How do Countries Compare?
Did you know that there are nearly 200 recognized countries, each offering a unique blend of landscapes, cultures, and histories? However, the diversity isn’t limited to just geographical features; educational systems and curricula also vary from one country to another. In the ESCAPE Projects, we have examined the curricula of11 countries to compare similarities and differences. To learn more about each country’s educational system, you can check out our interactive map below, where under each icon listed, there is a description of that country’s curriculum. Happy exploring!
The Etheopian Calendar
Ethiopia has its own distinctive calendar called the ‘Ge’ez Calendar.’ It is based on the ancient Coptic Calendar, with a unique system of timekeeping. Below are some fun facts:
Different Year Count & 13-Month Year
One of the most distinctive features of the Ethiopian calendar is its 13-month year. While the Gregorian calendar, widely used globally, has 12 months, the Ethiopian calendar adds an extra month. Each month consists of 30 days, with a final month having 5 or 6 days, depending on whether it is a leap year. The Ethiopian calendar has a leap year every four years. In a leap year, the additional month of ‘Pagumē’ has 6 days. The Ethiopian calendar follows a unique year count system. It is roughly 7-8 years behind the Gregorian calendar. For instance, Ethiopia celebrated the start of its millennium at midnight on September 12, 2007. The year 2023 in the Gregorian calendar would be around 2015 or 2016 in the Ethiopian calendar!
Earth’s Freshwater
- Approximately 97.5% of the Earth’s water is found in the oceans and seas, and it’s too salty for most human uses, including drinking and irrigation.
- Only about 2.5% of the Earth’s water is freshwater. However, the majority of this freshwater is locked in ice caps, glaciers, and polar ice, making it inaccessible for immediate use. Less than 1% of the world’s freshwater is readily available in lakes, rivers, and underground aquifers.