ETHIOPIA

Ethiopia is a country located in the Horn of Africa and has a rich cultural heritage. Here are some key
aspects of Ethiopia:

National Flower: The national flower of Ethiopia is the African Lily (also known as the Calla Lily or Arum
Lily). It is a beautiful flower with white petals and a yellow spadix.

National Dish: The national dish of Ethiopia is called injera. It is a sourdough flatbread made from
fermented teff flour and is typically served with various stews and curries known as wats.

National Animal: The national animal of Ethiopia is the Ethiopian lion . It is known to be the king of the
jungle and it symbolizes strength, power, courage and leadership.

Traditional Clothing: Traditional clothing in Ethiopia varies across different ethnic groups. However, the
most well-known traditional clothing is the white woben cotton dress called the habesha kemis for
women and the white cotton tunic called the netela for men.

Beliefs: Ethiopia is known for its deep-rooted religious beliefs. The majority of Ethiopians are Christians,
with the Ethiopian Orthodox Church being the dominant denomination. There is also a significant
Muslim population in the country. The dominant religion in Ethiopia is Christianity, specifically the
Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. Islam is the second-largest religion in the country, followed by a
smaller number of traditional indigenous beliefs.

Traditions: Ethiopia has a rich tradition of music, dance, and cultural celebrations. Traditional dances,
such as the eskista, are performed during festivals and special occasions. Ethiopian coffee ceremonies,
where coffee is roasted and brewed in a traditional manner, are also an important cultural tradition.

Language: The official language of Ethiopia is Amharic. However, there are numerous other languages
spoken throughout the country, including Oromo, Tigrinya, Somali, and Afar, among others.

Literature: Ethiopia has a rich literary tradition, with ancient manuscripts and oral storytelling being
important forms of literature. The country has produced notable poets, writers, and playwrights, such as
Tsegaye Gabre-Medhin and Haddis Alemayehu. Ethiopian literature often reflects the country’s history,
culture, and religious beliefs.
4. Ethiopian Literature: Ethiopian literature has a long and rich tradition, dating back centuries.
Ethiopian literature also includes contemporary works by renowned Ethiopian authors, poets, and
playwrights, reflecting the country's history, culture, and social issues.

5. Ethiopian Film Industry: Ethiopia has a growing film industry, with filmmakers exploring various
themes and genres. Ethiopian cinema has gained international recognition, with films like “Difret” and
“Lamb” receiving critical acclaim. Difret is based on the true story of Meaza Ashenafi, the founder of the
Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association and Aberash Bekele – two courageous woman that changed
history together. The story is beautifully told and the cinematography is breathtaking.

The industry continues to evolve, showcasing the country’s unique stories and perspectives.

6. Ethiopian Handicrafts: Ethiopia is known for its vibrant and intricate handicrafts, including pottery,
basketry, wood carving, and metalwork. These crafts often incorporate traditional designs and
techniques, showcasing the artistic skills and cultural heritage of Ethiopian artisans.

These aspects of Ethiopia contribute to its vibrant and diverse cultural identity, making it a fascinating
country with a unique heritage.

EGYPT

National Flower: The national flower of Egypt is the Lotus flower. It holds symbolic significance in
Egyptian culture and is often associated with rebirth, purity, and spiritual enlightenment.

National Dish: One of the most iconic national dishes of Egypt is Koshari. It is a hearty and flavorful
vegetarian dish made with rice, lentils, macaroni, and topped with a spiced tomato sauce, caramelized
onions, and crispy fried onions.

National Animal: The national animal of Egypt is the Steppe Eagle. This majestic bird of prey is known for
its impressive wingspan and can be found in various regions of Egypt.

Traditional Clothing: Traditional Egyptian clothing varies depending on the region and occasion. However,
one of the most recognized traditional garments is the Galabeya or Jalabiya, a loose-fitting, ankle-length
robe typically made of lightweight fabric. It is commonly worn by both men and women, especially in
rural areas.

Beliefs: Egypt has a rich history of religious beliefs. The majority of Egyptians are Muslims, with Islam
being the dominant religion. However, there is also a significant Christian population, primarily belonging
to the Coptic Orthodox Church. Ancient Egyptian beliefs, centered around polytheism and the worship of
various gods and goddesses, continue to have cultural and historical significance.
Traditions: Egypt is known for its vibrant cultural traditions, including celebrations and festivals. One of
the most famous traditions is the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy
month of fasting. Other cultural traditions include traditional weddings, and music performances.

Language: The official language of Egypt is Arabic. Egyptian Arabic, a dialect of the Arabic language, is
widely spoken throughout the country. Additionally, English and French are commonly understood and
used in tourism, business, and education.

Literature: Egypt has a rich literary tradition that dates back thousands of years. Ancient Egyptian
literature includes iconic works such as the Pyramid Texts, the Book of the Dead, and various
mythological and historical texts. Modern Egyptian literature has produced renowned authors like
Naguib Mahfouz, who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1988. Egyptian literature encompasses a wide
range of genres, including novels, poetry, and plays, often exploring social, political, and cultural themes.

