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Country Profiling Ericka
Country Profiling Ericka
Singapore
Climate:
Singapore is situated near the equator and has a typically tropical climate, with abundant rainfall, high
and uniform temperatures, and high humidity all year round.
Topography:
Singapore Island is mostly low-lying, green, undulating country with a small range of hills at the center.
The highest point of the island is Bukit Timah (166 m/545 ft). There are sections of rainforest in the
center and large mangrove swamps along the coast, which has many inlets, particularly in the north and
west.
Major Cities:
Singapore is a small island city-state with no official cities within its borders. Instead, it is divided into
planning areas and towns.
Top 10 Areas or town of Singapore by Population
1. Bedok
2. Jurong West
3. Tampines
4. Woodlands
5. Sengkang
6. Pasir Ris
7. Punggol
8. Yishun
9. Choa Chu Kang
10. Bukit Merah
Religion:
Buddhism 26%,
Muslim 18%,
Christian 17%
(No Religion 22%)
Customs:
- Gender discrimination is a legal offence in Singapore; thus, take care not to disrespect anyone.
- touching another's head or gesturing towards your own can cause offense. Similarly, never show the soles
of your feet and always keep them firmly planted while seated.
- While meeting a Singaporean formally or informally, make sure to shake hands firmly with all, even
when departing. A slight bow while shaking hands is considered respectful.
Traditions:
Address people older than yourself as 'uncle' or 'aunty'
- Elders are held in the highest esteem in Singapore. Refer to the middle-aged and elderly people as 'Uncle'
or 'Auntie' Always greet the elder person present first.
"Chope" with a packet of tissue
- Singaporeans use a packet of tissue to reserve, or in Singlish terms, chope the table. Nowadays, even
office badges, umbrellas and books can be used for choping! So don't just sit down if you come across a
packet of tissue on an empty table, its occupants are just elsewhere getting their food.
Table Manners
- In Singapore, it is proper etiquette to allow the elders to eat first. This means that you do not touch the
food until the elders have picked up their utensils and started eating. As children, we were also taught to
address our elders at the table before digging in. It goes something like "gong gong (grandpa) eat, popo
(grandma) eat, daddy eat, mummy eat..."
Language:
Singapore has four official languages – English, Malay, Tamil and Mandarin Chinese.
Politics:
System: Unitary parliamentary republic
Figure: Lee Hsien Loong. (The current leading political figure in Singapore is Lee Hsien Loong, who has
served as the Prime Minister of Singapore since 2004. He is expected to step down on May 15, 2024, with
Lawrence Wong succeeding him.)
Food
Hainanese chicken rice
Laksa
Chilli crab
Population:
This year population is 6,052,709. a 38,000 or 0.63% increase from 2023.
Visitor Attractions:
1. Marina Bay Sands
2. Universal Studios
3. Gardens by the Bay
Sample Itinerary:
How to get there:
mode of transportation: Air Transportation / Airplane
carrier's name: Korean Air
point of origin: Manila, Philippines
estimated time of departure and arrival: 06:55 MNL – 10:30 SIN
estimated cost (only for transportation, it should be roundtrip): ₱19,472
South korea
South Korea's climate is characterized by a cold, relatively dry winter and a hot, humid summer. The
coldest average monthly temperatures in winter drop below freezing except along the southern coast.
Topography
The country is largely mountainous, with small valleys and narrow coastal plains. (image in chat)
Major cities in south korea
Seoul
Busan
Incheon
Daegu
Gwangju
Deajeon
Suwon
Goyang-si
Seongnam-si
Changwon
Religion:
Protestantism 20%
Buddhisim 17%
Catholic 11%
(No Religion 51%)
Customs:
Respect for Hierarchy: Korean culture is hierarchical, with a strong emphasis on respect for elders,
teachers, and those in positions of authority. This is reflected in language, behavior, and social
interactions.
Greetings: A slight bow is the most common form of greeting in South Korea. It is also customary to
shake hands when meeting someone for the first time.
Gift-Giving: Gift-giving is an important part of Korean culture. Gifts are often given on special
occasions, such as birthdays, holidays, and when visiting someone's home for the first time. When giving
a gift, it is important to use two hands to present it and to receive a gift with two hands as well.
