Posted
on August 1, 2014
Could
there be two nations less alike, and two national days as varied?
Switzerland
is a European nation with three official languages and a reputation
for great cheese, chocolate, watches and clocks, and (especially)
banks. It has the highest nominal wealth per adult in the world. |
| Switzerland is marked in bright pink. |
Benin
is an African nation with only one official language but several
indigenous languages; the economy depends largely on subsistence
farming and a few agricultural exports such as cotton and nuts.
The
Swiss National Day harkens back to an oath of confederation sworn by
representatives of three Alpine cantons against the Holy Roman Empire
– way back in 1291! It is a federal representative democracy and
has one of the most stable governments and economies in the
world—partly, no doubt, because the nation has a long history of
armed neutrality and therefore it doesn't waste people and resources
on war.
Benin's
Independence Day celebrates its much, much more recent (1960)
independence from colonial power France.
Since its independence, the
nation has attempted to set up democratic governments many times but
has experienced many military coups and governments.
Most
of Switzerland is high mountain country with lots of glaciers and
snow. Tourism—especially winter tourism—is important.
To
celebrate today, some Swiss people will enjoy the Rhine Falls
illuminated, and others will enjoy a historical reenactment or a
fireworks show. Basically, the celebrations tend to be more regional
and local than national.
Benin's
Independence Day sounds pretty typical – speeches from national
leaders and flag-raising ceremonies.
There are also some events of dancing or other shows of cultural pride.
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on this date:
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