Modern Countries Part 5

Posted on December 5, 2020 by gabriel

If you click the blue words it will take you to the country you click.

Laos
Latvia
Lebanon
Lesotho
Liberia
Libya
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Madagascar
Malawi
Malaysia
Maldives
Mali
Malta
Marshall Islands
Mauritania
Mauritius
Mexico
Micronesia
Monaco
Mongolia

Laos (Asia)

Capital: Vientiane

Population: 7.1 Million

Size: 91,875 sq. miles

Currency: Kip

Tallest point: Phou Bia 9,242 feet tall

Main religion: Buddhism 66%

Main languages: Lao, Hmong, French, and Khmu

About: On December 24, 1954, Laos gained independence from France. It was formerly known as French Indo China and was connected with Vietnam.

Golden Pagoda Wat Phra in Vientiane, Laos.

Latvia (Europe)

Capital: Riga

Population: 2 Million

Size: 24,938 sq. miles

Currency: Euro

Tallest point: Gaizinkalns 1,024 feet tall

Main religion: Christain 99%

Main languages: Latvian, Russian

About: In 1940 the Soviet Union told Latvia and the rest of the Baltic States to join the Soviet Union in defense against Nazi Germany. The Baltic States were invaded by Nazi Germany (1941-1943). The Soviet Union eventually completely took over Latvia and in 1993 it became independent.

Lebanon (Asia)

Capital: Beirut

Population: 6.8 Million

Size: 4,036 sq. miles

Currency: Lebanese Pound

Tallest point: Mount Lebanon 2,500 feet tall

Main religion: Islam 61.1%

Main languages: Arabic, French, and Lebanese

About: In 1946, Lebanon gained independence from France. It was formerly part of French Syria.

Lesotho (Africa)

Capital: Maseru

Population: 2.1 Million

Size: 11,720 sq. miles

Currency: Lesotho Loti and South African Rand

Tallest point: Thabana Ntlenyana 11,424 feet tall

Main religion: Christain 92.3%

Main languages: Sesotho, English

About: Lesotho gained independence from Britain on October 4, 1966. It was formerly part of British Southern Africa.

Liberia (Africa)

Capital: Monrovia

Population: 5 Million

Size: 43,000 sq. miles

Currency: Liberian Dollar

Tallest point: Mount Wuteve 5,748 feet tall

Main religion: Christain 83.1%

Main languages: English

About: In 1822, Liberia was colonized by freed American slaves and was partly an American colony. In 1847 it was proclaimed independent.

Libya (Africa)

Capital: Tripoli

Population: 6.8 Million

Size: 679,363 sq. miles

Currency: Libyan Dinar

Tallest point: Bikku Bitti 7,434 feet tall

Main religion: Islam 100%

Main languages: Arabic, Berber, Italian, and Teda

About: In the 1930s, Libya was invaded by Italy. By the end of WW2, it gained independence. It didn’t fully gain independence until 1949.

Liechtenstein (Europe)

Capital: Vaduz

Population: 38,749

Size: 62 sq. miles

Currency: Swiss Franc

Tallest point: Grauspitz 8,527 feet tall

Main religion: Christain 83.2%

Main languages: German

About: In 814 AD Liechtenstein became a country.

Lithuania (Europe)

Capital: Vilnius

Population: 2.7 Million

Size: 25,200 sq. miles

Currency: Euro

Tallest point: Aukstojas 964 feet tall

Main religion: Christain 93%

Main languages: Lithuanian, Polish, and Russian

About:Â In 1940 the Soviet Union told Lithuania and the rest of the Baltic States to join the Soviet Union in defense against Nazi Germany. The Baltic States were invaded by Nazi Germany (1941-1943) The Soviet Union eventually completely took over Lithuania and in 1993 it became independent.

Luxembourg (Europe)

Capital: Luxembourg City

Population: 626,108

Size: 998 sq. miles

Currency: Euro

Tallest point: Kneiff 1,833 feet tall

Main religion: Christain 73.2%

Main languages: Luxembourgish, French, and German

About: From 1940-1945 Luxembourg was under control of Nazi Germany. In 1945 it was liberated by the United States.

