national holiday » Celebrate and Learn

Australia Was Founded in 1788 (Australia Day Is National Holiday)

Events

Jan 262024

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Australia was founded in 1788. It may be the smallest continent, but it is the sixth largest country. Aborigines settled in Australia at least 40,000 years ago. The Dutch were the first Europeans to explore the area, and they called the continent New Holland. However, Captain James Cook declared in 1770 that the land belonged to Great Britain. Australia became a penal colony when 700 prisoners were transported there in 1788. Gold was discovered in 1851. It became a commonwealth in 1901. Idea: Australia is home to many marsupials. Children could research some of these animals and then make a play where Captain Cook explores Australia and finds these animals. Children could also learn more at: Australia.

Japan Celebrates a National Holiday, the Birthday of Emperor Naruhito

Events

Feb 232024

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Japan celebrates a national holiday, the birthday of Emperor Naruhito. The country is composed of a series of mountainous islands. The total area is about the area of California. About 127 million people live in Japan, and Tokyo is the capital. Emperor Naruhito was born in 1960. Children can learn more at: Japan.

Brunei Celebrates a National Holiday

Events

Feb 232024

Flag of Brunei

Brunei celebrates a national holiday. Located on the island of Borneo, it became free of British rule in 1984. This small country (according to the CIA World Factbook, slightly smaller than Delaware) is governed by a sultan, Hassanal Bolkiah. Extremely rich deposits of oil have made Brunei a wealthy country. Around 400,000 people live in the country, and the capital is Bandar Seri Begawan. Children can learn more at: Brunei.

Greenland Celebrates a National Holiday

Events

Jun 212024

Flag of Greenland

Greenland celebrates the longest day of the year, a national holiday. Greenland is a part of the Danish monarchy, but it is self-governing. According to the CIA World Factbook, Greenland is a little more than three times the size of Texas. Because it is located so far north, most of the country is permafrost. Greenland has the world’s second largest ice cap. About 57,000 people live in the country, mostly along the southern coast. The economy is based on fishing, mining, and tourism. Children can learn more at: Greenland.

Oman Celebrates a National Holiday

Events

Nov 182024

Flag of Oman

Oman celebrates a national holiday, honoring the birthday of Qaboos bin Said Al Said, Sultan of Oman. Located on the southeastern portion of the Arabian Peninsula, Oman exports a great deal of petroleum. Other natural resources are copper, limestone, and marble. According to the CIA World Factbook, Oman is a bit smaller than Kansas. Muscat is the capital. Older children could learn more at: Oman.

Monaco Celebrates Its National Holiday

Events

Nov 192024

Flag of Monaco

Monaco celebrates its national holiday. Prince Albert II was enthroned on November 19, 2005. Monaco’s government is that of a constitutional monarchy. Located between France and the Mediterranean Sea, it has only 1.21 square miles of area. It is the second smallest country in the world. More than 30,000 people live in Monaco. It has high literacy rates and life expectancy rates, but it has a negative population growth rate. Most of the country’s revenue comes from tourism and gambling. Older children can learn more at: Monaco.

Bhutan Celebrates a National Holiday

Events

Dec 172024

Flag of Bhutan

Bhutan celebrates a national holiday, marking the 1907 beginning of the reign of King Ugyen Wangchuck. Ugyen Wangchuck successfully quelled some rebellions and peacefully united his country. He received many awards from other countries. Bhutan is a country about the size of Maryland and is located in the Himalayan Mountains. About 60 percent of the population (700,000 people) depends on subsistence farming or forestry. It exports hydropower to India. The capital is Thimphu. Older children could learn more at: Bhutan.