Traditions:
Life Cycle Rituals:
Korean traditions mark important stages in a person's life. A significant one is the Doljabi (dol - first
birthday;jabi - picking).
Ancestral Rites (Charye): Respect for ancestors is a cornerstone of Korean tradition. Charye is a
ceremony performed to honor deceased family members on death anniversaries and major holidays.
Holidays: Korean holidays are vibrant celebrations often tied to the lunar calendar. Seollal (Korean New
Year) & Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving)
Population:
51,741,963 recorded this 2024 and the growth rate is 0.08%
Language used:
Korean, also referred to as Hangul, is the national and official language in South Korea
Political:
Systems:
Presidential Republic: This is the governing structure where an elected president holds significant power
for a single term.
Multi-party System: While there are multiple parties, two main ones dominate - the Democratic Party
(DPK) leaning liberal and the People Power Party (PPP) leaning conservative.
Figure:
Yoon Suk-yeol, elected in March 2022 (PPP).
Food:
- Kimchi is a fermented cabbage
- Bibimbap is a bowl full of rice, soy sauce, vegetables, beef, a nice big dollop of gochujang and a fried
egg on top.
- Tteokbokki is translated as ‘stir-fried rice cake’.
Sri Lanka
Climate:
Sri Lanka has two main seasons, the Maha season associated with the northeast monsoon (September –
March) and the Yala season associated with the southwest monsoon (May – August).
Topography:
Sri Lanka is characterised by a south-central mountain range which rises up to 2524 m above sea level at
its peak.
Major Cities:
Colombo
Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia
Moratuwa
Negombo
Kandy
Kulmunai
Vavuniya
Galle
Trincomalee
Religion:
Buddhism (70.2%)
Hinduism (12.6%)
Islam (9.7%)
Customs:
Greetings: Sri Lankans traditionally greet each other with a smile and a slight bow, with their palms
together as if in prayer. This is called the "Ayubowan" gesture, which means "May you live long."
Traditions:
Religious Festivals: Sri Lanka is a deeply religious country, and this is reflected in its many festivals
throughout the year. One example is the Vesak Poya (Festival of Lights)
Ayurveda: This traditional medicine system is widely practiced in Sri Lanka and focuses on using natural
remedies to promote health and well-being.
Art and Dance: Sri Lanka has a vibrant artistic tradition with various dance forms like Kandyan dance
and drumming, which are often performed during festivals and celebrations.
Language:
Sinhala (69%) and Tamil (25.2%) are the primary languages of most Sri Lankans.
Politics:
Sri Lanka is a unitary multi-party semi-presidential representative democratic republic, whereby the
President of Sri Lanka is both head of state and head of government.
Foods:
Fish ambul thiyal (sour fish curry) is one of the most beloved varieties of the many different fish curries
available.
Kottu is Sri Lanka’s hamburger – everybody’s favorite go-to fast food when craving something tasty
and greasy.
Kukul mas curry (chicken curry) Simple to make, chicken curry is a common household dish in Sri
Lanka. There are many variations depending on region and taste preferences.
Population:
The current population of Sri Lanka is 21,939,598
Visitor attraction:
The Dambulla Cave Temple – The Largest Temple Complex In Sri Lanka
Yala National Park – Home to A Host Of Wildlife And Birds
Arugam Bay – Turquoise Heaven for Adrenaline-Junkies
Political Figure:
Junius Richard Jayewardene
Political System:
Sri Lanka is a Democratic Republic and a Unitary State which is governed by a semi-presidential system,
with a mixture of a presidential system and a parliamentary system.
Syria
Climate:
Syria has a hot, dry desert climate with sunny summers from June to August, and mild, rainy winters
along the coast from December to February. Damascus periodically experiences cold weather with snow
or sleet.
Topography:
It consists of mountain ranges in the west and a steep area inland. In the east is the Syrian Desert and in
the south is the Jabal al-Druze Range. The former is bisected by the Euphrates valley. A dam built in
1973 on the Euphrates created a reservoir named Lake Assad, the largest lake in Syria.