Castle in Clervaux, Luxembourg. The Castle is actually a site of a ww2 battle against United States and Nazi soldiers.

Madagascar (Africa)

Capital: AntananarivoÂ

Population: 26.2 Million

Size: 226,658 sq. miles

Currency: Malagasy Ariary

Tallest point: Maromokotro 9,436 feet tall

Main religion: Christain 85.3%

Main languages: Malagasy, French

About: On June 26, 1960, Madagascar gained independence from the French.

Baobab trees during a sunset, Madagascar

Malawi (Africa)

Capital: Lilongwe

Population: 19.1 Million

Size: 45,747 sq. miles

Currency: Kwacha

Tallest point: Mulanje Massif 9,849 feet tall

Main religion: Christain 77.3%

Main languages: English, Chewa, Yao, and Tumbuka

About: On July 6, 1964, Malawi became independent from Great Britain. It was formerly part of British South Africa.

Malaysia (Asia)

Capital: Kuala Lumpur

Population: 32.7 Million

Size: 127,724 sq. miles

Currency: Ringgit

Tallest point: Mount Kinabalu 8,462 feet tall

Main religion: Islam 61.3%

Main languages: Malay, English

About: On August 31, 1957, Malaysia became independent from Great Britain. It was formerly part of British Siam.

Maldives (Asia)

Capital: Male

Population: 379,270

Size: 120 sq. miles

Currency: Maldivian Rufiyaa

Tallest point: Addu Atoll 8 feet tall

Main religion: Islam 100%

Main languages: Dhivehi (Maldivian), English

About: On July 26, 1965, Maldives gained independence from Great Britain.

Mali (Africa)

Capital: Bamako

Population: 20.2 Million

Size: 478,841 sq. miles

Currency: CFA Franc

Tallest point: Mount Hombori 3,789 feet tall

Main religion: Islam 95%

Main languages: French, Hindi, Arabic, English, and Fulani

About: On August 20, 1959, Mali gained independence from France.

Grand Mosque made out of mud in Djenne, Mali

Malta (Europe)

Capital: Valletta

Population: 514,564

Size: 122 sq. miles

Currency: Euro

Tallest point: Dingli Cliffs 620 feet tall

Main religion: Christain 100%

Main languages: Maltese, English, and Italian

About: On September 21, 1964, Malta gained independence from Great Britain.

Marshall Islands (Australia and the Pacific)

Capital: Majuro

Population: 58,413

Size: 70 sq. miles

Currency: United States Dollar

Tallest point: Unnamed Location 33 feet tall

Main religion: Christain 97%

Main languages: Marshallese, English

About: During WW2 the United States occupied the Marshall Islands so the Japanese couldnâ€™t. In 1979 the Marshall Islands became independent.

Sunken Japanese aircraft from the battle of Kwajalein, Marshall Islands, 1944

Mauritania (Africa)

Capital: Nouakchott

Population: 4.4 Million

Size: 400,000 sq. miles

Currency: Ouguiya

Tallest point: Kediet Ijill 3,001 feet tall

Main religion: Islam 100%

Main languages: Arabic, French, and English

About: On July 28, 1960, Mauritania became independent from France.

Mauritius (Africa)

Capital: Port Louis

Population: 1.2 Million

Size: 790 sq. miles

Currency: Mauritian rupee

Tallest point: Piton de la RiviÃ¨re Noire 2,710 feet tall

Main religion: Hinduism 48.54%

Main languages: Mauritian Creole, French, and English

About: On March 12, 1968, Mauritius gained independence from Great Britain.

La Citadelle de la Port Louis in Port Louis, Mauritius

Mexico (North America)

Capital: Mexico City

Population: 128.6 Million

Size: 761,610 sq. miles

Currency: Mexican Peso

Tallest point: Pico de Orizaba 18,491 feet tall

Main religion: Christain 90.7%

Main languages: Spanish, and Amerindian Languages

About: On September 16, 1810, Mexico declared independence from Spain. A civil war followed.

