Freeciv 2.5.0 - en to en_GB translation catalogue (126 entries)

en: Ancestors of Abkhazians have lived in the western Caucasus since time immemorial. Short periods of independence alternated with domination by the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Turks, Russians and Georgians. Nowadays Abkhazia is a partially recognized republic.
en_GB: Ancestors of Abkhazians have lived in the western Caucasus since time immemorial. Short periods of independence alternated with domination by the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Turks, Russians and Georgians. Nowadays Abkhazia is a partially recognised republic.

en: Åland is an archipelago in the Baltic Sea, located between Sweden and Finland. The islands' inhabitants are Swedish speaking, but Åland is an autonomous province in Finland, a status that was reached in 1921 after a long period in which the islands were contested between Sweden and Finland. Åland's special and demilitarized status is protected by international law.
en_GB: Åland is an archipelago in the Baltic Sea, located between Sweden and Finland. The islands' inhabitants are Swedish speaking, but Åland is an autonomous province in Finland, a status that was reached in 1921 after a long period in which the islands were contested between Sweden and Finland. Åland's special and demilitarised status is protected by international law.

en: The Amazigh civilization is one of the oldest in the Mediterranean Basin, co-existing with ancient Egypt. The Imazighen people, which means "free men", are sturdy and strong but cheerful and generous with a great consideration for family and tribe. Every tribe has its own traditions and culture, which is the reason for the countless diversity of traditions in modern Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. The Imazighen speak old languages such as Tamazirt, Tachelhit or Tarifit, collectively known as Berber languages, using an age-old writing system called Tifinagh.
en_GB: The Amazigh civilisation is one of the oldest in the Mediterranean Basin, co-existing with ancient Egypt. The Imazighen people, which means "free men", are sturdy and strong but cheerful and generous with a great consideration for family and tribe. Every tribe has its own traditions and culture, which is the reason for the countless diversity of traditions in modern Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. The Imazighen speak old languages such as Tamazirt, Tachelhit or Tarifit, collectively known as Berber languages, using an age-old writing system called Tifinagh.

en: The islands of Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, Saint Martin and Saint Eustatius were colonized by the Dutch in the 17th century. Their population is of mixed European, African and Latin American heritage. The Netherlands Antilles gained internal self governance in 1954, and were subsequently dissolved in 2010. Aruba, Curacao and Saint Martin are countries within the Kingdom of the Netherlands; the other three islands have been directly integrated into the Netherlands as special municipalities.
en_GB: The islands of Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, Saint Martin and Saint Eustatius were colonised by the Dutch in the 17th century. Their population is of mixed European, African and Latin American heritage. The Netherlands Antilles gained internal self governance in 1954, and were subsequently dissolved in 2010. Aruba, Curacao and Saint Martin are countries within the Kingdom of the Netherlands; the other three islands have been directly integrated into the Netherlands as special municipalities.

en: After the collapse of the Tiwanaku civilization in the Andes, their heirs reorganized into a set of culturally close Aymara kingdoms that thrived around the Titicaca lake until they were conquered by the Incas.
en_GB: After the collapse of the Tiwanaku civilisation in the Andes, their heirs reorganised into a set of culturally close Aymara kingdoms that thrived around the Titicaca lake until they were conquered by the Incas.

en: The Bahamas are an island group in North America. It was somewhere in the Bahamas that Columbus first set foot on American soil. The Islands were subsequently depopulated and mostly ignored until they were settled by British colonists in the 17th century. The Bahamas have been an independent country within the Commonwealth since 1973. Nowadays the Bahamas are mostly famous for their beaches but it is also a major offshore financial center. The Bahamas are the most developed country of Latin America and the Caribbean as well as the world's wealthiest black-majority country.
en_GB: The Bahamas are an island group in North America. It was somewhere in the Bahamas that Columbus first set foot on American soil. The Islands were subsequently depopulated and mostly ignored until they were settled by British colonists in the 17th century. The Bahamas have been an independent country within the Commonwealth since 1973. Nowadays the Bahamas are mostly famous for their beaches but it is also a major offshore financial centre. The Bahamas are the most developed country of Latin America and the Caribbean as well as the world's wealthiest black-majority country.

en: The Basques have lived since ancient times by the western foothills of the Pyrenees. The Kingdom of Navarre was the last independent Basque state, which fell to Aragon in the 16th century. Today, the Basque Country, or "Euskal Herria", lays right in the borderlands between Spain and France, divided into seven historical provinces. Their language, Euskara, has no known relatives and its origins are unknown.
en_GB: The Basques have lived since ancient times by the western foothills of the Pyrenees. The Kingdom of Navarre was the last independent Basque state, which fell to Aragon in the 16th century. Today, the Basque Country, or "Euskal Herria", lies right in the borderlands between Spain and France, divided into seven historical provinces. Their language, Euskara, has no known relatives and its origins are unknown.

en: Belgium gained independence from the Dutch Kingdom in 1830. Belgium is mainly characterized by its movement from a unified state to a federal one. This is the result of the Flemish and the Walloon's nationalist (almost) peaceful fights.
en_GB: Belgium gained independence from the Dutch Kingdom in 1830. Belgium is mainly characterised by its movement from a unified state to a federal one. This is the result of the Flemish and the Walloon's nationalist (almost) peaceful fights.

en: Once the site of the Dahomey kingdom, the country was colonized by France in the 19th century. Dahomey became independent in 1960. Marxists seized power in 1972 and renamed the country Benin three years later. Multiparty rule returned in 1990.
en_GB: Once the site of the Dahomey kingdom, the country was colonised by France in the 19th century. Dahomey became independent in 1960. Marxists seized power in 1972 and renamed the country Benin three years later. Multiparty rule returned in 1990.

en: According to Mongolian historical annals, the Buryats were forest dwelling Mongolian tribes living around Lake Baikal. In 1207 they were subjugated by Jochi, the eldest son of Genghis Khan. When the Buryat homeland was annexed to Russia through treaties in 1689 and 1728, they became politically separated from other Mongolians and started developing a distinct national identity. Today, the Buryat Republic is home to the majority of the roughly half-million Buryats in the world as well as the center of Buddhism in Russia.
en_GB: According to Mongolian historical annals, the Buryats were forest dwelling Mongolian tribes living around Lake Baikal. In 1207 they were subjugated by Jochi, the eldest son of Genghis Khan. When the Buryat homeland was annexed to Russia through treaties in 1689 and 1728, they became politically separated from other Mongolians and started developing a distinct national identity. Today, the Buryat Republic is home to the majority of the roughly half-million Buryats in the world as well as the centre of Buddhism in Russia.

en: California is the largest US state by population and economy. First populated by Native Americans, it was colonized by Spanish missionaries in the 18th century. California became a territory of Mexico upon that country's independence. During the Mexican-American War local American settlers proclaimed the 'Bear Flag Republic', which was incorporated into the United States shortly thereafter. The 1848 Gold Rush brought massive numbers of immigrants to California. In the 20th century the state became a center of the world's entertainment and technology industries.
en_GB: California is the largest US state by population and economy. First populated by Native Americans, it was colonised by Spanish missionaries in the 18th century. California became a territory of Mexico upon that country's independence. During the Mexican-American War local American settlers proclaimed the 'Bear Flag Republic', which was incorporated into the United States shortly thereafter. The 1848 Gold Rush brought massive numbers of immigrants to California. In the 20th century the state became a centre of the world's entertainment and technology industries.

en: Cameroon is a country in West Central Africa. Colonized by the Germans, it was divided between Britain and France after World War I. It has been independent since 1960.
en_GB: Cameroon is a country in West Central Africa. Colonised by the Germans, it was divided between Britain and France after World War I. It has been independent since 1960.

en: The Cañaris were a pre-Columbian civilization in what is now Ecuador, whose existence can be traced from the 6th century onwards. They were one of the few Andean cultures not to worship the sun. The Cañari language was probably related to the Mochica language of Peru, but by the time of the Spanish conquest the Cañaris had mostly switched to Quechua. The Cañaris formed a loose confederation with their main political center in Guapdondelig, currently the city of Cuenca, capital of the province of Azuay. They were subjugated by the Incas in the late 15th century, though they put up a fierce resistance. They rebelled during the Incan civil war and sided with the Spanish during their conquest of the Inca empire.
en_GB: The Cañaris were a pre-Columbian civilisation in what is now Ecuador, whose existence can be traced from the 6th century onwards. They were one of the few Andean cultures not to worship the sun. The Cañari language was probably related to the Mochica language of Peru, but by the time of the Spanish conquest the Cañaris had mostly switched to Quechua. The Cañaris formed a loose confederation with their main political centre in Guapdondelig, currently the city of Cuenca, capital of the province of Azuay. They were subjugated by the Incas in the late 15th century, though they put up a fierce resistance. They rebelled during the Incan civil war and sided with the Spanish during their conquest of the Inca empire.

en: Cape Verde is an archipelago off the coast of West Africa. Before the islands were settled by the Portuguese in the 15th century they were probably uninhabited. Cape Verde subsequently became a major center for the Atlantic slave trade. The islands declared independence from Portugal in 1975. The Cape Verdean population is of mixed European and African descent.
en_GB: Cape Verde is an archipelago off the coast of West Africa. Before the islands were settled by the Portuguese in the 15th century they were probably uninhabited. Cape Verde subsequently became a major centre for the Atlantic slave trade. The islands declared independence from Portugal in 1975. The Cape Verdean population is of mixed European and African descent.

en: During the Middle Ages, Catalan kings conquered and presided over several kingdoms on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, from the Iberian peninsula to parts of Italy and Greece. This confederation/empire became a major naval and trading power in the Mediterranean area. Catalans kept their self-rule after a dynastic union with the neighboring kingdom of Castile, and sided with England and Austria against France and Castile in the Spanish Succession War. In 1713, England signed the Treaty of Utrecht and dropped out of the alliance, and the Catalans were finally defeated in 1714, losing their national rights as a result.
en_GB: During the Middle Ages, Catalan kings conquered and presided over several kingdoms on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, from the Iberian peninsula to parts of Italy and Greece. This confederation/empire became a major naval and trading power in the Mediterranean area. Catalans kept their self-rule after a dynastic union with the neighbouring kingdom of Castile, and sided with England and Austria against France and Castile in the Spanish Succession War. In 1713, England signed the Treaty of Utrecht and dropped out of the alliance, and the Catalans were finally defeated in 1714, losing their national rights as a result.

en: Lithuanian Poles are an ethnic minority in Lithuania, mainly in the Aukshtota region. They are a remnant of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth - the Commonwealth of Two Nations, which was founded with the Union of Lublin in 1569. This state united the Kingdom of Poland with the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and was founded by the Lithuanian grand duke Jogaila, who was baptized with the name Władysław. The presence of the first Polish community in Lithuania dates back to duke Mindaugas of Lithuania. The first Poles came to Lithuania as prisoners of war taken during raids on the frontier lands (mainly to Mazovia). After uniting the two countries there was a very strong Polonization of the Lithuanian nobility. The Polish-speaking community in Lithuania survived the collapse and partition of the Polish state, co-existing with Lithuanian-speaking people. In 1920, the rebellious general Żeligowski announced the creation of a Republic of Central Lithuania, which was then incorporated into Poland. After World War II most of the Lithuanian Poles were displaced to Poland's new western territories.
en_GB: Lithuanian Poles are an ethnic minority in Lithuania, mainly in the Aukshtota region. They are a remnant of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth - the Commonwealth of Two Nations, which was founded with the Union of Lublin in 1569. This state united the Kingdom of Poland with the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and was founded by the Lithuanian grand duke Jogaila, who was baptized with the name Władysław. The presence of the first Polish community in Lithuania dates back to duke Mindaugas of Lithuania. The first Poles came to Lithuania as prisoners of war taken during raids on the frontier lands (mainly to Mazovia). After uniting the two countries there was a very strong Polonisation of the Lithuanian nobility. The Polish-speaking community in Lithuania survived the collapse and partition of the Polish state, co-existing with Lithuanian-speaking people. In 1920, the rebellious general Żeligowski announced the creation of a Republic of Central Lithuania, which was then incorporated into Poland. After World War II most of the Lithuanian Poles were displaced to Poland's new western territories.

