Educational: History

For centuries the Kingdom of Morocco, located in the northwest corner of Africa, has been a crossroads for trade between Europe and sub-Saharan Africa.

The early history of Liberia was promising.

The name of the Ivory Coast (also known as Cote d'Ivoire) comes from its history; at one time, Europeans came to the region to hunt elephants for their valuable ivory.

Ghana, located on the Atlantic coast of West Africa, was once known as the Gold Coast because of its vast deposits of this precious mineral.

The name Democratic Republic of the Congo is a misnomer: the country has never been truly democratic or a republic.

If Cameroon is "e;Africa in miniature,"e; then understanding this California-sized coastal nation takes one closer to capturing the story of this remarkable continent.

The combination of breathtaking scenic beauty, fabulous wildlife, and peace-loving citizens makes Botswana a favorite of tourists from all over the world.

The modern state of Angola was established in 1975, when it won its freedom from Portugal.

The vast North African country of Algeria became independent in 1962 after a brutal eight-year-long war against France.

Rhodesia, a country in southern Africa, was a fairly prosperous British colony until the mid-1960s; however, the black African majority of Rhodesia was ruled by a handful of white leaders.

Uganda is sometimes called the "e;land of lakes,"e; because almost one-third of its territory is covered by water.

The United Republic of Tanzania was created in the 1960s by the merger of two independent countries: Tanganyika, a territory on mainland East Africa, and the Zanzibar islands in the Indian Ocean.

Even before the East African country of Sudan became independent from British rule in 1956, the people of this region were fighting among themselves.

The beautiful terrain of South Africa is home to some of the most abundant wildlife in Africa.

Even before the country became independent in 1962, Rwanda's two largest ethnic groups, the Hutu and Tutsi, were often at war.

In 1498 Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama became the first European to set foot on the shores of Mozambique.

Libya is the third-largest state in Africa by area.

Many anthropologists believe the human species originated in Kenya's Rift Valley, where hominid skulls more than 2 million years old have been discovered.

Ethiopia, unlike most African countries, remained mostly free from European colonial influence.

The Egyptian civilization along the Nile River was one of the ancient world's earliest and most influential empires.

Like its neighbors Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the tiny African country of Burundi has a long history of internal violence.

Africa, the world's second-largest continent, is home to more than 50 countries.

A member of the EU since 1973, the United Kingdom is made up mostly of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

A member of the EU since 1995, Sweden is one of the most stable and peaceful countries in the world.

Long ago, Portugal was one of the world's most powerful countries, as it explored and conquered places far from home.

Poland is an Eastern European country that is stepping up on the world stage.

The Netherlands is one of the most progressive countries in the EU.

Italy is a tourist destination for thousands of people every year.

Not long ago, Ireland was a country dealing with poverty and violence.

Greece's economy has struggled a lot in recent years, but it has a long, rich history to draw on to help solve its problems.

Ever since Germany formed in 1871, it has been a major world player.

As one of the most powerful countries in Europe, France is a key player in the EU.

Denmark is a peaceful northern country that joined the EU in 1973.

The Czech Republic is one of the newest countries in the world.

Austria is a German-speaking country with a long history and rich cultural traditions, from kings and queens to musical composers.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, one of the world's best-known composers, began playing music at a very early age and became a professional musician when he was only 17.

Few writers have had nearly the same effect on the English language as William Shakespeare.

Vincent van Gogh is one of the most famous and influential painters who ever lived.

Ancient Greek philosopher Socrates' ideas on how people should discuss, think about, and solve complicated problems have influenced centuries of thinkers in politics, law, and philosophy.

Isaac Newton's exploration of the world around him has shaped the direction of science for the last few hundred years.

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French painter Paul Gauguin may not have been appreciated while he was alive, but his work later inspired many of the world's most famous artists, including Pablo Picasso.

Driven by a love of God and a desire to help make life better for the poor and the sick, Mother Teresa worked for her entire life to change the world for the better.

Gandhi's use of nonviolence to change his country inspired the world.

A painter, poet, sculptor, and more, Michelangelo was one of the most important artists that ever lived.

Trader Marco Polo was one of the first Europeans to travel to China, staying away from his homeland in Italy for 24 years before returning.

A German composer born in the 1700s, Ludwig van Beethoven has given the world some of the most well-known and long-lasting music of all time.

Known for his art, inventions, and ideas, Leonardo da Vinci is the definition of a "e;Renaissance Man,"e; someone able to succeed in many different areas.

Jesus Christ: Influential Spiritual Leader During his lifetime, Jesus Christ worked hard to teach the world about love and the meaning of life.

In 1937, a group of Tibetan monks searched for a young boy who was the reborn soul of the Dalai Lama, their nation's spiritual and political leader.