awana.org/go

Virtual Visit to Different Countries Ideas from Life Thread post by Ruth Hernandez – Central Bible Church, Aurora, IL

1. Map: Draw a large (about 15 feet by 15 feet) chalk outline map of country on the blacktop parking lot before club. During club, the kids fill in the mountains and rivers, put in stars for the capital city, dots for other major cities, and then color in the whole thing with sidewalk chalk. Variations: A smaller scale map as a handout for each student, map on the wall or even in a PowerPoint slide with visual interaction.

2. Flag: Using a 9 x 12” inch piece of felt as a base, and gluing on strips of pre-cut contrasting felt and the central design, have the kids craft the country flag. Staple or glue on a ¼” wide, 18” long dowel rod and then hang them in a visual place in your church for a few weeks to build interest with the congregational as a whole. Variations: Show flag in a PowerPoint slide, print outlines of the flag to be colored.

3. Sample the Food: A great way to experience the culture is to do a sampling of foods typical to the culture.

4. Learn about the Missionaries: Share about the missionaries serving in a specific country or in the region you are learning about.

5. Clothing: Do a search on the internet to identify some clothing that is specific to that country and culture.

6. Music: Find a familiar chorus, and teach the kids to sing it in a different language. (ie - “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” or “Jesus Loves Me”)

7. Fast facts: Spend a few minutes teaching the kids about various aspects of the culture: geography, religion, the caste system, history, clothing, famous people, animals, music, sports and games, weather, language (include a few vocabulary words), foods, and holidays. Use pictures!

8. Activity sheets: On-line teacher resources or teacher stores provide great reproducible pages regarding countries and cultures. Send a coloring sheet or craft sheet home with the kids each week. If they do it and bring it back, they get points toward a final prize.

9. Special speaker: Invite a missionary to talk to the children or arrange a Skype session.

10. Early arrivals: On a huge piece of cardboard, outline an animal or something visually engaging from your focus region. Have the kids color in the outlined segments when they arrive. When the coloring is done, (after several weeks) they can add glue-on sequins and jewels or whatever is appropriate.

awana.org/go

Virtual Visit to Different Countries Ideas from Life Thread post by Ruth Hernandez – Central Bible Church, Aurora, IL

URLs to get you started:

Awana Around the World Sheet http://awana.org/aroundtheworld Awana Missionaries Around the World http://awana.org/where-we-serve/missionaries All around facts https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia Musical Instruments http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_national_instruments_%28music%29 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBs9UCetgog Sports http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_sport Foods http://www.epicurious.com/articlesguides/blogs/80dishes Flags https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/docs/flagsoftheworld.html B/W - http://etc.usf.edu/clipart/galleries/245-world-flags-black-and-white Games http://webpages.shepherd.edu/EMORRI01/KWCurriculum_Games.pdf http://www.gameskidsplay.net/GAMES/FOREIGN_INDEXES/INDEX.HTM http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/4h/4h05500.pdf Animals http://www.kidsplanet.org/factsheets/map.html http://www.bornfree.org.uk/wild-crew/animals-around-the-world/ Religions http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0855613.html http://www.worldfactsandfigures.com/religion.php

ww

w.a

wa

na.o

rg/e

very

child

HO

NG

KO

NG

GU

AM

Da

rker

col

ored

cou

ntri

es in

dic

ate

whe

re A

wa

na c

urre

ntly

doe

s m

inis

try

Awana Club in Fiji Islands

Awana Club in Philippines

Awana Club in Myanmar

Awana Club in Vietnam Awana Club in

Papua New Guinea

Reaching kids in The Pacific Rim

with the gospel of Jesus Christ and providing them

long-term discipleship!

Australia’s flag is blue with the flag of the UK in the upper

left-side and a large seven-pointed star in the lower left-

side known as the Commonwealth or Federation Star. This

star represents the federation of the colonies of Australia

in 1901. Each point stands for one of the six original states

and one representing all of Australia's internal and

external territories. On the right is a representation of the

Southern Cross constellation in white with one small five-

pointed star and four larger, seven-pointed stars. The

flag's original design was chosen in 1901 from entries in a

worldwide competition held. In 1954 the flag became

recognized as the Australian National Flag.

WEATHER

The climate of Australia is significantly influenced by ocean

currents. There are periodic droughts and seasonal

tropical low pressure systems that produce cyclones in

northern Australia. Rainfall varies significantly from year

to year. The northern part of the country has a tropical

summer rainfall climate. Approximately 75% of Australia is

a desert or semi-arid zone, known as the outback.

LIFESPAN Life expectancy on average is 82 years old (males 79

years, females 84 years).

ECONOMY

Australia has a market economy with high GDP per capita

and low rate of poverty. Australia is the world's thirteenth

largest economy with the service sector accounting for

70% of GDP.

RELIGION Protestant 27.4%, Catholic 25.8%, Eastern Orthodox 2.7%,

other Christian 7.9%, Buddhist 2.1%, Muslim 1.7%, other

2.4%

SCHOOLING

The literacy rate in Australia is 99% and the average

school life expectancy is 21 years. School attendance is

required to all children from the age of 6 to 16. Australia is

among the most expensive nations to attend university.

CROPS Wheat, barley, sugarcane, fruits.

FLOWERS Australia's national floral emblem is Golden Wattle. Other

native flowers are the Fannel Flower, Wax Flower, Royal

bluebell, Waratah and Sturt's Desert Rose.

SPORTS

Football (soccer) is the most popular sport in the Australia.

Other popular activities include horse racing, rugby and

cricket.

with the gospel of Jesus

Christ and providing them long-term discipleship!