en: Chad is a landlocked country in Africa. Once the site of the Kanem-Bornu Empire, Chad was colonized by France in 1900. Independent since 1960, Chad remains one of the poorest countries of the world. From 1982 to 1990 Hissene Habré led a notoriously brutal dictatorship.
en_GB: Chad is a landlocked country in Africa. Once the site of the Kanem-Bornu Empire, Chad was colonised by France in 1900. Independent since 1960, Chad remains one of the poorest countries of the world. From 1982 to 1990 Hissene Habré led a notoriously brutal dictatorship.

en: Champa was the name of a group of closely related polities in what is now the southern half of Vietnam. From the time of the earliest historical records, the Champa kings were Hindus who worshipped Shiva in particular. Involved with conflicts with the neighboring Khmer and Dai Viet states for centuries, Champa was essentially subdued by Dai Viet in the late 15th century. By this time, most of the Cham nobility had converted to Islam. The majority of Muslims in modern Vietnam are of Cham ethnicity.
en_GB: Champa was the name of a group of closely related polities in what is now the southern half of Vietnam. From the time of the earliest historical records, the Champa kings were Hindus who worshipped Shiva in particular. Involved with conflicts with the neighbouring Khmer and Dai Viet states for centuries, Champa was essentially subdued by Dai Viet in the late 15th century. By this time, most of the Cham nobility had converted to Islam. The majority of Muslims in modern Vietnam are of Cham ethnicity.

en: Reports of chynocephaly (having the head of a dog or jackal) can be traced to Greek Antiquity. The physician Ctesias and the traveler Megasthenes placed them in India. In the middle ages, Giovanni da Pian and Marco Polo made reference to them, while the theologian Ratramnus debated whether they should be considered human or not. Various stories have placed them in Scotland, Canaan, Cyrenaica, and the Andaman Islands. The country 'Chananea' comes from the German poet Walter of Speyer. In the account by Sir John Mandeville, the people were known as the Nacumerians.
en_GB: Reports of chynocephaly (having the head of a dog or jackal) can be traced to Greek Antiquity. The physician Ctesias and the traveller Megasthenes placed them in India. In the middle ages, Giovanni da Pian and Marco Polo made reference to them, while the theologian Ratramnus debated whether they should be considered human or not. Various stories have placed them in Scotland, Canaan, Cyrenaica, and the Andaman Islands. The country 'Chananea' comes from the German poet Walter of Speyer. In the account by Sir John Mandeville, the people were known as the Nacumerians.

en: Chiapas is a state in southern Mexico. It was governed from Guatemala during the colonial era, but in 1824, after a brief independence, it chose to join Mexico. Chiapas has a sizeable indigenous (predominantly Mayan) population. Much of Chiapas' history has been characterized by struggles between indigenous peasants and the mostly Ladino elite. The state's colonial cities, Mayan peoples and natural wealth have made it one of Mexico's major tourist destinations.
en_GB: Chiapas is a state in southern Mexico. It was governed from Guatemala during the colonial era, but in 1824, after a brief independence, it chose to join Mexico. Chiapas has a sizeable indigenous (predominantly Mayan) population. Much of Chiapas' history has been characterised by struggles between indigenous peasants and the mostly Ladino elite. The state's colonial cities, Mayan peoples and natural wealth have made it one of Mexico's major tourist destinations.

en: One of the so-called Five Civilized Tribes, the Chickasaw occupied primarily what is today the northern part of the U.S. state of Mississippi at the time of first contact with Europeans. The name "Mississippi" itself originates from a Chickasaw word meaning "Without Source."
en_GB: One of the so-called Five Civilised Tribes, the Chickasaw occupied primarily what is today the northern part of the U.S. state of Mississippi at the time of first contact with Europeans. The name "Mississippi" itself originates from a Chickasaw word meaning "Without Source."

en: Chile is located on the south-western coast of South America. Chile declared its independence from Spain in 1810. At the expense of Bolivia, Peru and the indigenous Mapuche people, Chile more than doubled its territory in the 19th century. Often having been more stable and prosperous than its neighbors, Chile currently is the most developed country of Latin America.
en_GB: Chile is located on the south-western coast of South America. Chile declared its independence from Spain in 1810. At the expense of Bolivia, Peru and the indigenous Mapuche people, Chile more than doubled its territory in the 19th century. Often having been more stable and prosperous than its neighbours, Chile currently is the most developed country of Latin America.

en: One of the so-called Five Civilized Tribes, the Choctaw traditionally occupied much of the middle and south of today's U.S. state of Mississippi. First encountered by Spanish explorers in the 16th century, they became long-time French allies before siding with the Confederate States during the American Civil War. The majority of Choctaw today live in Oklahoma following forced removal from their homeland under president Andrew Jackson in 1831, but there is also a vibrant band in Mississippi made up of Choctaw who managed to escape removal and stay behind. The word "Oklahoma" itself is derived from a Choctaw language term meaning "red people".
en_GB: One of the so-called Five Civilised Tribes, the Choctaw traditionally occupied much of the middle and south of today's U.S. state of Mississippi. First encountered by Spanish explorers in the 16th century, they became long-time French allies before siding with the Confederate States during the American Civil War. The majority of Choctaw today live in Oklahoma following forced removal from their homeland under president Andrew Jackson in 1831, but there is also a vibrant band in Mississippi made up of Choctaw who managed to escape removal and stay behind. The word "Oklahoma" itself is derived from a Choctaw language term meaning "red people".

en: The Cholas were a Tamil dynasty centered in southern India that was unusually influential in northern India. They began as a tributary state to the Pallavas, but in the 9th century their power began to grow. During the 11th century, they led expeditions against other Indian states as far north as Bengal, as well as against the Maldives, Sri Lanka and even the Indonesian kingdom of Sri Vijaya. They collapsed, however, in the 1250s as other southern Indian states rose up.
en_GB: The Cholas were a Tamil dynasty centred in southern India that was unusually influential in northern India. They began as a tributary state to the Pallavas, but in the 9th century their power began to grow. During the 11th century, they led expeditions against other Indian states as far north as Bengal, as well as against the Maldives, Sri Lanka and even the Indonesian kingdom of Sri Vijaya. They collapsed, however, in the 1250s as other southern Indian states rose up.

en: Chrobatia was an Early Medieval, semi-legendary Slavic state organized by the White Croats in a part of Central Europe that can not be conclusively identified today. The main source of the existence of a White Croatian state is a mention by the Byzantine Emperor Constantine VII Porphyrogennetos. White Croatia is sometimes associated with a prince Slavnik, lord of Libice, whose influence extended to the region of Silesia and the land of Krakow.
en_GB: Chrobatia was an Early Medieval, semi-legendary Slavic state organised by the White Croats in a part of Central Europe that can not be conclusively identified today. The main source of the existence of a White Croatian state is a mention by the Byzantine Emperor Constantine VII Porphyrogennetos. White Croatia is sometimes associated with a prince Slavnik, lord of Libice, whose influence extended to the region of Silesia and the land of Krakow.

en: Inhabiting the Santa Barbara Channel Islands and the southern California coastline between Malibu and Paso Robles inland towards the San Joaquin valley, the Chumash lived in large permanent villages and maintained a semi-monetized economy. These villages came to be ruled by hereditary chiefs, who could be male or female. At time of contact, the population was likely 8-18,000 people, though perhaps as high as 22,000. The Spanish established five missions in Chumash land. As a result of disease and other byproducts of colonial rule, the population fell to less than 3,000 in 1831.
en_GB: Inhabiting the Santa Barbara Channel Islands and the southern California coastline between Malibu and Paso Robles inland towards the San Joaquin valley, the Chumash lived in large permanent villages and maintained a semi-monetised economy. These villages came to be ruled by hereditary chiefs, who could be male or female. At time of contact, the population was likely 8-18,000 people, though perhaps as high as 22,000. The Spanish established five missions in Chumash land. As a result of disease and other byproducts of colonial rule, the population fell to less than 3,000 in 1831.

en: Colombia is a country in northern South America. The region was an Amerindian cultural center in pre-European time. The Spanish began settling Colombia's north coast around 1500. In 1819 the Republic of Colombia gained independence.
en_GB: Colombia is a country in northern South America. The region was an Amerindian cultural centre in pre-European time. The Spanish began settling Colombia's north coast around 1500. In 1819 the Republic of Colombia gained independence.

en: The Zaporozhian Cossacks lived in Zaporozhia, in Central Ukraine. They were a multi-ethnic community with Ruthenians being the dominant element, organized in a military manner.
en_GB: The Zaporozhian Cossacks lived in Zaporozhia, in Central Ukraine. They were a multi-ethnic community with Ruthenians being the dominant element, organised in a military manner.

en: Crete is an island in the Mediterranean Sea, the largest of the Greek Archipelago. In the 3rd and 2nd millennia BCE Crete was the site of Europe's first advanced civilization, the Minoan culture. An eruption of nearby Thera destroyed the Minoan civilization. Crete then became part of the Greek cultural realm, and was subsequently conquered by the Romans, Arabs, Byzantines, Venetians and Ottoman Turks. After having been a semi-independent state for 15 years, Crete finally became part of Greece in 1913.
en_GB: Crete is an island in the Mediterranean Sea, the largest of the Greek Archipelago. In the 3rd and 2nd millennia BCE Crete was the site of Europe's first advanced civilisation, the Minoan culture. An eruption of nearby Thera destroyed the Minoan civilisation. Crete then became part of the Greek cultural realm, and was subsequently conquered by the Romans, Arabs, Byzantines, Venetians and Ottoman Turks. After having been a semi-independent state for 15 years, Crete finally became part of Greece in 1913.

en: The Duchy of Courland and Semigallia was created as the result of the secularization of the Teutonic Order State. The dukes of Courland were vassals of Poland until its collapse. Duke Jakob Kettler led the failed attempts of colonization in South America and Africa.
en_GB: The Duchy of Courland and Semigallia was created as the result of the secularisation of the Teutonic Order State. The dukes of Courland were vassals of Poland until its collapse. Duke Jakob Kettler led the failed attempts of colonisation in South America and Africa.

en: The Dacians were ancient tribes who lived on the left bank of the Lower Danube in Dacia in what is now Romania. They were probably related to the Thracians and other Paleo-Balkanic tribes. The unification of Dacian tribes occurred during the reign of king Burebista. After the wars with Rome, they were defeated in 106 CE. Dacia became a Roman province and succumbed to Roman colonization. The remains of the Dacians mingled with East Germanic tribes and later with Slavs.
en_GB: The Dacians were ancient tribes who lived on the left bank of the Lower Danube in Dacia in what is now Romania. They were probably related to the Thracians and other Paleo-Balkanic tribes. The unification of Dacian tribes occurred during the reign of king Burebista. After the wars with Rome, they were defeated in 106 CE. Dacia became a Roman province and succumbed to Roman colonisation. The remains of the Dacians mingled with East Germanic tribes and later with Slavs.

