The Republic of Belarus (2)

The Republic of Belarus is situated in the centre of Europe.

It borders on Latvia, Lithuania, Belarus, the Ukraine, Russia and Poland. It is much larger than Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Greece and the number of others. Its present population is about 12 million people. Belarus is a land of vast plains and picturesque hills, thick forests and green meadows, deep blue lakes and flowing rivers. Forests cover 2/5 of Belarus, they are scattered all over the country. There are a lot of rivers and lakes are in our country. The Dnieper, the Pripyat, the Beresins, the Sozh, the Zapadnaya Dvina, the Neman are the biggest rivers with more than 500 kilometers in length. The largest lake in Belarus is lake Naroch which stretches for 13 kilometers from West to East. It is a very popular recreation area in our country. Belarus has a moderately continental climate due to Atlantic influences with a warm winter and a worm summer.

To most of the world Belarus is relatively little known, a new country in the central Europe. To its people it's an ancient land. The history of Belarus goes back to ancient times beginning with the Polotsk Principality in the 10th century. From the 13th centuiy till the 16th centuiy the territory of present-day Belarus was the core of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania in which Belarussian was the official language. It was one of the largest, most powerful and flourishing states in Eastern Europe. The 16th century is considered to be the Golden Age of Belarussion history. In this period there was a wide growth of old and foundation of many new cities and towns. In that time occurred significant processes in culture and economy of Belarussian people. As Belarus is situated in the centre of Europe, many wars took place in its territory. One of the greatest wars was in 1812 when the emperor Napoleon attacked Russia. And Belarussian lands became the arena of military actions. A great number of Belarussians took part in this war against Napoleon. In the 20th century alone Belarus has lived through three revolutions and three bloody wars. The Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945 is one of the most heroic and tragic periods in the history of the century. For three years the territory of Belarus was occupied by the Nazi. The country lost more than 3 million people (every third citizen fell in the fight against fascism), many towns and villages were ruined. Belarus lost more than half of its national wealth.

Today Belarus is a developed industrial state. Industry makes up 70% of the Gross National Product. The main industries are engineering, chemical industry, wood-working and food industries. The major industrial centres in Belarus are Minsk, Gomel, Vitebsk, Mogilev, Soligorsk, Zhodino, Brest and others. Belarussian goods are exported to many countries and known all over the world. Agriculture of Belarus specializes in milk and meat production, flax, vegetables (especially potatoes) and fruit (especially apples). The Republic of Belarus has well-developed science and educational system. The Academy of Sciences founded in 1929 is one of the largest centres of science in our country. Its research institutes work on various important problems in such fields as mathematics, optics, genetics, biology, etc. The demand for higher education remains high. State institutions are the centres both for education and scientific research. Nowadays in Belarus there are 43 universities, academies and institutes which provide training in various spheres of science and humanities. At present Belarus actively participates in an effective international partnership with the government of different states and international organizations. As co-founder of the United Nations Belarus contacts with various institutions and organizations of the United Nations, World Bank, World Health Organization, International Labor Organization, UNESCO, the European Union, etc. Belarus cooperates with such countries as Germany, Denmark, France, Canada, Italy, Netherlands, Sweden, Great Britain, the USA and many others.

Work in pairs. Discuss the issues.

STUDENT A’s QUESTIONS (Do not show to Student B)

1)	What do you know about Belorussia?
2)	What are your impressions of Belorussia?
3)	How important is Belorussia compared with other nations?
4)	What is Belorussian most commonly in the news for?
5)	Why is Belorussia so good at machinery and agriculture?
6)	Is Belorussia a convenient and safe country in which to live?
7)	Would you like to go to Belorussia?
8)	What do you know of Belorussian politics?
9)	Who is the most famous Belorussian?
10)	How do you think people would describe their country?

STUDENT B’s QUESTIONS (Do not show to Student A)

1)	What has Belorussia given the world?
2)	What are the first three things that come to mind when you hear the country Belarus?
3)	What role does Belarus play in Europe?
4)	What are relations like between your country and Belarus?
5)	Should Belarus have a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council?
6)	What social problems does Belarus have?
7)	What would you like to do in Belarus on a three-week holiday?
8)	What do you think life is like in Belarus?
9)	What is your image of the typical Belorussian?

Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan, officially Republic of Kazakhstan, has the population of 15,186,000 people and territory 2,719,500 sq km, is situated in central Asia.

