrant cultural life, the maritime heritage, and the Erasmus University. The city also has some of the world’s famous architecture. The strategic location of the city has facilitated its success in the area of logistics.

The Hague

The Hague is found along the western coast of the Netherlands. The city is the third biggest in the Netherlands with a population of 1,054,793. The Hague is the headquarters for the Dutch government, the Supreme Court, the Parliament, and the Council of State. The city is also home to most foreign embassies and international organizations including the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice. The Hague was established in 1230 when the ruler of the Holy Roman Empire, William II, began building a palace named Binnenhof there. By the 16 th Century, The Hague had become the seat of the government of Dutch republic. After the separation of the Belgium and the Netherlands in 1830, Amsterdam became the capital of the Netherlands while The Hague remained the seat of the government.

Utrecht

The Dutch city of Utrecht is the most populous city in the Utrecht Province. The city is in the eastern corner of the Randstad and has a population of 656,342. Some of the buildings in Utrecht date back to High Middle Ages. The city has been the Netherlands' religious center since the 8th Century. Utrecht City has an important transport system, cultural events, and hosts the Utrecht University. Utrecht was the most significant cultural city in the Netherlands until the Dutch Golden Age when it was overtaken by Amsterdam.

Biggest Cities In The Netherlands

Rank Biggest Cities in the Netherlands Metropolitan Area Population

1 Amsterdam 2,431,000
2 Rotterdam 1,181,284
3 The Hague 1,054,793
4 Utrecht 656,342
5 Eindhoven 419,045
6 Groningen 360,748
7 Breda 324,812
8 Tilburg 300,249
9 Nijmegen 287,517
10 Almere 196,290

By John Misachi

•culled from www.worldatlas.com

The Culture Of The Netherlands

The explorative nature of the Dutch people and regional differences of the nation have helped enrich the nation’s culture.

The northwestern European nation of the
Netherlands has a long and interesting history that has shaped its diverse culture. The explorative nature of the Dutch people and regional differences of the nation have also helped enrich its culture.

Ethnicity, Language, and Religion in the Netherlands

The Netherlands has a population of around 17,151,228 individuals. The Dutch constitute 76.0% of the population. Dutch is the country's official and most widely spoken language. Frisian is the official language in the country’s Fryslan province. 23.4% of the population practices Roman Catholicism. Protestant Christians account for 14.9% of the population. Islam is the religion of 5.1% of the population. A large section of the Dutch people (50.7%) do not adhere to any religion.
The Sinterklaas (a figure based on Saint Nicholas, a patron saint of children) is a prime traditional festivity of the Netherlands. It is celebrated every year on December 5. The festivities include feasting and the exchange of gifts. Another Dutch tradition is that of serving beschuit met muisjes (a type of Dutch biscuit) to people who visit a mother and her new-born baby. The Dutch also celebrate Saint Martin's day on November 11. On this day, children go from door to door with candles and paper lanterns and sing songs in exchange for treats.
Dutch Cuisine
The cuisine of the Netherlands is influenced by its location in the fertile North Sea river delta. Thus, fishing, farming, and overseas trading has shaped the Dutch cuisine. The traditional cuisine of the country can be described as simple or “rustic” with little dependence on meat and the use of a variety of vegetables. Bread with cheese was typically consumed for breakfast and lunch. Meat, seasonal vegetables, and potatoes featured in the dinner. Today, the Dutch cuisine has gathered many refinements and is more cosmopolitan in nature. International cuisines are available in all the major cities of the Netherlands. Dutch cheeses and Dutch pastry are renowned.

Literature, Art, and Craft in the Netherlands

Until the end of the 11th century, there was hardly any Dutch literature in the written form. It was all in the oral form, mainly as poetry, folktales and legends. Dutch written literature developed from the 12th century onwards. In the initial stages, published literary works were mainly in the form of romantic stories or biographies of the noblemen. Later, literature with a middle-class tone was written. Dutch religious literature also developed in parallel. The Dutch scholar Desiderius Erasmus Roterodamus was one of the greatest writers of the northern Renaissance. Political literature began to be written in the 18th and 19th centuries. Eduard Douwes Dekker was a renowned Dutch writer of this time. He is most famous for a satirical novel that denounced the abuses of colonialism in the Dutch East Indies. Today, the Dutch literary works cover many genres.

Dutch art has been praised across the world and the country has produced some of the world’s best artists and painters. Dutch Golden Age painting dominates the history of Dutch art. It developed during the 17th century and influenced the whole of Europe. Van Gogh (a Dutch Post-Impressionist painter) and Rembrandt (a Dutch painter and printmaker) are two of the world’s most renowned figures in the world of art. Today, the works of these great artists can be viewed in the many museums and art galleries across the country.

Performance Arts in the Netherlands

The country has multiple music traditions that range from ballet to classical and folk. The traditional musical genre of the country is called levenslied and involves songs with a simple rhythm and melody that are based on light but sentimental themes. The barrel organ and the accordion are used to play the levenslied music. Contemporary Dutch rock and pop music are also quite popular in the country. Some of the world’s best electronic dance music DJ’s are from the Netherlands. The Amsterdam dance event is one of the globe’s biggest dance festivals celebrating electronic music. The Dutch also have their own distinct cabaret version. The Dutch film industry is also doing very well.

Sports in the Netherlands

The Dutch play a number of sports. Nearly 4.5 million people in the country are registered to one of the thousands of sports clubs existing there. Football is the most popular sport in the Netherlands. The other popular sports include volleyball, field hockey, golf, gymnastics, tennis, etc. A number of native sports have also managed to survive the test of times. These include fierljeppen, klootschieten, korfball, kolven, etc. Athletes from the Netherlands have won numerous medals in both the Summer and the Winter Olympic Games.