en: The southern third of modern Benin was once a historic kingdom known variously as Agbome (c. 1600 - c. 1700), Danhome (c. 1700 - 1730), and Dahomey (1730 - 1894). In 1730 the country became a tributary of the neighboring kingdom of Oyo. It was conquered by France in the second Franco-Dahomean war (1892 - 1894) and was split into Agbome and Alada.  In the 18th and 19th centuries Dahomey was known for its fierce ahosi (gbeto) warriors: an army of women who were the king's official bodyguards and celibate wives.
en_GB: The southern third of modern Benin was once a historic kingdom known variously as Agbome (c. 1600 - c. 1700), Danhome (c. 1700 - 1730), and Dahomey (1730 - 1894). In 1730 the country became a tributary of the neighbouring kingdom of Oyo. It was conquered by France in the second Franco-Dahomean war (1892 - 1894) and was split into Agbome and Alada.  In the 18th and 19th centuries Dahomey was known for its fierce ahosi (gbeto) warriors: an army of women who were the king's official bodyguards and celibate wives.

en: Modern Egypt is the most populous Middle Eastern country as well as one of the most populous in Africa. It is located on the site of one of the world's most ancient civilizations.
en_GB: Modern Egypt is the most populous Middle Eastern country as well as one of the most populous in Africa. It is located on the site of one of the world's most ancient civilisations.

en: Elam was an ancient civilization located in the area of modern southwest Iran, which arose around 3100 BCE. The Elamite language, written in cuneiform, is of unknown origin. In 643 BCE the Elamite civilization was destroyed by the Assyrians under Assurbanipal.
en_GB: Elam was an ancient civilisation located in the area of modern southwest Iran, which arose around 3100 BCE. The Elamite language, written in cuneiform, is of unknown origin. In 643 BCE the Elamite civilisation was destroyed by the Assyrians under Assurbanipal.

en: The Etruscans were an ancient civilization in Etruria, Italy, known for their artistic achievements and building of necropolises. Their language is only partly deciphered and their origins are still debated. They called themselves Rasna and formed a confederation of twelve cities. In the 6th century the Etruscan civilization started to crumble after Roman and Gallic incursions. Rome itself probably originated as a city state that threw off Etruscan domination. As a result, Roman sources often put the Etruscans in a negative light, depicting them as a sexually licentious culture. However, Roman civilization owes a lot to their Etruscan predecessors.
en_GB: The Etruscans were an ancient civilisation in Etruria, Italy, known for their artistic achievements and building of necropolises. Their language is only partly deciphered and their origins are still debated. They called themselves Rasna and formed a confederation of twelve cities. In the 6th century the Etruscan civilisation started to crumble after Roman and Gallic incursions. Rome itself probably originated as a city state that threw off Etruscan domination. As a result, Roman sources often put the Etruscans in a negative light, depicting them as a sexually licentious culture. However, Roman civilisation owes a lot to their Etruscan predecessors.

en: Fiji is the most populous of the small Oceanian island states. It consists of Viti Levu, Vanua Levu and hundreds of smaller islands. Settled by Polynesians, it became a British colony in the 19th century. Fiji has been independent from Britain since 1970. Since then the country's politics have been characterized by ethnic tensions between Indo-Fijians and indigenous Fijians.
en_GB: Fiji is the most populous of the small Oceanian island states. It consists of Viti Levu, Vanua Levu and hundreds of smaller islands. Settled by Polynesians, it became a British colony in the 19th century. Fiji has been independent from Britain since 1970. Since then the country's politics have been characterised by ethnic tensions between Indo-Fijians and indigenous Fijians.

en: Taiwan is home to fourteen officially recognized and twelve unrecognized tribes, all of whom are traditionally speakers of a group of Austronesian languages known as Formosan. Historical linguists consider the island to be the home of the Austronesian family, as it is host to the most diverse set of Austronesian languages. Many of the tribes are traditionally matrilineal. Starting in the 17th century, European and East Asian colonists vied for control of the island, encroaching on aboriginal lands. Today, Formosans constitute around 2% of the population of Taiwan.
en_GB: Taiwan is home to fourteen officially recognised and twelve unrecognised tribes, all of whom are traditionally speakers of a group of Austronesian languages known as Formosan. Historical linguists consider the island to be the home of the Austronesian family, as it is host to the most diverse set of Austronesian languages. Many of the tribes are traditionally matrilineal. Starting in the 17th century, European and East Asian colonists vied for control of the island, encroaching on aboriginal lands. Today, Formosans constitute around 2% of the population of Taiwan.

en: Romans already mentioned the Frisii but historians are unsure whether they were the ancestors of today's Frisians or not. In the early Middle Ages the Frisians controlled a kingdom stretching from the Scheldt to Jutland. Although eventually defeated by the Franks, they kept enjoying the famous Frisian freedom, refusing to recognize the rule of any feudal lord. In the 15th and 16th centuries Frisian territory was eventually carved up, the core becoming a province of the United Netherlands. In 1782 the Estates of Friesland was the first foreign government to recognize the independence of the United States of America.
en_GB: Romans already mentioned the Frisii but historians are unsure whether they were the ancestors of today's Frisians or not. In the early Middle Ages the Frisians controlled a kingdom stretching from the Scheldt to Jutland. Although eventually defeated by the Franks, they kept enjoying the famous Frisian freedom, refusing to recognise the rule of any feudal lord. In the 15th and 16th centuries Frisian territory was eventually carved up, the core becoming a province of the United Netherlands. In 1782 the Estates of Friesland was the first foreign government to recognise the independence of the United States of America.

en: The Fulani or Fulbe are an ethnic group in West Africa. Originally pastoralists, in the 18th and 19th centuries they led the Fulani Jihads, founding a number of states across the region. The biggest Fulani state was the Sokoto Caliphate, founded by Usuman dan Fodio during the Fulani Jihad of 1809. It was one of the most powerful empires in Sub-Saharan Africa prior to the European conquest and colonization. The caliphate remained extant through the colonial period and afterwards, though with reduced power.
en_GB: The Fulani or Fulbe are an ethnic group in West Africa. Originally pastoralists, in the 18th and 19th centuries they led the Fulani Jihads, founding a number of states across the region. The biggest Fulani state was the Sokoto Caliphate, founded by Usuman dan Fodio during the Fulani Jihad of 1809. It was one of the most powerful empires in Sub-Saharan Africa prior to the European conquest and colonisation. The caliphate remained extant through the colonial period and afterwards, though with reduced power.

en: The Gauls were a Celtic people occupying what is now France and Belgium. They lived in chiefdom-level societies that grew increasingly centralized and stratified under the influence of the Greek and Roman merchants and soldiers who came to Gaul. Julius Caesar launched his eight year invasion of Gaul in 59 BCE. He claimed to have killed one million people and enslaved another million out of an original population of three million. The Gauls united and rallied under Vercingetorix, who defeated Caesar at the battle of Gergovia, but was later crushed by him at the battle of Alesia.
en_GB: The Gauls were a Celtic people occupying what is now France and Belgium. They lived in chiefdom-level societies that grew increasingly centralised and stratified under the influence of the Greek and Roman merchants and soldiers who came to Gaul. Julius Caesar launched his eight year invasion of Gaul in 59 BCE. He claimed to have killed one million people and enslaved another million out of an original population of three million. The Gauls united and rallied under Vercingetorix, who defeated Caesar at the battle of Gergovia, but was later crushed by him at the battle of Alesia.

en: The Golden Horde was a historical Mongol and Tatar state, founded around 1240 in the western part of the empire of Genghis Khan by his grandson Batu Khan, with its capital at Sarai Batu. After the conquests its greatest extent covered the territories from the Irtysh to the mountains of the Caucasus, Black Sea and the Volga and Kama basins. In 1375 the whole country was conquered by Tamerlane and became vassalized. From the 14th century the country gradually descended into instability, which at the beginning of the 15th century led to the complete disintegration of the state.
en_GB: The Golden Horde was a historical Mongol and Tatar state, founded around 1240 in the western part of the empire of Genghis Khan by his grandson Batu Khan, with its capital at Sarai Batu. After the conquests its greatest extent covered the territories from the Irtysh to the mountains of the Caucasus, Black Sea and the Volga and Kama basins. In 1375 the whole country was conquered by Tamerlane and became vassalised. From the 14th century the country gradually descended into instability, which at the beginning of the 15th century led to the complete disintegration of the state.

en: Originally inhabited by the Arawk, Guyana was colonized by the Dutch but became a British colony after the Napoleonic Wars. It gained independence in 1966. Under Forbes Burnham Guyana became a Marxist oriented country, but in the 1980s it started its transition to a market democracy.
en_GB: Originally inhabited by the Arawk, Guyana was colonised by the Dutch but became a British colony after the Napoleonic Wars. It gained independence in 1966. Under Forbes Burnham Guyana became a Marxist oriented country, but in the 1980s it started its transition to a market democracy.

en: The Helvetians (Latin: Helvetii) were an Ancient Celtic people, inhabiting what is now Switzerland and adjacent parts of France and Germany. Helvetians sometimes helped in the internal conflicts of Rome, for example, on the side of Cicero. They were a big, expansive tribe, striving for domination over the tribes of Gaul. The campaigns of the Helvetian chieftain Orgetorix were used by Caesar as a pretext to conquer Helvetia and the rest of Gaul. The Helvetians succumbed to the Romans and became Romanized during the following centuries.
en_GB: The Helvetians (Latin: Helvetii) were an Ancient Celtic people, inhabiting what is now Switzerland and adjacent parts of France and Germany. Helvetians sometimes helped in the internal conflicts of Rome, for example, on the side of Cicero. They were a big, expansive tribe, striving for domination over the tribes of Gaul. The campaigns of the Helvetian chieftain Orgetorix were used by Caesar as a pretext to conquer Helvetia and the rest of Gaul. The Helvetians succumbed to the Romans and became Romanised during the following centuries.

en: Ancient Magna Graecia was a complex of Greek cities-colonies on the coasts of Italy and Sicily, founded during the Greek Colonization. They played an important role in the development of Etruscan and Roman cultures. In the 5th century BCE Magna Graecia was dominated by the city-state of Syracuse, a great center of Greek culture. Other major urban centers included Taranto, Croton, Sybaris and Messana. Magna Graecia was gradually conquered by Rome, a conquest that was completed by 272 BC. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Southern Italy was temporarily part of the Byzantine Empire as the Catepanate of Italia. A Greek-speaking population has survived in these areas to modern times.
en_GB: Ancient Magna Graecia was a complex of Greek cities-colonies on the coasts of Italy and Sicily, founded during the Greek Colonisation. They played an important role in the development of Etruscan and Roman cultures. In the 5th century BCE Magna Graecia was dominated by the city-state of Syracuse, a great centre of Greek culture. Other major urban centres included Taranto, Croton, Sybaris and Messana. Magna Graecia was gradually conquered by Rome, a conquest that was completed by 272 BC. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Southern Italy was temporarily part of the Byzantine Empire as the Catepanate of Italia. A Greek-speaking population has survived in these areas to modern times.

en: Columbus landed on Jamaica in 1494. The island was colonized by the Spanish but in 1655 it was conquered by the English, who turned the island into a slave-based plantation economy. Slavery was abolished in 1834. The country became an independent country within the Commonwealth in 1962. Jamaica is famous around the world for its music; genres such as reggae and ska originated on the island.
en_GB: Columbus landed on Jamaica in 1494. The island was colonised by the Spanish but in 1655 it was conquered by the English, who turned the island into a slave-based plantation economy. Slavery was abolished in 1834. The country became an independent country within the Commonwealth in 1962. Jamaica is famous around the world for its music; genres such as reggae and ska originated on the island.

