Lesson 4
Lesson 4
Lesson 4
This lesson discusses about the continents of the world and its culture.
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DETAILED LESSON MAP
A continent is one of Earth’s seven main divisions of land. The continents are, from
largest to smallest: Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Antarctica, Europe, and
Australia.
When geographers identify a continent, they usually include all the islands associated
with it. Japan, for instance, is part of the continent of Asia. Greenland and all the islands in the
Caribbean Sea are usually considered part of North America.
Together, the continents add up to about 148 million square kilometers (57 million
square miles) of land. Continents make up most—but not all—of Earth’s land surface. A very
small portion of the total land area is made up of islands that are not considered physical parts
of continents. The ocean covers almost three-fourths of Earth. The area of the ocean is more
than double the area of all the continents combined. All continents border at least one ocean.
Asia, the largest continent, has the longest series of coastlines.
To geographers, continents are also culturally distinct. The continents of Europe and
Asia, for example, are actually part of a single, enormous piece of land called Eurasia.
But linguistically and ethnically, the areas of Asia and Europe are distinct. Because of this, most
geographers divide Eurasia into Europe and Asia. An imaginary line, running from the northern
Ural Mountains in Russia south to the Caspian and Black Seas, separates Europe, to the west,
from Asia, to the east.
The second most densely populated continent and the smallest. Over 40 countries
comprise Europe and this continent receives more than half of the world’s international visitors.
Most of the country is highly urbanized with large cities, modern and industrialized. To easily
study the location of the countries, you need to sort them into logical geographical groupings.
Get a world map or an Atlas, start you search in Northern Europe. Across the North is
the Scandinavian Peninsula which comprises of Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark and
Finland. Greenland on the West of Iceland is considered part of the North American Continent.
Beneath Scandinavia is the Baltic Sea and the Baltic nations of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
The British Isles which is on the Northwest is consists of The United Kingdom (England, Wales,
Scotland, and Northern Ireland) and Ireland.
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France, the BENELUX (Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg) and the Iberian
Peninsula (Spain and Portugal) is in the Western Europe. Spain is also considered part of the
Mediterranean countries which includes Italy, Greece, and Turkey. (in some geography, is part
of Asia)
The Eastern European countries are Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary,
Romania, Bulgaria, and Albania. The former country Yugoslavia was broken down into: Croatia,
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, Serbia, and Kosovo. In the easternmost part of Europe is
Russia and the Commonwealth of the Independent states which stretches into Asia. In Central
Europe are the Alpine Nations of Germany, Switzerland and Austria. There are some smallest
states in Europe which are the Vatican, Malta, Andorra, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Cyprus,
Gibraltar, and San Marino.
CULTURAL TIPS
Here are some cultural tips in some European countries you may visit:
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ACTIVITY #1
You need to remember these plus some fast facts (Capital, Currency, Religion, International Airport, IATA Codes, Flag Carrier, and
highest peak) of the selected countries.
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ACTIVITY #2
Answer the blank map below by writing the country and its capital.
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LESSON 3.3 ASIA
Asia, the largest continent, stretches from the eastern Mediterranean Sea to the western
Pacific Ocean. There are more than 40 countries in Asia. Some are among the most-populated
countries in the world, including China, India, and Indonesia. Sixty percent of Earth’s population
lives in Asia. More than a third of the world’s people live in China and India alone.
The continent of Asia includes many islands, some of them countries. The Philippines,
Indonesia, Japan, and Taiwan are major island nations in Asia.
Russia is the world’s largest nation in size and it covers two continents: Europe and
Asia, however, most of its land surface lies in Asia. China, with the world’s highest country
population of over 1.3 billion inhabitants, is also in Asia. In contrast to Europe, life in Asia is
largely rural with a high proportion of inhabitants living outside of major cities. Although some
countries in Asia are very developed and modern, most of Asia is still developing and
experiencing rapid change. Asia as a whole is not as technologically developed as its
continental neighbor Europe.
