A republic located in the south east coast of Asia, one of the facts about Indonesia is that there are 17, 508 islands which gave Indonesia the title as the world’s biggest archipelagic state. With more than two million inhabitants that come from varied ethnicities, you can just imagine how rich their culture and tradition is. When you trace back history, you will discover roots that originate from the Malays, Chinese, Hindus, Dutch and Muslims.

Economy
In 2005, the gross domestic product (GDP) of the country was US$287 billion with a per capita GDP of US$4, 458. This is among the recent facts about Indonesia that heralded the nation to rank 110th in a global scale. In a continent where majority of the neighboring regions are regarded as “third” in class, it is such a huge fiscal achievement. The accomplishment will all the more give reasons for foreign investors to put up a business and provide livelihood to the many households with plenty of mouths to feed.

With 22.3% of exports in 2005, Japan has been the chief market of the republic trailed by the United States with 13.9%. With 9.1%, China appears next followed by Singapore with 8.9%. One of the facts about Indonesia presents Japan still topping the list but now as the major supplier of imported products to the archipelagic state. China and Singapore are also in the record with 16.1% and 12.8%, respectively. In the same year, the country had a trade surplus with revenues of US$83.64 billion.

Geography
One of the facts about Indonesia render that 6, 000 islands have already been transformed as dwelling places of the natives, five of which are regarded as “chief” namely Sulawesi, Kalimantan, New Guinea, Java and Sumatra.

Sulawesi has an area of 174, 600 square kilometers which is encircled by the Philippines in the north, Timor in the south, Borneo in the west and Maluku in the east.

Kalimantan has been occupying not only the southern district of the nation but also the central portion. To the north are the Malaysian territories of Sabah and Sarawak.

New Guinea is in close proximity to Australia where both are separated by the Torres Strait. Half of its western borough is Irian Jaya.

Java has been home to the republic’s capital city of Jakarta which was formerly the base of Hindu kingdoms. Once the very heart of the Dutch East Indies, it is currently playing a huge role in the archipelagic state.

Sumatra has an area of 470, 000 square kilometers which is the longest axis in the country. North is Malay Peninsula where both are divided by the Malacca Strait. Crossing the Strait of Karimata is Borneo on the east.

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Just like the rest of the world, Tibet has its own festivals celebrated every year.  People from different areas in the world flock to Tibet to witness and participate in these events, while others visit Tibet at these times knowing that the whole province, especially the city of Lhasa takes on a vibrant party atmosphere.

The festivals in Tibet are generally calculated according to the city’s lunar calendar.  So if you are planning to visit and witness these events, it would be best if you’ll check the lunar calendar first for you to know the exact dates of the festivals in Tibet.

Below is a short list of the most celebrated festivals in Tibet.  Just read on and don’t miss them during your visit.

Tibetan New Year

If you are wondering what festivals in Tibet is the greatest, the answer is the Tibetan New Year.  It is considered as the greatest for the reason that it is during this time that Lhasa and the rest of the Tibetan province takes on its most colorful form.  The Tibetan New Year is celebrated on the first day of the first month, and it’s nice to know that during this period, families unite and dine together.  They also greet each other with the “auspicious words”.

Monlam

The Monlam is known throughout Tibet as the great prayer festival.  Of the festivals in Tibet, this is the one celebrated midway through the first lunar month.  Also, it is during this time when the icon of the maitreya from the jokhang is borne around the barkhor.  It is this icon actually that attracts people, pilgrims and locals alike.

Saga Dawa Festival

The Saga Dawa Festival is the holiest of the festivals in Tibet.  This is marked as the birth of Buddha and His enlightenment.  People who flock to the city during this event spend their time joining the circumambulations round the city.  Most families during this time also spend their afternoons on picnic at the foot of the Potala Palace, right at the dzongyab lukahng.

Shoton Festival

Tibet is rich in opera festivals.  One of the greatest festivals in Tibet that has something to do with opera is the Shoton Festival which is celebrated in the month of August.  In this festival, opera contests and distribution of prizes are held for about a week.

Ganden Festival

The Ganden Festival is basically an exhibit featuring the 25 precious articles of the Ganden monastery.  These articles are locked in their treasure house and are displayed only in the main shrine hall on the 15th day of the 6th Tibetan month.  The display is usually accompanied by a grand offering ceremony.

