Location & Capital
Japan is an island nation in East Asia, in the Pacific Ocean. It lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, and is neighboured (across water) by China, Korea, Russia, etc.
Capital: Tokyo
National Flag & Symbols
Flag: A white field with a central red disc (“sun disc”) – known as the Hinomaru.
Symbols:
Imperial Seal of Japan (Chrysanthemum seal)
National flower: cherry blossom (sakura) and chrysanthemum
National bird: the green pheasant
Language(s) spoken
Japanese is the official language.
Also there are regional dialects (e.g. Ryukyuan languages in Okinawa etc.) but the standard Japanese is used for official, education, media.
Major Festivals & Celebrations
Some of the famous traditional and modern festivals in Japan:
Cherry Blossom Viewing (Hanami) in spring – people gather under sakura trees.
New Year (Shōgatsu) – one of the most important holidays.
Gion Matsuri in Kyoto – a large summer festival with processions.
Obon – Buddhist festival in summer to honor ancestors.
Tanabata – star festival.
Currency
Japanese Yen (¥)
Traditional Clothes
Kimono is the most known traditional garment.
There are different types of kimono depending on the occasion, season, gender, age.
Also yukata (a lighter cotton version for summer festivals).
Food
Japan is famous for many food items; a few examples:
Sushi, sashimi
Ramen
Tempura
Okonomiyaki
Udon, soba noodles
Tea (green tea) culture
Famous Monuments / Tourist Attractions
Some landmarks and famous tourist attractions:
Mount Fuji
Kyoto’s temples (Kinkaku-ji, Ginkaku-ji, etc.)
Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree
Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome)
Himeji Castle
Nara (Todai-ji etc.)
Itsukushima Shrine (Miyajima)
Location & Capital
China is a large country in East Asia, stretching from Central Asia to the Pacific. Neighbours many countries (Russia, Mongolia, India, etc.).
Capital: Beijing
National Flag & Symbols
Flag: Red field with five yellow stars (one large, four smaller) in the top left corner.
National emblem includes motifs such as Tiananmen Gate, five stars, ears of grain, gear, etc.
National animal: giant panda.
National flower: peony (traditionally) or plum blossom (sometimes).
Language(s) spoken
Mandarin (Putonghua) is the official standard.
Many other languages/dialects exist: Cantonese, Shanghainese, Hakka, various minority languages (Tibetan, Uyghur, Zhuang, etc.).
Major Festivals & Celebrations
Many traditional festivals, e.g.:
Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) – biggest festival.
Lantern Festival (15th day of first lunar month)
Dragon Boat Festival (Duanwu) – includes dragon-boat races, eating zongzi.
Mid-Autumn Festival – mooncakes etc.
Qingming Festival (Tomb Sweeping Day) – pay respects to ancestors.
Festivals tied to ethnic minorities (e.g. Yi people, Yao people) with their own local traditions.
Currency
Renminbi (RMB), unit is Yuan (¥)
Traditional Clothes
Hanfu – traditional dress of Han Chinese in ancient times, recently revived in cultural events.
Qipao / Cheongsam – especially for women, more modern but traditional style.
Tang suit / Tangzhuang – jacket style.
Ethnic minority groups have their own traditional clothing (bright, elaborate, regionally distinctive).
Food
China has very rich and varied cuisine. Some highlights:
Regional cuisines: Sichuan (spicy), Cantonese (dim sum etc.), Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Hunan, etc.
Signature dishes: Peking Duck, hot pot, dumplings, noodles, mooncakes, zongzi, various steamed buns.
Tea culture is also important.
Famous Monuments / Tourist Attractions
Some of the famous ones are:
The Great Wall of China
Forbidden City (Beijing)
Terracotta Army (Xi’an)
Potala Palace (Tibet)
The Bund (Shanghai)
Li River / Guilin scenery
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Summer Palace (Beijing)
Location & Capital
Located in the Middle East, on the Arabian Peninsula. Bordered by Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE, Oman, Yemen, and coastline on the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf.
Capital: Riyadh
National Flag & Symbols
Flag: Green field with white Arabic inscription (the Shahada, Islamic creed) and a white sword.
Emblem: Two crossed swords with a palm tree above.
Language(s) spoken
Arabic is the official language.
English is widely used, particularly in business, tourism, among expatriates.
Major Festivals & Celebrations
Eid al-Fitr (festival after Ramadan)
Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice)
Ramadan itself is very important – month-long fasting, nightly communal prayers (Taraweeh), etc.
National Day (23 September) – celebrates the founding of the Kingdom.
Cultural festivals such as Noor Riyadh – a light and art festival held in Riyadh.
Currency
Saudi Riyal (SAR)
Traditional Clothes
Men:
Thawb (also spelled thawb) – ankle-length shirt (often with long sleeves), made of cotton or wool depending on region/climate.
Ghutra or shemagh – head cloth, worn with a skullcap underneath; held in place with an igal / istabraq.
Bisht – outer cloak for formal occasions (made from wool or camel hair)
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