From a tourist industry standpoint, Asia has tremendous diversity and so many
destinations to choose from. A traveler could spend years exploring the continent, from the vast
deserts of Arabia to the highest mountain range on earth in the Himalayas or from the busy
streets of Shanghai to the soothing tropical beaches of Bali. The continent of Asia can be
divided into four main regions: the Middle East, Central Asia, Southeast Asia, and North Asia.
THE MIDDLE EAST
Middle East, the lands around the southern and eastern shores of the Mediterranean
Sea, encompassing at least the Arabian Peninsula and, by some definitions, Iran, North Africa,
and sometimes beyond. The central part of this general area was formerly called the Near East,
a name given to it by some of the first modern Western geographers and historians, who tended
to divide what they called the Orient into three regions. Near East applied to the region nearest
Europe, extending from the Mediterranean Sea to the Persian Gulf; Middle East, from the
Persian Gulf to Southeast Asia; and Far East, those regions facing the Pacific Ocean.
The Middle East, although receiving fewer annual international visitor arrivals compared
to other regions, is the region that experiences the highest annual tourism growth rate. The
region, although geographically an extension of Asia, also overlaps with the northern region of
Africa. The Suez Canal is an artificial waterway which was built to connect the continents of
Europe and Asia without having to navigate around Africa, saving considerable time. The Middle
East begins at the Suez Canal in Egypt and includes countries west of Iran. It is the most
sparsely populated region in Asia due to large stretches of uninhabitable deserts. Saudi Arabia
attracts the highest number of international tourist arrivals due to pilgrimages, followed by the
United Arab Emirates.
It should be noted that some countries of the Middle East limit entry to visitors, or have
laws, restrictions and highly valued traditions that visitors must be aware of.
CENTRAL ASIA
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Central Asia, central region of Asia, extending from the Caspian Sea in the west to the
border of western China in the east. It is bounded on the north by Russia and on the south by
Iran, Afghanistan, and China. The region consists of the former Soviet republics of Kazakhstan,
Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan.
SOUTH AND SOUTHEAST ASIA
This region has a wide range of terrain and cultures, from the tiny Himalayan kingdom of
Bhutan to the most populous democratic nation in the world, India. The most visited destination
in this region is India. Southeast Asia also includes Japan, Thailand, Singapore, South Korea,
Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and other countries south of Russia and China. These
destinations are popular with all tourists and offer a high number of historical and cultural
attractions. Malaysia and Thailand receive the highest number of international tourist arrivals.
Other countries in this region that are less visited by tourists but are becoming more popular
destinations every year include Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia and South Korea.
NORTH ASIA
The most visited destination in all of Asia is China including Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR.
CULTURAL TIPS
Here are some cultural tips in some Asian countries you may visit:
The Japanese are very formal in their introductions. Though handshaking is acceptable,
bowing is still the custom; moreover, visitors should bow as low as they are being bowed
to in return. Titles are commonly used when addressing one another, and first names
are used only among the closest of friends and family.
The Japanese are astonishingly helpful to foreign visitors. If you get lost, try to find
someone who knows a smattering of English. That person will then probably escort you
to wherever you’re bound.
Punctuality is important, especially for business meetings in Japan.
When visiting Thailand, always return a wai greeting (where one’s hands are held
together at the chest like a prayer and then a slight bow given).
Certain gestures in Thailand and Singapore carry meanings, for instance, never point a
finger or foot toward another person.
Remember to remove shoes before entering a temple. Female visitors should dress
modestly and cover their heads when visiting religious attractions.
In Chinese tradition, the use of full titles when addressing people is important. In
addition, remember that in a Chinese name, the family name is listed first. Bowing is
common, though a hand-shake is also acceptable.
Use both hands when passing a gift or food. If one person in a business group is to
receive a gift, all others within the group must also receive one.
Generosity is important to the Chinese. And treat the elderly with respect.
White is the Chinese color of mourning and should be avoided in such things as gift-
wrapping.