The current flag of Fiji was adopted on October 10, 1970. The blue

background symbolizes the Pacific Ocean. The Union Jack (British flag)

reflects that Fiji was a British colony from 1874 to 1970. The shield is

taken from Fiji’s coat of arms. The yellow lion stands above the Cross of

St. George. Three of the four quarters contain crops: sugarcane,

coconut palm tree and banana. The last quarter has a dove which

symbolizes peace.

WEATHER

Fiji has a tropical climate with hot wet summers with warm dry winters.

The rainy season is during the summer months from November to March

which also coincides with the cyclone season.

LIFESPAN Life expectancy on average is 71 years of age.

ECONOMY

Fiji is one of the most developed of the Pacific Island economies due its

forest, mineral and fish resources. Due to a high percentage of homeless

individuals, there is a strain on supplies, water, electricity, sewage and

road services.

RELIGION Christian 52%. Hindu 38%. Muslim 8%. Other 2%.

SCHOOLING

Fiji has a very good enrollment rate at the primary and secondary levels

of education. Scholarships are given to financially-challenged

households by the government and the higher learning institutions.

CROPS Sugar cane, coconuts, tapioca, rice and sweet potatoes.

FLOWERS Tagimaucia (Medinilla Waterhousei)

SPORTS The national sport of Fiji is Rugby. Cricket and football (soccer) are also

very popular.

Fiji Islands

with the gospel of Jesus

Christ and providing them long-term discipleship!

The national flag of Guam is the US flag. Guam is an organized,

unincorporated territory of the United States located in the

western Pacific Ocean. Guam’s territorial flag is dark blue with a

narrow red border on all four sides. In the center of the flag is a

red-bordered seal containing a beach scene with a proa (canoe

with a sail) and a bent palm tree. The word GUAM is in bold red

letters in the middle of the seal. The blue color represents the

sea and the red color signifies the blood shed in the struggle

against oppression.

WEATHER

Guam’s climate is characterized as tropical marine. The weather

is generally hot and very humid with little seasonal temperature

variation. The dry season runs from December through June.

The rest of the year is the rainy season. The months of January

and February are considered the coolest months of the year and

generally have lower humidity levels.

LIFESPAN Life expectancy on average is 78 years old (males 75 years,

females 82 years).

ECONOMY

The economy depends largely on US military spending and

tourism. The tourist industry has grown to become the largest

income source following national defense. The Guam economy

continues to expand in both its tourism and military sectors.

RELIGION Roman Catholic 85%, other 15%.

SCHOOLING

The literacy rate in Guam is 99%. Guam Public Schools have

struggled with problems such as high dropout rates and poor

test scores. Guam's educational system has always faced unique

challenges because it is a small community with a very diverse

student body.

CROPS Fruits, copra, vegetables, eggs, pork, poultry and beef.

FLOWERS Bougainvillea spectabilis, commonly known as paper flower, is

the state flower of Guam. Other popular plants include the lotus,

red plumeria and passion fruit

SPORTS The most popular sport in Guam is baseball. Other popular

sports are football, rugby and surfing.

Guam

The flag of Hong Kong features a white, stylized, five-petal Bauhinia

blakeana flower in the center of a red field. The design was adopted

on April 4, 1990. The red color signifies the link between Hong Kong

and China. The position of red and white on the flag symbolizes the

"one country two systems" political principle. The stylized rendering of

the Bauhinia blakeana flower, a flower discovered in Hong Kong, is

meant to serve as a harmonizing symbol.

WEATHER

Hong Kong has four different seasons. In the winter the temperature

is usually milder with monsoons carrying in cold fronts. The spring

brings wormer weather with an increase in rain fall. In the summer it is

hot and humid. Autumn is the most pleasant season and the sunniest

season.

LIFESPAN Life expectancy on average is 82 years old (males 79 years, females

85 years).

ECONOMY

Hong Kong's operates a free market economy. This economy is highly

dependent on international trade and finance. This economy left Hong

Kong exposed to the global economic slowdown, but its increasing

integration with China is helping Hong Kong recover. Hong Kong's

natural resources are limited, and food and raw materials must be

imported. Also, Hong Kong is establishing itself as the premier stock

market for Chinese firms seeking to list abroad.

RELIGION Diverse mixture of local religions 90%, Christian 10% (majority of the

residents of Hong Kong would claim no religious affiliation).

SCHOOLING

The education in Hong Kong is similar to the system used in the United

Kingdom. It is highly competitive by global standards. Hong Kong

requires everyone to go to school for 9 years. The average amount of

schooling in Hong Kong is 16 years.

CROPS Fresh vegetables, poultry, pork and fish.

FLOWERS Hong Kong's national flower is a Bauhinia Blakeana flower. It is the

stylized flower shown on the flag. The Bauhinia Blakeana is also called

the Hong Kong Orchid Tree.

SPORTS

Football (soccer) is the most popular sport in Hong Kong. Other

popular activities include jogging, badminton, basketball, swimming,

volleyball and table tennis.

G:\Awana GO\Regional Booklets\Pacific Rim\Indonesia\Indonesia_Country Sheet.doc Printed 8/5/2014

The flag of Indonesia was adopted on August 17, 1945. The design of the

flag of Indonesian flag is simple with two equal horizontal bands, red (top)

and white (bottom). Red represents courage while white means purity of

intent.

WEATHER

Indonesia has a fairly even climate year round. Rather than four seasons,

Indonesia has two – wet and dry. There are no extremes of winter and

summer. Rain tends to come in sudden tropical downpours, but it can

also rain nonstop for days.

LIFESPAN Life expectancy on average is 77 years of age.

ECONOMY Estimated 13.33% of the population remains below the poverty line.

RELIGION Muslim 88%. Protestant 5%. Catholic 3%. Hinduism 2%. Buddhism 1%.

Other 1%.

SCHOOLING School year divided into two semesters. July through December.

January through June. Schools are run by the government or privately.

CROPS Rice, Peanuts, Soybeans & Fruit

FLOWERS Moon Orchid. Lilies. Chrysanthemums.

