Singapore- Brief Information

Singapore lies 137 kilometres (85 mi) north of the Equator, south of the Malaysian state of Johor and north of Indonesia's Riau Islands. At 704.0 km² (272 sq mi), it is one of the few remaining city-states in the world and the smallest country in Southeast Asia.

The British East India Company established a trading post on the island in 1819. The main settlement up to that point was a Malay fishing village at the mouth of the Singapore River. Several hundred indigenous Orang Laut people also lived around the coast, rivers and smaller islands. The British used Singapore as a strategic trading post along the spice route.It became one of the most important commercial and military centres of the British Empire. Winston Churchill called it "Britain's greatest defeat" when it was occupied by the Japanese during World War II.Singapore reverted to British rule in 1945. In 1963, it merged with Malaya, Sabah and Sarawak to form Malaysia. Less than two years later it split from the federation and became an independent republic on 9 August 1965. Singapore joined the United Nations on September 21 that same year.

Since independence, Singapore's standard of living has increased. A state-led industrialization drive, aided by foreign direct investment has created a modern economy based on electronics manufacturing, petrochemicals, tourism and financial services alongside the traditional entrepôt trade. Singapore is the 17th wealthiest country in the world in terms of GDP per capita.The small nation has a foreign reserve of S$222 billion (US$147 billion).

The Constitution of the Republic of Singapore established the nation's political system as a representative democracy, while the country is recognized as a parliamentary republic.The People's Action Party (PAP) dominates the political process and has won control of Parliament in every election since self-government in 1959.

Brazil

Bounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the east, Brazil has a coastline of over 7,367 kilometres. Brazil borders every nation on the South American continent except Ecuador and Chile: Venezuela, Suriname, Guyana and the department of French Guiana are to the north, Colombia to the northwest, Bolivia and Peru to the west, Argentina and Paraguay to the southwest, and Uruguay to the south. Numerous archipelagos are part of the Brazilian territory, such as Penedos de São Pedro e São Paulo, Fernando de Noronha, Trindade and Martim Vaz and Atol das Rocas.

Brazil is crossed by both the Equator and Tropic of Capricorn, and as such is home to a vast array fauna and flora, natural environments, as well as extensive natural resources. The Brazilian population is concentrated along the coastline and in a few large urban centers in the interior. While Brazil is one of the most populous nations in the world, population density drops dramatically as one moves inland.

Brazil was a colony of Portugal from its discovery by Pedro Álvares Cabral in 1500 until its independence in 1822. Initially independent as the Brazilian Empire, the country has been a republic since 1889, although the bicameral legislature (now called Congress) dates back to 1824, when the first constitution was ratified. Its current Constitution defines Brazil as a Federative Republic. The Federation is formed by the indissoluble association of the States, the Federal District, and the Municipalities.There are currently 26 States and 5,564 Municipalities.

Brazil is the world's 8th largest economy in terms of purchasing power and the 10th largest economy at market exchange rates. The country has a diversified middle-income economy with wide variations in development levels and mature manufacturing, mining and agriculture sectors. Technology and services also play an important role and are growing rapidly. Brazil is a net exporter, having gone through free trade and privatization reforms in the 1990s. In spite of important economical achievements, many social issues still hamper development.

brazil soccer

brazil soccer

brazil soccer

A luxury island

We'd like to visit Bangkok and then relax on a Thai island for a week. Last time we went to Koh Samui, but if possible this time we are looking for an island that we can get to without having to fly again, and that isn't too long a journey. Can you come up with anywhere quiet with a luxury, but boutique-style hotel? Geoffrey Jakeman, Kidderminster

You need flop no further than Koh Samet, a golf tee shaped slither of land, a national park since 1981, just 20 minutes by boat from the mainland, and about 2.5 hours drive from Bangkok.

It may have less cache than some other Koh's, but it has beautiful beaches, great diving, and due to sparse roads, much transport on the island is by boat. I'd be fibbing if I said it was deserted; it's not, and in the north of the island there are plenty of places where the backpackers and local students like to hang out, and a few mid-range properties that have long popular with Bangkok families too, but head south and it gets wonderfully quiet. And down near the southern tip is the island's only five star, the PARADEE , opened just a year ago.