Major Cities:
1. Aleppo
2. Damascus
3. Homs
4. Latakia
5. Rakka
6. Hama
7. Tartous
8. Al Ḩasakah
9. Dayr az Zawr
10. Al Bāb
Religion:
87% of Syrians are Muslim, the majority being Sunni Muslims (74%).1 A further 13% are Shi’a Muslims
Customs:
Family is central: Frequent visits and shared meals are common among family members.
Religion: Syria is a multi-faith country with Muslim (Sunni majority), Christian, Druze, and Alawite
communities. Dress modestly, especially in religious areas.
Marriage: While arranged marriages are less frequent, parents still have a say in their children's unions.
Traditions:
Religious Holidays: Reflecting Syria's multi-faith background, important religious holidays are observed.
Folklore and Storytelling: Folklore and storytelling hold a special place in Syrian culture.expand_more
People gather to listen to tales passed down through generations.
Respectful Greetings: Formal greetings and ( احترامihtiram - respect) for elders are ingrained in Syrian
culture.
Language:
Arabic is the official language of Syria and is the most widely spoken language in the country.
Politics:
Government type: Republic under Authoritarian Presidential Rule
Food:
1. Yalanji - Its origins are from Azerbaijan where the word means “filled or filled up”
2. Yabraq - One thing you’ll notice about traditional Syrian foods is that they sure do love stuffing things
into grape leaves
3. Kibbeh Bil Sanieh - Kibbeh is a traditional dish of the Levant region, and especially in Syria
Population:
The current population of the Syrian Arab Republic is 24,135,928
Visitor Attraction:
1 – Palmyra
2 - The Aleppo Citadel
3 - Al-Hamidiyah Souq
Political System:
Syria is a republic ruled by the authoritarian regime of President Bashar al-Asad. The president makes
key decisions with counsel from a small number of security advisors, ministers, and senior members of
the ruling Ba’ath.
Political Figure:
Bashar al-Assad
Itinerary:
Day 1 – Arrival in Damascus
Day 2 – Damascus Old City
Day 3 – Maaloula and Mar Musa (overnight in Aleppo)
Day 4 – Exploring Aleppo
Day 5 – Hama and Krak de Chevaliers (overnight in Al Mishtaya)
Day 6 – Palmyra and Homs (Overnight in Damascus)
Day 7 – Return home
Taiwan
Climate:
Taiwan's climate is subtropical, except for the very southern part of the island, which is tropical. Summers
are long and hot, lasting from April or May to September or October. The winters are short and mild
Topography:
On this mountainous island, mountains account for 30% of the total area, hills and plateaus for 40%, and
plains for the remaining 30%. Surrounded by seas, Taiwan's coastline is approximately 1,566 kilometers
long.
Major Cities:
1. Taipei
2. Kaohsiung City
3. Taichung
4. Tainan City
5. Banciao
6. Hsinchu
7. Taoyuan
8. Keelung
9. Hualien City
10. Neihu District
Religion:
The three major religious traditions in Taiwan are Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism.
Customs:
Temple Etiquette: When visiting temples, dress modestly and be respectful of religious practices.
Elders Eat First: The eldest person is typically served first at meals.
Night Markets: Night markets are a vibrant part of Taiwanese culture, offering delicious food, shopping,
and a lively atmosphere.
Traditions:
Ancestral Worship: Showing respect to ancestors through offerings and rituals is an important part of
Taiwanese traditions.
Puppetry: Taiwan has a rich tradition of puppetry, with various styles like glove puppets and
marionettes.
Festivals:
Lantern Festival: Marks the end of Lunar New Year festivities, featuring beautiful lantern
displays and the tradition of releasing sky lanterns.
Language:
Mandarin Chinese, Standard Mandarin, Taiwanese (Hokkien) & the Hakka language.
Food:
Beef Noodle Soup.
Xiao Long Bao.
Pineapple Cake.
Population:
The population of Taiwan stood at 23,945, 659 that Taiwan's population increased by 29 thousand (+0.1 percent)
Visitor Attraction:
National Palace
Yangmingshan National Park
Lungshan Temple
Sample Itinerary:
Tajikistan
Climate:
Winters are long, lasting from October to April. Summers are only in July and August. The average
temperature in January is -18 degrees Celsius (-0.4 degrees Fahrenheit) and in July, the average is +20
degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit).
