60-Second Geography

Colonial Mexico

• Chiapas is home to the ancient Mayan ruins of Palenque, Yaxchilán, Bonampak, Chinkultic, and Toniná.
• Guadalajara’s historic downtown features a number of beautiful squares and parks including: Parque Morelos, Plaza de Armas, Plaza de la Liberacion, Plaza de los Mariachis, Plaza Fundadores, Plaza Guadalajara, Plaza Tapatia, and Rotonda de los Jalicienses Ilustres.
• In Oaxaca, there is a large population of Zapotec and Mixtec Indians in the central highlands surrounding Oaxaca City. It’s a land of mountains and valleys checkered with cornfields, at its prettiest during the rainy season (Jun-Oct), when the corn is green. The villages here are famous for their crafts and attract visitors from all over the world.
• Puerto Vallarta is one of the most visually beautiful cities in Mexico. If you are a fan of being outdoors, this is the city for you. You can cool off in a waterfall, scuba dive with manta rays off Islas Marietas or enjoy a sunset stroll along the Malecón promenade. If shopping is your thing, the city has a plethora of boutique shops. The nightlife is electric and some of Mexico’s finest dining can be found here as well among the cobblestone streets and adobe homes.
• San Miguel de Allende is a delightful city with a distinctive bohemian atmosphere. Its well-preserved structures house many luxury boutique hotels, art galleries, patio restaurants, and fine shops. By just wandering around the city, you get to admire its unique beauty and feel its distinguishing provincial charm that makes it a true colonial gem. You can also explore your artistic skills at one of its many art and language institutes.
• Guanajuato is a charming colonial city with a unique landscape. Its steep cobblestone streets and formidable architecture portray a singular beauty and a stately allure. Such attributes have made this beautiful city a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can admire the numerous historic sites located all over the city, enjoy the quaint shopping and dining venues, or simply participate in one of many cultural activities organized throughout the year.
• The city of Campeche has a diverse set of historic gems to share with its visitors. Founded in 1540 on a former Mayan trading village, Campeche was the Yucatan Peninsula’s main port. Due to the frequent pirate attacks, a set of defensive walls and fortifications surrounding the entire city was built to protect its people. You can see the beauty and magic of the city’s colonial buildings, the many archaeological sites nearby, and its natural wonders.
• The City of Villahermosa is a modern city with well-kept colonial buildings and nearby archaeological sites. You can take advantage of its top notch shopping and dining venues, archaeological parks, and several deluxe accommodations. Founded in 1519 by Hernan Cortes, Villahermosa was the area’s best-kept secret until in recent years, large oil deposits were found in this region. This contributed to a major economic boom in the area.
• The city of Puebla has been the stage of various key events in Mexican history. Most importantly, Puebla was the set of an unprecedented battle in 1862 where Mexican troops defeated the French Army. Such victory is celebrated today as Cinco de Mayo. The city is known for its unique colonial legacy, growing industrial centers and, for its remarkable contributions to Mexican cuisine. As home of the famous Mole, Puebla is a city that you cannot miss. The city of Puebla has been the stage of various key events in Mexican history.more

60-Second Geography

Skagway, Alaska

• Skagway, or Skagua, as it is known by the Tlingit, means “windy place”. During the Alaskan gold rush, the area became popular with early prospectors heading into the Yukon.
• In 1918, one of the earliest cruise ships in the area met its doom. On Oct. 23, the SS Princess Sophia left Skagway with 343 aboard. In a blinding snowstorm the ship hit a reef near Juneau. The ship languished for two days on the reef before being torn apart by a storm. All aboard perished.
• Skagway, with a current population of 862, is situated at the northernmost point on the Inside Passage about 90 air miles north of Juneau and 110 road miles south of Whitehorse in the Yukon Territory.
• Skagway’s natural setting and the wild nature of its gold-rush era history make it a favorite port of call. Many of the tours fill early, so booking in advance makes good sense.
• When in Skagway, be sure to visit the Gold Rush Cemetery and the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. Those interested in a bit of the seemier side of history might want to take in Soapy Smith’s Parlor, the Brothel Tour and the Haunted Red Light Walking Tour.
• The 110 mile WP&YR Railroad now takes visitors on the first 67.5 miles of track from Skagwayto Carcross and has become one of Alaska’s most popular shore excursions. During the prime tourism season the railway carries More than 450,000 passengers through the amazing mountain scenery. The train climbs 3000 feet in slightly more than 20 miles, featuring steep grades,cliff-hanging turns, two tunnels, bridges and trestles.
• The small community of Haines just south of Skagway hosts a coastal rainforest and a marine environment that supports a wide variety of animal life. Mountain goats, bar, eagles and sea lions are commonly sighted by visitors.
• It’s still possible to see the Yukon by dogsled! Shore excursions are available with husky dog owners who expose guests to the rugged life of the musher and his best friends pulling the sleds.

60-Second Geography

Aruba

• They must do something right in Aruba. It has the highest hotel occupancy rates and the highest rate of return visitors of any destination in the Caribbean.
• Aruba’s leading industry is relaxation. Over 500,000 people visit each year, bringing a lot of money to the island. As a result, Aruba is quite prosperous by Caribbean standards. The locals have good housing, healthcare and education. There is very little history of racial or social strife, so the inhabitants are friendly, warm and open with travelers.
• The city of Oranjested is the capital and was named after the first king of the Dutch Royal Family, Willem van Orange-Nassau, in 1824. Today it is known as the House of Orange. In Oranjested you’ll find the Aruba Historical Museum and the oldest building in Aruba, Fort Zoutman (1796).
• One of the real graces of Aruba is its near-perfect weather – a nearly constant phenomenon of sunny skies, warm temperatures, and cool breezes driven off the Caribbean. This island’s low humidity and desert like terrain is likewise nearly a full-time affair as it almost never rains and the island is far below the hurricane belt of the Caribbean.
• Aruba’s beaches are some of the best in the Caribbean with miles of white, sugary sand. The nearly picture-perfect beach settings and gentle surf are what many people have in mind when they think of this part of the world. Aruba is a desert island full of cacti, iguanas, more cacti, a few aloe-vera plants and unusual boulder formations.
• While the resort area of the island has very calm, pristine beaches, the north coast features craggy limestone cliffs, caves, sand dunes, and a more energetic surf.
• In Aruba, there are plenty of activities. It’s a great place to experience snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing or kite surfing. Both experienced and novice practitioners of all these sports find great outlets on Aruba. When you tire of the beach you can dine at the restaurants or do some local shopping. Aruba has two horse competitions each year. The horses are descendants of Andalusian and Arabian horses that were brought to the island by the Spanish conquistadors.

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.