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Santa Cruz del Islote / Colombia (Most densely populated Island)

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Santa Cruz del Islote / Colombia (Most densely populated Island)

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5 Facts About Colombia’s Santa Cruz del Islote | Lindblad Expeditions

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Approximately 600 people live in a two-and-a-half acre area on one of the world’s most densely populated islands off the coast of Colombia. Learn more about this remarkable islet.

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The world's most densely packed island - BBC News

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Introduction
The British Isles lie off the northwestern coast of continental Europe. They include two main islands, Great Britain and Ireland; the Isle of Man; the Hebrides; the Orkney Islands; the Shetland Islands; and many smaller islands off their coasts. Home of four peoples-the English, Scots, Welsh, and Irish-they are divided into two independent nations, the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.

Land and People
The islands lie as far north as Labrador and Hudson Bay in northern Canada, but the climate is warmed somewhat by the Gulf Stream. The maritime winters are not usually severe, and the summer growing season is long enough to produce crops. In January the mean temperature is around 40 °F (4 °C), except in the mountainous portions. Few places have a mean July temperature of more than 60 °F (16 °C). The prevailing westerly winds from the Atlantic Ocean bring rainfall, which is heaviest on the west coasts, throughout the year. The rain produces dense forests, heathlands, moorlands, and peat bogs over much of the islands.

The favorable climate has enabled the islands to support a population that has for centuries been very large for their land area and latitude. Ample supplies of coal and iron in England, Scotland, and Wales aided the people in the 19th century to lead in developing steam power, factories, and transportation.

The British Isles lie on the continental shelf of Europe, and once were connected to the continent. This is evident from the similarity in geologic structure between the islands and the nearby continent. The rocky headlands of Scotland, for example, resemble the Norwegian coast, and the plains of southeast England are like the Dutch and French lands that they face. Further evidence that the islands were part of the continent is the shallowness of the water between them and the mainland. The average depth in the English Channel varies from 150 to 400 feet (45 to 120 meters).

Their island position allowed the people to share in great cultural advances that originated on the continent and eliminated the need for a strong central government that would have to act quickly against an invading army. Therefore a democratic government and traditions of individual freedom were fostered early. As islanders, the people also developed skills as seafarers, which enabled them to spread their power and influence throughout the world.

How the Islands Changed Through the Ages
Long ages of geologic upheaval were required to form the British Isles of today. Through millions of years the region rose and fell. Sometimes it sank beneath the sea, and then it would be pushed up and form a peninsula of Europe.

In the Precambrian (Archeozoic and Proterozoic) eras, the region was repeatedly disturbed by volcanic eruptions. Mountains formed and were worn down by long ages of erosion. About 541 million years ago when the Paleozoic era began, the entire region was beneath the ocean. Rocks formed in the early periods have persisted and now form the so-called foundations of the islands.

The study of these earth foundations early in the 19th century helped in the development of modern geology. The first three Paleozoic periods-the Cambrian, Ordovician, and Silurian-are named after rock formations found in Wales. The next period, the Devonian, is named for formations found on the Devon coast of England.

In early Paleozoic times the British Isles were part of a large, single landmass that included North America and Europe. Some scientists believe that the early ancestors of the modern horse, camel, and many other animals had evolved before the continents drifted apart. Then in the Silurian period the rock strata southeast of this landmass were crumpled into mountain ranges. These stretched from Ireland and Scotland into Scandinavia. During the Carboniferous period great rivers carried rocky debris down from these mountains to form a giant delta. Here conditions were suited to the growth of tree ferns and other tropical vegetation. Crustal erosion covered the organic residues with sand, and, as sandstone formed over them, they developed into the coal beds of the Midlands.

As the Mesozoic era opened about 252 million years ago, northwest Europe and the British Isles were desert land with some salty lakes. The level of the oceans eventually rose and the lakes gave way to seas. In one sea, beds of iron ore were deposited. Then the seas rose even higher, turning the region into low scattered isles. Vast beds of chalk then were formed.

The Cenozoic era began about 66 million years ago. The oceans receded, and the scattered isles became larger. Volcanoes erupted in Ireland and Scotland. Lava flows built a plateau that reached at least as far as Iceland and maintained the land connection with North America. When the lava flows subsided, Europe and North America finally drifted permanently apart.

During the Ice Age that occurred in the Pleistocene epoch (approximately 2.6 million to 11,700 years ago), ice periodically covered much of the land. At least four successive sheets of glaciers spread over all of Ireland and Great Britain except that part of England south of the Thames-Severn valley. The ice scraped the soil from the highlands, leaving them of little use for agriculture. As the glaciers receded, they left behind lowland soil deposits that became some of Britain's most fertile land.

Britain was still a peninsula of Europe until about 10,000 years ago when the North Sea joined the English Channel at the Strait of Dover. The British Isles now cover an area of 121,360 square miles (314,320 square kilometers) and are bounded by the English Channel, the Strait of Dover, the North Sea, and the Atlantic Ocean.

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The British Isles lie off the northwestern coast of continental Europe. They include two main islands, Great Britain and Ireland; the Isle of Man; the Hebrides; the Orkney...

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Barrier Islands are one of the several types of islands that exist.

Land surrounded by water on all sides is called an island. Although one might consider the continents to be islands, they are not regarded as islands due to their massive size. Australia is the smallest continent and all other land surrounded by water that is smaller than Australia, are labeled as islands.

The six major types of islands have been discussed below:

1. Continental Islands

Continental islands represent land masses that were connected to a continent at some point in time but have separated from the continents by the shifting of tectonic plates to form islands surrounded on all sides by water.

How Are Continental Islands Formed?

A number of continental islands were formed when the shifting continents of the world broke apart millions of years ago. According to scientists, initially, there was only one massive mass of land called Pangaea. Over a period of time, movements of the Earth's crust led to the crust breaking into several pieces and drifting apart. Such tectonic activities gave birth to the different continents of the world and led to the formation of the continental islands. Greenland and Madagascar, both very large islands, were formed in this manner.

Another process of formation of continental islands took place due to sea level changes thousands of years ago. During the most recent glacial period, about 18,000 years back, much of the continental land was ensheathed by massive glaciers. Since much of the water was locked in glaciers, sea level was lower than what it is today. As the world grew warmer, the glaciers retreated and the melting of the ice increased the sea level significantly. This change in sea level triggered flooding of vast tracts of coastal areas, submerging tracts of land permanently and leaving behind several islands. Islands like the British Isles were born in this manner.

The processes of weathering and erosion might also lead to the separation of a piece of land from the mainland, resulting in an island.

2. Oceanic Islands

Oceanic islands are islands that do not sit on the continental shelves and are mostly of volcanic origin. These islands are often referred to as "high islands." Oceanic islands of volcanic origin are formed when lava spewed out by underwater volcanic activity builds up in layers to reach the surface of the ocean and appear above the water level. The oceanic islands are thus the summits of underground volcanoes.

How Are Oceanic Islands Formed?

Oceanic islands are formed in different ways. They are as follows:

When tectonic plates shift at a subduction zone, volcanic eruptions might take place and lead to the formation of an island. The Japanese islands have been formed in this manner. The country of Japan lies at the site of 4 tectonic plates. Two of these plates, the Eurasian and the North American plates, are linked to continental shelves. These plates are lighter than the two ocean plates, namely the Pacific plate and the Philippine plate. Thus, during tectonic activities, the heavy oceanic plates are subducted beneath the lighter continental plates leading to volcanic activities and island formation.

Oceanic islands are also formed when tectonic plates rift apart from each other. For example, in 1963, the splitting away of the North American plate from the Eurasian plate led to intense volcanic activity that gave birth to the island of Surtsey. It is one of the most recent islands of the world.

Oceanic islands are also formed over a "hot spot" when a continent shifts over the "hot spot". A hot spot in geology is a crack or break in the Earth's crust that allows material from the mantle to rise up. Even if the crust over the hot spot shifts, the hot spot stays quite stable beneath the crust. The oceanic islands of Hawaii were formed by a single hot spot. The hot spot is even active today and hosts two volcanoes over it, the Kilauea and the Mauna Loa. The hot spot has also given birth to the newest island of Hawaii, the Loihi which also sits on the hot spot.