It borders on Siberian Russia in the north, China in the east, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan in the south, and the Caspian Sea and European Russia in the west. Astana is the capital and Almaty (Alma-Ata) is the largest city. Other major cities include Shymkent, Semey, Aqtobe, and Oskemen.

Kazakhstan consists of a vast flatland, bordered by a high mountain belt in the southeast. It extends from the lower Volga and the Caspian Sea in the west to the Altai Mts. in the east. It is largely lowland in the north and west, hilly in the center (Kazakh Hills), and mountainous in the south and east (Tian Shan and Altai ranges). Kazakhstan is a region of inland drainage; the Syr Darya, the Ili, the Chu, and other rivers drain into the Aral Sea and Lake Balkash. Most of the region is desert or has limited and irregular rainfall.

The population of Kazakhstan consists mainly of Muslim Kazakhs and Russians; there are smaller minorities of Ukrainians, Germans, Uzbeks, and Tatars. Kazakh, a Turkic language, is the official tongue, but Russian is still widely used.

Despite Kazakhstan's largely arid conditions, its vast steppes accommodate both livestock and grain production. Wheat, cotton, sugar beets, and tobacco are the main crops. The raising of cattle and sheep is also important, and Kazakhstan produces much wool and meat. In addition, there are rich fishing grounds, famous for their caviar-producing sturgeon, in the Caspian, although these have been hurt by overfishing.

The Kazakh Hills in the core of the region have important mineral resources. Coal is mined at Qaraghandy and Ekibastuz, and there are major oil fields in the Emba basin. The country's industries are located along the margins of the country. Steel, agricultural and mining machinery, superphosphate fertilizers, phosphorus acids, artificial fibers, synthetic rubber, textiles, and medicines are among the manufactured goods. Temirtau is the iron and steel center. The Baikonur (Bayqongyr) Cosmodrome in central Kazakhstan was the Soviet space-operations center and continues to serve Russian space exploration through an agreement between the two nations. The main trading partners are Russia, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan.

Kazakhstan (2)

I want to tell you about my homeland. My homeland is Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan is an independent Republic. It is situated in the Central Asia. Its population, is 16 million. All people of Kazakhstan have equal rights and duties. Astana is the capital of Kazakhstan. The territory of Kazakhstan is huge. It borders on China in the East and the Caspian Sea in the West, Russian in the North and the states of Asia in the South. The republic occupies the territory of more than 2 million square kilometers. . Kazakhstan has 14 regions, 84 cities.

The earth of Kazakhstan is full of iron and gold, coal, nickel and raw materials. Also Kazakhstan is rich in mineral resources. These reserves formed a solid base for the development of heavy industry. The leading branch of agriculture is the production of wheat, sheep rising, and horse breeding. Kazakh-is the official language of the country, but Russian and other languages are spoken here too. Kazakhstan has hundreds of nationalities that’s why all people speak their native language.

Great attention is paid to the development of culture and education the Kazakhstan University, the Opera and Ballet Theater named after Abai Kunanbayev are well known. There are many big industrial centers in Kazakhstan such as Karaganda, Almaty, Semey, and Shymkent.

Kazakhstan is the place where space dreams and projects have come into reality. The name of Baikonur is known all over the world. We are proud of Kazakhstan and hope it will have a great future. Our president now is Nursultan Nazarbayev. The president is elected every seven years. The climate is strongly continental. KZ- has its own flag, anthem and national traditions and holidays. I think the most important holiday in our country is- Nayris. The Day of Republic is on the 25th of October. I’m proud of my country.

Astana

Astana (the former Akmola) was founded in 1830 as a fortification of Russian Empire. In 1862 stanitsa Ak-mola got the status of a town. In the course of time Akmola became the centre of trade fairs where merchants from all over Kazakhstan. Russia, Central Asia, India and other countries gathered to sell cattle and agricultural products. For a long time Akmola was an outpost of Russian Empire seeking the way to developed trade and its political influence upon Central Asia in XVIII-XIX centuries. With the growth of anti – tsarist and revolutionary public mood the Akmloa prison became over crowed with those who wanted freedom. In March 1917 the Soviet Power was established in Akmola.

Many changes have taken place since then. Akmola played an important role in supplying the Soviet Army with raw materials and products during the Second World War. In 1961 Akmola was renamed into Tselinograd and became the centre of Tselinny Krai. In 1992 the city got its name Akmola again and sice October 1997 Akmola has become a new capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Later on it got its present name Astana. Astana is a modern growing city, a political, financial, economic, scientific and socio-cultural centre of the state. There are a lot of magnificent beautiful buildings, higher educational establishments, colleges and secondary schools, hotels, banks and other commercial structures in Astana, the new capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

There are many places of interest in Astana: the Central Square the Republic Avenue, the Palace of Youth and the Bridge across the Ishim River, the Reginal Museum of Fine Arts and others. From everywhere you can see Baiterek, the symbol of prosperity and happiness.