SPORTS

The most popular sport in Indonesia is football (soccer). Other activities

include badminton, basketball, boxing, Pencak Silat (martial arts) and

Australian rules football.

(

(

(

(

(

(

(

(

(

(

(

(

(

(

Pada

ngsi

dem

puan

Lang

sa

Tebi

ngtin

ggi

Kota

bum

i

Tanj

ungr

edep

Balik

papa

n

Pare

Par

e

Soro

ngBi

ak

Mer

auke

Wam

ena

Dar

win

Laha

t

Sung

aipe

nuh

Paya

kum

buh

Man

okw

ari

Tim

ika

Med

an

Band

a Ac

eh

Pada

ng

Peka

nbar

u Jam

biPa

ngka

lpin

ang

Pale

mba

ng

Band

ar L

ampu

ng

Sem

aran

g

Denp

asar

Mataram

Kupa

ng

Uju

ngpa

ndan

g

Kend

ari

Man

ado

Pala

ngka

raya

Sam

arin

daPa

luPo

ntia

nak

Ambo

n

Jaya

pura

Yogy

akar

ta

Ben

gkul

u

Suraba

ya

Banj

arm

asin

Band

dung

Sera

ng

Goron

talo

Tern

ate

Kual

a Lu

mpu

r

Bang

kok

Phno

m P

enh

Man

ila

Dili

Band

ar S

eri B

egaw

an

Jaka

rta I

ND

IA

N

OC

EA

N

SO

UT

H C

HIN

A

SE

A

JA

VA

SE

A

A N D A M A N S E A

Gulf of T

hailand

Strait

o

f Mal

acca

BA

ND

A

SE

A

TIM

OR

S

EA

AR

AF

UR

A S

EA

Gul

f of

Car

pent

aria

CE

RA

M S

EA

MOLUCCA SE

A

CE

LE

BE

S

SE

A

SU

LU

SE

A

Makassar

StraitSe

lat S

unda

BA

LI

S

EA

SA

VU

SE

A

Sela

t Mad

ura

Teluk BoneTelu

k To

min

i

Tel

uk

Cen

dera

was

ih

PA

CI

FI

C

OC

EA

N

Sela

tK

arti

mat

a

1

2

57

9

10

11

1230

14

1513

16

1718

2021

22

23

25

24

26

27

28

29

19

6

3

48

Sula

wes

i(C

eleb

es)

Java

Sum

atra

Sum

ba

Sum

baw

aFl

ores

Wet

ar

Tim

or

Cer

amBali Lombok

Ka

lim

an

tan

Bor

neo

N

ew

Gui

nea

Hal

mah

era

Bang

ka

Billit

on

Mad

ura

Nia

s

Sim

eulu

e

Nat

una

Besa

r

Sibe

rut

Dol

ak

Kepu

laua

nAr

u

Kep

ulau

an T

anim

bar

Alor

Buto

n

MunaPe

leng

Kepu

laua

nSu

la

Yape

n

Mor

otai

Kep

ulau

an

Tala

ud

Sang

ihe

Biak

Obi

Wai

geo

Mis

ool

Buru

Rot

iSa

wu

Car

tier I

.

Ashm

ore

Is.

Chr

istm

as I.

Bacan

Gr

ea

te

r

Su

nd

a

Is

la

nd

s

M o l uc

c

as

Le

sse

r S

un

da

Isl

an

ds

Paga

i Sel

atan

Paga

i Uta

raSi

pura

Engg

ano

Kepu

laua

nLi

ngga

Kepu

laua

nR

iau

Laut

Kang

ean

Sela

jar

Baba

r

Sal

awat

i

SIN

GA

PO

RE

MA

LA

YSI

A

MA

LA

YSI

A

VIE

T N

AM

CA

MB

OD

IAP

HIL

IPP

INE

S

TH

AIL

AN

DL

AO

P.D

.R.

AU

ST

RA

LIA

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

BR

UN

EI

DA

RU

SSA

LA

M

TIM

OR

-LE

STE

(AU

STR

AL

IA)

(AU

STR

AL

IA)

(AU

STR

AL

IA)

Map

No.

411

0 R

ev. 4

� U

NIT

ED

NAT

ION

SJa

nuar

y 20

04D

epar

tmen

t of P

eace

keep

ing

Ope

ratio

nsC

arto

grap

hic

Sec

tion

IND

ON

ESI

A

IND

ON

ESI

A

The

bou

ndar

ies

and

nam

es s

how

n an

d th

e de

sign

atio

ns

used

on

this

map

do

not i

mpl

y of

ficia

l end

orse

men

t or

acce

ptan

ce b

y th

e U

nite

d N

atio

ns.

Nat

iona

l cap

ital

Pro

vinc

ial c

apita

l

Tow

n, v

illag

e

Inte

rnat

iona

l bou

ndar

y

Pro

vinc

ial b

ound

ary

Mai

n ro

ad

Sec

onda

ry r

oad

Rai

lroad

Maj

or a

irpo

rt

Equa

tor

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

25.

26.

27.

28.

29.

30.K

AL

IMA

NTA

N T

IMU

RL

AM

PUN

G

MA

LU

KU

MA

LU

KU

UTA

RA

NU

SA T

EN

GG

AR

A B

AR

AT

NU

SA T

EN

GG

AR

A T

IMU

RR

IAU

SUL

AW

ESI

SE

LA

TAN

SUL

AW

ESI

TE

NG

AH

SUL

AW

ESI

TE

NG

GA

RA

SUL

AW

ESI

UTA

RA

SUM

AT

ER

A B

AR

AT

SUM

AT

ER

A S

EL

ATA

NSU

MA

TE

RA

UTA

RA

YO

GY

AK

AR

TA

PR

OV

INC

ES

OF

IN

DO

NE

SIA

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.A

CE

HB

AL

IB

AN

GK

A-B

EL

ITU

NG

BA

NT

EN

BE

NG

KU

LU

GO

RO

NTA

LO

IRIA

N J

AY

AJA

KA

RTA

JAM

BI

JAW

A B

AR

AT

JAW

A T

EN

GA

HJA

WA

TIM

UR

KA

LIM

AN

TAN

BA

RA

TK

AL

IMA

NTA

N S

EL

ATA

NK

AL

IMA

NTA

N T

EN

GA

H

025

050

075

0 km

025

050

0 m

i

10°

0°

10°

0°

10°

110°

12

0°

100°

11

0°

140°

13

0°

120°

with the gospel of Jesus

Christ and providing them long-term discipleship!