Life in the Dutch Society

Although the law of the Netherlands grants equal freedoms and rights to both men and women, gender-based inequalities are still quite prominent in Dutch society. The situation can be explained by going back in time to the World War era. Since the Netherlands did not directly participate in World War I, it did not experience a massive loss of men to the war. In other countries like England, women adopted the role of men in the domestic sphere during the World Wars while the men engaged in fighting. However, such a requirement was not felt in the Netherlands. Thus, the women in the country took more time to enter the workforce than those in other Western European countries.

Marriages in the Netherlands are most often based on romantic relationships. The choice of a partner is, however, usually class-based. Cohabitation prior to marriage is common. Same-sex marriages are also recognized by Dutch law.

Most households in the country are nuclear in nature but single-parent households are also rising in numbers. Although traditionally men held the principal authority in the household, the trend is shifting towards the equality of marriage partners. The average family in the country has one or two children. In families where both parents work, small children are often kept in a day-care facility till their parents are back. Corporal punishment is discouraged by Dutch society. Education is valued and the Dutch children are known to be successful students.

By Oishimaya Sen Nag

•culled from www.worldatlas.com

Folk music of Antigua and Barbuda

During the era of the French colonial rule, Africa slaves were banned from celebrating in Carnival which continued so long, secretly at the home. The Afro-Caribbean style of drumming, dance and song known as Benna developed. After then, the Antiguan and Barbudan folk music became more subjugated by Trinidadian calypso and steel pan.

The most forms of the modern Antiguan and Barbudan music are not from the island, and they are imported from France, the United Kingdom, United States, Jamica and Trinidad. The colonial dance styles like the highland and the fling and quadrille remain popular in African way. Because of the loss of the Antiguan traditions which was credited by lack French colonial past (French islands of the Lesser Antilles recall much African derived music and dance), the effect of the powerful Codrington family, a relatively combine African ethnic identity, also the lack of African settlement after their top of slavery importation and the British military presence at Shirley Heights and a modern history of unstable economy and government.

During the old time of Christmas festival was culturally important in celebration, which substituted in 1957 by a Trinidadian in spired carnival. The then Antiguan Christmas festival includes many elements that have been accepted into the modern carnival.

The Christmas festival traditions comprise the music and dance, a special thing that is related to masquerades and iron bands. The dancers wear banana leaves and animal horns that took part in the John Bull, while carolers paraded with long poles covered in laterns, known as the carol trees, song followed by the concertina. Stilt dancers in robes, called the Moko jumbie, Jumpa-Ben or long Ghosts, which is also common and were accompanied by kettle and bass drums, fife, triangle (cling-a-ching) and the boompipe made from the plumbing joint one meter long.
Benna (or bennah) is an exciting Antiguan folk music was introduced by the following ban of slavery. Songs are usually focused on the shocking and coarse rumours and gossip, and were in a call and response form with a leader and the audience.

•culled from www.culturetrip.com

What is the Main Religion in Macedonia?

Christianity is the religion of the majority in Macedonia.

The Southeast European country of Macedonia is located on the Balkan Peninsula . The country has a population of around 2.1 million people. Ethnic Macedonians are the largest ethnic group in the country and account for 64.2% of the country’s population. Albanians, Turks, Romanis, Serbs, and others comprise 25.2%, 3.9%, 2.7%, 1.8%, and 2.2% of Macedonia’s population, respectively.

Christianity is the religion of the majority in Macedonia. The Macedonian Orthodox Church is the predominant Christian denomination in the country with 64.8% of the total population of Macedonia adhering to this religion. Followers of other Christian denominations account for only 0.4% of the country’s population. Macedonia also has a large Muslim population with 33.3% of the people of the country adhering to Islam.

The Largest Religion In Macedonia

Eastern Orthodoxy, the most popular religion in Macedonia, has a long history in the country. The Archbishopric of Ohrid was established in Macedonia in 1019. Eastern Orthodoxy spread fast among the people of the region and continued to flourish during the rule of several empires. However, the Archbishopric of Ohrid was abolished in 1767 by the Sultan’s decree. Great efforts were made in the next two centuries to reinstate the Archbishopric. In 1959, the Macedonian Orthodox Church was established as an autonomous body of the Serbian Orthodox Church and the Archbishopric was restored. In 1967, the Macedonian Orthodox Church became an autocephalous institution.

The Influence Of Islam In Macedonia

The Ottoman invasions of Macedonia in the 14th and 15th centuries helped popularise Islam in the country. Many Turks settled in the region during this time and brought their Islamic culture to the country. Muslims populated most of the cities in Macedonia by the 19th century. Today, the vast majority of the country’s Muslims adhere to Sunni Islam of the Hanafi school of thought. Majority of Macedonia’s Muslims are from the ethnic Albanian community. The rest include Turks, Romanis, Bosniaks, and a small percentage of ethnic Macedonians as well.

Judaism In Macedonia

Although Macedonia only has about 200 Jews at present with most of them living in the capital of Skopje, this was not so in the past. Macedonia was home to a significant Jewish population for a long time in its history. Jews had been living here in the 2nd century AD under the Roman rule. Their population declined during the Crusades but rose again with the immigration of Sephardic Jews during the Ottoman rule. The Jewish population of Macedonia faced a great decimation during the Second World War when the Jews were sent off to the concentration camps. Since then, the Jewish population in the country has remained low.

Religious Beliefs In Macedonia

Rank Religion Population (%)

1 Christianity 64.8
2 Islam 33.3
3 Other 1.8
4 Other Christian 0.4

By Oishimaya Sen Nag

•culled from www.worldatlas.com

The Biggest Cities In Macedonia

Skopje is Macedonia's biggest city and also the country's cultural, political, economic, and educational center.

