YOG Twinning Countries

KIRIBATI

YOG Twinning Country - Kiribati
With the coming YOG, our school is proud to present one of the participating countries, Kiribati.

Flag of Kiribati


The Micronesians populated Kiribati sailing in from the South Pacific between 200 and 500AD. Sighted by Spanish explorers in the 16th century, they were named the Gilbert islands after Captain Thomas Gilbert who passed them in 1788. Kiribati gained full independence in 1979.

The island nation of Kiribati consists of 33 low-lying coral reefs and atolls, about 20 Approximate of which are permanently inhabited. Its total land area measures around 811 square kilometres (around 313 square miles). Islanders, called I-Kiribati, are predominantly of Micronesian origin. Tourists seek out Kiribati for its “unspoiled” charm, seemingly endless reefs, flats, and lagoons, and for the opportunity to view seabirds and marine life in a lush, tropical setting.

People

The population is approximately 72,000 and the islanders are Micronesian in appearance with finely moulded features, straight black hair and light brown skin. English and I'Kiribati (Gilbertese) are the main languages.

Culture
Canoe racing, volleyball and soccer are all popular on the islands, but more traditional pursuits, such as intricate and beautiful dances - particularly on Tabiteuea - an indigenous martial art and making figures out of string are still practised. Also important in Kiribati are chants for one to four voices that honour particular achievements, such as initiation rites. The chants are not normally accompanied by dance.

Islanders have traditionally lived in a a subsistence economy based on root crops like taro and sweet potato, coconuts and produce from the sea, but as the cash economy makes inroads this is starting to fall by the wayside. Imported foodstuffs are becoming more common and growing in the popularity and status stakes in rural as well as urban areas. The local drop is the unfortunately named sour toddy, which missionaries frowned upon but were never able to wipe out. It is brewed from the coconut palm, (and, uh, you should drain the beetles out of it before you drink any).

Sources: http://www.pacificislandtravel.com/kiribati/about_destin/about_country.html
http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact2002/flags/kr-lgflag.gif

IVORY COAST

YOG Twinning Country - Ivory Coast
With the coming YOG, our school is proud to present one of the participating countries, Ivory Coast.

Flag of Ivory Coast

Cote d' Ivoire, also known as Ivory Coast is a country in West Africa. They first gained their independence on 7 August 1960. Cote d' Ivoire's capital is Yamoussoukro and their main language is French. The Country is divided into 19 regions. The best time to visit Ivory Coast is during the dry, cool period from November to February.

History
The early history of Ivory Coast is virtually unknown, although it is thought that a culture existed there. France made its initial contact with Ivory Coast in 1637 when missionaries landed at Assinie. Early contact were limited to a few missionaries as the inhospitable coastline and settlers'  fear of the inhabitant.

In the 18th centuary, the country was invaded by Akan groups. In 1843-1844, French Admiral signed treaties with the kings of the Grand Bassam, placing their territories under a French protectorate. French explorers, missaries, trading companies , and soldiers extended the area under French control inland from the lagoon region. However, pacification was not accomplished until 1915.

Ivory first competed the Olympic Games in 1964.

Food and Culture

The traditional diet in Ivory Coast usually consist of grains and tubers.Alloca is the national food of the country, which is ripe banana in palm oil spiced with steamed onions and chilli.Bangui is a local Palm Wine.Other popular dishes are braised chicken anafish, keauenou ana N'voufou.

Ethnic Groups
More than 60 ethnic groups.
Most come from West African countries.
Aksn is the major cultural group with a population of 4 million.
Baule's population is about 400,000 and their language is Baule.
Akan people live in the southern of Ivory Coast and they've got a population of 55,000.
They speak Akye.

Famous Sports

Nickname: The Elephants
Association : Federation Ivoirienne de Football
Coach: Philippe Troussier
Topscorer: Didier Drogba

Credits-Sec 2 Topaz (Ivory Coast Group)

Sources taken : http://wwp.greenwichmeantime.com/time-zone/africa/ivory-coast/map.htm
http://theonista.typepad.com/theonistas_unite/2008/04/a-heartfelt-pos.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivory_coast