3. Artificial Islands

How Are Artificial Islands Created?

Although most islands that are existing today were created by natural processes, some islands are also man-made. Such islands were created to serve various purposes like the extension of habitable land, the creation of new land for agriculture or to encourage tourism.

Often, natural islands have been extended artificially by draining water around these islands or adding material to extend the islands. For example, the Vasilyevsky Island was extended westward by a distance of about 0.5 km during the construction of the St. Petersburg Passenger Port.

Examples of new artificial islands created using material sourced from elsewhere are the islands of Dubai like The World, the Palm Jumeirah, and the Palm Jebel Ali. These massive islands were created by depositing sand dredged from the Persian Gulf on the sea near Dubai's shores.

Artificial islands are created using either natural materials like sand, earth, and rock or by using synthetic materials like concrete or recycled waste.

4. Barrier Islands

Narrow islands that lie parallel to the coastline, and separate the mainland from the ocean, are known as barrier islands. Barrier islands serve to protect the coastline from storms and waves. The islands are separated from the mainland by sounds or lagoons.

How Are Barrier Islands Formed?

The formation of barrier islands can take place by various processes. For example, barrier islands might be created by the deposition of sediments like gravel, sand or silt by longshore currents. Sandbars are an example of barrier islands formed by the accumulation of sand along the coast by ocean currents. In the long run, these sand bars might also be eroded away by the same currents that formed them.

Barrier islands might also be made from billions of coral exoskeletons.

Barrier islands were also formed during the retreat of glaciers after the last Ice Age. As the ice melted and sea levels rose, sandy coastal areas were submerged and stretches of sandy islands were left behind. An example of this type of island is the Outer Banks island off the southeastern coast of the US.

Barrier islands have also been formed by the glacial moraines. When glaciers melted during the last Ice Age, they left behind piles of gravel, soil, and rock called moraines. As a rise in sea level triggered flooding along the coasts, the moraines near the coast were surrounded by seawater, leaving behind islands.

5. Coral Islands

Coral islands that are built of coral are located in the warm waters of the tropical oceans of the world. Corals are tiny sea creatures that secrete a hard exoskeleton around them that is made of calcium carbonate. Corals grow in colonies and gradually the colony size grows and expands and often surfaces above the water to result in the formation of coral islands. Sand and cement help to bind the coral-based structure of such islands. Coral islands serve as important habitats for a diversity of aquatic creatures. Examples of coral islands include the islands of the Bahamas.

6. Tidal Islands

Tidal islands are continental islands that appear as islands during the high tide. Here the mainland is not completely cut-off from the island but the connecting land between the two is submerged under the water during high tides. The Mont Saint-Michel island is France is an example of a tidal island.

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Islands are grouped into various classes like oceanic islands, desert islands, tropical islands, etc.

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Easter Island Statues
https://bedtimehistorystories.com/the-history-of-easter-island-for-kids/#:~:text=There%20are%20over%20900%20moai,was%20made%20from%20volcanic%20ashes.

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More island information about Greenland and Bora Bora

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More island information about Greenland and Bora Bora

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How was Madagascar formed and other facts.

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How was Madagascar formed and other facts.

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Madagascar is the world's fifth largest island, situated in the Indian Ocean off the coast of southern Africa. Despite considerable natural resources, however, its population of about 28 million (2020) has one of the world's highest poverty rates.

Is Madagascar a true island or a continent?

Madagascar, island country lying off the southeastern coast of Africa. Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world, after Greenland, New Guinea, and Borneo.

Is Madagascar considered an island?

Located off the east coast of Africa, Madagascar is the world's fifth largest island; at 144 million acres, it's almost the size of Texas. Madagascar's climate is tropical along the coast, temperate inland, and arid in the south. The island harbors lush rain forests, tropical dry forests, plateaus and deserts.

Does Madagascar count as a continent?

Madagascar, the Red Island, the Rainbow Island, the Eighth Continent, there are many names for the world's 4th largest island. Madagascar is situated in the southwestern area of the Indian Ocean, east of the coast of Africa, about 400 km off the coast of Mozambique.

Why is Madagascar an island?

A busted-up chunk of an ancient continent

Madagascar, originally part of the ancient continent Gondwana, was formed in two steps. The island, together with India, pulled away from Africa 150 million years ago, stretching and thinning the crust on the island's west coast before it finally snapped off.

Is Madagascar the 8th Continent?

What is the oldest island in the world?

Madagascar, the planet's oldest island, was formed when it broke away from the Indian continental plate 88 million years ago. The Central Highlands divide the country almost in two - to the east, the land is cloaked in rainforest, whilst the western and southern reaches are much more arid.

What is the largest island country in the world?

Greenland is generally considered as the largest island on Earth and listed among the island territories. Indonesia is the world's largest island country by area (1,904,569 km ²), and by total number of islands (17,504 islands).

Is it safe to go to Madagascar?

Madagascar - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed, and updates to crime information in the Tsaratanana, Tsiroanomandidy, Maintirano, and Betroka areas. Exercise increased caution in Madagascar due to crime and civil unrest. Some areas have increased risk.

Is Madagascar a rich or Poor country?

In the world, the poorest countries are mostly located in Africa and Asia, with Burundi being the poorest country followed by Somalia, Mozambique, Central African Republic, and Madagascar.

Is Madagascar part of Africa yes or no?

Madagascar is a Malagasy-, French- and English-speaking country in Southeast Africa. The country is an island in the Indian Ocean with an area of 587,041 square km off the south eastern coast of Africa opposite Mozambique. On a global scale, its population density is low.

Is Madagascar bigger than the UK?

Madagascar is about 2.4 times bigger than United Kingdom.

United Kingdom is approximately 243,610 sq km, while Madagascar is approximately 587,041 sq km, making Madagascar 141% larger than United Kingdom.

What is the biggest problem in Madagascar?

Widespread and abject poverty, exacerbated by high birthrates and unsustainable land management practices, is the ultimate driver of the array of threats facing Madagascar's rich biodiversity. Extreme poverty inhibits human growth opportunities and severely limits economic development.

What are Madagascar citizens called?

Two words, Malagasy and Madagascan, have emerged in the literature as English terms to refer to the people, the culture, and other animate and inanimate objects from Madagascar, the choice of which has left room for confusion for users (e.g. Malagasy art or Madagascan art, Malagasy rice or Madagascan rice, Malagasy ...

What are 5 interesting facts about Madagascar?

Interesting Facts About Madagascar

Most of Madagascar's wildlife is found nowhere else on Earth. ...

Madagascar was settled by Asians before mainland Africans. ...

Lemurs are sacred in Madagascar. ...

Madagascar has strong human rights protections. ...

Before French colonial rule, Madagascar was ruled by a woman.

Why is Madagascar so famous?

About 300 miles east of southern Africa, across the Mozambique Channel, lies the island of Madagascar. Best known for its lemurs (primitive relatives of monkeys, apes, and humans), colorful chameleons, stunning orchids, and towering baobab trees, Madagascar is home to some of the world's most unique flora and fauna.

Are there lions in Madagascar?

In real life, Madagascar has no lions, giraffes, zebras, or hippos. (The fossil record shows that hippos once lived on the island, but scientists think they went extinct about 1,000 years ago. These hippos, known as pygmy hippos, were much smaller than their African relatives.) Why is it special?

Is Madagascar a friendly country?

Violent clashes and crimes occur in regional areas, notably in southern, western and northern Madagascar. Avoid travelling on your own and at night and get local security advice before you travel to these areas. Political demonstrations can turn violent, and civil unrest can erupt without warning.

What is the richest country in world?

The richest country in the world is Luxembourg.

What is the poorest continent in the world?

Africa is the world's least developed Continent on the globe with 34 of the 49 poorest countries of the world belonging to this Continent. More than 40 per cent of its population lives on less than a dollar a day.

Can you swim in Madagascar?

Île aux Nattes, Île Sainte-Marie

This is beach heaven, with palm-fringed, white sand stretches, secluded coves and turquoise, clear waters that are perfect for swimming, snorkeling and diving. In season, July and August, this is also the best place in Madagascar for whale-watching.

