60-Second Geography

Belize

• The high season for tourism runs from late November to late April. The climate in Belize is subtropical and generally similar to that of the most southern areas of the United States. The rainy season runs from June to mid-November and the hurricane season generally runs from June to November.
• The diversity of plant and animal life is nearly unmatched. The jungle canopies are alive with birds and plants, monkeys and cover exotic hiking trails through the forest floor.
• The jungle hides the ruins of great Mayan cities from 1,000 BC. By 900 AD, most of the Mayan civilization has disappeared. Nearly 600 archaeologically significant sites have been found, and hundreds more are likely to exist. The largest known classic Mayan city to date, Caracol, is located in Belize.
• The barrier reef offshore is the longest in the Western Hemisphere at 175 miles. Belize’s most famous dive spot is the great “Blue Hole” a submerged cave some 100 feet in diameter that has collapsed on the ocean floor.
• The conservation movement in Belize goes back to the 1970’s when the Belize Audubon Society became the primary proponents for the Wildlife Protection and National Parks Systems Acts.
• The Aguacaliente Wildlife Sanctuary boasts more than 5,490 acres. The forest and savanna areas provide cover for a wide variety of animals including black howler monkeys, kinkajous and endangered tapirs and jaguar.
• The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center covers 29 acres of tropical savanna near the center of the country and with 125 native animals in residence. Many of the country’s native species are represented.
• The smallest national park is Guanacaste National Park. Easily accessible, Guanacaste is situated just outside the capital of Belmopan near the village of Roaring Creek and encompasses approximately 50 acres.

60-Second Geography

Santorini

• 70% of tourist arrivals are in the months from May to September. Famous for its white buildings set against the blue seas, Santorini sits on a volcanic structure and a cataclysmic eruption may have given rise to the legend of Atlantis.
• Greece is one of the most affordable of European destinations.
• The villages of Thira, Firastefani and Oia are perched high above the sea on the side of the island most often visited by travelers.
• The main port at Athinios will take you to Thira, the island’s capital. Thira, and the smaller town of Oia, offer the visitor the culture of Greece, quaint hotels, a wide variety of shopping experiences and great dining all set on the edge of a volcano from which one can sit for hours and enjoy the view.
• Oia’s port is easily accessible from the town and surrounded by sea food dining and taverns. After a meal, the traveler can return to the top of the hill by donkey.
• The villages of Perissa and Kamari have black sand beaches on the eastern side of the island. The black sand is beautiful, but – and this is a real warning – very hot in summer: wear beach sandals! 
• Public transportation on the island is cheap and pleasant, though sometimes crowded. Scooters, motorbikes and autos are available for the more adventurous. Diving centers are available across the island; scuba and snorkeling are favorite activities here.

60-Second Geography

Europe

• Encompassing nearly 4 million square miles, Europe stretches from Asia to the
  Atlantic and from the Arctic to Africa.
• Europe is the second-smallest continent by surface area, covering about 6.8% of the earth’s land area.
• Europe is comprised of approximately 50 countries, with Russia the largest and Vatican City the smallest.
• Europe’s longest river is the Volga, which winds some 2,193 miles through Russia, flowing at its end into the Caspian Sea. Russia’s Mt. Elbrus, at 18,510 feet above sea level is the continent’s highest point.
• Europe’s climate varies from subtropical near the Mediterranean Sea, to sub arctic at the Arctic Ocean in the north.
• For centuries prior to 1945, Europe suffered as the primary battleground for a series of large-scale wars. A series of international initiatives eventually resulted in a common economic market – the European Economic Community. In 1967 the EEC effected the European Union parliament. Each of the member countries delegates some small portion of their national sovereignty to the EU.
• There are no border controls between those countries that have signed the Schengen Agreement. Thus, a visa granted for any Schengen Agreement signatory country is valid in all other countries that have implemented the treaty.
• The population of Europe is estimated to be 731 million according to the United Nations, approximating 11% of the world population. Europe’s proportionate share of the world’s population is declining.
• European languages can be traced to three Indo-European origins: the Romance languages, derived from the Latin language of the Roman Empire; the Germanic languages, whose ancestor language came from southern Scandinavia; and the Slavic languages of Russia and Eastern Europe. Over the centuries, the geography of Europe and the isolation created by its mountain ranges and rivers, as well as nationalistic trends, created a plethoria of languages in a very small geographic area.

