Travel Brochure
North Korea
People
The people of North Korea are restricted from access to any outside information. Internet and cell phones are banned in the country. All citizens are conditioned from birth to believe that North Korea is the best country in the world, America is the worst and the leaders of their country are all-powerful and in some cases, descended from god.
Religion
North Korean's have full freedom of religion. However, estimates by Religious Intelligence UK say that over 60% of North Korean citizens have no religion at all. This is likely due to the lack of outside information. The rest of the population is divided among Korean Shamanism, Cheondoism, Buddhism, and Christianity.
Language
The primary language of North Korea is Korean. The literacy rate is 99% in males and females above 15 years old. Despite the high literacy rate there are many dialects throughout the country.
Weather
In the summer and spring the temperatures are fairly cool, never going above 80 degrees. The winters are cold and very long. It is best to go in summer if you don't like the cold.
Geography
North Korea is roughly the size of Mississippi. It is mostly hills and mountains separated by deep valleys. There are coastal plains in the west with discontinuous coastal plains in the east. North Korea is full of beautiful forests.
Places to Visit
Unicorn Lair
This unicorn lair was discovered and the North Korean government claims that it where an ancient leader of Korea found the unicorn that he once rode. This is a rich part of Korean history.
This Bench
This bench is in a protective glass case because former president Kim Il Sung once sat in it. This is a nice place to visit because it shows the devotion of the citizens to their leaders.
Statue of Kim Il Sung
This giant bronze statue is a monument to the former president Kim Il Sung. It is common to see people bowing in front of the statue. This statue very well shows the priorities of the government.
The Juche Tower
The tower is a monument to the government that the citizens believe exists. They believe the decisions they make translate into real change. This displays the control the government has over the citizens.
Hammer Sickle and Brush
This giant statue of a hammer, a sickle and a brush represents the values of the Korean people. The brush represents education, the hammer and sickle represent labor and work.
Cuba
People
The Cuban people have limited rights of expression, religion and press. Most emigration by citizens is illegal. The Cuban people have an overall negative opinion of their government which is why it is common for Cubans to defect to America.
Language
99.8% of Cuban citizens are literate. The official language is Spanish but, as with with many countries there remain a multitude of dialects throughout the country. The country of Cuba even has its own sign language known as Cuban Sign Language.
Culture
Cuba is famous for music and dancing. These include Salsa, Rumba and Mambo, all of which are variations of Son. Cuban cuisine is a blend of Spanish and Caribbean styles. Though because of food rationing meals of this nature has become more rare.
Religion
Until 1992 Cuba identified as largely atheist. Now the major religion in Cuba is Christianity at 59% with unidentified or atheist being 23% and 17% being folk religion such as Santeria and Palo.
Geography
The country of Cuba is a group of islands the largest of which is named Cuba. Cuba is located 90 miles away from America across the Straits of Florida. The island of Cuba is the 17th largest island in the world based on land area.
Climate
Cuba has an overall tropical climate. On top of being located near the equator warm water brought in by the Caribbean Current warms Cuba more than other areas at similar longitudes.
Things to See in Cuba
Museum of Revolution
This museum houses exhibits about the Cuban Revolutionary War as well as exhibits about pre-revolution Cuba.
Carnival of Santiago de Cuba
This is a celebration inspired by the pre-Lenten festival carnival. Except this carnival is not of religious pre-text but of public happiness and diversity. Activities include dancing, music and large amounts of alcohol.
Havana Cathedral
The Havana Cathedral located in Old Havana shows visitors the religious devotion of Catholic Cubans and of course is very nice to look at.
Baconao Park
This park is a testament to the true spirit of the Cuban people. It is related to the legend of a magical little girl who inspired others to be playful. This shows the playful spirit of the Cuban people.
Morro Castle
Built in 1589 this fortress is now an exhibition. This is an interesting place to visit because it is yet another chance to learn about Cuba's warring history.