What kind of food do they eat in Madagascar?

A typical Madagascan dish consists of a plate of rice (vary), served with an accompaniment (laoka). The two "national" accompanying dishes are romazava, a meat stew with green leafy vegetables that have a very distinctive taste (brèdes) and ravitoto, stewed pork with shredded manioc leaves.

What country has 333 islands?

Fiji is a South Pacific island nation with 333 islands and islets, 106 of which are inhabited. The capital of Fiji is Suva. Once a leader of Pacific democracies, Fiji has been under military rule since 2006.

What is the smallest country that is an island?

Nauru is the world's smallest island nation, covering just 21 square kilometres (8 sq mi), the smallest independent republic, and the only republican state in the world without an official capital. It is the least populous member of the United Nations.

What country has two islands?

Fiji has two major islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. The country was a British colony for almost a century. In 1970, the archipelago became independent.

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Madagascar is the world's fifth largest island, situated in the Indian Ocean off the coast of southern Africa. Despite considerable natural resources, however,

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What is Madagascar famous for? How was it formed?

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What is Madagascar famous for? How was it formed?

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The Real Animals of Madagascar | Animal Science for Kids

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Madagascar | Animals, People, and Threats | WWF

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Learn about the animals and people of Madagascar, as well as the threats it faces, what WWF is doing, and how you can help.

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How Africa Will Split Into Two And Merge With India

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Madagascar is an island country located off the southeastern coast of Africa. The island is the fourth largest in the world. Only Greenland, New Guinea, and Borneo are...

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Malta is a small island country in the Mediterranean Sea. Different peoples from Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East ruled Malta until the 1900s. Malta's capital is...

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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Maltese Islands, although small in area (316 km ²), host many endemic species. This may make the organism endangered. These endemic species are important to the Maltese Islands because they form part of Maltese national heritage and are topics of scientific research.

Of the 10,000 estimated terrestrial and freshwater species in the Maltese archipelago, 78 are endemic,[unreliable source? ] a large number considering the country's size. Only 4,500 species have so far been identified, and others still await correct taxonomic classification, which means that there may be several more endemic species yet to be discovered.

Twenty-three of the endemic species are vascular plants and plants such as bryophytes, while the remaining 55 species are animals.

Malta hosts around 860 plants of indigenous nature, occurring in the archipelago before man. Another 20 taxa are considered archaeophytes, being introduced through human intervention but having established themselves before 1500 AD A further 180 taxa are of uncertain origin, whilst at least 640 taxa are considered neophytes, having been introduced after 1500 AD, and may include casual alien species. Most importantly, at least 24 endemic vascular plants, and 18 vascular plants that are sub-endemic to the Mediterranean region.

Endemic vascular plants

Sub-endemic vascular plants

There are more endemic animals than plants in the Maltese Islands, they are often subspecies of species in nearby countries e.g. the Sicilian shrew in Gozo which has been defined as a subspecies of its own. Endemic animal species include:

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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia The Maltese Islands, although small in area (316 km 2), host many endemic species. This may make the organism endangered. These endemic species are important to the Maltese Islands because they form part of Maltese national heritage and are topics of scientific research.

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In this post, we share some quick facts about Malta's geology, provide an overview of the five rock layers, and share information on other important geologic features impacting the island historically and today.

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History alone does not draw the annual summer influx of tourists. The warmth of the sun, the clarity of the sea and the welcoming attitude of the Maltese people have likewise won the hearts of visitors for many years. Whilst Malta is still a very popular tourist destination and Tourism is a key pillar of the Maltese Economy Financial Services has in recent years developed to the extent that it is a main contributor to the economy and key part of the success that the island has had in recent turbulent times in maintaining stronger than average economic growth.

Tourists visit Malta for various reasons with the Island offering numerous attractions that will surely spark the interest of most travellers. But Malta is not only a holiday destination - with competitive operating costs, easy access to the European and North African market and availability of highly educated and qualified personnel, amongst others, it is also the ideal jurisdiction in which to set up your business. The following list provides a quick and comprehensive overview of Malta's advantages:

European Union member state since 2004;

The Euro is the official currency since 2008;

A highly developed financial services centre;

A strong legal system;

A very competitive tax regime;

The Island's strategic location at the crossroads of three continents, serving as Europe's Middle Eastern outpost;

A liberal foreign direct investment regime;

Simplified administrative procedures for acquiring necessary permits;

Bilateral investment agreements with over 15 countries;

Double tax treaties are signed with over 50 countries;

Low set up and operating costs;

English is an official language;

A highly qualified, well-educated and multilingual labour force;

Efficient legal, accounting and banking services;

High standard of living;

Excellent flight connections;

A very pleasant climate and agreeable topography;

One of the lowest crime rates in Europe;

A sound ICT infrastructure;

A solid international reputation.

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History alone does not draw the annual summer influx of tourists. The warmth of the sun, the clarity ofRead More

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Living Stones: a brief & incredible guide to Malta's geology

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Malta's rock of ages is actually very 'young'; a mere 35 million years old. Dinosaurs were extinct 30 million years before our islands were formed! For more incredible geology facts on Malta, read on...

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Malta is an island country in the European Union consisting of an archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea, and considered part of Southern Europe. It lies 80 km south of Sicily, 284 km east of Tunisia, and 333 km north of Libya.

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Malta is an island country in the European Union consisting of an archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea, and considered part of Southern Europe. It lies 80 km south of Sicily, 284 km east of Tunisia, and 333 km north of Libya.

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Malta is a small patch of land in the middle of the Mediterranean. One might wonder what such a tiny nation has to offer to foreign visitors. In reality, the archipelago is blessed with a beautiful climate, rich heritage, and vibrant culture. What is Malta famous for, you ask? We tried to answer in a nutshell.

Historic Sites

Despite being locked away by the raging tides of the Mediterranean, Malta has been home to countless civilizations for millennia. There are historic sites in the country that predates the Egyptian pyramids. The Hagar Qim temple, for example, was built more than two years before Imhotep constructed the first pyramid on the banks of the Nile.
There are other temples in Malta, which were built around the same time. UNESCO has enlisted them all in the World Heritage Site list. The capital city of Valetta, which holds no less than 300 historic establishments within its territory, is also a UN World Heritage Site. The St. John's Cathedral, the Fort St Elmo National War Museum, and the Triton Fountain are some of the must-see landmarks in the city.

Great Weather

In the summertime, the temperature rarely climbs above 27⁰C (80.6⁰F). In winter, the temperature usually stays within 13⁰C (55.4⁰F). So, you won't feel the sizzling heat of the summer nor the bitterness of winter when you visit Malta. The country gets 300 days of sunshine on average, so if you are looking forward to enjoying the sun, Malta should be one of the top names in your list of considerations.

Fantastic Beaches & Pristine Sea Water

One of the best things about visiting Malta is no matter where you are, you are never too far away from a coastline. Malta boasts some of the most beautiful beaches on the planet. There are tourist hotspots like the Blue Lagoon and Golden Bay Beach. If you prefer a more peaceful experience, there are isolated beaches like San Blas Bay and Ir-Rih Bay.
So, Malta is appealing to all types of beach lovers. You can take in the golden rays of the sun, unwind in the pacifying ocean breeze, and swim in the heavenly blue waters of the Mediterranean. Some beaches have spreads of sand by the sea, while some have a rocky layout. If the sea is your way to wash off your daily life fatigue, then we can 100% guarantee that Malta won't disappoint you.

Delicious Local Cuisine

Malta can be a dream destination for foodaholics as well. Thanks to European and Arabian influences, the Maltese cuisine is pleasantly unique. The rabbit stew, which is marinated in wine, garlic, and onions, is the most popular dish in the country. You will also come across sugary delights like the Imqaret or the Qaghaq tal-Ghasel sold by street vendors. Since Malta is a group of islands, seafood is a big part of the local cuisine. Pixxispad Mimli (Grilled Swordfish), Aljotta (Fish soup), and Klamari Mimlija (Stuffed Calamari) are our best recommendations if you want to try out some Maltese seafood.