60-Second Geography

Rio de Janeiro

• The city of Rio de Janeiro is made up of 150 districts. Rio is an exciting city with iconic architecture and monuments.
• The statue of Christ the Redeemer rests on Corcovado Mountain at 2,330 feet above sea level.
• Sugar Loaf, the famous peak rising 1,300 feet above sea level (see the picture to the left) is accessible by a cable car ride.
• Ipanema Beach, made famous by the song, is the center of Rio’s beach and night – life.
• The “hippy fair” at General Osorio Square is a much visited site for mingling and people watching on Sundays where local arts and crafts may be purchased.
• Brazil loves its soccer. The Estadio de Maracana is the largest soccer stadium in South America, seating 95,000.
• Tijuca Forest is located adjacent to Rio de Janeiro and at nearly 8,000 acres is the largest urban forest in the world.
• With over 5000 miles of coastline, Brazil’s beaches are world class. Some are highly developed while others are nearly deserted stretches of beach and ocean.
• Until 1960, Rio was the capital of Brazil – when Brasilia, the current capital, was designated the capital.
• Rio’s Carnival is the most famous in the world. Months of preparation and planning go into the event and more than 300,000 travelers pack the city each February to participate.
• Rio’s Samba Schools, are highly competitive and have their own fan clubs. Carnival, apart provides an annual competition between the schools. All aspects of each school’s performance comes under the judges’ scrutiny: the theme song, the drum band, dancers, and standard-bearer.
• But Carnival is not the only celebration on Rio’s calendar. New Year’s Eve in Rio is a spectacular event celebrated all along the city’s beaches when more than 2.5 million people gather along the streets wearing white clothing and uncorking champagne bottles by the light of a brilliant fireworks display.

60-Second Geography

London

• You can spend days visiting the historic sites of London. The Tower of London was built in 1066 and draws large crowds during the summer. St. Paul’s Cathedral is a gorgeous old church, designed by Christopher Wren, that offers tours. You can also visit Westminster Abby (where royalty are crowned), and Buckingham Palace to see the changing of the guards.
• London covers 609 square miles/1,579 square km and is a port on the Thames River. The river access played an important role in the development of London. Many canals throughout the city were used for traffic during the 18th and 19th centuries.
• London is one of three command centers for world economics, and in 2005 was the sixth largest economy in the world. London’s service industry, business, science and tourism contribute to its success.
• London has many beautiful parks that are great get-aways from the busy city. Hyde Park Corner, Green Park and St. James’ Park are all connected by a 7mi/11km path called The Princess Diana Memorial Walk. The journey passes by Kensington Palace, Horse Guards, and Buckingham Palace.
• London began to develop in the 11th century, when Edward the Confessor commissioned Westminster Abbey. In 1066, William the Conqueror seized the English throne and built the Tower of London as his fortress.
• London has accommodations for every type of traveler. You will find short-term, long-term, luxury and cheap places to stay including: serviced apartments, bed and breakfasts, hotels, hostels and camp sites.
• London has a moderate climate. Summer is warm and winter temperatures rarely drop below freezing. It rains throughout the year, but is usually not more than a drizzle.
• The bubonic plague known as “Black Death” hit London in the 1300s and killed around half of the population. However, the population made a comeback and tripled in the 16th century.
• Pubs are abundant in London. Even if you don’t drink, you should stop by a pub during your visit just for the experience. You’ll find plenty of beer, pie, music and roaring fireplaces set amongst old architecture and culture.
• London has a rich heritage of village life. Each village has its own unique character and offers charming shops, restaurants, galleries and museums. Some you might want to get to know are Wimbledon, Chiswick and Bloomsbury.

60-Second Geography

Peru

• If you are not used to altitudes, take some time to rest after your arrival to acclimatized to the Andes. Be sure to drink plenty of liquids to stay hydrated.
• The “lost city” of Machu Piccu was re-discovered by American archaeologists in 1911. Today, some 250,000 people visit each year, many taking the “Inca Trail” - the trekking route to the site. To lessen the environmental impact, only authorized tour companies are allowed to guide hikers.
• The Incan fortresses of Sacsahuaman and Ollantaytambo are architectural marvels, built of masonry construction without the use of mortar or iron tools.
• Peru’s coastal plain contains many relics of ancient native cultures, including the Nazca Lines, a series of enormous drawings on the ground, but completely visible only from the air.
• Peru’s rail system was originally developed for the mining industry to move minerals from the interior to the coastal ports, but now greatly facilitate tourism.
• Although most travelers journey to Peru for the Andes, Lima is fast becoming a center for cultural study. Likewise, Cuzco is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the Americas.
• In Cuzco, be sure to visit the Cathedral and the Santa Catalina Convent and the Qoricancha Temple, a prime example of the Incas’ advanced masonry techniques.
• Market days in the Urubamba Valley are popular opportunities in Pisac to take in the lively artisans’ market there. Local crafts and the hand woven textiles for which the mountain cultures are so famous are available.
• Don’t give Lima short shrift. If you have some time, explore the city’s art and archaeology. The city’s museums have preserved much of the rich history and culture of the interaction between the native populations and the Spanish Conquistadors. Be sure to see the Museo de la Nación, documenting the history of Peru’s Inca civilizations, and the Rafael Larco Herrera Museum, the world’s largest collection of pre-Columbian art.