Macedonia is a Southeast European nation located in the Balkan Peninsula . It is a successor state of former Yugoslavia and attained independence in 1991. In 1993, Macedonia became a member state of the UN. Due to a name dispute with Greece, Macedonia is often referred to as the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia or FYROM.
Macedonia shares its borders with Kosovo, Serbia, Bulgaria, Greece, and Albania. Skopje is the largest city in Macedonia as well as the capital of the country. Here, we discuss the biggest cities of the country and important facts related to these cities.

The Five Biggest Cities In Macedonia

Skopje

The biggest city in Macedonia is Skopje which is also the country’s capital city. The region in and around the city has been inhabited since 4000 BC, and Neolithic artifacts have been discovered at some historical sites in the city. Through history, the city, formerly known as Skupi was annexed and occupied by various empires like the Roman, Byzantine, Bulgarian, Serbian, and Ottoman empires. In 1991, the city became the capital of the independent Republic of Macedonia. Skopje is based on the Vardar River’s upper course and is on a major trade route between Athens and Belgrade. The main industries active in this Macedonian city are chemical, timber, leather, printing, metal-processing, and textiles.

Bitola

Bitola is a Macedonian city based in the Pelagonia Valley surrounded by mountain ranges in the southwestern part of the country. Bitola is located at a strategic junction where the Adriatic Sea region connects to Central Europe and the Aegean Sea. It is one of the major cultural, commercial, and educational hubs of the country. Since the Ottoman period, Bitola has served as the seat of consulates of many European nations and hence has also been nicknamed as "the city of the consuls.” Thus, it is a historically important city and one of the oldest in the country.

Kumanovo

Kumanovo is the seat of the Kumanovo Municipality, the country’s biggest municipality. The city is located in Macedonia’s northeastern part near the capital city of Skopje. The city lies 1,115 feet above sea level and is surrounded by mountains. Kumanovo is a significant economic, cultural, and trading center in Macedonia. It has a well-developed textile, footwear, and tobacco industry. Four companies from this city featured in the 2013 list of Macedonia’s highest revenue-earning companies.

Prilep

Prilep is Macedonia’s fifth biggest city and is nicknamed as "the city under Marko's Towers” due to the nearness of the city to the Prince Marko towers. Prilep has a well developed industrial sector and is best known for its tobacco and cigarette industry. Prilep’s tobacco is used by some of the world’s best cigarette-making companies like Marlboro, Camel, and West to manufacture cigarettes. Other important industries active here include timber, textiles, food, and electronics. A variety of pure white marble, the Macedonian Bianco Sivec, is also produced here. The biggest section of the city’s population is of Macedonian origin while Romanis, Serbs, and Turks also live here.

Tetovo

Located on the foothills of the Šar Mountain, Tetovo is the fifth biggest city in Macedonia. The city covers an area of 1,080 square km and is divided by the Pena River. Tetovo has a long and rich history and has housed multiple ethnic groups since ages. Presently, the city serves as the unofficial capital of a predominantly ethnic Albanian region. Nearly one-third of Tetovo’s population are ethnic Macedonians. The State University of Tetovo is located in the city.

Which Are The Biggest Cities In Macedonia?

Rank City Population

1 Skopje 467,257
2 Bitola 74,550
3 Kumanovo 70,842
4 Prilep 66,246
5 Tetovo 52,915
6 Veles 43,716
7 Stip 43,652
8 Ohrid 42,033
9 Gostivar 35,847
10 Strumica 35,311

By Oishimaya Sen Nag

•culled from www.worldatlas.com

The Macedonian People - Cultures of the World

The Macedonian People are native residents of the region of Macedonia which in now known as the Republic of Macedonia.

The Macedonian people are a Slavic ethnic group. They are native residents of the region of Macedonia which in its modern form is known as the Republic of Macedonia. The population of Macedonian people is estimated to be between 2 to 2.2 million with nearly two-thirds of them living in the Republic of Macedonia. The rest live in small communities in several countries mostly around Macedonia.

Description:

Macedonia is a landlocked country in Balkan region of south-east Europe. The modern Republic of Macedonia shares its borders with Greece, Albania, Bulgaria and Serbia. The Macedonian state was established in 1944 despite their claims to nationhood going largely ignored as the World War II was going on in full swing. The history of the region dates back to the medieval times though. The earliest evidence is provided by Byzantine documents which indicate the Slavs of Macedonia as a unique group of peoples. Macedonia is also the only country that gained independence from Yugoslavia in 1991 without any form of bloodshed.

Architecture:

Macedonia has a major urban center in Skopje which is a metropolitan city. A quarter of people reside in this city which derives its architectural influences from the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Almost all houses have a balcony as a mandatory feature of the house while a central courtyard is also a common feature in the apartment buildings with most single rooms opening in the same central courtyard. Most of the affluent neighbourhoods have double or triple storey units with a first or second floor extended into the strArchitecture:e:

The Balkan cuisine is influenced by Greek and Turkish foods. Many of the fresh produce is locally grown and harvested. Vegetables, fruits and herbs are all readily available as the warm weather supports agriculture and provides excellent conditions for farming. Macedonian food is famous for its dairy products, wines and local varieties of alcoholic beverages. The national dish of Macedonia is considered to be Tavče Gravče which is made of fresh beans. The national drink is called mastika, which is a liqueur containing almost 43% alcohol.

Cultural Significance:

The Macedonian language belongs to a group of South Slavic Languages. The language and its roots are preserved as continual efforts continue to be directed in this area. Macedonian was first codified in 1940s only - it’s a fairly new standardized language. It is commonly spoken all over the country as it also serves as the official language. The written script bears close resemblance to Cyrillic script.