In the Philippines, the use of “po” and “opo” in sentences show respect.
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ACTIVITY #1
You need to remember these plus some fast facts (Capital, Currency, Religion, International Airport, IATA Codes, Flag Carrier, and
highest peak) of the selected countries
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ACTIVITY #2
Answer the blank map below by writing the country and its capital.
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LESSON 3.4 AFRICA
Africa, the second-largest continent, covers an area more than three times that of the
United States. From north to south, Africa stretches about 8,000 kilometers (5,000 miles). It is
connected to Asia by the Isthmus of Suez in Egypt.
Positioned on the Equator, Africa is a vast continent with many different ecosystems
ranging from massive deserts to sweeping savannahs and dense tropical rain forests.
Inhabitants of the savannah, in addition to millions of humans, include elephants, lions, zebras
and giraffes. Agriculture is a main industry on this continent, but infrequent rainfall complicates
the ability to grow crops because much of the land is desert. Poverty, civil war, poor transport
systems and the fastest population growth rate of all continents, make life in most of Africa
challenging for the majority of its inhabitants.
In spite of the social challenges on the continent, Africa offers unique opportunities for
travelers. Tourists to the continent will find exotic wildlife safaris, isolated beaches, colorful
markets and a few developed cities to discover.
Africa appeals to clients seeking adventure, but destinations in Africa must be carefully
selected for visitors. Most countries in Africa are not really prepared for tourism. It is important,
therefore, particularly for first-time visitors to the continent, to send them to countries that are
prepared to receive tourists. Travelers wishing to view wildlife will enjoy Kenya, Zimbabwe,
Botswana and South Africa. The Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) and Togo, depending on the civil
situation in these countries, are excellent choices for clients interested in learning about tribal
culture.
CULTURAL TIPS
Here are some cultural tips in some African countries you may visit:
Parties, dinners, and other gatherings in Egypt often don’t start until 10 PM. When
staging a social gathering, have non-alcoholic beverages available for Muslim attendees.
Building trust is important to Egyptians. As a result, visitors should be prepared to
engage in extended conversation and coffee before starting a meeting. Even
shopkeepers will offer customers free coffee or cola.
Many businesses close on Friday, the Muslim day of rest. Workweeks begin on Saturday
and run through Thursday. Some places close completely (or early) on Sunday.
In Kenya, pointing with an index finger is very insulting; use the whole hand. Don’t use
the left hand alone when passing or receiving an item.
Be prepared to give hearty handshakes on greeting a Kenyan. A “soft” handshake is
considered effeminate. So, too, is the use of cologne by men, especially to those
Kenyans who live outside urban centers.
Some people feel that Tanzania now offers a better experience than does Kenya. Their
belief: Tourism in Tanzania has been going on for less time than in Kenya. As a result,
travel personnel are more eager to please and less jaded than those in Kenya.
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ACTIVITY #1
You need to remember these plus some fast facts (Capital, Currency, Religion, International Airport, IATA Codes, Flag Carrier, and
highest peak) of the selected countrie
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ACTIVITY #2
Answer the blank map below by writing the country and its capital.
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LESSON 3.5 NORTH AND CENTRAL AMERICA
Although North America is the third largest continent, it supports less than 10% of the
world’s population. The continent is home to the longest border between two countries in the
world; the United States and Canada share an 8,900-kilometer border. The climate ranges from
frozen tundra in the north, to scorching deserts in the interior, to dense tropical rain forests in
the south.
North America is also home to the second largest barrier reef in the world located in
Belize. Much like the natural terrain, North America includes countries in all stages of
development, ranging from densely populated and developing Central American nations, to one
of the world’s most developed and richest, the United States.
Opportunities for tourism are plentiful in North America. Some countries, including the
United States and Canada, have extremely developed tourist infrastructures, and others such
as Mexico and Costa Rica, though less developed, are very aggressive in the promotion of their
countries as visitor destinations. Unlike Europe, Africa and Asia where multiple languages are
spoken, most of North America has only two primary languages: English and Spanish.
