Independence Day Date: August 15

South Korea celebrates Independence Day as a public holiday.

Independence Day is the day, which marks the freedom of the country. In this day, the country gets complete liberty, and they are no more under, or part of any province or state. South Korea got its independence on August 13, 1948. However, it is officially celebrated on the August 15.

South Korea Independence Day History

The Independence Day of South Korea is the day when it was no longer under the Japan occupation, which it has been for many years and became Republic. It was on 1905, when an agreement took place known as Taft-Katsura agreement, after that the Japanese in 1910 took its control over the Korea communications system, political and economic conditions. This was not only enough, as the Japanese even tried to make the Koreans people to be a part of their culture.

The Koreans revolted many time to get back their economic and social independence. One of the biggest movements, which they had started for their independence was on 1919. It was after the two main parts of Japan i.e. Hiroshima and Nagasaki were severely attacked by the two atom bombs, that the Japan had surrendered and the South Korea got its independence. This even marked the end of the World War II in 1945.

After it became republic, South Korea divided its government into three main branches: legislative, judicial and executive. In fact, South Korea is a constitutional democracy. There is no restriction on practicing any region in the South Korea. The culture that South Korea adapts is from it neighboring country China.

South Korea Independence Day Traditions and Activities

After many years, the Korea was successful in getting free from the control of Japan .This day is declared as the public holiday all over the country. This day everything is closed and people in the country all come together to celebrate with great joy and enthusiasm. It is like a festival for the Koreans and the whole country looks very beautiful. A parade is held, national flag is hoisted in order to show the respect to the heroes of the country, who gave away their life in order to get freedom for the country. Thus, the homage to all the freedom fighters is paid on this day.

Other interesting posts:

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Foundation of Panama Date: August 15

Foundation of Panama is a public holiday.

Republic of Panama better known as Panama is present on the isthmus joining North and South America. A flourishing business economy Panama celebrates its Foundation Day on the 15th of august each year. Pedro Arias de Avila discovered Panama La Vieja or Old Panama in the year 1519. Actually, 15th august is the combined anniversary celebration of both foundation of Panama Veija and the opening of the Panama Canal. At one such ceremony on function day a photo exhibition of Panama City photos in the 40s, 50s and 60s was inaugurated at the Casa de Gobernacion. It is the office of the Panama provincial governor. The chief guests of the function were Governor Irina Brown and IPAT director Liriola PittĂ­ de Cordoba.

Foundation of Panama History

The relics of Old Panama are about two miles away from the present capital of the state, Panama City. An open park flaunts the remnants of walls and vaults refreshing the pomp of the first camp of the Spaniard on the Pacific Ocean. The sumptuous amount of gold coming from Peru, Chile and California lured cunning pirates to Panama’s water.

The city suffered the most when Henry Morgan plundered and raided the city in 1671. Panama’s governor soon commanded the power magazine burned and the entire city was lost in flames. Consequently, the capital had to be shifted to a new location leading to the foundation of Panama City in 1673. Among the leftovers in Old Panama are the cathedral with a huge bell-tower, Matadero Bridge, King’s Bridge and the Bishop’s House. These remains are World Heritage and their archaeological sites are being restored. An artisan’s bazaar filled with native’s handworks and a tiny restaurant is present just in front of the rubbles.

Foundation of Panama Traditions and Activities

The Panama Railroad Company was set up a year ahead of the discovery of the gold coin. However it could not start before 1855.There had been a great advantage and boost to the infrastructure and economy when the Panama Canal was constructed.

The most significant improvement was seen in health and sanitation. This was clearly visible since yellow fever and malaria were almost eradicated and a good quality water supply system was started. The benefits were however followed by disturbances. Since most of the workers were from West Indies, a sudden social and racial discrimination started growing in the city.

Panama City was the hub of international banking in Late 1970’s and 1980s which made it the worldwide money laundering pivot. In 1989, after a year long problem between Panama and U.S., General Manuel Noriega, the leader of Panama was deposed by George Bush, president of United States. However Panama City still remains a banking hub though there is little flow of cash.

Balboa earlier a part of the Panama Canal Zone was the Headquarter of the region. Nowadays tourism is considered as an important source of money collection in Panama. Panama is the fourth largest and also a rapidly flourishing economy in Central America. The scope of tourism is increasing at a rapid rate and as such it has become one of the most interesting and sought after tourist destinations in the world.