en: Also called Wolof, the Kingdom was formed between the Senegal and Gambia rivers in the 14th century. The King, or Burba Jolof, was beholden to a handful of powerful regional noblemen who acknowledged kinship with the king but developed personal power bases as well. By the early 1500s, the Burba Jolof could field as many as 100,000 infantry and 10,000 cavalry. Fulani and Berber incursions coupled with political weakness eroded away the power of the Burba Jolof. Various Wolof-speaking states established unions with one another, with their heads assuming the powers of Burba Jolof. The 19th century brought with it French colonization and a conversion to Islam fueled in large part by anti-European sentiment.
en_GB: Also called Wolof, the Kingdom was formed between the Senegal and Gambia rivers in the 14th century. The King, or Burba Jolof, was beholden to a handful of powerful regional noblemen who acknowledged kinship with the king but developed personal power bases as well. By the early 1500s, the Burba Jolof could field as many as 100,000 infantry and 10,000 cavalry. Fulani and Berber incursions coupled with political weakness eroded away the power of the Burba Jolof. Various Wolof-speaking states established unions with one another, with their heads assuming the powers of Burba Jolof. The 19th century brought with it French colonisation and a conversion to Islam fuelled in large part by anti-European sentiment.

en: The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is a country in the Middle East. During Antiquity the country was the site of numerous ancient civilizations, including the Nabateans who built the city of Petra. The country has been Arab since the 7th century. Conquered by the Ottoman Turks in 1519, it became a British League of Nations mandate after World War II. The Hashemite clan, which had led a revolt against the Turks during the war, was established as Jordan's ruling dynasty. The country finally became independent in 1946.
en_GB: The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is a country in the Middle East. During Antiquity the country was the site of numerous ancient civilisations, including the Nabateans who built the city of Petra. The country has been Arab since the 7th century. Conquered by the Ottoman Turks in 1519, it became a British League of Nations mandate after World War II. The Hashemite clan, which had led a revolt against the Turks during the war, was established as Jordan's ruling dynasty. The country finally became independent in 1946.

en: Kashubia is a historical region of north-central Poland. The name of the land, whose etymology is still unknown, was first mentioned in the 13th century. Considered as an ethnic group of the Polish nation, Kashubians have language and culture that are quite different from the rest of Poland. Today, a lively Kashubian community cultivates their speech, literature and customs through, among others, local radio and television programmes, comic books, and even several fully Kashubianized distributions of Linux operating system.
en_GB: Kashubia is a historical region of north-central Poland. The name of the land, whose etymology is still unknown, was first mentioned in the 13th century. Considered as an ethnic group of the Polish nation, Kashubians have language and culture that are quite different from the rest of Poland. Today, a lively Kashubian community cultivates their speech, literature and customs through, among others, local radio and television programmes, comic books, and even several fully Kashubianised distributions of Linux operating system.

en: Khoisan speakers are typically divided between the Khoikhoi, traditionally herders, and the San, traditionally hunter gatherers. They are traditionally among the most egalitarian societies on the planet. San society in particular is organized around the institutions of family and band. Khoisan peoples carry some of the most ancient genetic lineages in the world. Today there are over 300,000 Khoisan people, forming significant minorities in and around the Kalahari desert in Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, and Angola.
en_GB: Khoisan speakers are typically divided between the Khoikhoi, traditionally herders, and the San, traditionally hunter gatherers. They are traditionally among the most egalitarian societies on the planet. San society in particular is organised around the institutions of family and band. Khoisan peoples carry some of the most ancient genetic lineages in the world. Today there are over 300,000 Khoisan people, forming significant minorities in and around the Kalahari desert in Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, and Angola.

en: Known by the Greeks as Chorasmia, Khwarezm was an urbanized, centralized, and militarized state south of the Aral sea in Central Asia, controlling portions of the Silk Road. It was loosely controlled as a satrapy under the Achaemenid and Sassanid Persian dynasties and was the mythic homeland of Zarathustra, the founder of Zoroastrianism. Following the introduction of Islam, Khwarezm tended to be divided into two separate kingdoms, but was united under the Turkic Anushtiginid dynasty, which lasted from 1097 until Chinggis Khan conquered it in 1231.
en_GB: Known by the Greeks as Chorasmia, Khwarezm was an urbanised, centralised, and militarised state south of the Aral sea in Central Asia, controlling portions of the Silk Road. It was loosely controlled as a satrapy under the Achaemenid and Sassanid Persian dynasties and was the mythic homeland of Zarathustra, the founder of Zoroastrianism. Following the introduction of Islam, Khwarezm tended to be divided into two separate kingdoms, but was united under the Turkic Anushtiginid dynasty, which lasted from 1097 until Chinggis Khan conquered it in 1231.

en: Saint Kitts and Nevis is a nation in the Caribbean located on the eponymous two islands. It is the smallest country in the Americas and the world's smallest federation. Saint Kitts was the site of some of the earliest French and English colonization attempts in the New World.
en_GB: Saint Kitts and Nevis is a nation in the Caribbean located on the eponymous two islands. It is the smallest country in the Americas and the world's smallest federation. Saint Kitts was the site of some of the earliest French and English colonisation attempts in the New World.

en: Kosovo is a country on the Balkans. It declared independence in 2008. Serbia claims Kosovo as a province and its independence is not universally recognized.
en_GB: Kosovo is a country on the Balkans. It declared independence in 2008. Serbia claims Kosovo as a province and its independence is not universally recognised.

en: The Kunas are a Chibchan people living on the Isthmus of Darien, where North and South America meet. In 1925 Kuna chief Nele Kantule led a revolt against the Panamanian authorities. Since then Panama has granted significant autonomy to Kuna Yala, the Kuna homeland. Currently Kuna Yala (also known as San Blas) is known worldwide as a tourist center and the Kunas have established something of a reputation for managing to combine tradition and modernity.
en_GB: The Kunas are a Chibchan people living on the Isthmus of Darien, where North and South America meet. In 1925 Kuna chief Nele Kantule led a revolt against the Panamanian authorities. Since then Panama has granted significant autonomy to Kuna Yala, the Kuna homeland. Currently Kuna Yala (also known as San Blas) is known worldwide as a tourist centre and the Kunas have established something of a reputation for managing to combine tradition and modernity.

en: The history of Laos starts with the Lan Xang kingdom created in the 14th century and ended in late 18th century with invasion of Siam (Thailand). In the end of the 19th century, Laos became part of French Indochina. French rule ended with independence in 1946 followed by 30 years of civil war. In 1975 the communist Pathet Lao established a strict socialist regime. However, in 1986 the liberalization and a gradual return to private enterprise started.
en_GB: The history of Laos starts with the Lan Xang kingdom created in the 14th century and ended in late 18th century with invasion of Siam (Thailand). In the end of the 19th century, Laos became part of French Indochina. French rule ended with independence in 1946 followed by 30 years of civil war. In 1975 the communist Pathet Lao established a strict socialist regime. However, in 1986 the liberalisation and a gradual return to private enterprise started.

en: Located in the Levant, the Eastern shore of the Mediterranean, Lebanon houses some of the oldest traces of human civilization. The old homeland of the Phoenicians, Lebanon has since been ruled by many empires. It was part of the Ottoman Empire for over four centuries and became a French mandate after World War I. Lebanon proclaimed its independence in 1943.
en_GB: Located in the Levant, the Eastern shore of the Mediterranean, Lebanon houses some of the oldest traces of human civilisation. The old homeland of the Phoenicians, Lebanon has since been ruled by many empires. It was part of the Ottoman Empire for over four centuries and became a French mandate after World War I. Lebanon proclaimed its independence in 1943.

en: The Lendians were a confederation of West Slavic, Lechitic tribes inhabiting the borderland areas of today's Poland and Ukraine. Their land was the object of rivalry between Poland and the Kievan Rus' at the time of the early Piast dynasty. The Lendians succumbed to Ruthenization as a result of deportation actions organized by Kievan princes and the activities of the Orthodox Church.
en_GB: The Lendians were a confederation of West Slavic, Lechitic tribes inhabiting the borderland areas of today's Poland and Ukraine. Their land was the object of rivalry between Poland and the Kievan Rus' at the time of the early Piast dynasty. The Lendians succumbed to Ruthenisation as a result of deportation actions organised by Kievan princes and the activities of the Orthodox Church.

en: Liberia is a country in West Africa, founded in the first half of the 19th century as a country for liberated African-American slaves. Liberia's history has been characterized by tensions between the dominant Americo-Liberian minority and the indigenous majority. The Americo-Liberians organized themselves within the True Whig Party, which held power for no less than 102 years, longer than any other political party worldwide. The indigenous population was enfranchised in the 1960s and the True Whigs were overthrown in 1980, which led to a period of instability and civil wars. A fragile peace returned in 2003.
en_GB: Liberia is a country in West Africa, founded in the first half of the 19th century as a country for liberated African-American slaves. Liberia's history has been characterised by tensions between the dominant Americo-Liberian minority and the indigenous majority. The Americo-Liberians organised themselves within the True Whig Party, which held power for no less than 102 years, longer than any other political party worldwide. The indigenous population was enfranchised in the 1960s and the True Whigs were overthrown in 1980, which led to a period of instability and civil wars. A fragile peace returned in 2003.

en: The Liburnians were an ancient Indo-European tribe living along the Northeastern Adriatic coast in modern Croatia. They were probably distinct from their neighbors, the Illyrians, and spoke an Italic language. They were Romanized after the annexation of their land by Rome.
en_GB: The Liburnians were an ancient Indo-European tribe living along the Northeastern Adriatic coast in modern Croatia. They were probably distinct from their neighbours, the Illyrians, and spoke an Italic language. They were Romanised after the annexation of their land by Rome.

en: The region that is now Libya was a Roman colony until it was conquered by the Arab civilization in the 7th century. In 1912 it came under the control of Italy and after the Second World War Libya was granted independence as a condition of the Allied peace treaty with Italy.
en_GB: The region that is now Libya was a Roman colony until it was conquered by the Arab civilisation in the 7th century. In 1912 it came under the control of Italy and after the Second World War Libya was granted independence as a condition of the Allied peace treaty with Italy.

en: This empire began in 1293 CE when a local prince used invading Yuan dynasty troops to his own advantage by having them defeat his enemies and then expelling them. The Majapahit, centered in eastern Java, was heavily influenced by Buddhism and Hinduism and was a major regional power in the insular Southeast Asian world, a position which allowed them to control much of the trade between China, India and the Middle East. They lasted until 1500 when they were eclipsed by the Sultanate of Malacca and the rise of Islam in the Indonesian world.
en_GB: This empire began in 1293 CE when a local prince used invading Yuan dynasty troops to his own advantage by having them defeat his enemies and then expelling them. The Majapahit, centred in eastern Java, was heavily influenced by Buddhism and Hinduism and was a major regional power in the insular Southeast Asian world, a position which allowed them to control much of the trade between China, India and the Middle East. They lasted until 1500 when they were eclipsed by the Sultanate of Malacca and the rise of Islam in the Indonesian world.

en: The Isle of Man is an island in the British Isles located between Britain and Ireland. Formally not a part of United Kingdom, it is a self-governing British Crown Dependency. In the Middle Ages it was the center of the Kingdom of Mann and the Isles, and later of the Lordship of Man. Man is noted for having the oldest still functioning parliament in the world, the Tynwald, which has existed since 979 CE. Since 1765 the island depends on Great Britain.
en_GB: The Isle of Man is an island in the British Isles located between Britain and Ireland. Formally not a part of United Kingdom, it is a self-governing British Crown Dependency. In the Middle Ages it was the centre of the Kingdom of Mann and the Isles, and later of the Lordship of Man. Man is noted for having the oldest still functioning parliament in the world, the Tynwald, which has existed since 979 CE. Since 1765 the island depends on Great Britain.

en: Mauritania is a country in North West Africa, where the Arab and Sub-Saharan African worlds meet. Mauritania became Islamized from the 11th century onwards. Colonized by France in the 19th century, the country became an independent republic in 1960.
en_GB: Mauritania is a country in North West Africa, where the Arab and Sub-Saharan African worlds meet. Mauritania became Islamised from the 11th century onwards. Colonised by France in the 19th century, the country became an independent republic in 1960.