SCOTLAND

• More than two thirds of Scotland is mountainous and the Highlands remain a bucolic setting for unspoiled lakes and valleys.
• Scottish tourism accounts for approximately 5% of the nation’s GDP and is primarily in the hands of small business enterprises.
• Homecoming Scotland is celebrating the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns, the national poet of Scotland, during 2009.
• Scotland’s national drink, whisky is uisge beatha, meaning “water of life” in the Gaelic.
• Speaking of Gaelic, this vestige of the celtic heritage of Scotland is still spoken by many and road signs bear witness to the culture that underlies the modern veneer.
• City breaks in Scotland take advantage of the increased tourism and accessibility of Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and Stirling.
• There are 5 times more people of Scottish descent in other countries than there are in Scotland itself. Genealogy is one of the most often cited reasons for travel to Scotland. Learn more at http://www.ancestralscotland.com/.
• Scotland boasts some of the world’s greatest fresh water and sea fishing, and different species and locales make it a year-round reason to visit.
• Throughout the summer season, the Highland Games take place from Cowal to Tomintoul. Historic and modern track and field events, piping and Highland dancing competitions are the major attractions for visitors from around the world.
• The freshwater lakes in Scotland, or “lochs” as they are known, are major attractions scattered throughout the country, with ancient castles overlooking the mysterious deeps.
• Skiing is a popular winter attraction from December to April.
• Special interest and activity holidays based on golf, heritage, the islands of Scotland, fishing and whisky are serviced by a wide variety of destination tour operators specializing in each and accessible through travel agents in the United States and Canada. 

FRANCE

• France’s large size and geographic diversity means that its climate is extremely varied from region to region. From the long summers and abundant sunshine of the Mediterranean coast to the temperate regions of the interior and the Atlantic to the cold winter playgrounds of the Alps, the climate in France makes for plenty of recreational opportunities year-round.
• In both a historic context and in modern times, the impact of French culture is hard to over-state. Architecture in the middle ages was heavily influenced by French styles and early French literature gave rise to the ideals of courtly love and chivalry. Today, Paris holds sway over haute couture and haute cuisine.
• A holiday in France can range from city visits to special interest travel in the wine country, river cruises, culinary tours and spa tourism. Tourism from North America in the World War II generation maintains a keen interest in Normandy and the sites of great battles from that war.
• France maintains its ranking as one of the most popular destinations for inbound tourism. The completion of the Channel Tunnel enhanced the ease with with travelers could move from the United Kingdom to the continent and made Paris a hub for traveler transport for Western Europe.
• The great museums of Paris remain some of the most popular attractions for visitors. Institutions like the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay host extraordinary collections of paintings, sculptures and antiquities.
• The Côte d’Azur cities and beaches are popular with European and Canadian tourists, and increasingly so with a resurgence of travelers from the United States. Terrace cafés, quaint streets and blue oceans attract visitors looking for the essence of the French Mediterranean life and culture.
• The wine country of France remains one of the most popular culinary and wine vacation theme locations in the world. Hosted tours and self-drive itineraries alike are available to travelers wishing to sample the fine wines, food, scenery and the grand chateaux of the wine regions.

ITALY

• Separated from Northern Europe by the Alps and surrounded by the waters of the Mediterranean, the fertile land of Italy is one of the finest and most important agricultural settings in the world.
• The Italian lifestyle is a huge attraction for visitors, contrasted with the more reserved attitudes of Northern Europe.
• Italy became a unified country only in the 19th century and still today great regional differences in cuisine, dialects and culture are evident.
• Italy has an excellent rail and road system and is easily accessible from the rest of Europe. The rail fares are some of the lowest in Europe and a terrific way to travel the country.
• Italian ports have become important to the cruise industry and represent major ports of call on Mediterranean itineraries.
• There are more than 4 million hotel beds in the country of all types. Many Italian hotels are small, family run operations. Italian villas, some costing many thousands of dollars a night, are in high demand.
• It is easiest to think of the country as broken into three regions: the North which includes the Alps and the North Italian Plain, Central Italy encompassing Tuscany, Rome and Umbria and Southern Italy.
• To the north, the Italian Alps are a favorite destination for world-class skiers from Europe and elsewhere. Large lakes dot the area and provide a summer resort setting.
• Venice is one of the most unique cities in the world. Build on a lagoon, there is no vehicular traffic in the city. The canal system is not for tourists only - it is an important transportation option. At times, the city floods as merchants and hotels calmly pick up furniture and rugs, moving them to a higher floor until the ground level water recedes hours later.
• Some of the finest art collections in the world are housed in Italy and the architecture of its major monuments are immediately recognizable and iconic, from the Roman Coliseum to the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
• Rome, the “Eternal City”, has been a center of Western civilization for more than 3000 years. Enveloped in the city is a country - Vatican City - home of the Roman Catholic Church and St Peter’s Square.