Harvest Festival

Held on September, the Harvest Festival is one of the most well-known festivals in Tibet. During this time, the farmers in Lhasa, gyantse and shangnan commemorate their bumeer harvest, and it is also during this event when people spend their time enjoying the horse racing games, songs and dance archery, picnic, costume fashion shows, and a lot more.  Of all the festivals in Tibet, this is one of the merriest.

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A beautiful island nation nestled in the South Pacific, Fiji consist of over three-hundred coral and volcanic islands.  Who would have thought that this amazing island today, was cautiously evaded by mariners during the sailing ships time, when it was called The Cannibal Isles and feared for its treacherous waters and fierce warriors.  Currently, the tropical climate of Fiji, along with its stunning natural beauty and location on air routes through the Pacific, has made it a major tourist destination.

On the other hand, a coup in 1987 by native Fijians, and again in 2000, has bought vast damage to Fiji’s tourism industry, as well as its reputation internationally.  Resentment persists over the coup in 2000, with harsh divisions over a bill proposed to give amnesties to those who were involve.

More recently, on December 5, 2006, a military coup occurred and the country is now under the authority of the army, headed by Commodore Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama.  The country has declared state of emergency and it has been suspended from the Commonwealth; travelers to the country are advised to take extra caution and any huge gatherings or demonstrations should be stayed away from.

Nevertheless, despite the existing political problems of its country, some travelers just can’t seem to resist the magnificent beauty of its islands, bordered with eye-catching coral reefs and cradled by warm sapphire waters, making it perfect for snorkeling and diving aficionados.  Its miles of splendid white sandy beaches, seem to be the blissful escape of those seeking the calmness and attractiveness of nature.

The population of the island, which resides mainly on two major islands of Vanua Levu and Viti Levu, is split nearly equally between Indo-Fijians and native Fijians, the offspring of indentured workers from India; mixing among the two groups is least, and unofficial separation runs deep at nearly every society level.

Regardless of Fiji’s troubled past, Fijians are recognized as among the world’s friendliest people; known for not being judgmental and seldom express negative attitudes.  Most importantly, traditions still prevail in the majority of villages, particularly those far from urban and town centers.  Finally, the island takes pride in its unbelievable “six-meter” wave called the Cloud Breaker, found on the offshore of Tavarua, a spot that still attracts surfers from all over the globe.

Fiji can be an enchanting place to be for travelers, where its true charm sits in the heart of it fascinating blend of diverse cultures.

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So you’re a musically inclined person.  Visiting Budapest this holiday season?  I bet you’d like to know where exactly in the city you can catch the best Budapest music.  Well, don’t worry.  The best Budapest music can be heard in almost every corner of the city, particularly during the city’s music festivals or even at some of Budapest music hubs.

Here are some of the best options you can consider to hear and enjoy the best musical productions in Budapest:

Sziget Festival

Held yearly in Budapest’s shipyard from the 8th to the 15th of August, the Sziget Festival is basically the best way to catch one of the great Budapest music.  This event is considered throughout Hungary as the biggest and most celebrated music festivals in the country.  Its first production happened way back in 1993 when about 43,000 came out to participate and enjoy.  It features the best musical bands and DJs in the country, while other performances such as theater and kid’s events are also presented.

A38 Boat

The A38 Boat is originally one of the stone carriers that serve the area of Budapest.  Today, it is known throughout the city as one of the best hubs to catch a unique Budapest music.  The boat is moored on the side of the Danube River in Buda and is now floating like a cultural haven.  It is where some of the city’s best bands are playing, often participated by the best DJs and celebrities from the international music industry.  The good thing about this hub is that there is a restaurant on the top of its deck, as well as a great bar down on its engine room where you can enjoy a good drink.  This Budapest music hub is open everyday, except Sundays.

Trocadero

Got a taste for Latin music?  If so, the Trocadero can be your best place.  According to several claims, the Trocadero is the only place in the city where a Latin music is often presented.  The Latin music is played all night and every night.  There is also a live salsa, as well as a live meringue night almost every weekend.  The Trocadero now offers a variation in the quality of their DJs, but mostly, you can catch a satisfying up tempo moment at this Budapest music hub.  And, with its salsa nights, Trocadero is one of the perfect places to go to practice your Latin-style moves.

There are a lot more bars, clubs, and events out there in Budapest that can give you the best of Budapest music.  If you want to make a good start, then consider one or all of the above mentioned places or events.