en: The Mixtecs or Ñuu Savi were one of the major Mesoamerican civilizations. The Mixtec territory was formed by a large number of city states. The Mixtec ruler Eight Deer 'Jaguar Claw', who ruled Tilantongo around 1100 CE, was famous in all of ancient Mexico. In the late 15th century most of the Mixtec territory was occupied by the Aztecs, though parts remained independent until the arrival of the Spanish. Nowadays there are about 700,000 Mixtecs living in the Mexican states of Oaxaca, Guerrero and Puebla, as well as in emigrant communities in Northern Mexico and the US.
en_GB: The Mixtecs or Ñuu Savi were one of the major Mesoamerican civilisations. The Mixtec territory was formed by a large number of city states. The Mixtec ruler Eight Deer 'Jaguar Claw', who ruled Tilantongo around 1100 CE, was famous in all of ancient Mexico. In the late 15th century most of the Mixtec territory was occupied by the Aztecs, though parts remained independent until the arrival of the Spanish. Nowadays there are about 700,000 Mixtecs living in the Mexican states of Oaxaca, Guerrero and Puebla, as well as in emigrant communities in Northern Mexico and the US.

en: The Moluccas, known as the Spice Islands during the era of colonizations, are an island group in the Indonesian archipelago. Inhabited by Malay peoples, the islands were contested by the Spanish, Portuguese and English but ended up under firm Dutch control by the 16th century. During the decolonization process many Moluccans sided with the Dutch East Indies Army. This, and the centralism exerted by Java after Indonesia's independence in 1949, led to the proclamation of the Republic of the South Moluccas in 1950. The rebellion was crushed, but a government in exile continues to operate, not recognized by any country.
en_GB: The Moluccas, known as the Spice Islands during the era of colonisations, are an island group in the Indonesian archipelago. Inhabited by Malay peoples, the islands were contested by the Spanish, Portuguese and English but ended up under firm Dutch control by the 16th century. During the decolonisation process many Moluccans sided with the Dutch East Indies Army. This, and the centralism exerted by Java after Indonesia's independence in 1949, led to the proclamation of the Republic of the South Moluccas in 1950. The rebellion was crushed, but a government in exile continues to operate, not recognised by any country.

en: With only two square kilometers, Monaco is the second smallest country in the world. It has been ruled by the Grimaldi dynasty ever since the country was founded in 1297. In 1861 Monaco lost more than 95 percent of its territory to France. The principality is noted for its absence of income taxes, its casino and its Formula 1 track. Foreigners make up more than 80 percent of the population. In terms of GDP per capita Monaco is the wealthiest country in the world by a large margin.
en_GB: With only two square kilometres, Monaco is the second smallest country in the world. It has been ruled by the Grimaldi dynasty ever since the country was founded in 1297. In 1861 Monaco lost more than 95 percent of its territory to France. The principality is noted for its absence of income taxes, its casino and its Formula 1 track. Foreigners make up more than 80 percent of the population. In terms of GDP per capita Monaco is the wealthiest country in the world by a large margin.

en: Great Moravia was a Slavic medieval monarchy whose center was located in the areas of modern Moravia region in Czech Republic. Moravia conquered areas of Bohemia, Slovakia, Pannonia and large parts of southern Poland and Lusatia. The first ruler and founder of this state was duke Mojmir I. The Great Moravian state was destroyed as a result of the Hungarian invasion from the eastern steppes. After the defeat of the Hungarians by the Holy Roman Empire, Moravia was turned into a principality, which was in a personal union with Bohemia for most of its history.
en_GB: Great Moravia was a Slavic medieval monarchy whose centre was located in the areas of modern Moravia region in Czech Republic. Moravia conquered areas of Bohemia, Slovakia, Pannonia and large parts of southern Poland and Lusatia. The first ruler and founder of this state was duke Mojmir I. The Great Moravian state was destroyed as a result of the Hungarian invasion from the eastern steppes. After the defeat of the Hungarians by the Holy Roman Empire, Moravia was turned into a principality, which was in a personal union with Bohemia for most of its history.

en: Called Pleasant Island by the European colonizers, Nauru is an island in the South Pacific. The island was first settled by Austronesian peoples around 1000 BCE. European contacts led to internecine tribal warfare which decimated the population. Nauru was annexed by the German Empire in 1888 but was occupied by Australia during World War I. In 1968, the Republic of Nauru became independent. Thanks to its enormous phosphate resources, Nauru was for some time the most developed third world country and one of the world's richest countries per capita. With the exhaustion of the phosphate reserves the country has fallen on economic hard times. Offshore banking, immigrant detention centers and musicals have proven unsuccessful to replace phosphate as source of income. Nauru is the world's third smallest country by size, second smallest by population. It is the smallest country in the Southern Hemisphere and the world's smallest republic.
en_GB: Called Pleasant Island by the European colonisers, Nauru is an island in the South Pacific. The island was first settled by Austronesian peoples around 1000 BCE. European contacts led to internecine tribal warfare which decimated the population. Nauru was annexed by the German Empire in 1888 but was occupied by Australia during World War I. In 1968, the Republic of Nauru became independent. Thanks to its enormous phosphate resources, Nauru was for some time the most developed third world country and one of the world's richest countries per capita. With the exhaustion of the phosphate reserves the country has fallen on economic hard times. Offshore banking, immigrant detention centres and musicals have proven unsuccessful to replace phosphate as source of income. Nauru is the world's third smallest country by size, second smallest by population. It is the smallest country in the Southern Hemisphere and the world's smallest republic.

en: Nepal is a landlocked country located in the Himalayas. Long a multi-cultural and multi-lingual nation, its history is characterized by its location between India and China. The Nepalese principalities were united into one kingdom in the 18th century. Nepal became a republic in 2008.
en_GB: Nepal is a landlocked country located in the Himalayas. Long a multi-cultural and multi-lingual nation, its history is characterised by its location between India and China. The Nepalese principalities were united into one kingdom in the 18th century. Nepal became a republic in 2008.

en: The Novgorod Republic was was a large Medieval Russian state that stretched from the Baltic Sea to the Ural Mountains. It existed between the 12th and 15th centuries and was centered on the city of Novgorod.
en_GB: The Novgorod Republic was was a large Medieval Russian state that stretched from the Baltic Sea to the Ural Mountains. It existed between the 12th and 15th centuries and was centred on the city of Novgorod.

en: A succession of kingdoms stretching roughly from the 1st to the 6th cataracts of the Nile river in modern Sudan and Egypt, Nubia was ancient Egypt's perennial neighbor, competitor, trading partner, enemy, and source of gold, slaves and soldiers to the south. The border between the two nations fluctuated time and time again. Lower Nubia was at times ruled by Egypt. The 25th Dynasty of Egypt, however, was a Nubian dynasty, and one that saw conflict with Assyria, which eventually wrested Egypt from Nubia. Brief conflict occurred with Rome in 24 BCE when Nubian armies routed the Roman garrison with its famed archers. Nubia was a nation shaped by its position between the Mediterranean world and the African interior. Large Nubian states centered on Napata and later Meroe broke into smaller Christian kingdoms which persisted into medieval times before being conquered by Muslim Arabs.
en_GB: A succession of kingdoms stretching roughly from the 1st to the 6th cataracts of the Nile river in modern Sudan and Egypt, Nubia was ancient Egypt's perennial neighbour, competitor, trading partner, enemy, and source of gold, slaves and soldiers to the south. The border between the two nations fluctuated time and time again. Lower Nubia was at times ruled by Egypt. The 25th Dynasty of Egypt, however, was a Nubian dynasty, and one that saw conflict with Assyria, which eventually wrested Egypt from Nubia. Brief conflict occurred with Rome in 24 BCE when Nubian armies routed the Roman garrison with its famed archers. Nubia was a nation shaped by its position between the Mediterranean world and the African interior. Large Nubian states centred on Napata and later Meroe broke into smaller Christian kingdoms which persisted into medieval times before being conquered by Muslim Arabs.

en: Gatherers, hunters and fishermen, the Ohlone lived in over 40 bands stretching from the San Francisco Bay south to the Salinas Valley. They spoke eight distinct yet related languages and though they shared many cultural traits common to other Native Californian peoples, the Ohlone were also diverse in some finer aspects of culture. Their way of life changed dramatically when the Spanish arrived in 1769 and disease and the injustices of Mission life came to replace their earlier lives. Though the last fluent speaker of an Ohlone language died in 1939, the Ohlone are today federally recognized as 7 tribes.
en_GB: Gatherers, hunters and fishermen, the Ohlone lived in over 40 bands stretching from the San Francisco Bay south to the Salinas Valley. They spoke eight distinct yet related languages and though they shared many cultural traits common to other Native Californian peoples, the Ohlone were also diverse in some finer aspects of culture. Their way of life changed dramatically when the Spanish arrived in 1769 and disease and the injustices of Mission life came to replace their earlier lives. Though the last fluent speaker of an Ohlone language died in 1939, the Ohlone are today federally recognised as 7 tribes.

en: The Prussians were Baltic peoples inhabiting the area between the Pomerania, Mazovia, Lithuania and the Baltic Sea (Baltic coast between the lower Vistula and lower Nemen). They were conquered and germanized by the Teutonic Order.
en_GB: The Prussians were Baltic peoples inhabiting the area between the Pomerania, Mazovia, Lithuania and the Baltic Sea (Baltic coast between the lower Vistula and lower Nemen). They were conquered and germanised by the Teutonic Order.

en: Modern Ossetians are the successors of the Alans of Ancient history, who fled into the mountains during the Hunnic invasions. Around 800 CE an Alanic kingdom emerged in the Northern Caucasus, which continued to exist until the Mongol invasions. Nowadays Ossetians live in the Republic of North Ossetia (part of the Russian Federation) and in the partially recognized Republic of South Ossetia.
en_GB: Modern Ossetians are the successors of the Alans of Ancient history, who fled into the mountains during the Hunnic invasions. Around 800 CE an Alanic kingdom emerged in the Northern Caucasus, which continued to exist until the Mongol invasions. Nowadays Ossetians live in the Republic of North Ossetia (part of the Russian Federation) and in the partially recognised Republic of South Ossetia.

en: The Otomí are one of the most ancient peoples of Mexico. They have lived in Central Mexico ever since the development of agriculture or even longer. A warlike people, they served as mercenaries in the armies of many Mesoamerican civilizations and got their name from the otmitl, the crack military order of the Aztecs, in which many of them served. In their own language they are called Hñähñu. With more than half a million people the Otomí are still one of the biggest indigenous groups of Mexico.
en_GB: The Otomí are one of the most ancient peoples of Mexico. They have lived in Central Mexico ever since the development of agriculture or even longer. A warlike people, they served as mercenaries in the armies of many Mesoamerican civilisations and got their name from the otmitl, the crack military order of the Aztecs, in which many of them served. In their own language they are called Hñähñu. With more than half a million people the Otomí are still one of the biggest indigenous groups of Mexico.

en: In the beginning of the 14th century Osman, a leader of a minor Turkish tribe in western Anatolia, conquered all his neighboring tribes. A century later the Byzantine capital fell to Turkish rule which gave the Ottoman empire access to Europe. The Ottomans subsequently conquered large parts of south-eastern Europe, the Islamic Arab world as well as Egypt and much of North Africa, making it a regional superpower until its dissolution in the aftermath of World War I.
en_GB: In the beginning of the 14th century Osman, a leader of a minor Turkish tribe in western Anatolia, conquered all his neighbouring tribes. A century later the Byzantine capital fell to Turkish rule which gave the Ottoman empire access to Europe. The Ottomans subsequently conquered large parts of south-eastern Europe, the Islamic Arab world as well as Egypt and much of North Africa, making it a regional superpower until its dissolution in the aftermath of World War I.

