WASHINGTON, D.C. [“District of Columbia”]
CENTRE OF AMERICAN GOVERNMENT
All three branches of the
federal government, the executive, legislative, and judicial, reside in
Washington, D.C. The United States Congress (the legislative branch)
meets here in the Capitol building. Many of the city’s residents work
for the government.
The White House in Washington, D.C. has been home to every president except George Washington, whom the city is named after.
- World Bank; Estd. 1944 (IBRD: 188 Countries; IDA: 172 Countries)
- International Monetary Fund; Estd. 1945 (IMF: 188 Countries)
- Inter-American Development Bank; Estd. 1959 (IDB: 48 Countries)
NEW YORK CITY
The centre of U.S. commerce and business is New York City.
People living here have a
fast-paced lifestyle, and many travel by train or bus from the suburbs
to work in the towering high-rise office buildings of Manhattan. People
traveling by boat across the harbour pass the Statue of Liberty, a huge
monument that represents freedom and opportunity to Americans.
New York is also famous for New York Stock Exchange (NYSE)
Major International Institutions in New York include
- United Nations Organization; Estd. 1945 (198 Members, 2 Observers)
- United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF); Estd. 1946
- United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA); Estd. 1969
PARIS
Capital of France
The streets of Paris are
world famous. On the Left Bank rises the Eiffel Tower itself, an unclad
metal truss tower designed by Gustave Eiffel. Tourists flock to Paris to
visit its world-famous museums and art galleries, shop in its elegant
stores, and soak up its vibrant atmosphere. Montmartre, which overlooks
the city, is famous for its artists. Close by, in the Place du Tertre,
visitors can have their portraits painted.
Major International Institutions in Paris are
- United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO); Estd. 1946
GENEVA
In Switzerland
Geneva lies on the shores
of Lake Geneva, Europe’s largest Alpine lake. This orderly city is a
global centre for banking and finance. It is also a base for many
international organizations.
Major International Organizations includes
- World Health Organization (WHO); Estd. 1948
- World Trade Organization; Estd. 1995 (WTO: 160 Members)
- United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD); Estd. 1964
- World Meteorological Organisation; Estd. 1950
- International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC); Estd. 1919 (188 Members)
ROME
Capital of Italy
One of Rome’s greatest
sights is the Coliseum, which opened in 80 CE. Deadly Gladiatorial
combats and animal fights were staged here before crowds of up to 55,000
people.
Major International Organizations in Rome are
- Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO); Estd. 1945 (194 Countries + EU + 2 Associates)
LONDON
Capital of United Kingdom
The City of London is the
U.K.’s financial centre. Before the banking crash of 2008, more than
500 banks had offices there. Lloyd’s Insurance Building is one of the
city’s most distinctive skyscrapers. Built of steel and glass, it has
elevators on the outside.
Major Organizations in London are
- Commonwealth of Nations; Estd. 1949 (53 Countries)
- Amnesty International; Estd. 1961
- International Maritime Organisation; Estd. 1959 (IMO: 170 Countries)
THE HAGUE
A city in Netherland
As a result of the
international conferences (Hague Convention) held there in 1899 and
1907, The Hague became a permanent centre of international law.
Major International Organizations in The Hague are
- International Court Of Justice; Estd. 1945
JAKARTA
Largest City and Capital of Indonesia
In 1966, when the city
was declared a special capital district (daerahkhususibukota), it gained
a status approximately equivalent to that of a state or province. The
city has long been a major trade and financial centre. It has also
become an important industrial city and a centre for education.
Major International Organizations in Jakarta are
- Association of South East Nations; Estd. 1967 (ASEAN: 10 Members, 2 Observers)
MANILA
Capital of Philippines
The people of the
Philippines are called Filipinos and are mostly of Malay descent. It is
estimated that more than 40 percent of the population lives in poverty.
Because income is higher in the cities, many people move there in the
hope of escaping poverty. However, lack of adequate housing means that
many poorer families have to live in crowded slums.
International Organization in Manila
- Asian Development Bank; Estd. 1966 (ADB: 67 Countries)
SINGAPORE
Known variously as the “Lion City” or “Garden City,” also been called “instant Asia”
As the financial and
industrial centre of Southeast Asia, Singapore is one of the wealthiest
countries in this region. It has a thriving high-tech industry and a
high standard of living. There are strictly enforced laws forbidding
littering and other petty crimes. The death penalty is imposed for drug
smuggling. The government also controls the press and restricts the
Internet.
Major International Organizations in Singapore are
- Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation; Estd. 1989 (APEC: 21 Countries)
KATHMANDU
Capital of Nepal
The city has become the
country's most important business and commercial centre through the
efforts of its Newar merchant families. In the 1970s the construction of
new roads and the expansion of air service were centred upon Kathmandu,
making it the hub of the national transportation system, which for
centuries was limited to footpaths. Kathmandu Valley, noted for its vast
historic and cultural importance, was designated a UNESCO World
Heritage site in 1979.
International Organizations in Kathmandu
- South Asian Asso for Regional Co-operation; Estd. 1985 (SAARC: 8 Members, 9 Observers)
VIENNA
Capital of Austria
Vienna is a city of
baroque buildings, palaces, and famous concert halls. Grand balls with
traditional waltzes are still common. These are a reminder of when the
city was the centre of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, which controlled
large parts of east and central Europe.
International Organization in Vienna
- Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries; Estd. 1960 (OPEC: 12 Members)
- United Nations Industrial Development Organization; Estd. 1966 (UNIDO: 171 Members)
- International Atomic Energy Agency; Estd. 1957 (IAEA: 162 Members)
BRUSSELS
Capital of Belgium
Belgium is renowned for
its beautiful historic buildings and for its excellent food, especially
chocolates. Belgians have been making top-quality chocolates for more
than 100 years, and pralines, a type of filled chocolate, are a
speciality. Brussels even boasts a chocolate museum.
Major International Organizations in Brussels are
- European Council (EC); Estd. 1961
- National Atlantic Treaty Organization; Estd. 1949 (NATO: 28 Members)
- World Customs Organization; Estd. 1952 (WCO: 179 Members + EU)
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