Egypt’s cultural heritage is deeply rooted in its history, beliefs, and traditions. The country’s diverse range
of artistic expressions, culinary delights, and literary contributions continue to shape its identity and
captivate the world.

UGANDA

In Uganda, the national flower has not been officially declared. However, the yellow trumpet flower
(Costus spectabilis) is often associated with Uganda, although it is the national flower of Nigeria.

The national bird of Uganda is the crested crane, and the national animal is the Uganda kob. The colors
black, yellow, and red are the national colors of Uganda, symbolizing the country’s African heritage,
sunny days, and the common bond of humanity. The national motto of Uganda is “For God and My
Country.”

As for the national dish of Uganda, matoke is often considered the national dish. Matoke is made from
plantain bananas that are boiled or steamed and then mashed. It is commonly served with a stew made
from vegetables, beans, and various spices.

In terms of beliefs, Uganda is a diverse country with a variety of religious beliefs. The most widely
practiced religion is Christianity, with around 84.5% of the population identifying as Christians. The major
Christian denominations in Uganda include Roman Catholicism, Anglicanism, and various other
Protestant denominations. Islam is also practiced by a significant portion of the population, with Sunni
Islam being the most common branch.
Uganda has a rich tradition and cultural heritage. Traditional dances and music play an important role in
the country’s culture, with various ethnic groups having their own unique dance styles. The arts and
crafts scene in Uganda is also diverse, with handmade ceramics, fabrics, baskets, carvings, and jewelry
being popular.

The cuisine of Uganda is influenced by neighboring countries and the British colonial period. Traditional
dishes include matoke, ugali (a cornmeal porridge), rolex (an omelet wrapped in chapati), and various
meat and vegetable stews. Ugandan cuisine offers a variety of flavors and taste sensations.

Uganda has a multilingual society, with over 40 different languages spoken. English is the official
language and widely used in education and business. Luganda is the most widely spoken local language,
followed by Swahili, which is also commonly spoken.

In terms of literature, Ugandan literature is diverse and reflects the country’s history and cultural
experiences. Some notable works by Ugandan writers include “Abyssinian Chronicles” by Moses Isegawa,
“Child Soldier” by China Keitetsi, and “Song for the Sun in Us” by Okello Oculi. However, there is a need
for greater recognition and inclusion of Ugandan literature in the education system.

Overall, Uganda has a rich cultural heritage, diverse traditions, and a vibrant literary scene that
contribute to its unique identity.

MOROCCO

NATIONAL ITEM

The national flower of Morocco is the Rose. Specifically, it is the Rosa damascena, which is commonly
known as the Damask Rose or Rose of Castile. The Rose is a symbol of love and is widely used in
Moroccan culture, particularly in the production of rose water, perfumes, and cosmetics.

Regal, strong, and native to the Atlas Mountains of Northern Africa, the Barbary lion is a fitting national
animal for the proud kingdom of Morocco.

Djellaba, the traditional Moroccan gown consists of a long loose-fitting, ankle length cloth. These
garments are comfortable, elegant, and exude pride. They are worn as traditional dress for special
events, gatherings or as a daily outfit.

BELIEF
More than 99 percent of the population is Sunni Muslim, and less than 0.1 percent of the population is
Shia Muslim. Groups together constituting less than 1 percent of the population include Christians, Jews,
and Baha'is.

TRADITIONS

As the Moroccan saying goes: "A night wedding is arranged in a year". Moroccan traditional wedding
begins with the bride entering the wedding hall. She sits in a "Amaria", which is an elegant roofed
platform in either a gold or silver color. The "Amaria" is carried on the shoulders of selected wedding
participants.

The houara has traditionally been used as a spiritual folk dance by Berber tribes. Morocco is home to
dozens of other types of dances including shikat (Arabic belly dance), guedra (a Tuareg dance for
women), awash (a High Atlas tribal dance) and gnaoua (a highly acrobatic dance with sub-Saharan roots)

LANGUAGE

There are a multiple languages of Morocco. The two official languages are Standard Arabic and Standard
Moroccan Berber.

LITERATURE
Laila Lalami is a Moroccan-American novelist, essayist, and professor.

Tahar Ben Jelloun is a Moroccan writer. All of his work is written in French although his first language is
Darija. He became known for his 1985 novel L’Enfant de Sable.

Mohamed Choukri was a Moroccan author and novelist who is best known for his internationally
acclaimed autobiography

MADAGASCAR

NATIONAL ITEM

The National flower of Madagascar is Poinciana. Botanical name is Delonix Regia.

Madagascar's National Animal – the ring-tailed lemurIn fact, the small tropical island off the coast of
Africa is famous for its diverse and unique wildlife, which have been ecologically isolated for millions of
years. So, it's no wonder that the ring-tailed lemur is the national animal of this beautiful country.

A lamba is the traditional garment worn by men and women that live in Madagascar. The textile, highly
emblematic of Malagasy culture, consists of a rectangular length of cloth wrapped around the body.