Filming Location

The scenic beauty and historic landmarks of Malta has made it an obvious choice for filming. Top Hollywood projects like Troy, Game of Thrones, and the Gladiator were filmed here.

Visit Malta with St hotels

St hotels are at the centre of attraction at the Sliema/Gzira area. Book now or visit our website for more information.

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Malta is a small patch of land in the middle of the Mediterranean. One might wonder what such a tiny nation has to offer to foreign visitors.

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Malta is one of three islands that make up the Maltese Archipelago. The other two islands are Gozo and Comino. The archipelago is located in the central Mediterranean between the North African coast and Sicily.

Malta is known for being nicknamed the jewel of the Mediterranean. The island is a popular tourist attraction that offers tourists a bit of everything. It's known for being home to the Knights of Malta, the UNESCO-listed city of Valetta, and ancient sites older than the pyramids.

The Ancient City of Valetta

The entire city of Valetta has been designated as a UNESCO Heritage site. The history of the city is tied with the Knights of St. John, which set out to create a city that would be amongst the finest in Europe. The city's stunning architecture reflects the stature of the wealthy noble families from Europe that once called the city home.

This beautiful city has an abundance of historical monuments to visit alongside vibrant cultural events. It was even named Europe Capital of Culture in 2018.

The Knights of Malta

The Knights of Malta started as the Order of St. John of Jerusalem in 1048. This was a monastic community that ran a hospital for pilgrims in the Holy Land. In 1113, they became a religious order and eventually moved to Malta before Napolean forced them out in 1798.

They are still active in Malta today, and they operate as a massive global charity, counting around 13 000 members, 80 000 volunteers, and 25 000 employees. The history of Malta and that of the knights are wholly intertwined, so learning more about the Knights will only enrich your visit.

St. John's Co-Cathedral

This cathedral nestled in the capital's center is widely seen as one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the world. It was built in the period 1572 to 1577 by the Order of St. John. Not only does the building itself attracts hordes of visitors, but the art inside is spectacular in its own right.

Many of the past Grand Masters and Knights of the Order of St. John donated pieces of art as gifts to the cathedral. Here you can see the artist Caravaggio's most renowned painting, The Beheading of St John the Baptist.

Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is by the island of Comino, but you can easily get there from Malta. It's one of the top attractions in the area and guaranteed will be one of the most beautiful spots you've ever seen. The lagoon is like a massive swimming pool with crystal clear water to swim in.

Savor Local Life in Marsaxlokk

Visit the tiny fishing village of Marsaxlokk and indulge in the relaxed Maltese way of life. Stop by the daily market to shop for some local goods and have lunch at one of the many restaurants that line the harbor. If you visit on a Sunday, you'll find an even bigger market as the fishermen then get a chance to sell their catch.

The Island of Gozo

The island of Gozo is only a short ferry ride away from Malta. However, as Malta has started becoming a more popular tourist destination, many locals like to think of Gozo as Malta of the years past.

It's an idyllic little island dotted with more laid-back towns and pristine beaches. It also offers a lot in terms of cultural attractions. Don't forget to check out the fortified medieval city of Victoria or the seaside resort of Marsalforn.

Soak up the sun at one of the Beaches

Malta has plenty of beaches for the sun-worshipper to love. In fact, the total shoreline of Malta is around 136 miles (219 kilometers). One of the favorite beaches is, without a doubt, Golden Bay. The beach is known for its white sand and crystal clear waters. Other popular beaches are Mellieħa Bay and Għajn Tuffieħa.

World War II History

Malta was one of the most heavily bombed countries in Europe during the Second World War. Today there are sights attesting to this dark period all over the island. One of the must-see attractions for history buffs to visit is the Lascaris War Rooms.

The Lascaris War Rooms are an underground complex of tunnels and chambers in the country's capital. This complex was used as the War Headquarters during the Second World War, and later on, they were used by NATO. The complex has since been turned into a museum open to the public.

Mdina

Mdina is also known as the Silent City, located in the heart of the island. It's a fortified town atop a hill, and it also used to be the old capital. Today you can wander its narrow streets and admire the splendid architecture of the houses that used to belong to the island's wealthy families.

There are plenty of sights to see in Mdina, all close together, making this the perfect day trip. There are hardly any cars allowed in the center, so you can get lost admiring the Norman and Baroque architecture.

Rabat

Close to Mdina is the town of Rabat. It's a slightly less touristy version than neighboring Mdina, but it still offers a number of notable attractions.

One of the top sights is the Casa Bernard. It's a grand 16th-century house that belonged to a prominent Maltese family with French roots. Today it's still used as a private residence, but it is also open to the public for guided tours.

Oldest Manmade Temples in the World

You can find seven Megalithic Temples and other ancient structures, such as burial sites on the islands of Malta and Gozo. They were built during the 4th millennium BC and the 3rd millennium BC. This makes these temples some of the oldest manmade structures in the world: even older than the pyramids in Giza or Stonehedge.

Today you can visit parts of these sights. However, if you are short on time, visit Ħal Saflieni. This prehistoric site is deemed to be one of the best-preserved subterranean monuments in Europe.

Cottonera

Cottonera is the name given to Malta's three fortified cities. They are known as Birgu, Cospicua, and Senglea, and together they have a population of around 11 000. These cities were heavily bombed during the Second World War, but today they are starting to thrive again as new residents are moving in.

Stroll the ancient streets and marvel at the structure built by the Knights of St. John. Visiting the cities is easy as they are a quick bus ride away from Valetta.

Top Diving Destination

Malta is a top diving destination that offers something for divers at all levels. One of the top sights for divers is exploring the wreck of HMS Maori, a Second World War wreck.

Another top diving spot is the Blue Hole, situated close by on the island of Gozo. If you haven't given diving a go yet, there are plenty of dive schools on the island to choose from.

The Popeye Village

Those that love the Popeye cartoons can't miss a visit to the Popeye Village. It was built as a Film Set for the 1980 Musical Production 'Popeye', and it has since turned into one of the major attractions on the island.

You'll find a cinema in the village's center where you can learn more about the film itself and the construction of the set. During the year, there's also a variety of activities that visitors can participate in.

Step Back in Time at Ghar Dalam

Ghar Dalam is Malta's oldest prehistoric site. You'll find a range of ancient animal bones belonging to animals that haven't lived in Malta for thousands of years. The remains of small-sized elephants and hippopotami are some of the most interesting exhibits, but you'll also find the remains of other Ice Age animals here.

Also, stop by the Domvs Romana Museum. The museum provides a fascinating insight into everyday life during the ancient Roman era. You'll find exhibitions of entertainment, cuisine, and fashion.

The Blue Grotto

The Blue Grotto is a complex of seven caves found along the island's southern coast. The complex is most known for its massive main arch, approximately 30m in height. According to mythology, the Blue Grotto was home to sea nymphs that put sailors under a spell with their charms.

Tourists can visit the Blue Grotto by taking a guided boat tour in one of the traditional Maltese fishing boats called Iuzzus.

Mellieha

Mellieha is a family-friendly resort town thanks to its relatively shallow water, no undercurrents, and more laid-back nature. Here you'll also find Malta's longest beach, Mellieħa (or Għadira) Bay, with almost a mile (1.6 kilometers) of white sand.

It's located on top of a hill affording it beautiful views. At the village's highest point is the Parish Church of Our Lady of Victory, a beautiful 19th century Baroque building. If you enjoy bird-watching, head over to the Ghadira Nature reserve with its bird sanctuaries.

Join a local Festa

If you want to meet locals, there's no better way than to join a feast. And there are more than enough in Malta, with around 95 held each year.

A village festa is primarily a religious celebration held annually in the honor of a patron saint. Each village celebrates a different saint depending on the number of churches in the village. If a town has several churches, several festas are held in the same year.

The key elements of a festa are the religious processions, fireworks, band processions, community gatherers, and traditional sweets and food.

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What is Malta Known For? (18 Things It's Famous For)

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Malta is one of three islands that make up the Maltese Archipelago. The other two islands are Gozo and Comino. The archipelago is located in the central

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Barbados profile

The island country of Barbados lies at the eastern end of the West Indies, a group of islands in the Caribbean Sea. A longtime British colony, Barbados still shows the influence of British culture. Bridgetown is the capital and largest city.