The national flag of Japan is white with a red filled disc in the

middle of it. The red filled disc in the middle represents a sun

without rays. This flag was designated the national flag on

August 13, 1999. The flag originated in the Meiji Era and was

designed by Daijō-kan. The use of the flag has been a

controversial issue for Japan's public schools since the end of

World War II.

WEATHER

Japan's northernmost zone (Hokkaido) has long, cold winters

and cool summers. In the Sea of Japan zone, northwest winter

winds bring heavy snowfall. The Central Highland has an inland

climate, with large temperature differences between summer

and winter. The mountains of the Chūgoku and Shikoku regions

shelter mild weather year-round. The Pacific coast experiences

cold winters with little snowfall and hot, humid summers. The

Ryukyu Islands have a subtropical climate, with warm winters

and hot summers.

LIFESPAN Life expectancy on average is 82 years old (males 79 years,

females 86 years).

ECONOMY

Japan is the third largest national economy in the world.

Japan's industrial sector is heavily dependent on imported raw

materials and fuels. A tiny agricultural sector is highly

subsidized and protected, with crop yields among the highest in

the world.

RELIGION Shintoism 83.9%, Buddhism 71.4%, Christianity 2%, other 7.8%

(most Japanese follow a meld of Shintoism and Buddhism).

SCHOOLING

The literacy rate in Japan is 99% and the average school life

expectancy is 15 years. Japan is ranked 4th in math and science

in the world. Most students attend public schools through the

lower secondary level, but private education is popular at the

upper secondary and university levels.

CROPS Rice, sugar beets, vegetables, fruit.

FLOWERS

The Yellow Chrysanthemum, popularity wise and Japanese

Apricot are said to be the official flowers of Japan. The Cherry

Blossom (Sakura) is the unofficial flower of Japan because of

the popularity it has in Japanese culture.

SPORTS

Sumo is considered to be the national sport of Japan. Other

popular activities include judo, karate, kendo, football (soccer),

golf and auto racing.

The Regional flag of the Macau is light green with a lotus flower

above the water in white, beneath an arc of five gold, five-

pointed stars: one large in the center of the arc and four smaller

ones. The water beneath the lotus and the bridge symbolize

Macau's position as a port and its role played in the territory.

The five five-pointed stars echo the design of the flag of the

People's Republic of China, symbolizing the relationship Macau

has with its sovereign state.

WEATHER

Macau has a humid subtropical climate. Autumn in Macau, from

October to November, is sunny and still pleasantly warm with

low humidity. Winter (December to early March) is generally

mild. Humidity starts to increase from late March. Summer is

very warm to hot and it’s often followed by heavy rain,

thunderstorms and occasional typhoons.

LIFESPAN Life expectancy on average is 85 years old (males 81 years,

females 87 years).

ECONOMY

Macau's economy is based largely on tourism. Other chief

economic activities in Macau are export-geared textile and

garment manufacturing, banking and other financial services.

The clothing industry has provided about three quarters of

export earnings, and the gaming, tourism and hospitality

industry is estimated to contribute more than 50% of Macau's

GDP.

RELIGION Buddhist 70%, Roman Catholicism 15%, Protestant Christianity

10%, Bahá'í Faith 4%, and Muslims 1%.

SCHOOLING

The literacy rate of the territory is 93.5%. A fifteen-year free

education is currently being offered to residents and it includes

a three-year kindergarten, followed by a six-year primary

education and a six-year secondary education.

CROPS Macau’s main crop is maize, rice, citrus, and coffee,

FLOWERS The Lotus is Macau’s official flower,

SPORTS

In general, football (soccer) has the greatest popularity in

Macau. Another common sport is Rink Hockey, which is often

practiced by the Portuguese.

Malaysia’s flag design is based on the flag of the US. It has 14 equal

horizontal stripes of red alternating with white. There is a blue

rectangle in the upper left side corner with a yellow crescent and a

yellow 14-pointed star. The flag is often referred to as Jalur

Gemilang, which translates to Stripes of Glory. The crescent is a

traditional symbol of Islam. The 14 stripes stand for the 13 member

states and the federal government. The 14 points on the star

represent the unity between these entities. The color blue

symbolizes the unity of the Malay people. The color yellow is the

royal color of Malay rulers.

WEATHER

Malaysia has a climate categorized as equatorial; it is hot and

humid throughout the year. Malaysia faces two monsoon winds

seasons, the Southwest Monsoon and the Northeast Monsoon. The

Northeast Monsoon brings in more rainfall than the Southwest

Monsoon. Local climates are affected by the mountain ranges in

Malaysia.

LIFESPAN Life expectancy on average is 74 years old (males 71 years, females

77 years).

ECONOMY

Malaysia has an open state-oriented multi-sector economy. It has

one of the best economic records in Asia. The government aiming

to boost domestic demand in order to reduce the economy's

dependence on exports. However, exports still remain a significant

driver of the economy.

RELIGION Muslim 60.4%, Buddhist 19.2%, Christian 9.1%, Hindu 6.3%,

Traditional Chinese religions 2.6%, other 1.5%.