en: Papua New Guinea is a country occupying the eastern part of the island of New Guinea. Inhabited since time immemorial by Papuan peoples, it was colonized by the British and Germans in the late 19th century. During World War I Papua New Guinea was transferred to Australia. It became an independent country in 1975.
en_GB: Papua New Guinea is a country occupying the eastern part of the island of New Guinea. Inhabited since time immemorial by Papuan peoples, it was colonised by the British and Germans in the late 19th century. During World War I Papua New Guinea was transferred to Australia. It became an independent country in 1975.

en: The Papuans are the indigenous inhabitants of the island of New Guinea. They are the descendants of the people who first settled the island 40,000 years ago. Agriculture was developed in the New Guinean Highlands about 6,000 years ago, though many Papuan tribes, especially those on the coast, continue to live as hunter-gatherers. Some Papuan tribes are still uncontacted. The various Papua groups are highly diverse culturally, ethnically and linguistically; New Guinea harbors no less than a quarter of the world's languages. The western part of the island was colonized by the Dutch, the eastern part by the Germans, the British, the Japanese and finally the Australians. The eastern part has been independent as Papua New Guinea since 1975. West Papua was occupied by Indonesia upon the withdrawal of the Dutch in 1963, though indigenous activists have been struggling for independence ever since.
en_GB: The Papuans are the indigenous inhabitants of the island of New Guinea. They are the descendants of the people who first settled the island 40,000 years ago. Agriculture was developed in the New Guinean Highlands about 6,000 years ago, though many Papuan tribes, especially those on the coast, continue to live as hunter-gatherers. Some Papuan tribes are still uncontacted. The various Papua groups are highly diverse culturally, ethnically and linguistically; New Guinea harbors no less than a quarter of the world's languages. The western part of the island was colonised by the Dutch, the eastern part by the Germans, the British, the Japanese and finally the Australians. The eastern part has been independent as Papua New Guinea since 1975. West Papua was occupied by Indonesia upon the withdrawal of the Dutch in 1963, though indigenous activists have been struggling for independence ever since.

en: The Pashtuns are an ethnic group that lives mainly in Afghanistan and Pakistan. They speak Pashto, a language closely related to Persian, and live by an age-old code of honor known as Pashtunwali.
en_GB: The Pashtuns are an ethnic group that lives mainly in Afghanistan and Pakistan. They speak Pashto, a language closely related to Persian, and live by an age-old code of honour known as Pashtunwali.

en: Peru was the cradle of the Inca Empire and civilization. It is still today a major center of indigenous South American culture.
en_GB: Peru was the cradle of the Inca Empire and civilisation. It is still today a major centre of indigenous South American culture.

en: Phoenicia was an ancient civilization, based in what is now the coastal regions of Lebanon and Syria. They spoke a Canaanite language related to Hebrew and were famed mariners. Their alphabet served as the source of the Greek alphabet, and from there evolved into the Etruscan and Latin alphabets as well. The Greeks and Romans knew them for their manufacture of purple dye from the murex shell, which gave them their Greek and Latin names. They referred to themselves as Kan'ani and their Punic (Carthaginian) descendants in St. Augustine's day called themselves Chanani.
en_GB: Phoenicia was an ancient civilisation, based in what is now the coastal regions of Lebanon and Syria. They spoke a Canaanite language related to Hebrew and were famed mariners. Their alphabet served as the source of the Greek alphabet, and from there evolved into the Etruscan and Latin alphabets as well. The Greeks and Romans knew them for their manufacture of purple dye from the murex shell, which gave them their Greek and Latin names. They referred to themselves as Kan'ani and their Punic (Carthaginian) descendants in St. Augustine's day called themselves Chanani.

en: The Phrygians were an ancient Indo-European people, probably related to the Greeks or Thracians. They arrived in Anatolia around the twelfth century BCE, at the time of the invasion of the Sea Peoples in the Eastern Mediterranean region. The arrival of the Phrygians has been associated by some historians with the fall of the Hittite State. After the Macedonian conquest of the Achaemenid Empire and after the arrival of the Galatians to Anatolia, the Phrygians succumbed to Hellenization.
en_GB: The Phrygians were an ancient Indo-European people, probably related to the Greeks or Thracians. They arrived in Anatolia around the twelfth century BCE, at the time of the invasion of the Sea Peoples in the Eastern Mediterranean region. The arrival of the Phrygians has been associated by some historians with the fall of the Hittite State. After the Macedonian conquest of the Achaemenid Empire and after the arrival of the Galatians to Anatolia, the Phrygians succumbed to Hellenisation.

en: The Picts were the indigenous inhabitants of Caledonia, Ancient Scotland. They were probably Celtic or maybe Celticized pre-Indo-Europeans. They were given the name Picts, 'painted people', by the Romans because of their custom of tattooing their bodies. The Picts survived until well into the Middle Ages but by the 11th century they had been assimilated by the Gaelic Scots.
en_GB: The Picts were the indigenous inhabitants of Caledonia, Ancient Scotland. They were probably Celtic or maybe Celticised pre-Indo-Europeans. They were given the name Picts, 'painted people', by the Romans because of their custom of tattooing their bodies. The Picts survived until well into the Middle Ages but by the 11th century they had been assimilated by the Gaelic Scots.

en: Pontus is a region on the Black Sea coast of Asia Minor, currently part of Turkey but historically part of the Greek cultural realm. A Hellenistic Kingdom of Pontus was founded in the 3rd century BCE, which reached its greatest splendor under Mithridates the Great before succumbing to Rome. After centuries of Roman and Byzantine rule, Pontus became an independent state again when in 1204 the Empire of Trebizond was founded as one of the successors of the crumbling Byzantine Empire. Under the Komnenos dynasty, Trebizond held out as the very last remnant of the Roman Empire until it finally fell to the Ottomans in 1461. During the Turkish-Greek population transfers after World War I, most Pontic Greeks were deported, and today the population of Pontus is almost exclusively Turkish.
en_GB: Pontus is a region on the Black Sea coast of Asia Minor, currently part of Turkey but historically part of the Greek cultural realm. A Hellenistic Kingdom of Pontus was founded in the 3rd century BCE, which reached its greatest splendour under Mithridates the Great before succumbing to Rome. After centuries of Roman and Byzantine rule, Pontus became an independent state again when in 1204 the Empire of Trebizond was founded as one of the successors of the crumbling Byzantine Empire. Under the Komnenos dynasty, Trebizond held out as the very last remnant of the Roman Empire until it finally fell to the Ottomans in 1461. During the Turkish-Greek population transfers after World War I, most Pontic Greeks were deported, and today the population of Pontus is almost exclusively Turkish.

en: The Rapa Nui are the native Polynesian inhabitants of Easter Island. They have inhabited the island since the end of the first millennium CE. They are famous for having built large statues called moai. This civilization was destroyed due to internal conflicts; in 1888 the island was annexed by Chile. Their script Rongorongo has never been deciphered.
en_GB: The Rapa Nui are the native Polynesian inhabitants of Easter Island. They have inhabited the island since the end of the first millennium CE. They are famous for having built large statues called moai. This civilisation was destroyed due to internal conflicts; in 1888 the island was annexed by Chile. Their script Rongorongo has never been deciphered.

en: The Rumantsch or Romansh people are inhabitants of the Swiss canton of Grisons who speak Romansh, a Romance language that retains some unique characteristics and with a rich oral tradition. Although Romansh is one of the four national languages of Switzerland and projects are being undertaken to save the language, it is losing terrain as many of its speakers switch to German. Before the Napoleonic Era, the Three Leagues of Grisons were the only territory of Europe where decision making was organized by taking votes.
en_GB: The Rumantsch or Romansh people are inhabitants of the Swiss canton of Grisons who speak Romansh, a Romance language that retains some unique characteristics and with a rich oral tradition. Although Romansh is one of the four national languages of Switzerland and projects are being undertaken to save the language, it is losing terrain as many of its speakers switch to German. Before the Napoleonic Era, the Three Leagues of Grisons were the only territory of Europe where decision making was organised by taking votes.

en: The Kievan Rus' were a Medieval Slavic monarchy. It was centered in Kiev after that city was conquered by Oleg of Novgorod. In the 13th century the Rus' succumbed to a Mongol invasion. The Rus' were the precursors of the modern East Slavic nations.
en_GB: The Kievan Rus' were a Medieval Slavic monarchy. It was centred in Kiev after that city was conquered by Oleg of Novgorod. In the 13th century the Rus' succumbed to a Mongol invasion. The Rus' were the precursors of the modern East Slavic nations.

en: The Samnites were an ancient confederation of Italic tribes who spoke the Oscan language and inhabited Central Italy, South of the Sabines. After losing the wars with Rome the Samnites were subjected to Rome and became Romanized. They were good soldiers and famed as Roman gladiators.
en_GB: The Samnites were an ancient confederation of Italic tribes who spoke the Oscan language and inhabited Central Italy, South of the Sabines. After losing the wars with Rome the Samnites were subjected to Rome and became Romanised. They were good soldiers and famed as Roman gladiators.

en: Samoa is a country occupying the Western part of the Samoan islands of the Central Pacific; the Eastern part is governed by the United States as American Samoa. Samoa was settled by Austronesian peoples around 1500 BCE. It was probably from Samoa that the Polynesians started the expansion throughout the Pacific. Colonized by Germany and New Zealand, Samoa became independent in 1962.
en_GB: Samoa is a country occupying the Western part of the Samoan islands of the Central Pacific; the Eastern part is governed by the United States as American Samoa. Samoa was settled by Austronesian peoples around 1500 BCE. It was probably from Samoa that the Polynesians started the expansion throughout the Pacific. Colonised by Germany and New Zealand, Samoa became independent in 1962.

en: Sardinia is an island in the Mediterranean Sea and an autonomous region of Italy. The site of the Nuraghic civilization in prehistory, the island passed to Phoenician and then Roman rule. Upon the collapse of the Roman Empire Sardinia was occupied by the Vandals and later by the Byzantines, but foreign rule quickly eroded and by the 9th century the Byzantine representatives had formed their own autonomous states. By the end of the Middle Ages however, the Aragonese had established dominance over the island. In 1718 Sardinia was handed to the house of Savoy, and it became a constituent part of the Kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia, which eventually led Italy to its national unification in 1861.
en_GB: Sardinia is an island in the Mediterranean Sea and an autonomous region of Italy. The site of the Nuraghic civilisation in prehistory, the island passed to Phoenician and then Roman rule. Upon the collapse of the Roman Empire Sardinia was occupied by the Vandals and later by the Byzantines, but foreign rule quickly eroded and by the 9th century the Byzantine representatives had formed their own autonomous states. By the end of the Middle Ages however, the Aragonese had established dominance over the island. In 1718 Sardinia was handed to the house of Savoy, and it became a constituent part of the Kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia, which eventually led Italy to its national unification in 1861.

en: The Seleucid Empire was one of the diadochi states founded when Alexander the Great's generals carved up his empire after his death. It was named after its founder Seleucus I Nicator. Centered in Syria, the Seleucids were the most powerful of the diadochi states but eventually succumbed to Rome in the last century BCE.
en_GB: The Seleucid Empire was one of the diadochi states founded when Alexander the Great's generals carved up his empire after his death. It was named after its founder Seleucus I Nicator. Centred in Syria, the Seleucids were the most powerful of the diadochi states but eventually succumbed to Rome in the last century BCE.