Coral reefs surround Barbados. The surface of the island is also made of coral, which lies over rocks. There are no rivers or lakes and few hilly areas. Barbados has a moderate tropical climate with wet and dry seasons. The island has suffered a number of devastating hurricanes.

The most common plant on Barbados is sugarcane, which is grown on large plantations. Trees include mahogany and cabbage palm. Monkeys, hares, mongooses, and egrets are common animals. Green dolphins, barracudas, and parrot fish live in the surrounding waters.

Barbados is a densely populated island. About half of the people live in cities or towns. Most Barbadians have African ancestors. Smaller numbers of people have mixed, British, U.S., or Asian ancestry. English is the official language of Barbados. Some people speak a form of English called Bajan. Most of the people are Christians.

The economy of Barbados is based on tourism and on the production of sugar and rum, both of which are made from sugarcane. Finance and other services are also important industries. Manufacturers make chemicals, paper, and metal products.

Arawak people may have lived on Barbados when the Spanish visited the island in the early 1500s. The English settled there in 1627. They built sugar plantations and brought slaves from Africa to work on them. Great Britain ruled the island until 1966. Barbados then became an independent country.

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The island country of Barbados lies at the eastern end of the West Indies, a group of islands in the Caribbean Sea. A longtime British colony, Barbados still shows the...

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Are there any dangerous animals in Barbados?

Barbados is generally considered a safe island when it comes to dangerous animals. There are no venomous snakes, which sets the island apart from some other tropical regions. The green monkey is not aggressive by nature, but could exhibit defensive behaviour when feeling threatened or cornered, so make sure you observe them from a safe distance.

Best Places to Spot Animals & Wildlife in Barbados

This Caribbean island offers several fantastic locations to spot wildlife, including verdant nature reserves where green monkeys and tiny hummingbirds flit through the lush greenery. For any marine life enthusiasts, exploring the pristine coral reefs while snorkelling or diving is a must. We'd be happy to organise any of the trips below.

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Top 10 Amazing Barbados Animals | Barbados Wildlife | Inspiring Travel

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Discover the unique wildlife and animals of Barbados, from the Barbados Bullfinch to Green Monkey, there's plenty to see on this tropical island.

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Although Barbados is the perfect location for the best beach vacation, it's more than just sun and sand. The island's language, music, and traditions reflect its early history and have both British and West African influences. If you're looking for a lively destination with unique culture, look no further. Keep reading to explore the basics of Barbados' traditions and culture.

Fish Friday

Fish fries are the thing to do every Friday night in Barbados. Typically, these events include live local music, several different types of seafood, and beer. Attending Friday fish fries is a great way to connect with the locals on the island.

The Tuk Band

Tuk bands are a form of entertainment that comes from the roots of West African music. Enslaved Africans brought over Tuk in the 1600s, and it continues to be an integral part of Barbados culture. Today, Tuk bands perform at many local events and festivals.

Holetown Festival

In mid-February, the island celebrates Barbados' first settlement in 1627. The festival begins at the Holetown Monument, and several factors of the commemoration include Tuk bands, local food, rum, crafts, and many cultural and historical displays. This festival is the epitome of a Bajan celebration.

Crop Over

Crop Over is another festival influential enough to earn a spot on a list of the basics of Barbados' traditions and culture. It came to be in the 1780s to mark the end of the sugar harvest, and it's a very popular summer festival. Additionally, it's known for its calypso music, bright colors, crafts, and children's events. A magnificent performance known as the Grand Kadooment marks the end of the festival.

Pottery

Creating pottery is an essential skill for many locals. The love of pottery stems from its early use for cooking and storage. Today, modern Bajan potters make both functional and decorative pieces to sell.

Visiting Barbados is an unforgettable experience that you'll never regret. While you may go for a vacation, the remarkable traditions might make you want to buy a piece of Caribbean real estate for yourself. Our team at Terra Caribbean is here to answer any questions you may have about anything Barbados.

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The Basics of Barbados' Traditions and Culture

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While Barbados may seem like your typical tourist vacation destination, it's so much more than that. Discover the long-standing traditions on the island. ...

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Barbados Pocket Guide highlights Flying Fish

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7 Foods in Malta to Try on Your Next Trip

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No trip is complete without some fish pie.

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Hundreds of years ago, the Lau people of the Solomon Islands built around 80 artificial islands in a lagoon, placing bits of coral and rock into the water, piece by piece. It took them centuries.

Throughout history, humans have sought to create dry land within lakes, rivers and oceans, which they could then populate. But the 21st Century has brought a new ambition - and perhaps a touch of hubris - to this endeavour.

We are living in an "age of islands", according to the social geographer Alastair Bonnett of Newcastle University, UK. "New islands are being built in numbers and on a scale never seen before."

This new generation of islands are bolder, grander - and potentially more damaging - than anything our ancestors constructed, writes Bonnett in his book Elsewhere: A Journey Into Our Age Of Islands.

The geographer visited human-made islands all over the world, exploring a variety of constructions. Giant artificial archipelagos, created by pouring millions of tonnes of sand into the ocean. Concrete-coated "Frankenstein" atolls, designed to consolidate military and political power. And dizzyingly tall oil rigs extending hundreds of metres down to the seafloor.

While some artificial structures have been reclaimed by nature, that process takes time. Often, there's little life beneath the waters surrounding man-made islands. "All too often artificial islands are dead zones. Trying to make them live again is hard work," writes Bonnett. In places like the South China Sea, "once pristine and untouched reefs...have been horribly mutilated: squared off and concreted over".
See more from the Anthropo-scene series:
But nonetheless, Bonnett found himself drawn to these artificial creations, to try and understand how they were built, and why they came to be. Whether you approve of them or not, they will tell future generations a story of how humanity saw itself in the early Anthropocene.

To understand what the age of islands looks like, scroll down to take a brief tour of some of the most visually striking and impactful examples from around the world - taking in the Gulf States, the seas off Asia, and the coasts of the UK and US.

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Why we are in 'the age of artificial islands'

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We are building more islands than ever before. In the latest edition of Anthropo-Scene, we explore the striking results of humanity's attempts to colonise the world's lakes and oceans.

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Bedtime History: Podcast and Videos For Kids

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Have you ever heard of Easter Island? Many movies talk about it and some even say that is where the Easter Bunny lives. But in fact, it is a real place that has nothing to do with the holiday of Easter. But many people know of Easter Island from the large famous face statues that are often seen in pictures of the place. So why does Easter Island have this name?

Easter Island is a large island that covers nearly 65 square miles. It is located in the South Pacific Ocean, far off of the west coast of the country of Chile in South America. It is also an almost equal number of miles to the east of the island of Tahiti.

Easter Island is the shape of a triangle and measures 14 miles long by 7 miles wide. It was formed by a series of volcano eruptions over time. The island has many hills and caves within the rocks that go way back into the mountains. Because much of the rock on the island is made of volcanic rock, it is easy for the rock to form caves and holes over time.

Easter Island's largest volcano is called Rano Kao. It has a highest point that is called Mount Terevaka that reaches 1,665 feet (or 508 meters) above the sea. The island is sub-tropical, which means it is located below the mid-point of the Earth called the equator and has sunny and dry weather.

Many people have been confused about the name "Easter Island" and have wondered whether the island has something to do with the holiday of Easter. Is this where the Easter Bunny lives when he is not hopping around the world delivering eggs? Let's find out.

The first people to live on Easter Island arrived on the island around the year 400 A.D. about 1,500 years ago. They were from another Polynesian island close by and they came to Easter Island looking for a new place to live. These first people called the island "Rapa Nui". Because of its remote, or far away, location. The first peoples of Rapa Nui lived there on their own for hundreds of years before there were any other visitors from other countries.

The traditions and stories of the Polynesian people say that the first king of Rapa Nui was named "Hoto-Matua". He was a ruler of a group of people that traveled around many islands in the area. The group of explorers led by Hoto-Matua was searching for a new place to make their home. The story says that after traveling thousands of miles, the exploring group landed at a sandy beach on the island. The island of Rapa Nui is actually quite rocky on the coast, or edge of the land near the water.