Chichen Itza Aztec temple in Yucatan, Mexico

Micronesia (Australia and the Pacific)

Capital: Palikir

Population: 104,468

Size: 271 sq. miles

Currency: United States Dollar

Tallest point: Pohnpei 2,566 feet tall

Main religion: Christain 93.5%

Main languages: English, Chuukese, Kosraean, Pohnpeian, and Yapese

About: Before WW1, the German Empire owned many islands in the Pacific. During WW1, the Japanese Empire took all their islands. After WW2, the United States had occupied the islands. In 1979 they gained independence from the United States.

German bell tower in Pohnpei, Micronesia

Moldova (Europe)

Capital: Chisinau

Population: 2.6 Million

Size: 13,068 sq. miles

Currency: Leu

Tallest point: Moldoveanu 8,346 feet tall

Main religion: Christain 90.1%

Main languages: Moldovan, Russian, Bulgarian, Ukranian, and Gagauz

About: In 1991 during the fall of the Soviet Union, it became independent.

St. Theodor Tiron convent in Chisinau, Moldova

Monaco (Europe)

Monaco flag (Exactly the same as Indonesia flag)

Capital: Monaco-Ville

Population: 38,300

Size: 0.81 sq. miles

Currency: Euro

Tallest point: Hvannadalshnukur 6,921 feet tall

Main religion: Christain 100%

Main languages: French, Monegasques, and Italian

About: In 1814 Monaco became independent from France.

Mongolia (Asia)

Capital: Ulan Bator (Ulaanbaator)

Population: 3.3 Million

Size: 605,000 sq. miles

Currency: Togrog

Tallest point: Khuiten Peak 14,350 feet tall

Main religion: Buddhism 53%

Main languages: Mongolian

About: On December 29, 1911, Mongolia gained independence from the Qing Dynasty.

Statue of Genghis Khan, Tov Province, Mongolia

Roman Wars Part 1

Posted on December 2, 2020 by gabriel

1st Samnite War (343-341 BC)
2nd Samnite War (326-304 BC)
3rd Samnite War (298-290 BC)
Pyrrhic War (280-275 BC)
1st Punic War (264-241 BC)
2nd Punic War (218-201 BC)
3rd Punic War (171-168 BC)

This is a list of major Roman Wars during their history. I decided to write this because Iâ€™ve been learning about them in history lately.

The Romans fought very many wars to get their massive empire. They fought so many wars that there was always a war going on. It was unlikely if there wasnâ€™t a war. Because of this, I will only write some of the major ones. In Italy, there were many different tribes. The Etruscans, the Samnites etc. They also had to put down many different rebellions throughout their vast empire. Lots of different Empires also threatened the too, but the Romans eventually came out victorious.

Roman Empire, around the time of Christ. This map is after Carthage was conquered.

1st Samnite War (343-341 BC)

The Samnites were a neighboring, small tribe that lived next to the Romans. The Samnites decided to attack the Sidicini tribe. The Sidicini were a very small tribe and so they asked for help from another tribe, the Campanians. In the coming battle, the Samnites defeated the Campanians and so the Campanians asked Rome for help. Campanian ambassadors began to travel to Rome and plead for them to help them. They Campanians persuaded the Romans saying that they if the Romans didnâ€™t help them, than the Samnites would just get stronger and eventually conquer Rome. There was one thing, the Romans already had an alliance with the Samnites and wanted to stay loyal to it. The Campanians, hearing that the Romans refused their proposal, surrendered to the Samnites. The Samnites sent Envoys to Rome and told the Roman Senators that they should keep their hands off their land. Also they told them their intentions of Invading the local Capua tribe. The Samnites said they would burn all of the Campanians land too. After the Roman Senators heard all of this, they decided to wage war against the Samnites. At the first battle, the Battle of Mount Gaurus the Romans had a victory.

The second battle, the Battle of Saticula, almost was a Samnite victory when the commander Cornelius Cossus was being trapped. Fortunately, a small Roman detachment went on a hilltop to distract the Samnites, giving time for the rest of the troops to retreat. The Samnites gathered a lot of men and laid siege to the city of Suessula, Campania. The Samnites were underprepared, and were foraging for food, when a Roman force attacked them and forced them to retreat. In 342 BC, the Romans and the Samnites negotiated for peace, ending the war.