Travel experiences in North America are incredibly diverse. North America boasts many
developed and historically interesting cities as well as a variety of adventure and eco-tourism
experiences.
Although most of North America is safe, there are some travel restrictions for certain
nationalities and some Central American nations have a history of civil unrest. As always, it is a
good idea to check the status and requirements for visiting a country in Central America via the
Internet, a Global Distribution System or the national consulate or embassy before making
reservations for a client.
The United States receives far more international tourist arrivals than any other country
in North America. As a matter of fact, it ranks as the second most visited destination worldwide.
In addition to Canada, the United States of America, Mexico and Greenland, there are
other countries that form part of the continent of North America. Travelers seeking a relaxing,
warm weather vacation will particularly enjoy the Caribbean. Warmed by tropical sun throughout
the year, the Caribbean boasts some of the finest beaches, water sports and snorkeling in the
world.
CULTURAL TIPS
Here are some cultural tips in some North and Central American countries you may visit:
When greeting someone in the USA, extend the courtesy of greeting with a simple hi or
hello. But strengthen the bond by using a firm handshake grip.
Do give a tip for good service, this is not a bribe but an assurance that you will receive a
better service next time around.
Contrary to popular movies, Americans are mindful of their language. Be as formal or as
informal you want in communicating with them but do not pepper your remarks with
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derogatory or cuss words which might offend the sensibilities of the person to whom you
are talking with.
Do not travel without your papers. Have your identification papers and travel documents
ready just in case a state trooper or an immigration agent asks for them. You will save
yourself from the hassle of detention time and paper works.
Do not stick out your tongue. It is considered vulgar and offensive for some since it
implies a too physical familiarity.
The custom of mañana in Mexico (putting off a task until tomorrow) persists. Do not
confuse this with laziness. Time is perceived differently here; the pace is slower, more
relaxed.
Almost anything is negotiable in Mexico, especially souvenir purchases. Don’t be
intimidated; what may seem like impatience, anger, or obstinacy in the seller is simply
part of the “game.” Counter with a price that’s 50% of the original quote and work from
there.
Though informality marks most of the Caribbean, some of the islands have a reputation
for showing a gentle, conservative side as well. For example, visitors shouldn’t wear
clothes that are too casual wherever they go; a few restaurants and nightspots may even
require a jacket and tie for men and dresses or skirts for women.
A number of colorful festivals occur throughout the year in the Caribbean. The three
most famous are: the Bahamian Junkanoo (a Mardi Gras-like celebration), Trinidad’s
Carnival, and Jamaica’s Reggae Sunsplash.
ACTIVITY #1
You need to remember these plus some fast facts (Capital, Currency, Religion, International
Airport, IATA Codes, Flag Carrier, and highest peak) of the selected countries.
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ACTIVITY #2
Answer the blank map below by writing the country and its capital
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LESSON 3.6 SOUTH AMERICA
South America is connected to North America by the narrow Isthmus of Panama. These
two continents weren’t always connected; they came together only three million years ago.
South America is the fourth-largest continent and extends from the sunny beaches of the
Caribbean Sea to the frigid waters near the Antarctic Circle.
The Andes, Earth’s longest terrestrial mountain range, stretch the entire length of South
America. Many active volcanoes dot the range. These volcanic areas are fueled by heat
generated as a large oceanic plate, called the Nazca Plate, grinds beneath the plate carrying
South America.
The central-southern area of South America has pampas, or plains. These rich areas are
ideal for agriculture. The growing of wheat is a major industry in the pampas. Grazing animals,
such as cattle and sheep, are also raised in the pampas region.
In northern South America, the Amazon River and its tributaries flow through the world’s
largest tropical rainforest. In volume, the Amazon is the largest river in the world. More water
flows from it than from the next six largest rivers combined.