Liberation Day Date: August 15

North Korea celebrates Liberation Day as a public holiday.

North Korea occupies the northern half of the Korean peninsula. Its capital and largest city is Pyongyang. The Amnok and Tumen River forms the boarder between North Korea and China. In the history of North Korea, the date August 18, 1948 is very significant, as they got independence from Japan on this day. North Korea celebrates this day as The Liberation Day.

North Korea Liberation Day History

A great leader of Korea, Kim IL Sung travelled to China in 1925 to start rebellion against Japan. Anti Japanese forces were urbanized in China. This army consisted of Chinese, Korean and later Soviets. Guerrilla forces were assembled in Northeast part of China. Korean People’s Revolutionary Army (KPRA) was organized which took over Ponchobo, which was considered a great victory in North Korea. The Korean guerrilla attacked around the Chinese-Korean frontier. These frequent wars continued for years.

After the defeat of Japan in World War II in 1945, Korea was divided at the 38th parallel in agreement with a United Nations arrangement. The north was to be administered by Soviet Union and the south by the United States. However, the Soviets and the Americans could not continue the treaty of sharing government over Korea. This led to the establishment of two separate governments and North Korea became a Democratic People’s Republic in 1948.

North Korea Liberation Day Traditions and Activities

In commemoration of North Korea’s liberation from the Japanese colonial rule, the local residents celebrate a national holiday, the Liberation day, on August 18, every year. A two day rally is organized where participants perform various kinds of joint events including joint solidarity meeting, cultural performances and seminars. Hundreds of social and religious representatives take part in the festivals. Following the opening ceremony, the dance troupes and artists give their spectacular performances.

The festival also includes photo exhibitions and religious preaching. They also recall the memoirs of the great leaders, who fought for their independence and lost their lives. In the recent years, North and South Korea celebrate their Liberation day together by organizing glamorous ceremonies at Seoul. These grand festivals for reunification will provide Korean nation with an opportunity to further accelerate the movement for independent reunification which started in 1925. The residents clearly convey the will of the North and South Korean people to achieve great national unity. This liberation day is held in high pride a it denounced Japan’s 40 year rule of Korea and is celebrated with rejoice.

North Korea after so many years of liberation:

After 61 years of Korean Liberation day, Korea has emerged as one of the first class nations in the world. It has fascinating cities and tourism has become an important part of the economy. Korean government stress more domestic firms and they have become an independent democratic country. Thus, Korea has at last made a place on the world platform of development and urbanization. The rebellion by Kim IL Sung started in 1925 at last brought independence to the country after lots of bloodshed. The Korea residents of today are really proud to be a Democratic Republic country.

Other interesting posts:

• North Korea Observes Foundation of the State
• North Korea rejoices Founding of Workers’ Party
• South Korea Independence Day

Constitution Day Date: August 15

Equatorial Guinea celebrates Constitution Day as a public holiday.

Equatorial Guinea located on the western coast of Africa celebrates its constitution day on 15th august every year. This independent republic nation adopted the constitution on 15th august 1982. Since then 15th august is a public holiday for the nation to respect the constitution of the country.

Equatorial Guinea Constitution Day History

Equatorial Guinea used to be a single party state under the 1982 constitution. In 1987, this state party was identified as the Democratic Party of Equatorial Guinea. However, in 1991 a fresh multiparty constitution was started after the approval from people referendum. House of Representative consisting of 80 members replaced the actual legislature of 41 members. Under this constitution, universal adult voters elect a president for a period of seven years and the legislators or Chamber of People’s Representatives members for a period of five years. The president appoints a cabinet. All elements of the government including the legislative and judiciary division are under the supervision of the president. A prime minister who is appointed and assigned powers by the president runs the government. The nation is separated into seven provinces administratively. The Democratic Party of Equatorial Guinea currently serves as the only legal and commanding administrative organization. There has been no past record of democratic procedure in the country, the leadership being passed from colonial power to a domineering dictatorship.