STUDENT A’s QUESTIONS (Do not show to Student B)

1)	What do you know about Kazakhstan?
2)	What are your impressions of Kazakhstan?
3)	How important is Kazakhstan compared with other nations?
4)	What is Kazakhstan most commonly in the news for?
5)	Why is Kazakhstan so good at mining and agriculture?
6)	Is Kazakhstan a convenient and safe country in which to live?
7)	Would you like to go to Kazakhstan?
8)	What do you know of Kazakhstan politics?
9)	Who is the most famous Kazakhstan?
10)	How do you think Kazakhstanians would describe their country?

STUDENT B’s QUESTIONS (Do not show to Student A)

1)	What has Kazakhstan given the world?
2)	What are the first three things that come to mind when you hear the country Kazakhstan?
3)	What role does Kazakhstan play in Europe and Asia?
4)	What are relations like between your country and Kazakhstan?
5)	Should Kazakhstan have a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council?
6)	What social problems does Kazakhstan have?
7)	What would you like to do in Kazakhstan on a three-week holiday?
8)	What do you think life is like in Kazakhstan?
9)	What is your image of the typical person of Kazakhstan?

My Armenia

Armenia - the country of old legends and Biblical stories. To visit Armenia is to travel back in history and feel the spirit of more than 41 centuries. Experience first hand the "country sheltered by Biblical Ararat” home of Noah’s Ark; the land where human kind was reborn.

Armenia offers a little something for every person. Rich with historical churches, monasteries, monuments, and magnificent masonry, this country that was the first to adopt Christianity and proclaim it as its state religion in 301 AD is a unique treasure for those interested in great events.Armenia is a country of beauty, history and culture.

This ancient mountainous country offers a wide range of activities for the traveller. From swimming in lake Sevan, hiking on Mt Aragats, picnicking in Ashtarak valley, exploring the mountains of Karabagh to appreciating the Opera, sipping soorj (Armenian Coffee) in the many relaxing cafe's and enjoying the Yerevan night life.

There are so many sights in this small and sunny country that even a couple of months are not enough to see it. There is the temple Garni, monasteries in Geghard and Haghartsin, one of the greatest observatories in Byurakan, Ejmiatsin, Khor Virap, Amberd, and the Lake Sevan: this is the least that Armenia can offer the world. Armenia is the oldest civilization with a young heart.

Armenia is a very diverse country often with a history which is replete with a lot of treasures. It is a land of stark contrasts and home to a resilient, industrious people with great love for the arts and sciences. Armenians are well-known for their hospitality and visitors will find a pleasant and friendly atmosphere everywhere they go.

Armenia is a landlocked mountainous country in the Caucasus region of Eurasia. Located at the crossroads of Western Asia and Eastern Europe, it is bordered by Turkey to the west, Georgia to the north, the de facto independent Nagorno-Karabakh Republic and Azerbaijan to the east, and Iran and the Azerbaijani exclave of Nakhchivan to the south.

Armenia lies in the highlands surrounding the Biblical mountains of Ararat, upon which Noah's Ark is said to have come to rest after the flood. Recent archeological studies have found the world's earliest leather shoe, skirt, and wine-producing facility in Armenia, dated to about 4000 B.C.

Armenia was the first nation to adopt Christianity as a state religion, an event traditionally dated to AD 301. Over 93% of Armenian Christians belong to the Armenian Apostolic Church, a form of Oriental (Non-Chalcedonian) Orthodoxy, which is a very ritualistic, conservative church, roughly comparable to the Coptic and Syriac churches.Armenian Apostolic Church is in communion only with a group of churches within Oriental Orthodoxy.

Yerevan is the capital of Armenia. It is a cultural, economical, political and scientific center of Armenia. Yerevan is located in a mountainous area on the Hrazdan River. There are many theatres, museums and monuments in Yerevan. It's impossible to imagine now Yerevan without Matenadaran, Opera and Ballet theatre, Youth Palace, Sport and Concert Complex and National Academy of Sciences. If you wish to see the whole of Yerevan you have to go up to Victory park and the whole city will be seen spread at the foot of gorgeous Ararat.