BELIEF

____________
TRADITIONS

On the wedding date, the groom with his family and friends, dressed to impress, arrive at the bride's
house or venue. Lamba is the Madagascar traditional wedding dress worn both by the bride and groom.
Sometimes, a silk stole is gifted by the groom to the bride as a symbol of their union through marriage.

Rakotomalala, Mireille is the traditional dance of MADAGASCAR . This dance is famous because they use
it in wedding and for good luck.

LANGUAGE

Malagasy is spoken by around 25 million people in Madagascar and the Comoros. Most people in
Madagascar speak it as a first language

LITERATURE

Madagascar is a 2005 American animated survival comedy film produced by DreamWorks Animation

Zambia

Zambia is the 'Real Africa' – It gives you a raw, untamed nature, from the Walking Safaris to the plentiful
water bodies, the vegetation, to its colorful and joyous people, the sounds of the wilderness, to the
authentic lodges, camps and hotels, not forgetting the never-ending concentration of animals big and
small

NATIONAL ITEM

The endemic African bluebell, African bellflower or the Wavy-leaf bluebell, Pale bluebell (Wahlenbergia
undulata) is the Official “National flower of Zambia” respectively. The Official National Animal of Zambia.

The official national animal of Zambia is the African fish eagle. This eagle looks very much like North
America's bald eagle, but its white feathers extend down to its chest.

The style of traditional clothing varies from tribe to tribe. Generally, however, women usually wear loose
dresses or long skirts and a blouse. Long trousers and loose fitting cotton shirts are preferred by most
men.

BELIEF

Zambia is officially a Christian nation according to the 1996 constitution, but a wide variety of religious
traditions exist. Traditional religious thought blends easily with Christian beliefs in many of the country's
syncretic churches.

TRADITION

In the Bemba culture of Zambia, before getting married, the girl is sent to a Bana Chimbusa. This person
acts as a teacher, telling the woman everything she needs to know about love and marriage. Tradition
dictates that she should keep all she has learned secret until the day of the wedding
LANGUAGE

Zambia's official language is English, used in business and in education. However, Nyanja and Bemba are
the main local languages. In the Copperbelt, the main language is Bemba, followed by Nyanja. The
reverse is true in Lusaka, where Nyanja is the main local language, followed by Bemba

LITERATURE

Namwali Serpell is an American and Zambian writer who teaches in the United States. In April 2014, she
was named on Hay Festival's Africa39 list of 39 sub-Saharan African writers aged under 40 with the
potential and talent to define trends in African literature

born in Lusaka, specializes in historical and science fiction.

Binwell Sinyangwe is a Zambian novelist writing in English. He studied industrial economics in Bucharest.
Binwell Sinyagwe's first novel was Quills of Desire published in 1993.

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is home to one of the world's biggest waterfalls

Mosi-oa-tunya means “the smoke that thunders” in the Kololo and Lozi languages. Victoria Falls is one of
the Seven Wonders of the Natural World. Located in Zimbabwe and Zambia, this is the largest curtain of
falling water in the world.

NATIONAL ITEMS

The Flame Lily

The Flame Lily (Gloriosa superba) is Zimbabwe's national flower. When you visit Zimbabwe just before
the rains you will have a hard time locating this wildflower. The national emblem is a perennial flower
which means it comes back every year.

The sable antelope is a large species of antelope with a vibrant coat and distinctive white facial markings.
This large species is also the national animal of Zimbabwe.

The traditional dress of Zimbabwe is colourful and consists of wraparound dresses and headdresses for
women. Men don a breastplate made from animal skin.

BELIEF

Zimbabwe is a highly religious country. 84% of the population aged 15 years and above are Christians.
The largest proportion of Christians belong to the Apostolic Sect. (34%), followed by Pentecostals (20%),
and Protestants (16%).

TRADITIONS
At least, four main types of marital unions can be identified in Zimbabwe: Traditional customary
marriage, religious marriage, civil marriage and mutual consent union/cohabitation.

There are about 12 prominent traditional dances in Zimbabwe, namely Shangara, Mbira dance, Dinhe,
Mbakumba, Muchongoyo, Jerusarema, Mhande, Isitshikitsha, Amabhiza, Ingquza, Chinyobera and
Ngungu. The Jerusarema dance and the Muchongoyo are widely regarded as the most important and
distinctive dances of Zimbabwe.

LANGUAGE

English, Shona and Ndebele are the most widely spoken languages in the country. Approximately 70% of
the population is Shona speaking and speaks ChiShona as their first language. But the official language of
Zimbabwe is English.

LITERATURE

________________

CONGO

NATIONAL ITEM

The floral emblem Helvola Waterlily (Nymphaea pygmaea) is the Official “National flower of the
Democratic Republic of the Congo/Zaïre (DRC)” respectively.

The only place in the world that you can find a wild okapi is in the dense tropical rainforests of the
Democratic Republic of Congo. It is hardly surprising then that they are the country's national animal and
even feature on local bank notes.

The traditional clothing of the people of Congo for both men and women is made from Raffia, a material
from a type of palm. Nowadays they are more commonly made out of cotton. The fabric is used to create
clothing through tailoring, head wraps, to carry a child or goods and as a body wrap or skirt.