en: The Seminole people emerged in the 18th century through a process of ethnogenesis, out of groups of lower Creek emigrants who fled the encroachment of White settlers in the U.S. state of Georgia and elsewhere, south to the Florida peninsula which at that time was under Spanish control. They intermingled with remnants of other tribes plus a significant number of Black African freedmen. Seminole leaders sided with the United States during the so-called Seminole wars against Spain, the outcome of which was the ceding of Florida to the U.S., and the removal of a majority of Seminoles to Indian Territory in what is now Oklahoma. Together with the Cherokee, Choctaw, Muskogee, and Chickasaw, the Seminole are known as one of the "Five Civilized Tribes" for their relatively amiable relationships with White European settlers during the early era of U.S. expansion.
en_GB: The Seminole people emerged in the 18th century through a process of ethnogenesis, out of groups of lower Creek emigrants who fled the encroachment of White settlers in the U.S. state of Georgia and elsewhere, south to the Florida peninsula which at that time was under Spanish control. They intermingled with remnants of other tribes plus a significant number of Black African freedmen. Seminole leaders sided with the United States during the so-called Seminole wars against Spain, the outcome of which was the ceding of Florida to the U.S., and the removal of a majority of Seminoles to Indian Territory in what is now Oklahoma. Together with the Cherokee, Choctaw, Muskogee, and Chickasaw, the Seminole are known as one of the "Five Civilised Tribes" for their relatively amiable relationships with White European settlers during the early era of U.S. expansion.

en: Senegal is the westernmost country of mainland Africa. It has been independent from France since 1960. Senegal is relatively stable and democratic compared to its neighbors.
en_GB: Senegal is the westernmost country of mainland Africa. It has been independent from France since 1960. Senegal is relatively stable and democratic compared to its neighbours.

en: Sherpas are an ethnic group who settled in the Himalaya region of modern-day Nepal in the 15th century. They are of Tibetan stock and speak a language related to modern Tibetan though they are not mutually intelligible. After a few centuries of autonomy, Sherpa communities came by the 18th century under military pressure from encroaching Hindu polities, such as the Bengal based Sen Empire. By the 18th century the Sherpa homeland had been annexed into the Kingdom of Nepal. Following the democratization of Nepal in the beginning of the 21st century, there have been calls for greater autonomy for the Sherpas within the federal republic.
en_GB: Sherpas are an ethnic group who settled in the Himalaya region of modern-day Nepal in the 15th century. They are of Tibetan stock and speak a language related to modern Tibetan though they are not mutually intelligible. After a few centuries of autonomy, Sherpa communities came by the 18th century under military pressure from encroaching Hindu polities, such as the Bengal based Sen Empire. By the 18th century the Sherpa homeland had been annexed into the Kingdom of Nepal. Following the democratisation of Nepal in the beginning of the 21st century, there have been calls for greater autonomy for the Sherpas within the federal republic.

en: The Slavs are a modern linguistic group of several nations in Eastern Europe with common historical roots. The origin of the Slavs is not known precisely, therefore there are many hypotheses trying to explain them. Their sudden appearance in the history of civilized Europe may be related to the arrival of Iranian peoples and the expansion of the Huns.
en_GB: The Slavs are a modern linguistic group of several nations in Eastern Europe with common historical roots. The origin of the Slavs is not known precisely, therefore there are many hypotheses trying to explain them. Their sudden appearance in the history of civilised Europe may be related to the arrival of Iranian peoples and the expansion of the Huns.

en: The Republic of Somaliland is an unrecognized state in Northern Somalia, roughly concurrent with former British Somaliland. It declared independence upon the collapse of Somalia in 1991. Although it enjoys more stability and a somewhat higher standard of living than the rest of Somalia it remains internationally unrecognized.
en_GB: The Republic of Somaliland is an unrecognised state in Northern Somalia, roughly concurrent with former British Somaliland. It declared independence upon the collapse of Somalia in 1991. Although it enjoys more stability and a somewhat higher standard of living than the rest of Somalia it remains internationally unrecognised.

en: Somalia is a country in the Horn of Africa. In ancient times Somalia was a trading hub. At the end of the 19th century it was colonized by Britain and Italy. Somalia regained its independence in 1960. The military under general Siad Barre seized power in 1969. Siad Barre unsuccessfully tried to root out the country's clan system. In 1991 he was overthrown. The country has been without a functioning government ever since.
en_GB: Somalia is a country in the Horn of Africa. In ancient times Somalia was a trading hub. At the end of the 19th century it was colonised by Britain and Italy. Somalia regained its independence in 1960. The military under general Siad Barre seized power in 1969. Siad Barre unsuccessfully tried to root out the country's clan system. In 1991 he was overthrown. The country has been without a functioning government ever since.

en: Dutch settlers began colonizing southern Africa in the 17th century. After many wars between primarily Boers (descendants of Dutch settlers), British forces and Zulus, the Union of South Africa was created in 1910. The South African government became notorious for its "apartheid" policy of legal inequality based on the color of a citizen's skin. Following the adoption of the country's first non-racist constitution in 1994, long-time political prisoner Nelson Mandela became the first truly democratically elected president of South Africa.
en_GB: Dutch settlers began colonising southern Africa in the 17th century. After many wars between primarily Boers (descendants of Dutch settlers), British forces and Zulus, the Union of South Africa was created in 1910. The South African government became notorious for its "apartheid" policy of legal inequality based on the colour of a citizen's skin. Following the adoption of the country's first non-racist constitution in 1994, long-time political prisoner Nelson Mandela became the first truly democratically elected president of South Africa.

en: The Union of South American Nations was formed in 2008, modeled after the European Union, but panamericanism has already existed since the 19th century.
en_GB: The Union of South American Nations was formed in 2008, modelled after the European Union, but panamericanism has already existed since the 19th century.

en: The area around Aden was colonized by the British in 1839. South Yemen declared independence in 1967 and joined the communist bloc. It was united with North Yemen in 1990.
en_GB: The area around Aden was colonised by the British in 1839. South Yemen declared independence in 1967 and joined the communist bloc. It was united with North Yemen in 1990.

en: Sri Vijaya was an empire centered on Palembang in eastern Sumatra and extended its control through much of the coastal regions of Sumatra, Java, Borneo and the Malay peninsula. It was founded sometime in the 3rd century CE and lasted until roughly 1400, falling first to Jambi, then to Singhasari and other regional powers, including the South Indian Chola dynasty.
en_GB: Sri Vijaya was an empire centred on Palembang in eastern Sumatra and extended its control through much of the coastal regions of Sumatra, Java, Borneo and the Malay peninsula. It was founded sometime in the 3rd century CE and lasted until roughly 1400, falling first to Jambi, then to Singhasari and other regional powers, including the South Indian Chola dynasty.

en: Suriname is the smallest independent country of South America. Originally it was inhabited by Arawak Indians. It was first colonized by the English who traded it with the Dutch for New Amsterdam, modern New York, in 1667. Suriname was granted self government in 1954 and became fully independent in 1975.
en_GB: Suriname is the smallest independent country of South America. Originally it was inhabited by Arawak Indians. It was first colonised by the English who traded it with the Dutch for New Amsterdam, modern New York, in 1667. Suriname was granted self government in 1954 and became fully independent in 1975.

en: The Swazi are a Bantu people of southern Africa. Under the leadership of Mswati II (1820 - 1868), the Swazis expanded their territory and stabilized the southern frontier with the Zulus.
en_GB: The Swazis are a Bantu people of southern Africa. Under the leadership of Mswati II (1820 - 1868), the Swazis expanded their territory and stabilised the southern frontier with the Zulus.

en: The Knights Templar were formed after the first Crusade in order to protect Pilgrims on their journeys in the Holy Land. The organization grew to immense power and wealth in the next 200 years, and were the innovators of many modern concepts such as Banking.
en_GB: The Knights Templar were formed after the first Crusade in order to protect Pilgrims on their journeys in the Holy Land. The organisation grew to immense power and wealth in the next 200 years, and were the innovators of many modern concepts such as Banking.

en: The Teutonic Order led a series of crusades against pagan Balts during the High Middle Ages. In 1224 it founded the 'Ordenstaat' or State of the Order, which remained a powerful country for three centuries. The State was secularized and replaced by the Duchy of Prussia in the 16th century.
en_GB: The Teutonic Order led a series of crusades against pagan Balts during the High Middle Ages. In 1224 it founded the 'Ordenstaat' or State of the Order, which remained a powerful country for three centuries. The State was secularised and replaced by the Duchy of Prussia in the 16th century.

en: The Tibetan homeland is sometimes called the "Roof of the World", the highest elevated region in the world. In the 7th century, Tibet emerged as a formidable empire under the leadership of king Songtsen Gampo, being recognized by both China and India. This dynasty lasted until the 11th century, when Tibet was overrun by the Mongols. Centuries later when Mongol rule had weakened, Lozang Gyatso - born 1617 and the 5th Dalai Lama - established a buddhist religious state under the control of the Gelugpa school of Tibetan Buddhism.
en_GB: The Tibetan homeland is sometimes called the "Roof of the World", the highest elevated region in the world. In the 7th century, Tibet emerged as a formidable empire under the leadership of king Songtsen Gampo, being recognised by both China and India. This dynasty lasted until the 11th century, when Tibet was overrun by the Mongols. Centuries later when Mongol rule had weakened, Lozang Gyatso - born 1617 and the 5th Dalai Lama - established a buddhist religious state under the control of the Gelugpa school of Tibetan Buddhism.

en: Timur was a military genius who claimed lineage from Chinggis Khan and from his capital in Samarkand conquered all of Central Asia as well as parts of the Middle East and India. The court culture of Timurid Empire was heavily Persianized, while the imperial administration and military organization displayed influences from the Timurid ruling elite's Mongolian and Turkic origins.
en_GB: Timur was a military genius who claimed lineage from Chinggis Khan and from his capital in Samarkand conquered all of Central Asia as well as parts of the Middle East and India. The court culture of Timurid Empire was heavily Persianised, while the imperial administration and military organisation displayed influences from the Timurid ruling elite's Mongolian and Turkic origins.

en: The Toltecs were a Meso-American civilization that existed from the 10th to the 12th century. The Toltec Empire was founded by Ce Tecpatl Mixcoatl, who led his nomadic people from the north to settle on the Mexican High Plain. Mixcoatl was murdered by his enemies but was later avenged by his son Ce Acatl Topilitzin Quetzalcoatl, who would lead the Toltec civilization to untold heights. Toltec culture continued to thrive until the 12th century. Their capital Tollan was violently destroyed in 1168 and the Toltec area fragmented into rivaling city-states. Toltec cultural influences have been identified from New Mexico to Nicaragua, though historians do not agree on the political history of the Toltecs. Since most of the history of the Toltecs is based on Aztec mythology, some claim there was never a Toltec Empire, but that Aztec references to the Toltecs were an allegory for civilization.
en_GB: The Toltecs were a Meso-American civilisation that existed from the 10th to the 12th century. The Toltec Empire was founded by Ce Tecpatl Mixcoatl, who led his nomadic people from the north to settle on the Mexican High Plain. Mixcoatl was murdered by his enemies but was later avenged by his son Ce Acatl Topilitzin Quetzalcoatl, who would lead the Toltec civilisation to untold heights. Toltec culture continued to thrive until the 12th century. Their capital Tollan was violently destroyed in 1168 and the Toltec area fragmented into rivaling city-states. Toltec cultural influences have been identified from New Mexico to Nicaragua, though historians do not agree on the political history of the Toltecs. Since most of the history of the Toltecs is based on Aztec mythology, some claim there was never a Toltec Empire, but that Aztec references to the Toltecs were an allegory for civilisation.

en: An island group in the Southern Pacific, Tonga was settled by Polynesians around 1000 BCE. Although the islands became a British protectorate in the 19th century, they are the only country in Oceania to have escaped actual colonization.
en_GB: An island group in the Southern Pacific, Tonga was settled by Polynesians around 1000 BCE. Although the islands became a British protectorate in the 19th century, they are the only country in Oceania to have escaped actual colonisation.