Because all of South America is located in the Southern Hemisphere, its seasons are
reversed from those of the world’s northern hemisphere. Consequently, travel during the winter
months in the northern hemisphere often presents the best time to travel to South America.
Travelers to South America can visit large metropolitan cities, beautiful beaches and the
Amazon, the world’s largest rainforest which covers 5 million square kilometers or
South America is home to the richest abundance of plants and animals in the world. The
continent is also home to many pre-Columbian historical sites including Machu Picchu, the
famous Inca city located in mountainous, tropical forests. Most nations in South America speak
Spanish, with one important exception: Brazil, where Portuguese is the primary language.
Twelve independent countries make up South America: Brazil, Colombia, Argentina,
Peru, Venezuela, Chile, Ecuador, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Guyana, and Suriname. The
territories of French Guiana, part of France, and the Falkland Islands, part of the United
Kingdom, are also part of South America.
CULTURAL TIPS
Here are some cultural tips in some South American countries you may visit:
Brazilians are physically and emotionally open. Shaking hands, embracing, and so on,
are the rule.
To be invited to a Brazilian’s home is an honor. Guests shouldn’t plan to drop by for a
brief visit; rather, they should be prepared to stay for many hours. It’s also customary to
arrive a little late. In addition, some small gift should be brought along. Brazilians are
very conscious of keeping their hands on the table when dining.
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Some countries in South America have good tap water, however don’t drink the tap
water without confirming that it is safe to drink. Generally, in countries where water isn’t
safe for foreigners to drink, there will be bottled or filtered water available at the hotel.
South America is full of adventure – whether culinary or of the outdoor variety. Cuts,
bruises, and tummy issues are a common part of travel in South America. Having a
small first aid kit just makes things easier, so that nobody has to rush out to find band-
aids in a strange city.
Rice and beans are a staple in South American cuisine, so you can expect to see them
accompanying many meals. Rice and beans is common at breakfast, lunch and dinner,
so be prepared to enjoy it.
In some of the major cities and tourist destinations of South America, it’s possible to find
English speakers. But off the beaten tourist path, it’s pretty important to know a little bit
of Spanish or Portuguese. Even just a few words like “thank you” or “please” will help
travelers get around South America. There are several translation apps to help learn key
travel phrases of a new language. The people in South America are so warm and
welcoming, just a little bit of effort to speak their language goes a long way.
ACTIVITY #1
You need to remember these plus some fast facts (Capital, Currency, Religion, International
Airport, IATA Codes, Flag Carrier, and other important geographical features) of the most visited
country.
ACTIVITY #2
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Answer the blank map below by writing the country and its capital
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LESSON 3.7 AUSTRALIA AND OCEANIA
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This continent is the smallest, flattest and, except for Antarctica, the driest continent in
the world. Again, with the exception of Antarctica, it is also the least populous, with less than 20
million inhabitants. In comparison, the metropolitan area of Los Angeles has roughly the same
population as the entire continent of Australia. Australia’s greatest resource is space, but less
than 10% of the land iscan be farmed or cultivated. In arid regions, for example, it can take up to
16 hectares to graze one sheep. Virtually all of Australia’s cities are located on its coasts and
85% of Australians live in cities.
Although not densely populated, Australia offers travelers a wide array of exciting travel
opportunities. Australia’s principal cities all offer excellent accommodations and amenities.
Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney, Australia’s largest city,
are all popular tourist destinations. For those seeking adventure there are excursions into the
“Outback”, the vast and mostly uninhabited areas of Australia. Here you will find exotic wildlife
including crocodiles, parrots and kangaroos as well as a variety of aboriginal cultures. In the
northeast section of the continent you can visit the Great Barrier Reef, located in the Coral Sea,
which is the largest barrier reef in the world and a major attraction to water sports enthusiasts.
For those seeking a climbing challenge, Ayers Rock is the world’s largest single piece of stone,
a huge rock 348 meters high sticking up in the air in the middle of the outback.