This is a very luxurious, low-key resort, with 40 private villas. There's a pristine white sandy beach to the left and a rocky shorescape to the right (for excellent snorkelling and diving). The villas are swish, contemporarily styled, each with a good-sized terrace, Thai fabrics and furniture, duck-feathered pillows, and most have private infinity pools. The large bathrooms have sunken baths and an open-air shower, and you even get a choice of soap for your stay; including dark chocolate, orchid, or turmeric honey. The excellent restaurant serves Thai, Pacific Rim, and European cuisine, then there's the Pool and Sunset Bars.

The resort has a spa and a PADI certified dive centre, and there's complimentary sea kayaking and snorkelling equipment.

Source: http://travel.timesonline.co.uk

Hong Kong History

Hong Kong was a crown colony of the United Kingdom from 1842 until the transfer of its sovereignty to the People's Republic of China in 1997. The Sino-British Joint Declaration and the Basic Law of Hong Kong stipulate that Hong Kong operates with a high degree of autonomy until at least 2047, fifty years after the transfer. Under the policy of "one country, two systems", the Central People's Government is responsible for the territory's defense and foreign affairs, while Hong Kong maintains its own legal system, police force, monetary system, customs policy, immigration policy, and delegates to international organizations and events.

-WikiPedia

In the Map of Hong kong shows the Archaeological findings suggest human activity in Hong Kong dates back over 5000 years. Bronze fishing and combat tools of Yuet people during Bronze Age have been excavated on Lantau Island and Lamma Island. Stone religious carvings on outlying islands and coastal areas have also been found, possibly related Che people in Neolithic. The latest findings dating from the Paleolithic suggest that Wong Tei Tung (黃地峒) is one of the most ancient settlements in Hong Kong.

The territory was incorporated into China during the Qin Dynasty (221 BC - 206 BC), and the area was firmly consolidated under Nam Yuet (203 BC - 111 BC.) Archaeological evidence indicates that the population has increased since the Han Dynasty (206 BC - 220). In the 1950s, the tomb at Lei Cheng Uk from the Eastern Han Dynasty (25 – 220) was excavated and archaeologists began to investigate the possibility that salt production flourished in Hong Kong around 2000 years ago, although conclusive evidence has not been found.

Tai Po Hoi, the sea of Tai Po, was a major pearl hunting harbour in China since Han Dynasty. The activities peaked during the Southern Han (917 to 971) and continued till Ming Dynasty (1368 to 1644)

During the Tang Dynasty, the Guangdong region flourished as an international trading center. The Tuen Mun region in what is now Hong Kong's New Territories served as a port, naval base, salt production centre and later, base for the exploitation of pearls. Lantau Island was also the salt production centre where the salt smugglers riots broke out against the government.

In 1276 during the Mongol invasion, the Southern Song Dynasty court moved to Fujian, then to Lantau Island and later to today's Kowloon City, but the child emperor, Zhao Bing, after being defeated in the Battle of Yamen, committed suicide by drowning with his officials. Tung Chung valley, named after a hero who gave up his life for the emperor, is believed to have been a base for the court. Hau Wong, an official of the emperor is still worshipped in Hong Kong today.

However, during the Mongol period, Hong Kong saw its first population boom as Chinese refugees entered the area. Five clans of Hau (Hou, 候), Tang (Deng, 鄧), Pang (Peng, 彭) and Liu (Liao, 廖) and Man (Wen, 文) were claimed to be among the earliest recorded familial settlers, Map of Hong Kong. Despite the immigration and light development of agriculture, the area was hilly and relatively barren. People had to rely on salt, pearl and fishery trades to produce income. Some clans built walled villages to protect themselves from the threat of bandits, rival clans and wild animals. The famous Chinese pirate Cheung Po Tsai also had many legendary stories in Hong Kong.

The last dynasty in China, Qing Dynasty, would also be the last to come in contact with Hong Kong. As a military outpost and trading port, the Hong Kong territory would gain the attention of the world.

List of New York Airports

New York Airports provide the easiest way of accessing the state located on the northeastern part of USA. Utilized by numerous visitors,the domestic and international airports in New York cater to the requirements of the fliers from all corners of the globe. New York is visited by tourists as well as businessmen and the airports dotting the different regions serve as gateways to the state.