Topography:
Tajikistan is home to some of the highest mountains in the world, including parts of the Kunlun,
Himalayan, Tienshan, and Pamir Ranges. Ninety-three percent of the country is mountainous with
altitudes ranging from 1,000 feet to 25,000 feet, with fully 50% of Tajikistan's territory at elevations
above 10,000 feet.
Major Cities:
Dushanbe
Khujand
Kulob
Qurghonteppa
Istaravshan
Vahdat
Konibodom
Tursunzoda
Isfara
Panjakent
Religion:
The majority of Tajikistan's Muslims adhere to the Sunni branch of Islam, and a smaller group (mostly in
Gorno-Badakhshan in the east) belong to the Shia branch of Islam. The Russian Orthodox faith is the
most widely practiced of other religions, although the Russian community shrank significantly in the
early 1990s.
Traditions & Customs
Performing arts in Tajikistan tell all about legends and stories. Each region has its own art form and its
own stories to perform, making performing arts a unique part of Tajik culture.
Tajik clothes are defined by the types of cloth, designs, and patterns that adorn various items of clothing.
Small caps called toki or kallapush are especially common, and are worn by both men and women, with
different patterns depending on the region
Tajik music and dances were an integral part of big life events, and still to this day are performed at
weddings and other ceremonies.
Language:
The Tajik language serves as the official language of Tajikistan. The language is used widely in
government administration, education, business, courts, and daily lives of the people of Tajikistan.
Russian is another important language spoken in Tajikistan. It is a legacy of the Soviet rule in the
country.
Food:
Osh/Oshi Palow (Rice with Meat and Vegetables) - is a festive dish of the people of Central Asia.
Mantu (Dumplings) - is one of the most popular dishes in Tajikistan
Shurbo / Khom-Shurbo (Soup) - a relatively light soup served with bread and herbs.
Population:
the current population of Tajikistan is 10,298,246
Visitor Attraction:
Citadel
Panchashanbe Bazaar
Rudaki Park
Political System:
Tajikistan a "democratic, rule based, secular, and unitary state"
Political Figure:
President Emomali RAHMON since November 6, 1994
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Dushanbe. Welcome to Dushanbe, the vibrant capital of Tajikistan
Day 2: Dushanbe City Tour.
Day 3: Excursion to Hissar Fortress and Seven Lakes.
Day 4: Drive to Khujand.
Day 5: Khujand City Tour.
Day 6: Departure.
Thailand
Climate:
Located in the heart of Southeast Asia, Thailand enjoys a humid tropical climate with an average of 29°
all year round.
Topography:
Topographically, Thailand presents a varied landscape of forested mountains, dry plateaus, fertile river
plains, and sandy beaches. Mountain ranges extend along the border with Myanmar and down to
Malaysia. Another range splits the country in half from north to south.
Major Cities:
Bangkok
Nonthaburi
Nakhon Ratchasima
Chiang Mai
Hat Yai
Udon Thani
Pak Kret
Khon Kaen
Chaophraya Surasak
Ubon Ratchathani
Religion:
92.5 percent Buddhist, 5.4 percent Muslim, and 1.2 percent Christian
Customs:
Do the Thai “Wai”
When greeting someone, you should use the Thai “Wai” coupled with the word “sawasdee” which is the
most polite and respectful way to say hello.
Traditions:
1. Yi Peng Lantern Festival
The Yi Peng Lantern Festival is a fascinating and charming traditional event in Northern Thailand,
particularly in Chiang Mai. The central highlight of the festival is the release of thousands of sky lanterns
into the night sky.
Loy Krathong
This tradition is a symbolic way of showing respect and seeking forgiveness from the sacred deities
connected to rivers, particularly the revered river goddess Khongkha.
Food:
Pad Thai: Stir-fried noodles.
Tom Yum Goong: Hot and Sour Shrimp Soup.
Kaeng Lueang. Yellow Curry.
Population:
The population of Thailand stood at 71.85 million in January 2024. Data shows that Thailand's population
increased by 95 thousand (+0.1 percent)
Visitor Attractions:
The Grand Palace
Khao Yai National Park
Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan
Political System:
Thailand is a constitutional monarchy
Political Figure:
Incumbent Srettha Thavisin