Threats:

Past threats to the culture have included organized attacks in some cities. Macedonian people, or a small group of them, participated in World War II in some battles in 1943 which eventually led to the formation of the state. However, they formally gained independence only in 1991 after which the efforts were redirected to the quick inclusion in the European Union for the benefit of the economy.

Finally, the state is claimed by both Greece and Bulgaria to be rightfully theirs although there hasn’t been active political unrest in recent times stemming from this. Macedonian people are generally the most welcoming in the Balkan states and tourists often return with fond memories and a desire to return again due to the amazingly hospitable nature.

•By Bilal Aftab Usman

•Culled from www.worldatlas.com

What Is The Ethnic Composition Of Luxembourg?

Luxembourger is the largest ethnic group in Luxembourg.

READ MORE ABOUT

Demographics

Luxembourg is a small Western European landlocked state that is surrounded by France, Germany, and Belgium. It is one of the smallest countries in Europe. Luxembourg City, the capital city of Luxembourg, is one of the official capitals of the EU, together with Frankfurt, Brussels, and Strasbourg.

Luxembourg’s population was estimated to be over 537,039 people by January 1, 2013. 44.5% of the residents were born out of the country, while 55.5% were Luxembourgers. The country’s population grew by 17.5% from 2011 (512,353 people) to 2018 (602,005 people). Luxembourg is one of the least populous states in Europe, but it has one of the highest growth rates in the continent. Over 16.74% of the residents are below the age of 14, while 11.95 are over 65 years old. Over 44.18% of the population is between 25 years and 54 years old. Luxembourg had a birth rate of about 11.6 births per a thousand people and a death rate of about 7.3 deaths per 1,000 people in 2018.
The Ethnic Composition Of Luxembourg
Luxembourger is the largest ethnic group in the country followed by Portuguese (15.7%), Italian (3.6%), French (7.5%), and Belgian (3.3%) among others. Over 6.4% of the residents were from other EU nations, while 6.1% were from other non-EU states.

Luxembourgers

The leading ethnic group in Luxembourg, which accounts for over 51.1% of the population is the Luxembourger. Luxembourgers are a Suebian community commonly known as the Germanic people who are indigenous to Luxembourg. Legally, all Luxembourg citizens are known as Luxembourgers as per the country’s law. A considerable percentage of ethnic Luxembourgers reside in Luxembourg, and they are of Germanic and Gallo-Roman origin.
Other than German and French, most Luxembourgers speak Luxembourgish as their indigenous language. Despite the small population of Luxembourgers on the planet, there is a considerable diaspora in Germany, France, and Belgium. There is a significant number of Luxembourgers in the American continents with the highest population being in the US. However, many individuals of Luxembourgish descent reside in Brazil and Canada. Many people migrated to Hungary in the twelfth century during the first phase of the German-eastward settlement.

Language

The linguistic situation in the country is characterized by the presence of a native language (Luxembourgish) and a mixture of two other languages that are spoken in the neighboring nations. The three official languages are Luxembourgish, German, and French. Even though Luxembourgish is one of the High German languages, over 50,000 Luxembourgish words originated from French. Everybody in Luxembourg can address the administration in any of the three languages and get answered in the same language.

French is the only language of justice, administration, and government. All parliamentary debates are done in Luxembourgish while all official documents are written in French. Luxembourgers converse using Luxembourgish in their day-to-day life, but it’s rarely used as a written language. German is used in the media together with French. According to a survey conducted in 2009, French was the most common language in the country known by 99.9% of the population. Luxembourgish was spoken by 82% of the residents followed English (72%), and German (81%). The professional life in the country is generally multilingual with many private-sector business leaders describing French as the leading working language (56%), followed by Luxembourgish, German and English.

What Is The Ethnic Composition Of Luxembourg?

Rank Ethnic Group % of total population

1 Luxembourger 51.1%
2 Portuguese 15.7%
3 French 7.5%
4 Italian 3.6%
5 Belgian 3.3%
6 German 2.1%
7 Spanish 1.1%
8 British 1%,
9 other 14.6%

By Geoffrey Migiro

•culled from www.worldatlas.com

How Did Luxembourg Get Its Name?

Luxembourg and its capital city are named after a 10th century castle.

Where Is Luxembourg?

Luxembourg is a nation located in the northwestern region of Europe. The country covers a total area of 998.6 square miles, which makes it one of the smallest countries in Europe. Similarly, with a population of only 590,667, Luxembourg is also one of the least populated countries in the region. The country is landlocked, sharing borders with France, Germany, and Belgium. Its capital is as Luxembourg City, which also has the distinction of being one of the official capitals of the European Union.

The country has a long history that dates back to 963 AD, when ownership of the territory surrounding Luxembourg Castle (as it is known today) changed hands. Since then, Luxembourg has grown around this building and has managed to maintain a high level of autonomy. It is often recognized for its unique name, which has a history that dates back to the country's origin. This article examines how Luxembourg got its name.

How Did Luxembourg Get Its Name?

Siegfried I of Ardennes first acquired the territory surrounding the present-day city of Luxembourg in 963 AD by entering a trade agreement with the Abbey of Saint Maximin. After gaining ownership of the land, Siegfried I commissioned the construction of Lucilinburhuc, a historic castle known today as the Luxembourg Castle. This name, Lucilinburhuc, is translated into English as “Little Fortress.” Luxembourg City developed around the castle, with the first major addition being the consecration of several altars at the Church of the Redemption. Today, the church is still located in Luxembourg City and is known as St. Michael’s Church. As more people became drawn to the area, a market was established at a crossroads located near the church. These three establishments (the castle, the church, and the market) became the central point from which Luxembourg City grew. Since Lucilinburhuc castle was the oldest establishment in the region, its name was used to refer to the city. The anglicized version of Lucilinburhuc is Luxembourg, meaning that the country and its capital city were named after a 10th-century castle.