The airports in New York state facilitating the arrival and departure of domestic and international flights include the following:

• Albany -- Albany International Airport
• Dansville Municipal Airport
• Binghamton Regional / Edwin Link Field
• Adirondack Regional Airport
• Buffalo Niagara International Airport
• Clinton County Airport
• Niagara Falls International Airport
• Ithaca / Tompkins Regional Airport
• Dutchess County Airport
• Long Island MacArthur Airport
• Elmira -- Corning Regional Airport
• John F. Kennedy Regional Airport
• LaGuardia Airport
• Lake Placid Airport
• Syracuse Hancock International Airport
• Oneida County Airport
• Newark Liberty International Airport
• Rochester International Airport
• Ogdensburg International Airport
• Oneida County Airport
• Westchester County Airport
• Penn Yan Airport
• Plattsburgh International Airport
• Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport
• Orange County Airport
• Stewart International Airport
• Republic Airport
• Watertown International Airport

Most of the airports in New York have state-of-the-art technology to ensure the safety and security of the passengers flying to and from the state. They are well-equipped to tackle any kind of emergency situation.

Various forms of transportation are available from the airports in New York to access the adjoining areas. The buses, trains, cabs, etc connect the airports with all parts of the region. Car rental companies have counters at the airports and one can avail the option of rented cars instead of using public transport.

Making travel to the state easier and hassle-free, the New York airports give a boost to the tourism industry of the state. Easy access attracts visitors to the several tourist spots dotting the state.

A brief guide of new york state

New York State, located in the northeastern part of USA, has a population of 19,306,183(estimated population of 2006). Comprising of 62 counties, the State of New York covers an area of approximately 47,213.79 sq miles. The numerous cities of New York serve as the main centers of the state. New York Map acts as an useful tool in understanding the various aspects of the state.

The geographic co-ordinates mentioned in the map helps in understanding the exact location of the state on the globe. The map of New York displays the surroundings of the state including the provinces of Quebec and Ontario, the states of Vermont, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, New Jersey and Massachusetts. The water bodies bordering the state are also mentioned in the map.

The physical map of New York displays the varied topographical features of the state. Ranging from the Great Appalachian Valley in the east and the Alleghany Plateau in the south to the Catskill Mountains in the southeast, the state showcases a rich diversity. The main rivers like Hudson, Alleghany, Delaware, etc draining the state are also marked out in the map of New York.

The outline map of New York shows the boundaries of the counties within the state. The capital of the state is Albany. Some of the counties in New York are as follows:

• Albany
• Ontario
• Greene
• Clinton
• Suffolk
• Delaware
• Essex
• Madison
• Columbia
• Washington

Along with the largest city of the state, New York, other important cities feature on the New York map. Some of the major cities of New York are Amherst, Bronx, Babylon, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Hampstead, etc.

New York map provides a detailed guide of this state and gives one a clear and accurate idea about the physical aspect and the political sub-divisions of the state.

The Profile and history of Hong Kong with important Destinations

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, as it is officially known, lies on south of Guangdong province of China, east of the Pearl River Delta and the South China Sea in the east, west and north. The political Hong Kong Map clearly defines the geographical and administrative outline of the country. The sovereignty of Hong Kong was transferred to the People's Republic of China in 1997. For administrative purposes, the Hong Kong Special Administrative District if further sub-divided into 18 districts on the basis of geographic demarcations as can be seen in the maps of Hong Kong.

Some of the important districts of Hong Kong are enlisted below:

1. The Central and Western district depicted in the city map of Hong Kong, which boasts of the second highest income and the third lowest population levels.

2. The Eastern District, which can be easily spotted in the North-eastern region in the Hong Kong City Map. The district has second highest population with the third highest income in the Hong Kong.

3. Tai Po district is situated on the estuaries of Lam Tsuen and Tai Po rivers, which earlier formed a part of the reclaimed lands. Located in the New Territories in the Hong Kong Map, it covers Tai Po, Ting Kok and the northern portion of Sai Kung Peninsula.

As a capitalist free market economy, the country has made immense economic progress and boasts of a higher GDP Per Capita as compared to Japanese as well as several European economies. Of its 6.99 million population, 95% people are of Chinese descent with the rest of the 5% including a population of non-ethnic Chinese along with a smaller section of South Asian as well as European and other people.