Young History

In the center of Africa lies the 5th largest nation on the continent. This nation has been a part of great ancient empires and empires of the modern age. All of these powers left cultural influence on the nation. They also left lasting issues and struggles, especially France. This nation gained its independence less than a century ago and has fought against all odds to stay present today. In the time since independence there have been dictators, civil wars and coups across the nation. No matter all of this, the nation still pushes through each day in hope of a better tomorrow. This is Chad. 

In the center of Indochina is a nation with storied but troubled history. This nation is dotted with some of the most unique religious structures in the world, the most famous of all is Angkor Wat, the largest religious structure in the world. This nation has seen the effects of some of the world’s premier empires like France in its prime. After gaining independence this country suffered through the evil regime of Pol Pot. Today this nation is viewed as a gem in the region for its beauty and history. This is Cambodia. 

In the very center of the world is a nation named for its spot on the equator. This nation was the first in South America to attempt a revolution against the rule of the Spanish Empire. The indigenous people here have a culture that dates back 4000 years and is still prominent today. This nation has seen the peaks and valleys of history; at times it was the most politically stable nation on the continent and at times it was the least. This nation has a megadiverse nature, wide ranging culture and layered history. This is Ecuador

In Southern Africa lies a long standing nation that has acted as a continental player in Africa for centuries. This country was home to a luxurious and expensive Kingdom that predated European arrival. For literal centuries this nation has been a cornerstone of African global trade and today it is the lithium capital of Africa. However, things have not been all happiness. This nation had the worst economy in the world throughout the 2000s. At times the inflation rates were over 100,000 percent. Since then this nation has tried to stabilize and pursue democracy in a very challenging world. This is Zimbabwe.

On the coast of West Africa is a nation that has seen the advancement of human civilization throughout all periods. This region has been inhabited by humans as long as almost anywhere else in the world. Since this origin point this nation has seen powerful empires like Mali, Banma and French influence the land. Over the last century this nation has been the embodiment of independence and pride. Here was the first and only African nation to choose independence from France and face all that came with that decision. This is Guinea. 

In Central Africa there is the youngest nation in the world, established officially in 2011. Don’t let that fact fool you, people have been recording history in this land for millennia. Empires of antiquity all the way to the empire of Britain have influenced this land at some point. This nation fought to form its own country out of its larger northern counterpart for over 30 years. Even since independence this nation has had many internal conflicts to resolve. This is South Sudan.

In the heart of central Africa is a small nation that has been to the depths of suffering and the peak of success. This nation saw one of the worst atrocities in human history in the 1990s. Since then this country has become a business center in a continent that has always lacked one. For its grand business laws, safety in the capital, and freedom in entrepreneurship this nation has been dubbed “The Singapore of Africa”. This nation has survived many dark times and today looks into a brighter future. This is Rwanda.

Small but mighty is today's South African nation. This nation is defined by its people, first the pygmy Twa, then the Bantu Hutu and finally the tall Tutsi. This nation has faced the greed of many people and empires. In the 1900s this nation went through transformational changes and faced true evil. Today this nation pushed forward through hard struggles and hopes for a greater tomorrow. This is Burundi. 

In West Africa lies a nation that has seen eras of history and challenges. Some of the oldest human remains have been found here, they tell of early civilizations that predate most of the world. This nation has been part of empires from around the continent and the globe. This nationacts as a major cultural center despite its small size. This is Benin.

In the very center of South America is a resilient country that has embodied resistance throughout its history. The people here have seen the empires of the Inca, and Spanish stick their influence into the land. Then the nation had to handle wars, losses and land partitions with all of its neighbors. In this nation the indigenous population makes up a huge portion of the population and the government works with them heavily. This is Bolivia.