GEOGRAPHY Africa is not a country. It’s an entire continent filled with amazing, unparalleled diversity of languages, peoples and nations. New maps illustrate just how diverse Africa really is. Beware: You can spend hours here. (Mic) Learn more about Africa’s dazzling cultural diversity. Discussion Ideas Take a look at the map above, or click here to see the full-size, zoomable version. Why do you think Africa’s … Continue reading Africa’s Dazzling Diversity
WORLD Seven countries lay claim to parts of the South and East China Sea, the strategic waters through which 50 percent of the world’s shipping tonnage passes, and under which vast deposits of oil and gas may lie. Taiwan is pushing its first-ever mapping project to back up its own claims—which are as large as mainland China’s. (Christian Science Monitor) Use our MapMaker Interactive to … Continue reading Pixel by Pixel, Taiwan Maps Its Maritime Claims
I was not yet a year old the first time I crossed a country border. My family was driving from our home in Upstate New York to our cabin in Canada. I’ve made that drive many, many times since. For my family, it is a distinct process, crossing that border. On the way into Canada, we always stop at the duty-free store, mostly to stretch … Continue reading Crossing the Border
border (BOR-dur) noun. natural or artificial line separating two pieces of land. Borders are interesting, at least to me anyway. I like mulling over maps with country borders. (So there’s the dividing line between Albania and Macedonia!) In my living room there is an artist’s rendition of the borders between the neighborhoods in Washington, D.C. I also love language and am tickled when I look … Continue reading Wednesday Word of the Week: border
WORLD San Diego Opens City Office . . in Tijuana Opening a satellite city office in a far-flung neighborhood is not unusual in sprawling cities like San Diego, California. But one thing sets apart Mayor Bob Filner’s newest outpost: It is in another country. “Dos ciudades, pero una region—we are two cities, but one region,” Filner said. Discussion Ideas: The new San Diego city office … Continue reading San Diego Opens City Office . . in Tijuana
