December 10, 2011 - Patriotic Holidays Around the World



Today is Settlers' Day in Namibia.

Namibia is a nation in southern Africa that has been the home for the Bushmen, Damara, Namaqua, and other groups. It was ruled by Germany in the 1800s and by South Africa through most of the 1900s, but it gained independence in 1990. The nation is generally sunny, warm, and dry, and the Namib and Kalahari Deserts are Namibia's best known features.

Enjoy the beauties of Namibia with this video



It is also MPLA Foundation Day in Angola.

Angola is just north of Namibia, still in southern Africa but more tropical. It has two seasons: a dry season and a hot, rainy season. It was ruled by Portugal until 1975, and after achieving independence, Angola was plagued by a long civil war. (A civil war is a war fought be different groups from within the same nation.)

Here is a short video slideshow of Angola.


Finally, it is Constitution Day in Thailand.

Thailand is located in Southeast Asia, near Vietnam and south of China. It is a kingdom, complete with a king (the current being King Rama IX), but it has a constitution as well. This public holiday celebrates the adoption of the current (permanent) constitution in 1932.

The country used to be called Siam. It is famous for its ancient ruins, including those of Phanom Rung, its Buddhist statues, its dance, and the musical and movie The King and I, with one of the modern versions being called Anna and the King. Oh, and let's not forget the delicious spicy Thai food!

To learn more about Thailand, check out Thailand Your Way or this tourism video.

I also have to mention this very short, odd video on Thailand.


Also on this Date:



Ada Lovelace's BirthdayWas poet Lord Byron's daughter really the first computer programmer? 


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