2nd Samnite War or Great Samnite War (326-304 BC)

The Second Samnite War started for multiple reasons. One of them was that the Romans had set up a colony in Campania breaking the treaty. The colony was in a town called Fregellae and was supposed to be in Samnite territory. The town was probably supposed to be controlled by the Volsci tribe but the Samnites had conquered it in the past. Another reason was that Paleopolis, a Samnite city, had attacked local Romans living in Campania. Two leading men, in the Samnite city of Naples, arranged a plot to give the city over to the Romans. After this happened the Romans were able to take 3 other Samnite towns. Alifae, Callifae, and Rufrium. Also 2 more tribes, the Lucanians and the Apulians allied with the Romans. In 325 BC, the Vestini tribe allied with the Samnites and when news of this reached Rome, they sent troops and ravaged the Vestini countryside, taking the towns of Cutina and Cingilia. In 324 BC, the Samnites wanted peace and a treaty was signed, but not even one year later, the war started back again. Gaius Pontius, the Samnite commander moved his army to Caudine Forks then sent several men disguised as shepherds grazing their flocks toward Calatita. They lied and told them that the Samnites were going to go attack their ally Lucera. The Romans were marching to Lucera and had to pass through Caudine Forks, which was where the Samnites were located. These were small, dirt roads in the Apennine Mountains. Soon, the Romans were completely surrounded by the Samnites.

The Samnites forced them to surrender, give up their weapons, and leave Samnite territory. In 316 BC the Romans laid siege to the Samnite city of Saticula near the border of Campania. From 316-314 BC there were many battles, and in 314, the Romans took troops to the city of Sora. It was a very difficult city to take because of its position, but a Samnite deserter told the Romans how to take it. The Romans did eventually take it. From 312-308 BC the Etruscan tribe entervend. At the time, this tribe was probably the second strongest, the Romans being the first strongest. From 307-304 BC the war started to wind up. These final battles were mostly in the land of Samnia and Apulia. In 304, the Samnites sent ambassadors to Rome to negotiate peace.

3rd Samnite War (298-290 BC)

In 299 BC, the Etruscan tribe prepared for war with the Romans. The reason was that the Romans set up a colony very near to their territory in the next-door tribe of Umbria. However, the Gauls invaded the Etruscans territory before the Etruscans could go to war with Rome. So the Etruscans gave money to the Gauls so that they would stop conquering their land. The Romans made an alliance with the Picente Tribe. The Picentes were worried about the Senone Gauls (A different tribe of Gauls) and the Pretutti, who were both allied with the Samnites. The Romans decided to invade Etruscia and then the Samnites invaded Rome. In 297 BC after about a year of fighting had taken place, a few city-states in Etrusca had thought about suing for peace. After this, the Romans moved their armies out of Etrusca then moved all their forces to Samnium. For Months, the Romans ravaged the Samnites land. The Romans kept fighting until they pushed the Samnites out of their own territory. One Samnite commander, Gellius Egnatius went to Etrusca and convinced them to fight on their side. The Romans invaded Etrusca again, but couldnâ€™t get any victories. Also, the Samnites started raiding Campania which was basically a colony of Rome. The Umbrians and the Gaulls had also joined the Samnites and the Etruscans. The four allies travel to Sentinium. The Samnites devised a plan and that was for two of the forces to attack the Romans head on, and the other two to destroy their camp during the battle. Unfortunately, two Samnite deserters informed the Romans of their plan. The Etruscans and the Umbrians went to go guard their land leaving the Samnites and the Etruscans to take on the Romans.

In the Battle of Sentinum the Samnites and their allies were devastated leaving 20,000 of their troops dead, and only 8,000 Romans dead. After this defeat the rest of the war the Samnites slowly lost. The Samnites surrendered and were finally conquered in 290 BC.

