Throughout the year, this site was prepared by employees of the agency's information technology development department in cooperation with representatives of foreign embassies accredited in Ukraine, the domestic Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other state structures. The purpose of the resource, as its creators say, is to provide the most complete reference information about the surrounding world, continents, and various countries. That is why the "Countries of the World" website can be useful to the widest range of consumers: pupils and teachers, students and journalists, diplomats and tourists, business representatives, and so on. Moreover, all materials of the resource are freely accessible.
Currently, detailed materials are posted here about 60 countries: Australia and Austria, China and Cuba, Canada and the USA, Russia and South Africa. Also not forgotten are the CIS countries and such exotic corners of our planet as Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, Ghana and Kenya, Sierra Leone... In the future, the author's team plans to present all countries of the world on the site.
The electronic pages of the resource contain general information about a country, tell about its state symbols and history, and publish essays on population, geography, state structure, economy, culture and education, armed forces and the arms market. An inquisitive reader can also learn about holidays celebrated in a particular country. And those who are going on a trip or for any other reason to visit a country will receive all the necessary information: about local time and money, where best to exchange it, what sights to see, what tips are customary to give to staff, and how to behave in public places so as not to violate existing laws.
For example, when going to Nepal, it is important to know that you should not try to shake hands with a Nepali unless he offers it himself. And in Kenya, it is not recommended to photograph local residents without their permission or to visit the dwellings of natives on your own (without a guide), especially the Maasai, since ignorance of local ethnic customs can lead to misunderstandings or even conflicts. Also, our female compatriots need to remember that tight jeans, mini-skirts, and deep necklines are perceived by Egyptians as a reason for harassment...
In addition, the resource contains materials about the state and nature of bilateral cooperation between Ukraine and each country, a photo selection, and an archive of materials.
It is noteworthy that the "Countries of the World" website is not focused exclusively on countries. Visitors will find here enough information about our planet, the history and economy of the world, geographical differences of continents, population and world religions, international organizations, and so on. A calendar of notable events will help you learn what each day is notable for in Ukrainian and world history and what state and religious holidays are celebrated.
Much attention is paid to stories about the national and cultural characteristics of the peoples and ethnic groups of the planet, about famous politicians, scientists, recreational and gastronomic differences of various corners of the Earth. Isn't it interesting to learn that Cubans divide bananas into fruit bananas and vegetable bananas? And Sichuan cooks (Sichuan is a province in China), despite a rather poor set of initial products, can prepare such a number of dishes that, eating three times a day for a year, none of them will be repeated!
If you want to get acquainted with the leaders of the Ukrainian tourism business, learn more about the seven wonders of the world, and learn about the wisdom of different peoples, you should go to the "Countries of the World" website. In the "Useful Links" section you will find structured web addresses of official, international, tourist and other institutions and organizations around the world. Those who wish can not only take part in voting or submit feedback, questions and suggestions, but also send their travel stories, which will certainly be published in the "Traveler's Notes" section.
Naturally, it is more pleasant to talk about what already exists, but the site's creators are looking to the future. The plans include turning "Countries of the World" into a tourist crossroads. So that the site would feature hot information from travel companies and air carriers, hotels and resorts, insurance companies and media working in the tourism sector. It is for this purpose that contacts have been established between Ukrinform and the State Tourism Administration, as well as the National Tourism Organization. In the future - new projects and interesting materials.