SCHOOLING

The literacy rate in Malaysia is 89% and the school life expectancy

is 13 years. The education system features kindergarten then six

years of compulsory primary education followed by five years of

optional secondary education.

CROPS Rubber, palm oil, cocoa, rice, coconuts, timber and pepper.

FLOWERS

The national flower of Malaysia is the hibiscus rosa sinensis, locally

known as the bunga raya. Other native flowers include rafflesia

arnoldii and hibiscus rosa.

SPORTS The most popular sport in Malaysia is football (soccer).Other sports

include badminton, field hockey, tennis and martial arts.

Malaysia

G:\Awana GO\Regional Booklets\Pacific Rim\Myanmar\Myanmar_Country Sheet.doc Printed 8/5/2014

The flag of Myanmar recently adopted a new state flag on October

21, 2010 which replaced the former socialist flag it used since 1974.

Centered on the green band is a five-pointed star that overlaps the

other two colors. The green color represents peace and tranquility

while yellow stands for solidarity. Valor and courage is denoted by

the red field.

WEATHER

Myanmar is between the Tropic of Cancer and the Equator and lies

in the monsoon region of Asia. There are two monsoon seasons. The

southwest monsoon is from June to September and is known for its

cloudy, rainy, hot and humid summers. The northeast monsoon, with

its milder temperatures and lower humidity during the winter, is from

December to April.

LIFESPAN Life expectancy on average is 65 years of age.

ECONOMY

Myanmar’s economy is one of the least developed in the world due to

decades of stagnation, inefficient economic policies and corruption.

Agriculture is the primary industry. As of 2009, over 32% of the

country lives in poverty.

RELIGION Buddhist 89%. Christian 4%. Muslim 4%. Other 3%.

SCHOOLING

Nearly all the schools are government-operated and are based

under the United Kingdom’s system due to 100 years of British

colonial rule. The adult literacy rate of Myanmar is over 90%.

CROPS Rice, pulses beans, sesame and groundnuts.

FLOWERS The Paduak is the national flower. Orchids are also native to

Myanmar.

SPORTS The most popular sport in Myanmar is football (soccer). Chinlone,

lethwei (kickboxing) and other martial arts are well-liked.

Naypyitaw

Thaton

KunmingDali

Dukou

Gejiu

Pongsali

Jinghong

Lincang

TengchongBaoshan

Lijiang

Xichang

Muang Xai

Houayxay

Chiang Mai

Lampang

Nakhon Sawan Nakhon

Ratchasima

Khon Kaen

Barisal

Chittagong

Imphal

Jorhat

Tinsukia

LumdingShillong

Guwahati

Bhamo

Shingbwiyang

Maymyo

Katha

Mawlaik

Myingyan

Meiktila

Taungdwingyi

Prome (Pye)

Minbu

Chauk

Pakokku

Monywa

Shwebo

Falam Kalemya

Pyapon

Henzada

Mergui

Kawthuang

Chumphon

Sandoway

Amherst

Ta-kaw

Möng-Pan

- Kengtung

Putao

Hopin

Lashio

Makaw

Ye

Namhkam

Sittwe(Akyab)

Pathein

Magway

Bago

Pa-an

Loikaw

Dawei

Mawlamyine

Taunggyi

Hakha

Myitkyina

Mandalay

Sagaing

Bangkok(Krung Thep)

Naypyitaw

Vientiane(Viangchan)

DhakaSAGAING

DIVISION

BAGODIVISION

AYEYARWARDYDIVISION

TANINTHARYI DIVISION

YANGONDIVISION

MAGWAY

DIVISION

MANDALAY

DIVISION

KACHIN

STATE

CHIN

STATE

RAKHINESTATE KAYAH

STATE

MONSTATE

KAYINSTATE

SHAN STATE

Yangon

C H I N A

I N D I A

T H A I L A N D

VIET NAM

BHUTAN

LAO PEOPLE'S

DEMOCRATIC

REPUBLIC

BANGLADESH

CAMBODIAAndaman Sea

Mouths of the Irrawaddy

Irra

wad

dy

Irrawaddy

Chi

ndw

in

Brahmaputra

Salween

Mekong

Jinsha Jiang

Mekong

Mae N

am Ping

Bay o f Bengal

G u l f o f T h a i l a n d

Mar

taba

n

Gul

f of

La

ncang (M

ekong)

Yuan (Red)

National capital

Division or state capital

Town, village

Major airport

International boundary

Division or state boundary

Main road

Secondary road

Railroad

MYANMARMYANMAR

Map No. 4168 Rev. 2 UNITED NATIONSMay 2008

Department of Field SupportCartographic Section

The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations.

0 100 200 300 km

0 100 200 mi

Chinese Line

Indian Line

Preparis Island(MYANMAR)

Ramree I.

Cheduba I.

Launglon BokIslands

Bilugyin I.

MerguiArchipelago

Coco Islands(MYANMAR)

94° 96° 98° 100° 102°

24°

26°

22°

20°

18°

16°

14°

12°

10°

18°

16°

14°

12°

10°

20°

28°

22°

24°

26°

92° 94°

96° 98° 100° 102°

with the gospel of Jesus

Christ and providing them long-term discipleship!

G:\Awana GO\Regional Booklets\Pacific Rim\New Zealand ~\New Zealand_Country Sheet.doc Printed 8/5/2014

New Zealand’s flag is blue with the Union Flag in the upper left side

quadrant. It has four red five-pointed stars edged in white centered

in the right half of the flag. These stars represent the constellation of

Crux, also known as the Southern Cross. The Union Flag in the

represents New Zealand's colonial ties to Britain. The flag was

designed and adopted for restricted use in 1869 and became the

national flag in 1902.

