mackenzie K. Eurasian Geography Blog

Hong Kong is huge! Everywhere you look there are people everywhere! If you think the US has alot of  people just read a little about what Hong Kong has! Hong Kong's population has increased steadily over the past decade, reaching 7.097 million in 2010. Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated areas in the world, with an overall density of some 6,426 people per square kilometer. Cantonese, the official Chinese dialect in Hong Kong, is spoken by most of the population. English, also an official language, is widely understood and is spoken by more than one-third of the population. Every major religion is practiced freely in Hong Kong. All children are required by law to be in full-time education between the ages of 6 and 15. Starting in 2008, the Hong Kong Government expanded the length of free education it offers from 9 to 12 years. Preschool education for most children begins at age 3. Primary school begins normally at age 6 and lasts for 6 years. At about age 12, children progress to a 3-year course of junior secondary education; at age 15, they can choose to continue with 3-year senior secondary education or to join full-time vocational training. More than 90% of children complete upper secondary education or equivalent vocational education. In 2010, 301,200 students were enrolled in post-secondary education. Over 25.5% of the total population aged 15 and over have attended post-secondary educational institutions. Now you know a little bit more about the people of Hong Kong!

mackenzie K. Southern Hemisphere Blog

 The Cook Islands are a net of 15 islands in the heart of the South Pacific spread over an area the size of India with a population no bigger than a small New Zealand country town, 11,400 souls. These unique and friendly Polynesians have their own language and government and enjoy a vigorous and diverse culture with significant differences between each island. Despite some 100,000 visitors a year to the capital island, Rarotonga, the Cooks are largely unspoiled by tourism. They offer a rare opportunity for people from the cities of the world to experience a different type of vacation. There are no high-rise hotels and very little hype. Ideal for travellers seeking more than the usual clichés associated with the South Seas, each island has its unique qualities and offers the visitor a special experience.

mackenzie K. Southern Hemisphere Blog

Guam is apart of the Pacific Islands in the French Polynisian areas. Here are some facts about their culture, art, and music! English is the native language of the region where the local people trust on individualism and mutual understanding and are aware of their private property rights. The people are generally open hearted in nature, and treasure their family members thereby abiding by the rules set by the elder ones.Culture: The native culture is apparently evident from the local dance of the region, from the navigation that takes place within the sea, from the exclusive cuisines and local games like batu, chonka, estuleks and bayogu and lastly from the fusion of songs and fashion statements.Art: Handicraft is something, which the local natives of Guam resort to. From weaving to hand crafting variety of items this place has enough to offer as far as shopping is concerned. Watch out for the plaited works of pandanus leaf baskets, to food containers, from hats woven naturally to loom-woven products like the hibiscus designed fiber skirts, from burial blankets to body embellishments made of beads and shell necklaces, from bracelets to combs designed from the tortoise shellsMusic: The state song of this region, which became popular in this region is "Guam Hymn" sung by Ramon Sablan that was accepted by public in 1919. Flora Baza Quan became renowned as the "Queen of Chamorro Music" in this region. Now you know a little bit more about Guam!