Search

Kazakhstan is the ninth-largest country in the world, a landlocked nation that borders both China and Russia. Kazakhstan has long struggled to find its own identity. Since declaring independence in 1991 after the breakup of the Soviet Union, Kazakhs have struggled to regain their unique culture. This volume takes readers through its past and current events, across mountains and valleys, and into the everyday lives of its citizens, using vivid photographs, engaging sidebars, and accessible maps. Readers explore Kazakhstan's culture, geography, government, and people. They'll be encouraged to develop an interest in global exploration, history, and current events.

The African nation of Angola has faced more than its share of conflict, originally colonized by Portugal in the sixteenth century and then embattled by a civil war that began in 1975 and lasted for almost thirty years. Today, Angola is a combination of African and Portuguese culture, and as the second-largest oil producer in Africa, its economy continues to grow. This comprehensive volume takes readers on a trip through the nation of Angola, delving into its history and exploring its modern culture, economy, government, and natural features and wildlife. It includes maps, colorful photographs, and engaging sidebars to guide readers through this fascinating country.

Barbados, a small island in the Caribbean, has a rich and vibrant culture influenced by the almost 350 years it spent as a colony of England and by its West African roots stemming from the slave trade. Once dominated by the sugarcane industry and the white-owned plantations that supported it, today Barbados is a popular tourist destination and a hub for manufacturing. Barbadians, or Bajans as they refer to themselves, take pride in their home, even long after they move away. This book explores the sometimes murky history of this country, its fight for independence from England, how it continues to struggle against economic setbacks today, and the incredible music, food, festivals, sports, and landmarks that make Barbados unique.