Growth of Luxembourg

As the family and descendants of Siegfried I grew, so too did their belongings and territory. This growth occurred by conquering neighboring landowners, making treaties with nearby settlements, and acquiring land through marriage. Nearly 100 years after the establishment of Lucilinburhuc Castle, one of the descendants of Siegfried (Conrad) became the Count of Luxembourg, and his descendants became counts and countesses. By the 1100s, the area surrounding the castle had grown to approximately 12 acres and was enclosed with fortifications and walls. In the early 14th century, one family member even became the Holy Roman Emperor. By the mid-14th century, Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV, who had previously been the king of several regions, promoted the distinction of Luxembourg from county to duchy, an area that is ruled by a duke or duchess. Beginning in the 15th century, the family of Siegfried I lost control of the duchy to the Austrian Habsburgs, the French, and the Spanish over a period of 400 years that followed. In 1815, Luxembourg became a grand duchy and in 1866, the territory that began as a small fortress became a completely independent nation.

By Amber Pariona

•culled from www.worldatlas.com

The Culture Of Luxembourg

The cuisine of Luxembourg is significantly influenced by the cuisines of France, Belgium, and Germany.

The small, landlocked, Western European nation of Luxembourg has a rich cultural history. The country has a number of folk traditions that were inspired by the dominant peasant culture prevalent in Luxembourg in the past. Today, the country’s culture reflects significant influences of neighboring cultures of France, Belgium, and Germany.

Ethnicity, Language, And Religion
Luxembourg is home to a population of 605,764 individuals. Luxembourgers account for 52.1% of the country’s population. Ethnic minorities living in the country include Portuguese, French, Italian, Belgian, German, Spanish, British, and others. Luxembourgish is the country’s official and national language. It is spoken by most of the population. The ethnic minorities speak their own languages at home. 70.4% of the country’s population adheres to Christianity, especially Catholic Christianity. A large percentage of the population of about 26.8% do not adhere to any religion.

Cuisine

The cuisine of Luxembourg is significantly influenced by the cuisines of France, Belgium, and Germany. The most traditional dishes of the cuisine are, however, simple and of peasant origin. French influence has added many delicacies to the cuisine like French pâtisseries, fruit pies, cakes, etc. Fish is consumed widely in the country. Local rivers act as the source of fishes like crayfish, pike, trout, etc. Fritür is a popular fish dish made of small fried fish that is accompanied by Moselle white wine, a locally produced alcoholic beverage.

Pork and chicken are also part of many Luxembourgish dishes. Thinly sliced smoked Oesling ham served with salad and potato chips is considered a delicacy in the country. Judd mat Gaardebounen is another popular meat dish that comprises of smoked pork collar served with broad beans. It is regarded as Luxembourg’s national dish. Liver dumplings with potatoes and sauerkraut, black pudding with apple sauce, potato pancake, plum tart, onion soup with cheese toast, browned chicken in a spiced white wine broth with vegetables and mushrooms, etc., are some other dishes of the cuisine. Dry white wine and sparkling wine are both produced in the country and consumed widely. Beer is also produced locally and is a favorite drink of the people.

Literature And The Arts

The national literature of Luxembourg developed only recently in the 19th century. Before that, hardly any published works were produced in the local language of the country. The very first book in the Luxembourgish language was published in 1829 by Antoine Meyer. It was a collection of poems. Most other literary works that followed were either poetry or plays. Edmond de la Fontaine is regarded as the country’s national poet. His outstanding works in poetry in Luxembourgish earned him international fame. Batty Weber, another writer from the country, is also noted for his works in literature. He helped develop the Luxembourg culture through his plays, poems, novels, and short stories.

The art of Luxembourg has a longer history than its literature and can be traced back to Roman times. Statues and art in castles and churches across the country provide evidence to this fact. Art with a national flavor appeared in Luxembourg in the late16th century. Until the beginning of the 19th century, most of these artworks were produced by foreign artists inspired by the country’s culture and nature. It was only after Luxembourg became a grand duchy in 1815 that its own people started producing art reflecting the nation’s people and scenery. Impressionism and expressionism shaped Luxembourgish art in the first half of the 20th century and Abstraction inspired art after that. Today, the country’s artists follow various styles and many have earned international fame.

Performance Arts

Luxembourg has a rich music scene with a variety of musical genres having a lot of popularity in the country. Jazz, pop, and rock are a favorite of many Luxembourgers. Many people in the country seek the membership of the national music federation called Union Grand-Duc Adolphe. It has brass bands, folklore associations, music schools, and more under its umbrella. Echternach is a cultural festival held in the country every year and involves dancers dancing through the streets of Echternach.

Sports

Football is the most popular sport in Luxembourg. It was one of the first countries to be introduced to the game. The Luxembourg Football Federation supervises the game in the country at the national level. There are men’s, women’s, and futsal national teams in Luxembourg. It also has a domestic league called the Luxembourg National Division. A number of other sports and outdoor activities like biking, hiking, adventure and climbing, golf, water activities, horseback riding, etc., are enjoyed by the people of Luxembourg.

Life In Society

Women and men enjoy equality in most aspects of life in Luxembourgish society. Women above 65 comprise about 12% of the native population and are usually well off. They can be seen in the streets in the afternoon with their friends enjoying and relaxing in local cafes and restaurants. They also hold considerable authority in the household and often support their adult sons and daughters financially as and when needed.
Marriage rates have sharply dropped in Luxembourg in the past few decades. Nearly one-third of the couples living together are not married.