Under the 1982 constitution, the president is the most powerful person in the government. He can discard the members of the cabinet, dictate laws, dismiss the Chamber of Representatives, discuss and sign treaties and summon the legislative elections. The president maintains his post of the commander in chief of the armed forces and also supervises closely on the military movements. Recently in June 2004 the president reformed the cabinet by introducing two additional posts of Minister of National Security and Director of National Forces.

The Fundamental Law of the State has been changed to the Constitutional Law under which Spanish and French were declared as the official language of the nation. Spanish law and the tribal system together form the basis of the constitutional system. Brutal crimes as well as minor theft occur much less in this country compared to other African nations. The rights of the civilians are limited and extensively controlled by the government. The convicts are severely tortured and are not entertained by the judicial system. There has been a long record of government’s intervention in privacy and family. There is strict regulation on activity and migration, press and religion among other assaults.

Equatorial Guinea Constitution Day Traditions and Activities

Equatorial Guinea was a Spain colony until August 12 1968. On august 17, 1968 the natives of Equatorial Guinea had accepted a Constitution under which they were asked for vote of approval soon after the referendum. On august 12, 1979 London was supposed to draft a constitution for the nation to separate the white minority continuing the political party.

Equatorial Guinea is currently one of the honorable members of the United Nation, the African Union and the European Union and celebrates the national holiday of Constitution Day with joy and happiness.

Other interesting posts:

• Equatorial Guinea Liberty Day
• Equatorial Guinea Independence Day
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Independence Day Date: August 15

Independence Day is a public holiday in the Republic of the Congo.

Over the years, many nations have been invaded and governed by foreign administration. Under the rule of foreign government, the natives were barred from exercising freedom in any form. Independence Day for a nation signifies a day when the nation retrieved their rights from the foreign rulers and gained back their esteem of statehood. Similarly, the Republic of the Congo gained back its independence on the August 15, 1960 from France.

History of Independence Day in the Republic of the Congo

The Republic of the Congo is located in the central part of Africa. The Pygmy people were the ancient inhabitants, followed by the Bantu Tribes, who tamed the Pygmy people to establish their rule. During the Bantu expansions, they used the Congo River for their trade. It was in the 15th Century that the European traders started using the Congo River which ignited a relationship between the Bantu Tribes and the Portuguese traders. Earlier relationships between the Congo king and the king of Portugal were healthy. But with the discovery of Brazil, the Portuguese started appointing black slaves from Congo to work in the Portuguese plantations in Brazil. This huge need of black slaves by the Portuguese king started depopulating Congo leading to riots and constant attacks by the neighboring states. Finally a series of revolts started against the Portuguese because of this slave trade.

These revolts led to several wars of the different regions of Congo against Portuguese invaders. These wars somehow led to disintegration of Congo and many new states thereby came into existence, gradually, Congo shirked into a small nation, which submitted them to be the Portuguese, who destroyed the place. Later, due to over industrialization in Europe, there suddenly grew a demand for African Rubber, Oil and Cotton.

The French, Portuguese and British joined hands to conquer territories in Africa and set their rule over the Congo River Basin. The French conquered a major area to the north of the Congo River and gradually brought middle Congo, Chad, Gabun, Obangui-Chari under their jurisdiction with Brazzaville as the capital. Since then Congo’s economic advancement have been restricted to natural resources of rubber, cotton and the newly discovered oil reserves. Due to ill treatment and tortured labor system, rebellions started against the French invaders and the difference in ethnicity laid siege to several riots in Brazzaville in 1959.

After September 1958 AEF was dissolved and the four union territories became a part of the French community, leaving the central part which was then named as Congo Republic, which gained formal independence on August 15, 1960. Fulbert Youlou was appointed the first president of the Republic of the Congo.

The Republic of the Congo’s Independence Day Traditions and Activities

Since then, this day is celebrated every year by the Congolese as their Independence day, the day when they gained back their rights to their motherland. This day is declared as the National Holiday and celebrated by a host of events within The Republic of the Congo. As the Republic of Congo is on the verge of completing their 49th independence anniversary, the celebrations are surely going to be big this year, and even bigger the next time. With every “Fête Nationale” (Local name for Independence Day) the Congolese realize their needs to develop their country in every possible way which can pave the way for a strong nation.

Other interesting posts:

• Republic Day Commemorated in the Republic of the Congo
• The Democratic Republic of the Congo Remembers Its Independence
• Republic of Congo Celebrates Youth Day