The traditional Polynesian story says that the group, led by their leader, Hoto-Matua, landed on the sandy beach, which was one of the only sandy spots on the coast. The group explored the island and found that it was a great place to live. It was abundant with many fish and other types of food, and had a good climate or weather. They decided to stay and build their home on this newly found island. This is the start of the first peoples living on Rapa Nui, or Easter Island. The first peoples learned how to harvest food and fish on the island, including native fruit and plants. They grew in size over time and developed a long and rich culture over the hundreds of years since the first group arrived.

One of the best pieces of evidence of the early people that lived on the island is the giant stone statues that have been found around Easter Island. These statues are called "moai" and are part of what makes Easter Island famous. You may have even seen pictures of these statues before. They look like giant stone heads sticking out of the ground.

There are over 900 moai statues all over Easter Island! The statues are all around 13 feet (or 4 meters) high, with a weight of 13 tons! They are huge faces and chests carved out of a type of rock called "tuff". Tuff is a light and porous rock, or rock with holes in it, that was made from volcanic ashes. One thing that many people don't know about the statues is that they actually go into the ground and continue at least partly underground. They are a mystery that no one has yet to solve.

No one today knows why these statues were made and why there are so many. It is also a mystery why they were built so big and how they were moved around the island. This would have been an amazing feat of engineering by people living at that time!

One thing is for sure: the statues show that their creators, the early people of Easter Island, were very good craftsmen and engineers. They were very skilled at design and making strong structures.

In modern times, researchers have determined that there were three different cultural phases, or separate times in human history there. During the early and middle periods, statues were built and torn down and then rebuilt in the same places. In the later period, the statues were built even bigger than before and are the statues that you can see pictures of today.

The first European person to visit Easter Island was a Dutch explorer named Jacob Roggeveen. He came exploring the area in the year 1722. Captain Roggeveen and his crew arrived on the island on the holiday of Easter. To help remember the day and celebrate it, the Dutch named the island Paaseiland, which means "Easter Island" in Dutch. This is where the island gets its name!

In 1770, the Spanish government in Peru sent a group of explorers to Easter Island. The explorers spent four days on the island. They found that there were about 3,000 native people living on the island.

Unfortunately, as more and more explorers started visiting the island, they also had diseases that the local islanders had not been around before. As a result, many of the native islanders died and by 1877, there were only 111 native people living on the island.

By 1877, Catholic explorers had come to the island to convert, or teach and change the local people to, Christianity. By the late 19th century, almost all of the people living on the island were Christians.

In 1888, Chile started using the land to raise sheep. The government of Chile also appointed a governor to be in charge of Easter Island in 1965, and the island's people all became Chilean citizens.

Easter Island does not have any natural bays to form harbors that are places for boats to be parked away from the harsh weather of the ocean. The island's largest village is called Hanga Roa. It was made into a World Heritage site in 1995, so it will not be developed into a tourist place full of hotels and other developments.

Today, Easter Island is home to a mixed group of people. Many of the people living on the island have Polynesian ancestors, or older relatives. The locals now mostly speak Spanish and there are some tourists that visit during the year.

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The History of Easter Island for Kids | Bedtime History: Podcast and Videos For Kids | Homework Help

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Have you ever heard of Easter Island? Many movies talk about it and some even say that is where the Easter Bunny lives. But in fact, it is a real place that has nothing to do with the holiday of Easter. But many people know of Easter Island from the large famous face statues that [...]

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World's Greatest Volcanic Islands FULL EPISODE | PBS America

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When photographer Charlie Cordero first learned of Santa Cruz Del Islote, a tiny, densely populated island a two-hour boat ride off the coast of Colombia from Cartagena, he was captivated.

People who find a way to live in difficult environmental conditions have always fascinated him, and Santa Cruz Del Islote immediately stuck out. On the island, there is limited access to water, food, and electricity, but 45 families still eke out a living in 97 houses on 12,000 square yards of land. That's around four times as dense as the population of Manhattan.

"All we knew about this place was that it was an offshore island, little-known and far away, where for a long time its inhabitants had no interest in leaving it." He says that he wanted to discover how a relatively "large number of people lived in such a small and remote space," by learning about their daily life, their customs, and their traditions. "I knew it was a place that deserved to be [known]," he says.

His first images from the project, published alongside an interview this past August in the New York Times, showed the close, tight quarters where the island's residents live. Cordero says the story of how the island came to be so crowded is like a fairy tale.

"150 years ago, Santa Cruz del Islote was a small, uninhabited island with less than a hectare of land that floated in the middle of the Caribbean Sea," he says. "The fishermen working in this area from Cartagena and Tolú used this place to rest during their fishing and protect themselves from the storms."

The island is located in an area with plenty of ocean coral that is ripe for fishing, so it became an attractive spot for people to come and build homes. Families built houses next to each other as they married and had children of their own.

The first settlers-grandparents and great-grandparents of the present generation-would forage the land and sea for building matierials, Cordero says. "Sea shells, coconut shells, tree trunks from the neighboring islands, sand, and even garbage were used to refill and continue to build [the land]."

More and more people began populating the island, steadily bringing their cousins, brothers, and friends. They came to fish and to work.

"One day, the tide brought in a cement cross, or "cruz" in Spanish," he says. "The first settlers picked it up and put it in the center of the island. [At the time the island] had no name, but from that day it was called Santa Cruz del Islote."

Despite the island's steady population growth, life is hard. While seafood is abundant, all other food and household goods must be shipped in by boat. There is no way to produce drinking water on the island. Colombia's navy used to bring water to the island, but they haven't supplied any for months, so island residents are using rain barrels to capture water for drinking and bathing. School on the island runs through tenth grade, and then students who want to continue learning must either commute to schools off of the island or leave their home entirely. Many boys choose to stay with their families and fish for a living.

Cordero's goal is to finish his photography project by the end of the year. He says there are still key moments waiting to be captured, like how the island celebrates Christmas and birthdays and how residents handle burials.

Santa Cruz del Islote does not have space for a cemetery, Cordero says, so people are buried on neighboring islands. "I think life on the island will continue to amaze me for a little longer," Cordero says. "It is a place that seems to have come from a book by Gabriel García Márquez."
See more of Charlie Cordero's work on his website and follow him on instagram.

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See Photos of the Most Crowded Island on Earth

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It's a two-hour boat ride from Cartagena to an island the size of two soccer fields, where there are no roads and families live in close quarters.

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Geography, People and Culture, Nature and History

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Geography, People and Culture, Nature and History

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Madagascar's most famous animal species, lemurs, live only in Madagascar and can be found in almost every habitat on the island.

OFFICIAL NAME: Republic of Madagascar

FORM OF GOVERNMENT: Semi-presidential republic

CAPITAL: Antananarivo

POPULATION: 25,570,895

OFFICIAL LANGUAGES: Malagasy, French

MONEY: Ariary

AREA: 226,756 square miles (587,295 square kilometers)

MAJOR MOUNTAIN RANGES: Tsaratanana, Andringitra, Ankaratra

MAJOR RIVERS: Mangoky, Onilahy, Betsiboka, Sofia

Slightly smaller than the state of Texas, Madagascar is located approximately 250 miles (402 kilometers) east of Mozambique, a country along the southeast coast of Africa. Madagascar is surrounded by the Indian Ocean on all sides except for its western border, which lies along the Mozambique Channel. In addition to Mozambique, its closet neighbors are the Comoros Islands and the islands of Réunion and Mauritius.

Madagascar's capital city, Antananarivo, sits in the center of the island. Hills and mountains cover much of the middle of the island. At 9,435 feet (2,876 meters), Mount Maromokotro is the country's highest mountain.

PEOPLE & CULTURE

Most of the country's population lives on the eastern half of the island, but many people also live in the central highlands, near the capital city of Antananarivo. Most Malagasy live in rural areas, where their daily life revolves around agriculture. A lot of them are farmers, producing rice, coffee, and other products.