Childbirth out of wedlock is also not uncommon in the country and one-seventh of all births happen this way. Divorce rates are also very high in the country. Households units are nuclear in nature. In some families, older grandparents might stay with their children and grandchildren. However, they are usually financially self-sufficient. In many cases, older people move into retirement homes where they live in great comfort. Life expectancy rates are very high in the country. Many middle-aged and even retired people have living parents.

The birth rate is low in Luxembourg. Couples hardly have more than one or two children. For parents who work outside the home, a well-developed childcare network is available to take care of the children when the parents leave for work.

By Oishimaya Sen Nag

•culled from www.worldatlas.com

Oldest Musical Instrument in Yemen

Based on research in Hodeidah, Zabid and Al-Garrahi, focused on the cultural and social Tihama arts, I came up last week with a startling discovery.

In Hodeidah city, I met some of the people interested in arts, literature and education. At the Cultural Forum, I met Sheikh Mansour Wasel, member of parliament and adviser to the Forum, and Ahmed Salem Bajil, head of the Cultural Forum. They and many others, helped me understand detailed aspects of Tihama art, which I will explain in a series of issues of the Yemen Times.
Let me start with one discovery that truly amazed me, and which had a magical effect on my whole journey. It was an instrument called "Al-Khallool".

At the first glance, I thought that this instrument was some kind of cudgel for protection, or a stick used for herding sheep. But I soon discovered that this one meter long stick was actually a musical wind instrument, i.e., a flute. Not only did it look too large or long to use, but it only had two large holes far away from the opening for blowing in. My amazement increased as the scene unfolded in front of my eyes.

The owner neatly held it with his hands, and played it, producing melodious music. The instrument was so long that in order to keep both his fingers on the two holes, he had to lean his head a little to the left to be able to blow through it. It seemed like an awkward task, but he managed, perhaps because he was used to it.
The mystery of Al-Khallool was not reported by any other newspaper or any other media. I really felt sorry that such a historic and melodious instrument was ignored. This flute is said to be the oldest ever in Yemen.

Everyone I met assured me that the Al-Khallool indeed is the oldest musical instrument in Yemen. They claim that it is one of the oldest musical instruments in the history of mankind.

References to it go back some five hundred years - to the time of the Turkish conquest and the wars between them and the competing Portuguese forces.
Unfortunately, no one knows where the instrument originated. This instrument was used by the farmers and the Tihama people in their festivals, celebrations and entertainments. It was quite puzzling to hear that this instrument has been in use even long before the Turkish conquest. In fact, the owner claims with surprising confidence that the flute in his hand is of the same type used by the Prophet David around 3000 years ago. There is no way to verify such claims.

Scientists will have to test the actual age of the instrument. What we do know is that this strange instrument has become the base of various social Tihama arts the dances of "Alhaqfa", Al-Saif Al-Yamani (The Yemeni sword), the Camel Dance, etc. Since these dances have evolved over a long time, the instrument must have existed for a long time.
This instrument was used in nightly entertainment which often lasted until the next morning. The exciting thing about this instrument is that it produces excellent music, with a sad thick sound that can not be separated from the poetry. Once I listened to its music, it gave me a feeling of the past, the memories, the old history, and the simplicity of the life of the Tihamian people. While playing with its tones, the Tihami person using it had been trying to get a sound like "Da'ood' which is the name of Prophet David in Arabic. It was quite true, it did speak the word "Dawood' in a sad and magical manner.

Al-Khallool was also used by many people who used to travel on camels. It has been said that when the camels listened to this music, they shake their necks and walk for extremely long distances. Tihamians claim that this is how the camel dance actually originated in the Tihama. This instrument has been distinguished by its strange length and the holes and grooves, as I saw it with one of Tihamian citizens who told me that he had inherited this instrument from his deceased father, who taught him how to use it. We asked him how you would make a similar instrument? He simply said that not only would no one from the new or previous generation know how to construct one, they would even not be able to use it. When I calculated his and his fathers age it was around 150 years, he also said that he will pass it on to his son and grand son as he has inherited it from his father and grandfather. This drives us to make a very important conclusion about the artistic position of this instrument, which should be studied so that we can discover the secrets behind it. I concluded that even with only its documented history, Al-Khallool is still a very old and valuable instrument.

The Al-Khallool is quite unique and can easily be distinguished from the newer generation flutes used today. As we all know, today's flutes are made of either plastic or copper and have around 5 to 6 holes. They are also around 20 to 40cm in length. However, Al-Khallool is cut from an old sugar-cane's and is around one meter in length, it has only one open hole at the top. The other end of the instrument is closed and carved. The instrument has only two holes which are not parallel and the distance between these holes is around 15 to 20 cm for breathing. The person who plays this instrument needs to have good lungs so that the music can be continuous. Being played with one finger of each hand, the Al-Khallool is quite awkward to use. It is very difficult to obtain notes from classical music. It does not even have any musical scale. The sound circulates around itself in a very limited path with an incomplete musical tone, which can be distinguished by the ear from among any other musical instrument in the world. Some claim that this indicates that this instrument was made in the old ages when musical scales were not known. It is a historical musical instrument that produces previously unheard magical tones.

Al-Khallool is an important part of Yemen's heritage from the old ages through which the Tihamians found their own cultural music, which they see as essential to pass on to the next generation. This instrument has a unique progression through its possessors in Yemen. No one was able to correctly identify its age and explain its workings.

Al-Khallool is not widely known today because of the difficulty of its use and its inability to generate today's music tones. This leads to ignorance and a shift to the new flutes produced and used today.