Pyrrhic War (280-275 BC)

The Pyrrhic War was fought between The Hellinestic states (Greece) and Rome. The War is named after the Greek Commander Pyrrhus. There is also a saying that comes from the war and that is a â€œPyrrhic Victoryâ€ which means that you won the battle at too high of a cost. It was called Pyrrhic because the commander, Pyrrhus, won most of the battles but suffered many casualties. A Greek named Plutarch said â€œIf we are victorious in one more battle with the Romans, we shall be utterly ruined.â€ Because of the heavy casualties when they won. The war started because the Tarentum tribe asked Greece to come fight with him against Rome. After this, two Roman consuls marched on general Pyrrhus. They came to a point near a river and prepared to fight. For hours and hours, the battle still raged on with no clear winner. The Greeks sent in battle elephants, and these frightened the Roman horses. The battle was starting to get in favor of the Greeks, so the Romans retreated. In 279 BC, the Greeks invaded Apulia. The Romans went to a town called Asculum, which was near where Pyrrhus was encamped. The battle commenced and lasted one or two days. On some accounts, it said the Romans won. On another it said Pyrrhus won. In this battle Pyrrhus lost a great deal of troops.

From 278-275 BC, Pyrrhus invaded Sicily, which was not very successful. After this campaign Phyrrus was finished in the last battle, the battle of Beneventum.

1st Punic War (264-241 BC)

The war began because the Romans and the Carthiginians were both big empires trying to expand their territory.

Most of the war was fought in and near Sicily. Also, some of it was in Africa and Iberia (Modern day Spain, Gibraltar, and Southern France.) The Romans attacked forts and cities in Sicily like Messina, Akragas, Mylae, and Sulci. The battles in Sicily were from 264-257. Most of the cities that the Romans captured they would sell the inhabitants into slavery. From 256-255 the fighting would be in Africa. The Romans launched an invasion into North Africa, mostly in modern day Tunisia. While the Roman fleet sailed through the Meditarianian sea, one of the largest sea battles in history took place when the Carthaginians went to meet them. It was the battle of Cape Ecnomus.

The Romans launched a massive attack on the Capital city of Carthage, Tunis. Tunis is also the modern day capital of Tunisia. Luckily, the Carthaginians repelled it. From 255-241 the war went back to Sicily. In 255 BC, the Carthaginians recaptured Akragas. The Romans had a major victory capturing Panormus. (Modern day Palmero, capital of Sicily.) In 250, the Cartaginians tried to take Panormus with their battle elephants but were repelled by the Romans raining javelins down on them. The Romans started two nine year sieges on two of the Carthaginians strongholds at Lilybaeum and Drepana. The Carthaginians did have a major naval victory at the battle of Phintias. In 243 the Romans built back their fleet and in the battle of the Aegates Islands they destroyed the Carthaginian navy which made the Carthaginians sign the treaty of Lutatius ending the war.

2nd Punic War (218-201 BC)

In 218 the Carthaginian general Hannibal, invaded Roman Sicily. The Romans responded to by capturing Malta. Hannibalâ€™s brother Hasdrubal also started a campaign in Iberia (Spain, Portugal, and Southern France.) Hannibal was sent to Iberia where he then moved his army north into Gaul (France) and took a route through the middle of the land. In fall Hannibal reached the Alps mountain range and crossed using Elephants.

In modern day Piedmont, Italy the Roman troops were in their winter barracks and Hannibal surprised them. This delayed the Roman invasion into Africa. Hasdrubal invaded southern Italy and was helped by some of the Native tribes. He met Roman troops at Cannae and had a great victory there. After the battle most of Romeâ€™s allies left the war and the Samnites joined the Carthaginians. Hannibal’s other brother, Mago was also a general in the Carthaginian army. For 11 year most of the fighting took place in Southern Italy and by 207 Hannibal was almost pushed out of Southern Italy.

In 207 Hasdrubal had a failed attempt to invade Italy and in 203 Mago had failed also. In 204 Publius Cornelius Scipio had invaded North Africa so Hannibal was welcomed back. His brother, Mago had died on a ship while coming back from Iberia. By 201 Scipio had taken North Africa forcing the Carthaginians to surrender.

3rd Punic War (171-168 BC)

The third Punic war basically consisted of just one battle. It was the siege of Carthage. The Romans after they had one their victory in the 2nd Punic war kept demanding harsher and harsher negotiations and finally the Carthaginians had enough of it. They formed an army under command of Hasdrubal so the Roman army tried to siege out Carthage but the walls were really strong. The Siege lasted for years with intense fighting between the two sides.