en: Transnistria was added to the Moldavian SSR by Stalin, although it was mostly inhabited by Russians and Ukrainians. After the collapse of the Soviet Union Transnistria declared its independence from Moldova. Although the country is de facto independent, it is not recognized by any UN member. Power is still in the hands of the old communist elite.
en_GB: Transnistria was added to the Moldavian SSR by Stalin, although it was mostly inhabited by Russians and Ukrainians. After the collapse of the Soviet Union Transnistria declared its independence from Moldova. Although the country is de facto independent, it is not recognised by any UN member. Power is still in the hands of the old communist elite.

en: Trinidad and Tobago is a country in the Caribbean, consisting of the two eponymous islands. It is the most populous country of the Lesser Antilles. Trinidad was sighted by Columbus in 1498, and remained a Spanish colony until it was conquered by the British during the Napoleonic wars; Tobago was colonized by Curonians, Spanish, Dutch, French and Swedes but eventually also ended up in British hands. The islands have been independent since 1962. The islands' economy is based on oil and is relatively developed when compared to its Caribbean neighbors. Trinidad and Tobago is famous for its music and its Carnival.
en_GB: Trinidad and Tobago is a country in the Caribbean, consisting of the two eponymous islands. It is the most populous country of the Lesser Antilles. Trinidad was sighted by Columbus in 1498, and remained a Spanish colony until it was conquered by the British during the Napoleonic wars; Tobago was colonised by Curonians, Spanish, Dutch, French and Swedes but eventually also ended up in British hands. The islands have been independent since 1962. The islands' economy is based on oil and is relatively developed when compared to its Caribbean neighbours. Trinidad and Tobago is famous for its music and its Carnival.

en: The Tuareg or Imuhagh are a pastoralist nomadic Berber people inhabiting the interior of the Sahara Desert, mostly in Algeria, Niger and Mali. Despite their matrilineal organization they are followers of Islam. For many centuries they engaged in slave hunting, even influencing the slave trade to the Americas.
en_GB: The Tuareg or Imuhagh are a pastoralist nomadic Berber people inhabiting the interior of the Sahara Desert, mostly in Algeria, Niger and Mali. Despite their matrilineal organisation they are followers of Islam. For many centuries they engaged in slave hunting, even influencing the slave trade to the Americas.

en: Turks first settled in Cyprus after the Ottomans conquered the island in 1571. Political unrest and ethnic tensions between Turkish and Greek Cypriots led to an invasion by the Turkish military in 1974, followed by the declaration of independence of the Turkish Republic of North Cyprus in 1983. Currently, the only country that recognizes the independence of the TRNC is Turkey.
en_GB: Turks first settled in Cyprus after the Ottomans conquered the island in 1571. Political unrest and ethnic tensions between Turkish and Greek Cypriots led to an invasion by the Turkish military in 1974, followed by the declaration of independence of the Turkish Republic of North Cyprus in 1983. Currently, the only country that recognises the independence of the TRNC is Turkey.

en: Uyghur was an east Turk empire and civilization. At its height in 820 CE it controlled most of Central and North Asia. After clashing with the Chinese for several centuries, they were finally subdued by the Qing dynasty in the 1700s. Today, descendants of the Uyghur form the populations of the Central Asian states of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. They are also the main minority of the Xinjiang province of China.
en_GB: Uyghur was an east Turk empire and civilisation. At its height in 820 CE it controlled most of Central and North Asia. After clashing with the Chinese for several centuries, they were finally subdued by the Qing dynasty in the 1700s. Today, descendants of the Uyghur form the populations of the Central Asian states of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. They are also the main minority of the Xinjiang province of China.

en: The cradle of Ancient Indian civilization lay in the Indus river valley in modern-day Pakistan.
en_GB: The cradle of Ancient Indian civilisation lay in the Indus river valley in modern-day Pakistan.

en: The Veletians or Lutici were a medieval West Lechitic tribal confederation in what is nowadays the northeastern part of Germany (Brandenburg and Mecklenburg). Their tribes were of mixed Slavic and Germanic origin, which was visible in their language. The basis for the existence of the Veletian confederation was to preserve the Slavic pagan religion and to resist the expansion of Germany and the Polanian state. The Veletians eventually succumbed to Germanization or were murdered following the Crusades and the German settlement on their lands.
en_GB: The Veletians or Lutici were a medieval West Lechitic tribal confederation in what is nowadays the northeastern part of Germany (Brandenburg and Mecklenburg). Their tribes were of mixed Slavic and Germanic origin, which was visible in their language. The basis for the existence of the Veletian confederation was to preserve the Slavic pagan religion and to resist the expansion of Germany and the Polanian state. The Veletians eventually succumbed to Germanisation or were murdered following the Crusades and the German settlement on their lands.

en: The Veneti were an ancient Indo-European people who inhabited an area roughly coinciding with the modern Italian region of Veneto. Their language is of unknown origin, but probably from Central Europe, because it shares some features with Celtic and Germanic languages. The Veneti allied with the Romans during the Punic Wars. By the 1st century BCE they had been absorbed into the Roman Republic and the region gradually Romanized.
en_GB: The Veneti were an ancient Indo-European people who inhabited an area roughly coinciding with the modern Italian region of Veneto. Their language is of unknown origin, but probably from Central Europe, because it shares some features with Celtic and Germanic languages. The Veneti allied with the Romans during the Punic Wars. By the 1st century BCE they had been absorbed into the Roman Republic and the region gradually Romanised.

en: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines were amongst the last Caribbean islands to be colonized, as local Carib Indians intermarried with runaway slaves and fought off European colonizers. In the 18th century the islands were contested by the French and British. In 1783 the French relinquished their claims. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines became independent from Britain in 1979 and are currently a Commonwealth realm.
en_GB: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines were amongst the last Caribbean islands to be colonised, as local Carib Indians intermarried with runaway slaves and fought off European colonisers. In the 18th century the islands were contested by the French and British. In 1783 the French relinquished their claims. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines became independent from Britain in 1979 and are currently a Commonwealth realm.

en: The Thervingi or Visigoths were an East Germanic people, one of the two tribes of the Goths. They probably originated from Scandinavia. In the 3rd century they migrated south, to modern Ukraine. They then crossed the Danube and sacked Rome in 410 CE. Recognized by the Romans as foederati, they eventually settled around Toulouse where they formed a kingdom. The Visigoths managed to conquer all of the Iberian Peninsula and moved their capital to Toledo. They lost all their territories north of the Pyrenees to the Franks but Visigothic rulers continued to rule the Romanized Iberians until the peninsula was eventually overrun by Muslim invaders in 711.
en_GB: The Thervingi or Visigoths were an East Germanic people, one of the two tribes of the Goths. They probably originated from Scandinavia. In the 3rd century they migrated south, to modern Ukraine. They then crossed the Danube and sacked Rome in 410 CE. Recognised by the Romans as foederati, they eventually settled around Toulouse where they formed a kingdom. The Visigoths managed to conquer all of the Iberian Peninsula and moved their capital to Toledo. They lost all their territories north of the Pyrenees to the Franks but Visigothic rulers continued to rule the Romanised Iberians until the peninsula was eventually overrun by Muslim invaders in 711.

en: The Walloons are the French speaking inhabitants of Belgium. In the 19th century, Wallonia was first region on the European continent to industrialize and the second in the world after England. It subsequently became a hotbed of socialist and labor union activity.
en_GB: The Walloons are the French speaking inhabitants of Belgium. In the 19th century, Wallonia was first region on the European continent to industrialise and the second in the world after England. It subsequently became a hotbed of socialist and labour union activity.

en: A werewolf is a human who under certain circumstances is transformed into a wolf-like beast. During the Middle Ages in Europe, werewolves were believed to terrorize villages in search of human flesh and were often blamed for unexplained or particularly brutal killings.
en_GB: A werewolf is a human who under certain circumstances is transformed into a wolf-like beast. During the Middle Ages in Europe, werewolves were believed to terrorise villages in search of human flesh and were often blamed for unexplained or particularly brutal killings.

en: Western Pomerania is a geographical and historical region in North West Poland and the extreme North East of Germany. Initially an independent Slavic state, Western Pomerania was twice conquered by the Polish. Later, Western Pomerania succumbed to Germanization and was divided into smaller feudal principalities which were gradually conquered by Brandenburg. For many years this land was part of Germany but in 1945 it was attached to Poland.
en_GB: Western Pomerania is a geographical and historical region in North West Poland and the extreme North East of Germany. Initially an independent Slavic state, Western Pomerania was twice conquered by the Polish. Later, Western Pomerania succumbed to Germanisation and was divided into smaller feudal principalities which were gradually conquered by Brandenburg. For many years this land was part of Germany but in 1945 it was attached to Poland.

en: Yemen is the only republic on the Arabian Peninsula. Although it was the site of several ancient civilizations, Yemen only exists in its current form since North Yemen annexed South Yemen in 1990.
en_GB: Yemen is the only republic on the Arabian Peninsula. Although it was the site of several ancient civilisations, Yemen only exists in its current form since North Yemen annexed South Yemen in 1990.

en: Zambia was inhabited by Bantu peoples when it was colonized by the British in the 19th century. Governed as Northern Rhodesia by the British, Zambia gained its independence in 1964.
en_GB: Zambia was inhabited by Bantu peoples when it was colonised by the British in the 19th century. Governed as Northern Rhodesia by the British, Zambia gained its independence in 1964.

en: An archipelago off the coast of Eastern Africa, Zanzibar has been an international trading center since time immemorial. Zanzibari traders controlled much of the spice and slave trade in the western part of the Indian Ocean. Periods of relative independence and foreign control by Persians, Portuguese, Omanis and British followed each other. Occupied by the British in 1893, Zanzibar achieved independence in 1963. Shortly thereafter, the last sultan was overthrown and Zanzibar joined with Tanganyika to form the United Republic of Tanzania.
en_GB: An archipelago off the coast of Eastern Africa, Zanzibar has been an international trading centre since time immemorial. Zanzibari traders controlled much of the spice and slave trade in the western part of the Indian Ocean. Periods of relative independence and foreign control by Persians, Portuguese, Omanis and British followed each other. Occupied by the British in 1893, Zanzibar achieved independence in 1963. Shortly thereafter, the last sultan was overthrown and Zanzibar joined with Tanganyika to form the United Republic of Tanzania.

en: The Zapotecs or Binnizá live in the Mexican state of Oaxaca. They formed one of the oldest and most resilient Mesoamerican civilizations. The most notable Zapotec center, Monte Albán, was built on a razed mountain top. Benito Juárez, Mexico's first indigenous president, was a Zapotec.
en_GB: The Zapotecs or Binnizá live in the Mexican state of Oaxaca. They formed one of the oldest and most resilient Mesoamerican civilisations. The most notable Zapotec centre, Monte Albán, was built on a razed mountain top. Benito Juárez, Mexico's first indigenous president, was a Zapotec.

en: The Zhuang people live in far southwestern China, an ancient border region that has long separated Sinitic civilization from the aboriginal peoples of Southeast Asia. Known for their unique irrigation and scenic terraced rice paddies, they were under pressure from various Chinese dynasties for most of the Ancient era. By the 10th century CE the Zhuang were under harsh rule by the Chinese Song dynasty. After a rebellion in 1052 led by folk-hero Nong Zhigao was crushed, many Zhuang migrated southward forming the basis of the Lao, Thai, and Shan nations. After the Han, the Zhuang are the most populous ethnic group of the People's Republic of China.
en_GB: The Zhuang people live in far southwestern China, an ancient border region that has long separated Sinitic civilisation from the aboriginal peoples of Southeast Asia. Known for their unique irrigation and scenic terraced rice paddies, they were under pressure from various Chinese dynasties for most of the Ancient era. By the 10th century CE the Zhuang were under harsh rule by the Chinese Song dynasty. After a rebellion in 1052 led by folk-hero Nong Zhigao was crushed, many Zhuang migrated southward forming the basis of the Lao, Thai, and Shan nations. After the Han, the Zhuang are the most populous ethnic group of the People's Republic of China.