In the end, one cannot help wondering how this instrument came all the way from Israel and the Prophet David, to the coast of the Tihama. Could it be that what we call Al-Khallool today is in fact the same instrument the Prophet David used? I can never describe how tears filled my eyes when I heard the music of Al-Khallool. It wasn't only music that I heard. It was history itself being played in a sad way. The sound of Al-Khallool will definitely stay in my mind forever, reminding me of the sounds of the past.

•culled from www.almotamar.net

Biggest Cities In Lithuania

Located in the southeastern region of Lithuania, Vilnius is Lithuania's most populous city and the country's seat of government.

Lithuania is a Northern European nation. It is also one of the three Baltic states. The country is located along the southeastern shores of the Baltic Sea. Sweden, Denmark, Latvia, Belarus, Poland, and the Kaliningrad Oblast border the nation. The country has a population of around 2.9 million people as of 2015. Vilnius is the biggest city and capital of Lithuania. Lithuanian and Latvian are the two official languages of the country. Lithuania’s population is primarily urban by nature. Since the 1990’s, the country has experienced a steady migration of population from the rural areas to the cities. The well executed and planned development of regional centers have encouraged this trend. A report in 2015 mentions that 66.5% of the Lithuanian population lived in urban areas. Here we mention some of the most populous Lithuanian cities and their important features.

The Four Biggest Cities In Lithuania

Vilnius

Vilnius is Lithuania’s biggest city and also the country’s seat of government. It is located in the country’ s south-eastern part and is classified as a Gamma global city. Vilnius is famous for its Old Town architecture that was inscribed in 1994 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is often called the "Jerusalem of Lithuania," due to the Jewish influence on the cityscape of Vilnius. The city houses nearly 20% of the country’s population and generates nearly one-third of the country’s GDP. Solar and laser technology manufacturing centers and biotechnological manufacturers are also located in the city. Vilnius has a number of universities, the largest being the Vilnius University.

Kaunas

The second biggest city in Lithuania is Kaunas which is a leading economic, cultural, and academic center in the country. Kaunas is located where the waters of the two rivers Nemunas and the Neris merge. The largest body of water in the country, the Kaunas Reservoir is also located near the city. Food and beverage, publishing and processing, metal, wood processing, chemical, textile, etc., are the major industries active in Kaunas. Many national and international companies have their headquarters located in this Lithuanian city.

Klaipėda

Klaipėda is the third largest Lithuanian city and the Klaipėda County’s capital. The city is of immense national importance due to it being a usually ice-free port at the Akmena-Danė River’s mouth. The port is the most significant hub of transport in Lithuania and is a deep-water, multipurpose port. The cities Old Town is famous for its Scandinavian and German architecture and is frequented by tourists visiting the country.

Šiauliai

Šiauliai is the fourth biggest city in Lithuania and the Šiauliai County’s capital. The city has served as an industrial center since the beginning of the 19th century. Several manufacturing and service companies, shopping centers, commercial enterprises, etc., are located in the city today.

Which Are The Biggest Municipalities In Lithuania?

Rank City Population (2014)
1 Vilnius 539,939
2 Kaunas 304,097
3 Klaipėda 157,350
4 Šiauliai 105,653
5 Panevėžys 96,345
6 Alytus 56,364
7 Marijampolė 39,542
8 Mažeikiai 36,278
9 Jonava 34,056
10 Utena 28,391
11 Kėdainiai 26,080
12 Telšiai 24,500
13 Tauragė 24,043
14 Ukmergė 22,904
15 Visaginas 20,238
16 Radviliškis 19,625
17 Plungė 19,142
18 Kretinga 18,124
19 Palanga 17,620
20 Druskininkai 16,263

By Oishimaya Sen Nag

•culled from www.worldatlas.com

The Largest Ethnic Groups In Lithuania

Lithuanian is the largest ethnic group in Lithuania.

Lithuania is a Baltic state along the Southeastern shore of the Baltic Sea. It is a country of roughly 2.8 million people. The country has the most homogeneous population of the Baltic states. Native Lithuanians make up the largest portion of the population, accounting for about 83.5%. Poles (6.74%) and Russians (6.31%) are the major minority groups while other minorities in the country consist of Belarusians, Jews, Estonians, Scandinavians, Latvians, Tatars, Ukrainians, Crimean Karaites, and Scandinavians.

The ethnic composition of the country has changed dramatically in the past; during the Holocaust, the Jew population dropped from 7.5% to nearly 1%. During the Holocaust, it is estimated that 30% of Vilnius' Jewish population were killed while others fled to Israel and the United States.

Languages

The only official language in the country is the
Lithuanian language. It is the first language of the native Lithuanians and the second language of about 300,000 non-Lithuanians. During the Soviet era, the government imposed the Russian language on the population, and so most adults in the country speak Russian as a secondary language. The younger generation prefers English as a second language, while 37% of the total population speaks at least one foreign language.

Religion

Catholicism has been the primary religion of Lithuania since the country was Christianized in the late 14th century. About 77% of the population is Catholic. During the Soviet era, Christians were persecuted as part of the Soviet policy of anti-religious campaigns. Most of the native Russians are members of the Orthodox Church while there are 4,000 Jews in the country.

Diaspora Population

There are thousands of Native Lithuanians living outside the country, especially Europe and North America. Many Lithuanians live in neighboring states, but the largest diaspora population is located in the United States. More than a million Americans trace their ancestry to Lithuania. Migration to the United States peaked in the 19th century, but the Soviet occupation interrupted the flow by restricting movement outside the country. In the 20th century, Lithuanians also migrated to Mexico and Central America, but these destinations are no longer popular due to declining economic conditions.