WEATHER

New Zealand has a mild and temperate maritime climate. Conditions

vary across regions from extremely wet on the west coast of the

South Island, to semi-arid in inland Canterbury and to subtropical in

Northland. The southern and south-western parts of the South Island

have a cooler and cloudier climate. The northern and north-eastern

parts of the South Island are the sunniest areas of the country.

LIFESPAN Life expectancy on average is 81 years old (males 79 years, females

83 years).

ECONOMY

New Zealand has a modern, prosperous and developed market

economy. New Zealand’s economy fell into recession before the start

of the global financial crisis and contracted for five consecutive

quarters in 2008-2009. The government plans to raise productivity

growth and develop infrastructure, while managing government

spending.

RELIGION Protestant 38.6%, Roman Catholic 12.6%, Christian 4.6%, Methodist

3%, Pentecostal 2%, Maori Christian 1.6%, Hindu 1.6%, Baptist 1.4%,

Buddhist 1.3%, other religions 2.2%

SCHOOLING

The literacy rate in New Zealand is 99% and the school life

expectancy is 19 years. Primary and secondary schooling is

compulsory for children aged 6 to 16. There are 13 school years.

Attending public schools is free.

CROPS Wheat, barley, potatoes, pulses, fruits, vegetables, wool, beef, fish.

FLOWERS

The national flower of New Zealand is the Sophora microphylla, more

commonly known as Kowhai. Other popular flowers are mount cook

buttercup, ladies tresses orchid, flush willow herb, Sun orchid and

toetoes.

SPORTS The most popular sport in New Zealand is soccer. Most of New

Zealand’s sports come from English origin. Some of the more popular

sports are Golf, netball, tennis and cricket.

New Zealand

The flag of Papua New Guinea was adopted on July 1, 1971. Red and

black have long been the traditional colors of many of the tribes in

Papua New Guinea. The upper triangle is a soaring yellow bird called

the Raggiana Bird-of-paradise (also known as the kumul). This is the

national bird and it represents the emergence of Papua New Guinea as

a nation. The lower triangle is the five-pointed stars of the Southern

Cross constellation and symbolizes the country’s connection with the

other South Pacific countries.

WEATHER

Papua New Guinea has a tropical climate. Although occasional rain

falls year-round, December to March is considered the wet season.

Nearly 85% of the main island is made up of tropical rain forest.

LIFESPAN Life expectancy on average is 63 years of age.

ECONOMY

Agriculture provides the livelihood for 85% of the population. Papua

New Guinea is a poor country with approximately 37% of the country

below the poverty line.

RELIGION Indigenous beliefs 34%. Roman Catholic 22%.Lutheran 16%. Other

Protestant 10%. Presbyterian/Methodist 8%. Other 10%

SCHOOLING Most of the population is illiterate with women being the most affected.

Most of the education in the country is provided by church institutions.

CROPS Sweet potatoes, coffee and copra

FLOWERS Over 2,000 species of orchids and 2,000 species of ferns.

SPORTS The most popular sport in Papua New Guinea is rugby. Other sports

include cricket, Australian rules football and soccer.

Port

Mor

esby

Aita

pe

Am

anab

Map

rik

Bog

ia

Oka

pa

Mar

awak

a

Tari

Am

bunt

i

Kik

ori

Bal

imo

Tufi

Fins

chha

fen

Kan

dria

nHos

kins

Pom

io

Koko

po

Nam

atan

ai

Mor

ehea

dW

eam

Kupi

ano

Ang

oram

Tele

fom

inTa

lase

a

Glo

uces

ter

Ew

ase

Mili

m

Pang

una

Bui

n

Kw

ikila

Lum

i

Koro

ba

Kab

wum

Nad

zab

Koko

da

Kiu

nga

Kav

ieng Rab

aul

Kim

be

Lae

Wew

ak

Mad

ang

Wab

ag

Men

di

Mt.

Hag

enG

orok

aKu

ndia

wa

Kere

ma

Vani

mo

Dar

u

Ara

wa

Popo

ndet

ta

Alo

tau

Esa

'ala

Kulu

mad

au

Lore

ngau

WE

ST

SE

PIK

EA

ST

SE

PIK

WE

ST

ER

N

GU

LF

CE

NT

RA

L

MA

DA

NG

MA

NU

S

WES

TER

N H

IGH

LAN

DS

WE

ST

NE

WB

RIT

AIN

EA

ST

NE

WB

RIT

AIN

MIL

NE

BA

Y

NE

W I

RE

LA

ND

BO

UG

AIN

VIL

LE

MO

RO

BE

ENG

A

CH

IMB

U

SOU

THER

N H

IGH

LAN

DS

NA

TIO

NA

L C

API

TAL

EAST

ERN

HIG

HLA

ND

S

INDONESIA

SO

LO

MO

N I

SL

AN

DS

AU

STR

AL

IA

Man

us

New

Irela

nd

New

Brit

ain

Bou

gain

ville

Cho

iseu

l

San

taY

sabe

l

Woo

dlar

k

Poc

klin

gton

Ree

f

D'E

ntre

cast

eaux

Isla

nds

Loui

siad

e A

rchi

pela

go

Bis

ma

rck

Arc

hip

ela

go

Task

ul

Kar

kar

Long

Kiw

ai

Um

boi

Mus

sau

Taba

r

Lihi

r

Buk

a

Gua

dalc

anal

Goo

deno

ugh Fe

rgus

son

Nor

man

by

Mis

ima

Tagu

laR

osse

l

Tabar

I sla

nd

s

Tabar

I sla

nd

s

St.