Hasdrubal had any Roman POW tortured to death. In 146 the Romans launched the main assault on the city and burnt it to the ground. All of the citizens were turned into slaves and 10s of thousands of soldiers were captured. The once great empire of Carthage had been destroyed.Â

Modern Countries Part 4

Posted on October 12, 2020 by gabriel

Guyana
Haiti
Vatican City
Honduras
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Iraq
Iran
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kiribati
Korea, North (North Korea)
Korea, South (South Korea)
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan

Guyana (South America)

Capital: Georgetown

Population: 786,391

Size: 83,000 sq. miles

Currency: Guyanese Dollar

Tallest point: Mount Roraima 9,220 feet tall

Main religion: Christain 63%

Main languages: English, Akawaio, and Macushi

About: In December 1964, England let Guyana vote and hold elections. They voted to become Independent.

St George’s Cathedral in Georgetown, Guyana.

Haiti (North America)

Port-au-Prince

Population: 11.1 Million

Size: 10,710 sq. miles

Currency: Haitian Gourde

Tallest point: Pic la Selle 8,773 feet tall

Main religion: Christain 86.9%

Main languages: French, Haitian Creole

About: The Haitian Revolution against the French was from 1791-1804.After the Warâ€™s end Haiti gained independence from France.

Vatican City (Europe)

Capital: Vatican City

Population: 825

Size: 0.19 sq. miles

Currency: Euro

Tallest point: Unnamed Location 250 feet tall

Main religion: Christain 100%

Main languages: Italian

About: In 1929, the Italian Government recognized Vatican City as an Independent country.

Vatican City, with view of Saint Peter’s Basilica.

Honduras (North America)

Capital: Tegucigalpa

Population: 9.5 Million

Size: 43,433 sq. miles

Currency: Lempira

Tallest point: Cerro las Minas 9,420 feet tall

Main religion: Christain 87%

Main languages: Spanish

About: On September 15, 1821, Honduras gained independence from Spain.

Hungary (Europe)

Capital: Budapest

Population: 9.7 Million

Size: 35,920 sq. miles

Currency: Forint

Tallest point: KÃ©kes 3,327 feet tall

Main religion: Christain 54.3%

Main languages: Hungarian

About: In 1989, Hungary peacefully became independent from the Soviet Union.

Iceland (Europe)

Capital: Reykjavik

Population: 364,134

Size: 39,682 sq. miles

Currency: Icelandic Krona

Tallest point: HvannadalshnjÃºkur 6,922 feet tall

Main religion: Church of Iceland ???%

Main languages: Icelandic, Polish

About: In 1944, Iceland became independent from Denmark, after 97% voted to be free.

India (Asia)

Capital: New Delhi

Population: 1,352,642,280 (1.3 Billion)

Size: 1,269,216 sq. miles

Currency: Indian rupee

Tallest point: Kangchenjunga 28,169 feet tall

Main religion: Hinduism 79.8%

Main languages: Hindi, English

About: From 1857-1947 India had an independence movement to end British rule there. On August 5, 1947 India gained its independence.

Indonesia (Asia)

Capital: Jakarta

Population: 267.6 Million

Size: 735,358 sq. miles

Currency: Indonesian rupiah

Tallest point: Puncak Jaya 15,774 feet tall

Main religion: Islam 86.7%

Main languages: Indonesian, Javanese, Sundanese, and Malay

About: During the Indonesian National Revolution, (1945-1949) they fought against the Dutch for Independence. On August 17, 1949 they gained independence.

Iran (Asia)

Capital: Tehran

Population: 83.1 Million

Size: 636,372 sq. miles

Currency: Rial

Tallest point: Mount Damavand 18,403 feet tall

Main religion: Islam 99.4%

Main languages: Persian, Azerbaijani, Qashqai, and Turkmen

About: In 1979, there was a revolution which turned Iran into a Islamic Republic.

Iraq (Asia)

Capital: Baghdad

Population: 38.4 Million

Size: 168,754 sq. miles

Currency: Iraqi Dinar

Tallest point: Cheekha Dar 11,847 feet tall

Main religion: Islam 98%

Main languages: Arabic, Kurdish, Mandaic, Turkish, Assyrian, and Armenian

About: On October 3, 1932 Iraq gained independence from Britain.