Madagascar has a youthful population, with over 60 percent of its residents under the age of 25. Music is an important part of Malagasy culture. Villages often hold parties in which locals can dance or play music with things like the valiha, a guitar-like instrument considered to be the national instrument of Madagascar.

The island's cuisine has been influenced by the countries surrounding it, with Southeast Asian and African ingredients found in most dishes. The most commonly served Malagasy meal is a base of rice, called vary, served with one other ingredient of the diner's choice, called laoka. The laoka can be a vegetable or meat item, and is typically covered in sauce flavored with ginger, onion, garlic, and spices or herbs.

Almost 90 percent of the plants and animals living on Madagascar aren't found anywhere else in the world. That's because strong ocean currents have isolated the island from the African continent, so the species living there haven't traveled beyond the island's borders.

Lush rainforests, dry deserts, and grassy plains cover the island, with coral reef and mangrove forests stretching along its coastlines. Madagascar's most famous animal species, lemurs, live only in Madagascar and can be found in almost every habitat on the island. Silky sifakas, a type of lemur and one of the rarest mammals on Earth, can be found in the rainforests, along with giant leaf-tailed geckos and nocturnal aye-ayes. Spider tortoises and Dumeril's boas live in the deserts, and Madagascan plovers can be spotted flying over the island's central plains. Humpback whales and pygmy blue whales have been spotted along the island's coasts.

The species thought to be most representative of the island (other than lemurs) is the baobab tree, the national tree of Madagascar. The thick, straight trunk of the tree swells into the shape of a bottle as it collects rainwater.

Deforestation and poaching, or the illegal killing of animals, threaten much of Madagascar's habitat and wildlife. Many trees are harvested for firewood, and the loss of forest reduces where Madagascar's animals can live. And since many of the island's animals are so rare, they're highly prized by poachers.

GOVERNMENT

Madagascar is a semi-presidential republic. The public elects a president, who in turn appoints a prime minister to put together a cabinet to advise the president. Madagascar's constitution, which was written in 1992, established independent executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The prime minister is in charge of the legislative and judicial branches, and creates and executes laws. The president formally represents Madagascar at ceremonies around the world.

Eighty percent of Madagascar's economy is fueled by agricultural industries, including forestry and fishing. Among the island's most frequently sold agricultural products are coffee, vanilla, and sugarcane.

Humans have lived in Madagascar only for about 1,300 years. The first settlers on the island are believed to have arrived from Indonesia in Southeast Asia. For centuries, many small kingdoms ruled different areas of the island.

France invaded the island in 1883. After more than a decade of resistance from the island's kingdoms, the country officially declared Madagascar a French colony in 1896 and broke up the competing kingdoms.

After World War II, in 1947, locals fought for their independence from France in what became known as the Malagasy Uprising. In 1960, Madagascar finally became an independent nation.

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Madagascar Country Profile - National Geographic Kids

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Massive, hilly Madagascar-the fourth-largest island in the world-is home to plants and animals found nowhere else on Earth.

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10 Amazing Facts about Madagascar - Fun Facts for Kids | Educational Videos by Mocomi

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Check out photos of the amazingly diverse animals that call Madagascar home.

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Tsingy De Bemaraha National Park and Strict Nature Reserve • Rainforests of the Atsinanana • The Avenue of the Baobabs • Lake Alaotra • Tsarabanjina • More…

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Here are some interesting Barbados Facts which were chosen and researched by kids especially for kids.

Interesting Barbados Facts

Population: about 290,000 people live in Barbados (2023)

Capital: Bridgetown with 100,000 inhabitants

Government: republic with parliamentary democracy

Literacy: 99% of all the Barbadians over the age of 15 years can read and write

Religion: Christians (73%, with the vast majority being Protestants)

Currency: 1 Barbados dollar = 100 cents

National colors: blue, yellow, black

National symbols: Neptune's trident (shown also on the flag), pelican, Pride of Barbados (Red Bird of Paradise flower)

Independence Day: 30 November

History: The first indigenous inhabitants on the island were Amerindians from Venezuela. The island was first claimed for the Spanish crown after Spanish explorers landed on the island in 1511. The Portuguese also set foot on the island on their route to Brazil in 1637. Barbados was colonised by the British who settled on the island in 1627. The first settlement was in the islands' west and was called Holetown. The British cut down the dense rainforest and planted tobacco and cotton. They also introduced sugarcane and shipped slaves from Africa to make them work on their plantations. Slavery was abolished in 1834, but the island remained a British colony. Barbados reached independence from Britain in 1966 and now belongs to the Commonwealth States.

Prime Minister: Mia Amor Mottley and President: Sandra Mason

Barbados Facts | Barbados Map

Barbados is located on the North American continent and is the easternmost island of the Caribbean islands and part of the Lesser Antilles.

The country lies northeast of Venezuela in the North Atlantic Ocean. Barbados is located close to the equator.

The island is tiny and its circumference is only about 100 km/ 70 miles and can be driven around in just three hours.

The country is roughly 2.5 times the size of the city of Washington D.C./ USA or three times the size of Liechtenstein.

Barbados Facts | Geography

The island is mostly flat and there are some rolling hills in the centre of the island.

32% of the country is agricultural land. Before the island was populated by settlers, the island was covered in dense rainforest. Wild pigs roamed this rainforest.

Thick dense rainforest can still be found in the country's interior.

Most of the country's surface geology is made up of coral limestone.

The country's climate is tropical and the average daytime high is 30 degrees Celsius/86 degrees Fahrenheit. The sea temperature is around 25 degrees Celsius on average!

The dry season lasts from January to June. Hurricane season is from July to October. Barbados has around 3,000 sunshine hours per year.

Barbados Geography Superlatives

Barbados is the easternmost Caribbean island

This island country is one of the 20 smallest countries in the world. The island is just 34 km/ 21 miles long and up to 23 km/ 14 miles wide

Barbados is the most densely populated country in the Caribbean, the fourth most populated country in the Americas and the 18th most densely populated country in the world

The highest point is Mount Hillaby which is just 336 metres/ 1,100 ft. above sea level

There are many underground lakes, but no lake on the surface!

Barbados lies on the boundary of the South American and Caribbean tectonic plates. The island is composed of limestone and thick coral soil and the island is also circled by coral reefs.

Attractions in Barbados

Barbados is one of the Caribbean's most visited travel destinations due to its fine sandy beaches and colourful reefs. Among the most popular attractions are:

Crane Beach: This beach often is called the most famous beach of the island. However, there are many more amazing beaches that can be explored as well.

Bridgetown: The capital of Barbados has been an important port town for many centuries. The historic town with its British colonial architecture and military garrison will tell you about the country's history. An UNESCO heritage site since 2011, the colourful houses of the town are well preserved. The famous Chamberlain Bridge in the inner marina gave the town its name.

St. Nicholas Abbey: This historic site includes a sugar museum that tells about the island's past. Did you know that Barbados once had 500 sugar plantations? You can also visit the well-preserved Sunbury Plantation House, one of the oldest colonial plantation houses on the island.

Morgan Lewis Mill: One of the oldest restored sugar mills of the island. The windmill stopped working in 1947 and is now a tourist attraction. The Barbados National Trust occasionally opens the mill for sugar cane grinding demonstrations.

Harrison's Cave: This cave is known for its crystal clear water. The cave system is more than 2.3km/ 1.4 miles long while the largest cave hall is 15m/ 49ft high.

Barbados Facts
Barbados People

The people living in Barbados are called Barbadians or Bajans. English is the official language, but the locals communicate in an English creole language called Bajan.

Most Barbadians are of Afro-Caribbean or mixed descent.

Bridgetown is the biggest city of the island. One third of the population live in the island's biggest towns such as Bridgetown, Speightstown or Holetown.

All children must attend school until the age of 16 years.

Cricket is considered the national sport. Several Barbadians play in the cricket team of the West Indies. The most famous cricket ground in Barbados is the 'Kensington' Oval. The Cricket World Cup was held in Barbados in 2007. Rugby, volleyball, netball, soccer and basketball are also popular among locals.

The biggest cultural event of the year is the Crop Over festival, that includes a carnival and calypso music that is typical for the island.

The parliament of Barbados is the third oldest in the world, dating back to 1639.