Mat

thia

s G

roup

Witu

Isla

nds

Tro

bria

ndIs

land

s

Tan

gaIs

land

s

Fen

iIs

land

s

Adm

iralty

Isla

nds

Pel

elun

Isla

nds

Her

mit

Isla

nds

New G

eorg

ia G

roup

Cha

mbr

iL

akes

Lak

eM

urra

y

Fly

Strickland

Sepi

k

Ramu

Co

ra

l

S

ea

Bi

sm

ar

ck

Se

a

PA

CI

FI

C

O

CE

AN

So

lo

mo

n

S

ea

Gu

lf o

f P

ap

ua

Hu

on

Gu

lf

To

rres

Str

ait

Gos

chen

Str

ait

PA

PU

AN

EW

GU

INE

A

0 0

100

200

2

50 k

m

5010

0

150

mi

5015

0

The

bou

ndar

ies

and

nam

es s

how

n an

d th

e de

sign

atio

ns u

sed

on th

is m

ap d

o no

t im

ply

offic

ial e

ndor

sem

ent o

r ac

cept

ance

by th

e U

nite

d N

atio

ns.

Map

No.

410

4 R

ev. 1

U

NIT

ED

NAT

ION

SJa

nuar

y 20

04D

epar

tmen

t of P

eace

keep

ing

Ope

ratio

nsC

arto

grap

hic

Sec

tion

Nat

iona

l cap

ital

Pro

vinc

ial c

apita

lC

ity, t

own

Maj

or a

irpo

rtR

eef

Inte

rnat

iona

l bou

ndar

yP

rovi

ncia

l bou

ndar

yM

ain

road

PA

PU

AN

EW

GU

INE

A

PA

PU

AN

EW

GU

INE

A

with the gospel of Jesus

Christ and providing them long-term discipleship!

The original flag of the Philippines was adopted in 1898. There is a white

equilateral triangle at the hoist. In the center of the triangle is a yellow

sun with eight primary rays. The three stars in the corners of the triangle

represent the country’s three main islands. The blue color stands for

peace and justice and the white triangle is for equality. The red field

symbolizes courage.

WEATHER

The climate of the Philippines is known for its high temperatures, severe

humidity and ample precipitation. There are two seasons. The warmest

months of the year last from May to October during the southwest

monsoon. The northeastern monsoon, which brings cooler temperatures,

is between November and April.

LIFESPAN Life expectancy on average is 72 years of age.

ECONOMY

The Philippines is considered a newly industrialized nation. The service

sector is the major occupations followed by agriculture. About half of the

population lives in rural areas where poverty most severe.

RELIGION Christian 90%. Muslim 5%. Other 5%.

SCHOOLING

Even though most of the Philippine population is literate, there are still

some issues. There is a decline in the quality of education, especially in

the elementary and secondary levels. Economically disadvantaged

students have higher dropout rates and the classrooms are

overpopulated.

CROPS Bananas, coconuts, pineapples, rice and corn.

FLOWERS Sampaguita is the national flower of the Philippines. Other flowers

include ylang-ylang, waling-waling, gumamela and sunflowers.

SPORTS

Arnis (stick fighting) and chako sticks are the national sports in the

Philippines. Other popular activities include basketball, boxing, football

(soccer) and volleyball.

with the gospel of Jesus

Christ and providing them long-term discipleship!

The national flag of Singapore was adopted in 1959. The flag

features two horizontal bands of red and white. On the left side

of the red band, there is a white crescent enclosing a pentagon

of five small white five-pointed stars. The red color denotes

brotherhood and equality. The white signifies purity and virtue.

The crescent moon symbolizes a young nation on the

ascendancy. The five stars are the nation's ideals of

democracy, peace, progress, justice, and equality.

WEATHER

Singapore's climate is classified as equatorial. This climate is

characterized by uniform temperature and pressure, high

humidity and abundant rainfall. June is the hottest month of

the year. The eastern side of Singapore is much drier and

slightly hotter than western side.

LIFESPAN Life expectancy on average is 82 years old (males 80 years,

females 85 years).

ECONOMY

Singapore has a highly developed and successful free-market

economy. It has an open and corruption-free environment,

stable prices, and a high per capita GDP. The economy depends

heavily on exports and on growing financial services. The

government hopes to establish a new growth path that focuses

on raising productivity.

RELIGION Buddhist 42.5%, Muslim 14.9%, Christian 9.8%, Taoist 8.5%,

Catholic 4.8% and Hindu 4%

SCHOOLING

The literacy rate in Singapore is 92.5%. Education takes place in

three stages (Primary, Secondary and Pre-university

education). Students begin with six years of compulsory

primary school. Secondary school lasts from four to five years.

CROPS Orchids, vegetables; poultry, eggs, fish and ornamental fish.

FLOWERS The national flower of Singapore is the Vanda Miss Joaquim,

which is a hybrid orchid.

SPORTS

The most popular sport in Singapore is football (soccer). Other

popular sports are basketball, cricket, sailing, table tennis and

badminton.

Singapore

with the gospel of Jesus

Christ and providing them long-term discipleship!

The national flag of Solomon Islands was adopted officially on 18

November 1977. The five main island groups are represented by the five

stars. The blue is supposed to represent the surrounding ocean, while the

green represents the land. The yellow stripe is symbolic of the sunshine.

WEATHER

The climate of the Solomon Islands can be described as a tropical climate

with two different seasons. The dry seasons are between December and

February, and from June to mid-September; the rainy seasons last from

February to end May, and from September to end November.

LIFESPAN Life is 74.42 years. Male: 71.83 years and female: 77.14 years .

ECONOMY

Solomon Islands, ranks as a lesser developed nation, and more than 75%

of its labor force is engaged in subsistence and fishing. Most

manufactured goods and petroleum products must be imported.

RELIGION Christian 92%, Buddhism 3%, Muslim 0.07%, and Other 4.93%.

SCHOOLING

Education in Solomon Islands is not compulsory and only 60 percent of

school-age children have access to primary education. Efforts and plans

made by the Department of Education and Human Resource

Development to expand educational facilities and increase enrolment

have been hindered by a lack of government funding, misguided teacher

training programs, and a failure of the government to pay teachers.