Ireland (Europe)

Capital: Dublin

Population: 6.5 Million

Size: 32,595 sq. miles

Currency: Euro

Tallest point: Carrauntoohil 3,407 feet tall

Main religion: Christain 78.3%

Main languages: English, Irish, Ulster Scots, and Shelta

About: From 1916-1921 there were many riots and chaos in Ireland. In 1921, they gained independence from Britain.

Israel (Asia)

Capital: Jerusalem

Population: 9.2 Million

Size: 8,522 sq. mile

Currency: Shekel

Tallest point: Mount Hermon 9,232 feet tall

Main religion: Judaism 74.2%

Main languages: Hebrew, Arabic

About: In 1949, Israel became independent from Britain. It was formerly part of the British colony of Trans-Jordan.

Italy (Europe)

Capital: Rome

Population: 60.3 Million

Size: 116,350 sq. miles

Currency: Euro

Tallest point: Monte Bianco 15,782 feet tall

Main religion: Christain 83.3%

Main languages: Italian, English, French, Spanish, and German

About: After WW2, Italy was made into a Democracy, before being a member of the Axis.

Jamaica (North America)

Capital: Kingston

Population: 2.7 Million

Size: 4,244 sq. miles

Currency: Jamaican Dollar

Tallest point: Blue Mountain Peak 7,402 feet tall

Main religion: Christain 68.9%

Main languages: English

About: Britain gave Jamaica independence on August 6, 1962.

Japan (Asia)

Capital: Tokyo

Population: 125.9 Million

Size: 145,937 sq. miles

Currency: Japanese Yen

Tallest point: Mount Fuji 12,389 feet tall

Main religion: Shintoism 80%

Main languages: Japanese

About: After WW2 Japan became a territory of the United States of America. It became free on May 3, 1947.

Jordan (Asia)

Capital: Amman

Population: 10.6 Million

Size: 34,495 sq. miles

Currency: Jordanian Dinar

Tallest point: Umm ad Dami 6,083 feet tall

Main religion: Islam 95%

Main languages: Arabic

About: Jordan gained independence along with Israel when they became independent in 1949.

Kazakhstan (Asia)

Capital: Astana (Also known as Nur-Sultan)

Population: 18.7 Million

Size: 1,052,100 sq. miles

Currency: Tenge

Tallest point: Khan Tengri 7,439 feet tall

Main religion: Islam 70.2%

Main languages: Kazakh, Russian

About: On December 16, 1991 during the Dissolution of the Soviet Union (1991-1993) it became independent.

Kenya (Africa)

Capital: Nairobi

Population: 47.5 Million

Size: 224,081 sq. miles

Currency: Kenyan Shilling

Tallest point: Mount Kenya 17,021 feet tall

Main religion: Christain 85.52%

Main languages: English, Swahili

About: On December 12, 1963 Britain let Kenya have independence.

Giraffe in Nairobi National Park in Nairobi, Kenya.

Kiribati (Australia and the Pacific)

Capital: South Tarawa

Population: 123,346

Size: 313 sq. miles

Currency: Australian Dollar

Tallest point: Banaba 285 feet tall

Main religion: Christain 96.2%

Main languages: English, Gilbertese

About: Formerly known as the Gilbert Islands Kiribati was first discovered by Europeans when Captain Thomas Gilbert, found it in 1788 and named it the Gilbert Islands. In 1979, Britain granted Kiribati independence.

Kiribati Parliment House in South Tarawa, Kiribati.

Korea, North (North Korea) (Asia)

Capital: Pyongyang

Population: 25.5 Million

Size: 46,450 sq. miles

Currency: Korean Peopleâ€™s Won

Tallest point: Paektu Mountain 9,019 feet tall

Main religion: None

Main languages: Korean

About: Before WW2 Korea was under Japanese control and after it was divided in South and North Korea the North Communist and the South Democratic.

Korea, South (South Korea) (Asia)

Capital: Seoul

Population: 51.7 Million

Size: 38,750 sq. miles

Currency: Korean Republic Won

Tallest point: Jeju 6,400 feet tall

Main religion: Christain 26.1%

Main languages: Korean

About: South Korea became independent after WW2 just like North Korea. In 1950, North and South Korea waged war until 1953. They finally signed the peace treaty in 2018.