Barbados has the wealthiest population in the Eastern Caribbean. However, more people leave the island than immigrate. The population growth rate is very low.

Please note that it is illegal to wear any form of camouflage dress in Barbados.

Barbados Facts | Barbados Animals

Barbados' main ecosystems are the marine and coastal ecosystems. Barbados is home to four species of turtles such as green turtles, loggerhead turtles as well as hawksbills and leatherback turtles.

Land animals also include bats, lizards and green monkeys.

There are 270 bird species living in Barbados, but just one is endemic, that means this species can only be found on this island. This is the Barbados bullfinch.

Most animals on the island were introduced by humans.

More Barbados Facts:
Barbados Economy

The main industries are tourism, sugar production and light manufacturing. Natural resources include petroleum, natural gas and fish. The most important agricultural products are vegetables, cotton and sugar cane.

The biggest import and export partners are the USA, Trinidad and Tobago and China. Barbados exports mainly sugar, molasses, rum and manufactured goods.

Barbados Food

A traditional Bajan meal includes meat (mainly chicken or pork) or fish, that has been marinated in herbs and spices, a starchy side dish such as sweet potatoes and some spicy gravy, as well as salad and fruits.

Barbadian cooking is typically a mix of African and European (Portuguese, French, English) food traditions. The dishes usually have mixed influence, such as 'fish and chips' which also have a unique taste, as they have a strong local influence due to the spice mix batter and the use of different herbs.

The national dish is Cou-Cou and flying fish. Flying fish is a small fish species which is abundant in Barbadian waters.

Typical food in Barbados:

Flying fish sandwich: Seasoned flying fish dipped in a spicy cajun batter, then grilled or deep fried, usually served with French fries or macaroni pie and some salad or coleslaw

Cou cou: Cornmeal stew with okra. This dish has a strong African influence. In the Westafrican country of Ghana, people have a very similar maize flour dish which is traditionally stirred while cooking with a flat wooden stick.

Pudding and Souse: Pickled pork with spiced sweet potatoes

Macaroni pie: Baked macaroni and cheese dish, usually spiced with curry powder or other spices and served as a side dish with fried fish

Conkies: Corn cookies made with sweet potatoes or coconut flour and wrapped in banana leaf

Did you know that...?

The Portugues sailors named the island 'Los Barbados' meaning 'bearded ones' because of the fig trees of the island that have beard-like hanging roots!

Award-winning sinner Rihanna was born in Barbados in 1988.

Barbados Facts - Reading and Resources
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Barbados Facts | Barbados for Kids | Facts for Kids | Family Travel

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Our Barbados Facts will provide info about the Caribbean island with information on people and country, geography and attractions, food, animals and much more

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Artists, Art Galleries, Sculpture, Pottery, Hand Craft, Exhibitions

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Tourism is a very big part of the economy of Barbados.

Barbados is a 169 square mile nation that is situated in the northern edge of the Atlantic Ocean. In 2017, Barbados had a gross domestic product of roughly $4.8 billion which was the 150 th highest in the world according to data compiled by the World Bank. In the same year, the country's per capita gross domestic product was roughly $16,789 which was the 67 th highest in the world. The economic prosperity of Barbados is because the country transformed itself from being extremely dependent on the production of sugar. The Barbadian government instituted different policies that ensured the natural resources were utilized adequately for the country's economic growth. There are several natural resources in Barbados with the most important being the arable land, minerals, and fish among others.

Arable Land

Information published in the trading economics website indicated that arable land in Barbados accounted for close to 37% of the nation's total area. Since 2003 the amount of arable land in Barbados has decreased substantially. During the colonial era, agriculture was essential to the Barbadian economy. At the time, the most common type of agriculture in Barbados was the plantation economy. In the present day, some of the crops grown in Barbados include sugarcane, sweet potatoes, and yams. The Barbadian agricultural sector faces numerous challenges with the most significant one being inadequate rainfall. Despite the presence of a vibrant agricultural sector in the country, Barbados imports vast quantities of food. Since 2008, the Barbadian government has put in place some measures to develop the country's agricultural sector. One of the steps the Barbadian government put in place was emphasizing the growing of food crops to reduce the reliance on imported food crops. Another measure that the government put in place was to encourage Barbadian farmers to adopt modern methods of farming including the use of technology. The Barbadian government has also set aside vast quantities of money to grow the country's agriculture.

Sugarcane

For a significant portion of Barbados' history, sugarcane was the most important crop in the country. Estimates indicated that in 2002 sugarcane exports accounted for roughly 8.5% of Barbados' total exports. The monetary value of the sugarcane exports at the time was approximately $22 million. In subsequent years, the production of sugarcane in Barbados fluctuated significantly. Most of the sugar produced in Barbados is sold to nations within the European Union.

Livestock

Because Barbados has scarce pastures, very few farmers have engaged in keeping livestock. In 1999, the Barbadian government surveyed to determine the number of animals in the county. The research indicated that sheep were the most common livestock in the country as they numbered 41,000. Other commonly kept livestock in Barbados included cattle that totaled 23,000 at the time, and goats that numbered 33,000. Barbados also had a vibrant poultry industry with poultry farmers keeping close to 4 million hens. Barbados is only considered self-sufficient in the production of poultry products and milk.

Fish

Because Barbados is situated in the northern section of the Atlantic Ocean, it has vast quantities of fish resources. Some of the fish species common in Barbados include kingfish, flying fish and tuna. Like in most nations in the Caribbean, fishing in Barbados can be divided into three main categories: subsistence fishing which the locals carry out to supplement their diet, sports fishing mainly carried out by visitors to the island, and commercial fishing which is carried out by some companies in the country. According to the Barbadian department of labor, the fishing industry in Barbados provided jobs to 2,000 people. Several companies were set up in Barbados to take advantage of a large number of sports fishers who visit the country.

Forests

In the past, vast quantities of areas in Barbados were covered with forests, but most of the forests were cleared to provide room for the growing of sugarcane. Estimates indicate that only 0.077 square miles of the original forest cover remain. The Barbadian government implemented an ambitious policy to increase the area of the country covered by forests. In the present day, forests cover approximately 12% of Barbados' land area. Barbados imports vast amounts of wood product with estimates from 2000 indicating that the nation bought wood products valued at $35.3 million.

Minerals

The minerals located within Barbados' borders are some of the most important natural resources in the country. Some of the minerals located in Barbados include clay, limestone, and shale. The minerals obtained in Barbados are mainly used locally with minimal quantities being sold to foreign nations. In 2001 clay and shale production in Barbados was approximately 132,000 tons and it increased gradually to 145,000 tons in 2005. From 2001 to 2005 the production of limestone in Barbados fluctuated. The fluctuations significantly affected the Barbadian economy as it reduced the amount of money the nation earned from minerals.

Oil

Barbados has a rich history of oil production that dates back to the 18th century. During this period, oil in Barbados was extracted from pits that were dug by hand. One of the first companies to carry out the commercial excavation of oil was the West India Petroleum Oil Company. In 1896, the company introduced machine drilling to obtain oil in Barbados. The company dug 14 wells, the deepest being 1,600 feet, and by 1910, the wells produced approximately 25,000 barrels of oil annually. In subsequent years, other companies explored for oil in Barbados such as the Gulf Oil Company and the General Crude Oil Company. The two companies achieved little success in their search for oil in Barbados. In 1982 the Barbadian government also formed a company to explore for oil in the country. By 2015, Barbados produced roughly 1,000 barrels of oil each day.

Beautiful Scenery

Barbados has been blessed with several beautiful sites that attract vast numbers of tourists to the country each year. In Barbados, tourism has been one of the most critical industries since the mid-20th century. The Barbadian labor department estimates that close to 10% of the Barbadian workforce is employed in the tourism industry. Some of the most beautiful sites in Barbados include the sandy beaches and the Barbados Wildlife Reserve.

Challenges Facing the Barbadian Economy

The Barbadian economy faces some problems with the most significant one being the overreliance on tourism. Another challenge that faces the Barbadian economy is the fluctuating prices of oil.

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What Are The Major Natural Resources Of Barbados?