CROPS Coconuts, Yams, Taro, Cacao, Sweet Potatoes, Cassava, and Green

Vegetables.

FLOWERS There is no national flower for this region, but it’s known for their orchid’s

variety.

SPORTS Solomon Islands national sport is Football Soccer. They also enjoy related

sports, such as Futsal (indoor soccer) and Beach Soccer .

with the gospel of Jesus

Christ and providing them long-term discipleship!

The current flag of South Korea was adopted on January 25,

1950. It has three parts: four black trigrams, one each corner of

the flag, a red and blue taegeuk in the center and a white

background. The taegeuk refers to the ultimate reality from which

all things and values originate. Each trigram represents one of the

four universal elements. White denotes peace and purity. Blue

stands for the negative cosmic forces of the yin while red signifies

the opposite positive forces of the yang.

WEATHER

The climate of South Korea has four distinct seasons. Winters tend

to be long and cold while the summers are short, hot and humid.

Most of the rain occurs between June and September.

LIFESPAN Life expectancy on average is 79 years of age.

ECONOMY

South Korea has an emerging economy and is a high-income

developed country. It relies heavily on its export-oriented strategy

to increase its economic growth. The country has a low

unemployment rate, but some issues include a rapidly aging

population and an inflexible labor market.

RELIGION Christian 26%. Buddhist 26%. No Affiliation 46%. Other 2%.

SCHOOLING

Primary education is required by all students starting at the age of

six. The competition among students is very demanding. The

South Korean population is well-educated as over 98% of the

residents are literate.

CROPS Rice, barley, vegetables and fruit.

FLOWERS

The Hibiscus Syriacus (also known as the Rose of Sharon or

Mugunghwa) is the national flower of South Korea. Other flowers

include the Forsythia Korean Nakai, Rhododendron Mucronulatum,

Magnolia and Prunus.

SPORTS

Football (soccer) and baseball are the most popular sports in

South Korea. Traditional sports include tae kwon do (martial arts),

kite flying, bull fighting, ssirum (Korean wrestling) and basketball.

with the gospel of Jesus

Christ and providing them long-term discipleship!

G:\Awana GO\Regional Booklets\Pacific Rim\Taiwan ~\Taiwan_Country Sheet.doc Printed 8/5/2014

Taiwan’s flag has a red field with a dark blue rectangle in the

upper left side corner bearing a white sun with 12 triangular rays.

The blue color signifies liberty, justice, and democracy. The red

stands for fraternity, sacrifice, and nationalism. The white

represents equality, frankness, and the people's livelihood. The 12

rays of the sun represent the months and the twelve traditional

Chinese hours. The blue and white design symbolizes the sun of

progress.

WEATHER

Taiwan lies on the Tropic of Cancer, Which means its climate is

marine tropical. The northern part of the island has an extended

rainy season that last from January to late march. The entire

island experiences hot, humid weather from June through

September.

LIFESPAN Life expectancy on average is 78 years old (males 75 years,

females 81 years).

ECONOMY

Taiwan has a dynamic, capitalist, export-driven economy with

gradually decreasing state involvement in investment and

foreign trade. Exports have provided the primary momentum for

industrialization. This heavy dependence on exports exposes the

economy to upturns and downturns in world demand. In June

2010 Taiwan and the mainland signed the landmark Economic

Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA), which Taiwan

authorities hope will eventually lead to a free-trade

arrangement.

RELIGION Buddhist and Taoist 93%, Christian 4.5%, other 2.5%

SCHOOLING

The literacy rate in Taiwan is 96%.The educational system in

Taiwan produces pupils with some of the highest test scores in

the world. These students excel in mathematics and science.

Taiwan has been criticized for placing excessive pressure on

students and avoiding creativity in favor of routine

memorization. Current law mandates 9 years of schooling.

Taiwan’s President announced that the government is going to

implement a 12 year compulsory education program by 2014.

CROPS Rice, vegetables, fruit, tea, flowers.

FLOWERS The national flower of Taiwan is the plum blossom.

SPORTS The most popular sport in Taiwan is baseball. Other popular

sports are taekwondo, basketball, table tennis and cycling.

Taiwan

The current flag of Vietnam was adopted on September 5, 1945. It has a

red field with a large yellow five-pointed star in the center. The color red

symbolizes revolution and blood, and the five-pointed star represents the

five elements of the populace - peasants, workers, intellectuals, traders,

and soldiers - that unite to build socialism.

WEATHER It is tropical in the south, and monsoonal in the north with a hot, rainy

season (May to September) and a warm, dry season (October to March).

LIFESPAN The national average life expectancy in Vietnam is 72 years.

ECONOMY

Vietnam has been, for much of its history, a predominantly agricultural

civilization based on wet rice cultivation. But Vietnam's current economy is

dominated by state-owned enterprises. Agriculture's share of the

economic output has shrunk to about 22%, while industry's share has

increased to 40%.

RELIGION 7.9% Buddhists, 6.6% Catholics, 1.7% Hòa Hảo, 0.9% Cao Đài, 0.9%

Protestants The vast majority of Vietnamese people practice ancestor

worship in some form.

SCHOOLING

Education is not free; therefore, some poor families may have trouble

paying tuition for their children without some form of public or private

assistance. Regardless, school enrollment is among the highest in the

world. 94% of the country is literate.

CROPS Rice, coffee, cotton, peanuts, rubber, sugarcane, and tea.

FLOWERS Tuberose, chrysanthemum, peach flower, orchid, yellow apricot flower,

lotus, and the water lily

SPORTS

The Vovinam and Bình Ðịnh martial arts are widespread in Vietnam.

Soccer is the country's most popular team sport. Other Western sports,

such as badminton, tennis, volleyball, ping-pong and chess, are also

widely popular.

with the gospel of Jesus

Christ and providing them long-term discipleship!