February 2008
February 26, 2008
Although Japan's economy is recovering, there are several elements in the world economy that remain unclear, which make the foundation for the Japanese economy unstable. First, the social security system of Japan should be reformed. Until now, each element of the system - pensions, medical care, and nursing care - has been reformed separately. Recently, however, the squeeze on benefits and the increased burden of payments have required repeated spur-of-the-moment adjustments.
Continue reading "Economic situation of Japan"
After weeks of rain President Rafael Correa has declared Ecuador in a state of emergency. A third of the population has been affected by the floods. According to the United Nations, 125.000 people need immediate help because 50% of the country is flooded.
Continue reading "Volcanoes and Rain are flooding the Economy of Ecuador "
The Romanian economy is characterized by high growth, low unemployment, and declining inflation. In the last 5 years Romania consolidated its macroeconomic stability. Its GDP growth rate in real terms was 6.1% in 2007, one of the highest in Europe and it's expected to continue to grow at a steady pace of around 6% a year.
Continue reading "The economic situation of Romania"
The Czech economy has followed the trend of a majority of central and eastern European countries and grown rapidly in the recent years. The Czechs are enjoying standards of living never experienced before.
Continue reading "Czech economy "
According to the latest development report published by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Sweden is the 9th most prosperous developed nation. The annual table showing countries’ national output adjusted for the purchasing power of their currencies, published by the OECD, placed Sweden as number nine.
Continue reading " Sweden's Economy"
The institutional and legal frameworks for the capitalist model of economy were introduced in Poland during the first couple of years of her political end economic transformation in 1990s
Continue reading "General outlook on Polish economy "
...and the 5th fastest growing producer of wind energy in the world
In addition to what I wrote about the Polish economy last time, I would like to share with you some of the conclusions from two reports published by the European Commission and the World Wind Energy Association, that indicate the dynamism of development of Poland.
Continue reading "Poland - the 5th fastest growing economy in the EU..."
Just two decades ago, Bulgaria’s politicians praised it as the Soviet Union’s closest ally and American commentators condemned it as a slavish communist satellite. Now, the Cold War era of poisoned umbrella assassinations is over and pragmatism is the common denominator of foreign policy. Bulgaria, a transitioning country, places its faith in a trinity of alliances, in order to secure the country’s energy, defense, and socio-economic needs.
Continue reading "Bulgaria's Trinity of Alliances"
February 14, 2008
The traditional day when Romanian celebrates love is February 24th and the holiday is called Dragobete. Dragobete is the name of a folklore character that is identified with Cupid.
In Romania, this day is known as "the day when the birds are getting engaged" and it is considered the first day of spring.
Continue reading "Valentine's Day in Romania"
Valentine's Day is definitely one that has become more celebrated in Ecuador. I've celebrated it since childhood as a day dedicated to friendship and love. I remember things like women selling beautiful roses for$0.50 each during my elementary school years.
Continue reading "Dia de San Valentin "
Valentine's Day as a social phenomenon has become possible since the 1990s when Poland shifted into a democratic country. Beside Halloween, it is perceived as another foreign, still more commercial than meaningful, holiday that slowly has been incorporated into Polish culture.
Continue reading "Valentine's Day vs. Women's Day in Poland "
Sweden has adopted the American tradition of Valentine’s Day and the procedures are very much the same; sending cards, chocolate or flowers to your loved one. If chocolate on the 14th is a new tradition in Sweden, an older tradition to keep fat, warm and happy in the Swedish February climate is the Fettisdagen.
Continue reading "The Fatty Tuesday"
Rising India: is this how we know India -- a country with millions of occasions to celebrate? There is more festivals than the number of days in calendar. Now the question is, why do we care for just one festival -- St. Valentine's Day -- that isn't even our own, more than for the others? Every festival has a purpose and its effects just like the St. Valentine's Day. Where exactly does the Valentine's day fit in the Indian culture?
Continue reading "An Indian Valentine's Day"
The Saint Valentine Day’s traditions in the Czech Republic are nearly identical with those celebrated in the States or in other parts of western Europe. However, there are some differences. Read about the history of Valentine’s Day in my country and the typical Valentine Day’s gifts.
Continue reading "Czech Valentine"
Do you have any plans for Valentine's Day? Is there a special way of spending this time in your culture? In Japan, it is only women who give presents (mainly chocolates) to men. Japanese women are usually too shy to express their love. (Though it might not be true nowadays.) Therefore, Valentine's Day was thought to be a great opportunity to let women express their feelings.
Continue reading "Valentine's Day in Japan"
Vietnamese celebrate Valentine's Day pretty much just like Americans: cholocates, roses ...and all the boring stuff :)
So I decided not to bore you guys with another "How we celebrate Valentine's Day in Vietnam" post.
Continue reading "A Viet Love Story 4 Valentine's Day"