Oceania is part of the continent of Australia and is made up of the Pacific island regions
of Polynesia, Melanesia, Micronesia, New Guinea and New Zealand. This region includes the
tropical Pacific Islands of Fiji and Samoa.
CULTURAL TIPS
Here are some cultural tips in Australia and Oceania:
Australia and New Zealand are friendly, very open nations, and visitors should feel
comfortable about using first names in greetings.
Tipping isn’t common. As a visitor, you may wish to tip, but it’s rarely expected.
Nightlife in New Zealand often features Maori-Polynesian entertainment. Australian
nightlife ranges from informal pubs to several nightspots that pay homage to Australia’s
colorful frontier history, as well as aboriginal music.
In Fiji, time is informal and it may be acceptable to arrive quite late. Visitors to
someone’s home should remove their shoes before entering. The drink kava is often
offered to guests; though it may taste harsh, it would be considered rude to refuse it.
When talking with a Fijian resident, crossed arms is a sign of respect.
In Samoa, an elaborate greeting is considered very respectful. It’s rude for a person
standing to sway while talking to a Samoan.
To Tahitians, shaking hands is very important. Visitors to the home of a local should
taste at least a little bit of everything offered and be prepared to eat with their fingers.
And they should not praise any item in the home too highly, it may be presented as a
gift.
ACTIVITY #1
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You need to remember these plus some fast facts (Capital, Currency, Religion, International
Airport, IATA Codes, Flag Carrier, and other important geographical features) of the most visited
country.
ACTIVITY #2
Answer the blank map below by writing the country and its capital.
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LESSON 3.8 ANTARCTICA
Antarctica is the windiest, driest, and iciest place on Earth. Antarctica is larger than
Europe or Australia, but unlike those continents, it has no permanent human population. People
who work there are scientific researchers and support staff, such as pilots and cooks.
The climate of Antarctica makes it impossible to support agriculture or a permanent
civilization. Temperatures in Antarctica, much lower than Arctic temperatures, plunge lower than
-73 degrees Celsius (-100 degrees Fahrenheit).
Aside from scientific researchers who make their home here, the continent is
uninhabited by humans, largely as a result of the extreme cold that the region experiences year-
round. 98% of the continent lies buried under ice, which averages 2.3 kilometers deep. Plateau
Station, located in Antarctica, averages an annual temperature of -56.7°C, making it the coldest
place on earth. In spite of the extreme temperatures and lack of habitation, tourism is available
in Antarctica. Most of this tourism is in the form of “Live-aboard” ships that bring small groups in
for visits during the brief “summer” that Antarctica experiences.
CULTURAL TIPS
Here are some tips when you visit Antarctica:
When people imagine Antarctica, it’s mostly endless snow with the occasional flash of
the black underlying rock. But plants do grow in Antarctica – several types of grass,
moss and lichen. As you can imagine, they take a long time to grow, what with the six
months of perpetual darkness and temperatures that even in summer can plunge below
-20 degrees Celsius. Do not step on them, and stick to the snow instead. That lichen
might not look like much, but it is vital to Antarctica’s ecosystem.
Don’t pack a pest. Speaking of Antarctica’s ecosystem, it’s pretty fragile. Humankind has
tried over the years to protect it but sadly, human error has meant that there are a
number of non-native species in Antarctica. Most of these are plant species (roughly 121
including fungi), but somehow people have also introduced 72 invertebrates, eight
mammals and three bird species. Now, there are even worms in Antarctica.
Penguins can find their own way home. Most of the animal-watching rules are pretty
straightforward: keep your very specified distance (no seriously, there are specific
distances for specific animals), be quiet, and don’t feed them. You’re also not meant to
‘chum’ birds – to attract them over with fish guts.
Antarctica is a demilitarized zone. This means that no military activity can take place on
the territory, including carrying out maneuvers and establishing military bases. In
addition, no firearms (or explosive devices) are allowed without a special dispensation.
ACTIVITY #1
Write an essay. As a travel professional, how would you recommend Antarctica as a tourism
destination?
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