What Is The Ethnic Composition Of Lithuania?

Rank Ethnic Group % of total population

1 Lithuanian 84.1%
2 Polish 6.6%
3 Russian 5.8%
4 Belarusian 1.2%
5 other 1.1%
6 unspecified 1.2%

By Victor Kiprop

•culled from www.worldatlas.com

The Culture Of Lithuania

The Baltic country of Lithuania has a rich heritage and culture that is influenced by Christian traditions and the cultures of neighboring nations.

The Baltic country of Lithuania has a rich heritage and culture that is influenced by Christian traditions and the cultures of neighboring nations, especially Nordic, Slavic, and Germanic cultures.

6. Ethnicity, Language, and Religion in Lithuania

Lithuania is home to a population of around 2,793,284 individuals. Ethnic Lithuanians comprise 84.1% of the population. Other ethnic communities with a significant presence in the country include Russians, Polish, and Belarusians. Lithuanian, the
official language, is spoken by 82% of the population. Russian and Polish are also spoken. Most of Lithuania’s residents (77.2% of the population) adhere to Roman Catholic Christianity. Adherents of the Russian Orthodox Church, Old Believers, Evangelical Lutherans, and others also live in the country.

5. Cuisine of Lithuania

The cuisine of Lithuania is quite similar to the cuisines of other Baltic countries. It is also influenced by other northern European cuisines. Potato, barley, rye, berries, cucumber, beet, radish, dill pickle, mushroom, greens, dairy products, etc., are some of the common ingredients of this cuisine. These products are usually locally grown or produced. Soups are consumed widely and are considered to be the key to good health. Various pickling processes help preserve food for the winter. Dark rye bread is a staple of Lithuanian cuisine and is often consumed for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with other accompaniments. Potato is the most popular vegetable in the country and a great variety of potato recipes exist. Seasonings like caraway seed, garlic, bay leaf, dill, pepper, etc., are used to prepare Lithuanian dishes. Pork is the most frequently eaten meat. Beef, lamb, chicken, baked or stuffed fish, etc., are also consumed. Beer is the most widely consumed alcoholic beverage in Lithuania. A variety of fruit and berry wines and midus (a variety of mead made from honey) are also quite popular.

4. Literature and the Arts in Lithuania

Literature in the Lithuanian language began to appear from the 16th century onwards. Until the 18th century, the literature was mainly of religious nature. The Catechism of M. Mažvydas is known to be the first book to be printed in the Lithuanian language. It was published in 1547. Lithuanian literary works of a secular nature were produced from the 18th century. Dictionaries, grammar rulebooks, and folk songs were among the initial publications of secular nature. Historical accounts of the country began to be recorded in the 19th century. Although the literary works began to diversify, the Communist rule during the Soviet occupation of the country suppressed nationalist thoughts and expressions to a great extent. Today, independent Lithuania’s writers and poets enjoy full freedom to publish their work in various genres ranging from romance to war, nationalism and more.

Like literature, Lithuania also has a rich heritage of art and craft. Religious art initially dominated the art scene in the country. It involved church frescoes, statues of a religious nature, carved wooden crosses, etc. Later, Lithuanian art and craft scene diversified. It was influenced by various themes including nature, culture, nationalism, etc. Today, the important works of Lithuanian art and craft can be observed in the various galleries and museums throughout the country. Souvenir shops catering to the tourist markets also sell Lithuanian art and craft to the international visitors.

3. Performance Arts in Lithuania

Lithuania has a long history of folk music and dance. Flutes, zithers, quadrilles, fiddles, polkas, etc., are primarily used to produce this type of music. The folk songs of the country are based on a variety of themes like romance, wedding, archaic war, traditional work, etc. The rateliai, a type of round dance, is a popular folk dance of Lithuania. Classical and popular music are also popular in the nation. A lively drama scene prevails in Lithuania. Many film festivals are hosted every year.

2. Sports in Lithuania

Football, basketball, athletics, and cycling are Lithuania’s most popular sports. The government of the country promotes sports in the nation and supports the country’s talented sportspersons through financial and other aid. The Lithuanian Academy of Physical Education has been established to educate sportspersons and trainers in their respective games. The country’s athletes have participated in many Olympic Games and have won medals on several occasions. The national football, basketball, and rugby union teams of Lithuania have participated in several international competitions in their respective games.

1. Life in the Lithuanian Society

The Lithuanian law grants equal rights and freedoms to the country’s men and women. Discrimination on the basis of gender in the workplace is illegal. However, although women constitute nearly 50% of the workforce, men receive better pay or are employed in more high-salary jobs than women. Education, health, social service, etc., are some of the areas where women have a large presence.

Marriages in Lithuania are usually based on consensual choice. There are two components to such marriages, religious and legal. Most marriage ceremonies thus include a religious union in a church accompanied by the registration of the marriage at the municipal wedding hall. Although the age of marriage in Lithuania is lower compared to countries in Western Europe, the age is slowly increasing as more and more women are seeking higher education and better jobs. Lithuanian households are generally nuclear in nature comprising of the married couple and their children if any. Women still do most of the household chores like cooking and cleaning even when they work outside the home. Child rearing is also traditionally the mother’s responsibility. Although paternal leaves are allowed in the country, few men take such leaves.

Education in the country is either free or highly subsidized. Thus, literacy levels are quite high. In recent years, higher education has become more important to get a good job.

Lithuanians are generally reserved people. They are very respectful of their traditions. They usually do not look directly at someone in a public conveyance unless the person is known to them. Lithuanians are also good hosts and make great efforts to make their guests feel comfortable.

By Oishimaya Sen Nag

•culled from www.worldatlas.com