Detailed Country Profiles Flashcards
Afghanistan 🇦🇫
- Capital City: Kabul
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Language and Population:
- Official Languages: Pashto, Dari (Persian).
- Population: ~41 million (2023 estimate).
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Type of Government:
- De facto theocracy under the Taliban (Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan); internationally unrecognized. Previously an Islamic Republic.
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Brief Outline of History / Important Moments:
- 19th Century: Buffer state in the “Great Game” between British and Russian empires.
- 1979–1989: Soviet invasion and occupation; resistance by Mujahideen forces.
- 1996–2001: Taliban rule characterized by extreme Islamic law.
- 2001–2021: U.S.-led invasion post-9/11 toppled the Taliban, establishing a fragile democracy.
- 2021: U.S. and NATO forces withdrew; the Taliban retook power.
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Brief Economic History:
- Historically dependent on agriculture (especially opium).
- Foreign aid heavily financed the country during the U.S.-backed era.
- Economic collapse following the Taliban’s return due to sanctions and frozen assets.
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Recent Political Shifts / News:
- Taliban re-imposed strict Islamic laws, including restrictions on women’s education and work.
- International aid and recognition efforts remain minimal, isolating the government.
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Current Economic State:
- Economy in crisis, with soaring poverty and unemployment.
- The opium trade remains a key part of the informal economy.
- Aid organizations provide essential humanitarian relief.
Politics
Economy
Argentina 🇦🇷
- Capital City: Buenos Aires
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Language and Population:
- Official Language: Spanish.
- Population: ~46 million (2023 estimate).
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Type of Government:
- Federal presidential constitutional republic.
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Brief Outline of History / Important Moments:
- 1816: Gained independence from Spain.
- 1946–1955: Perón era, marked by populism and social reform.
- 1976–1983: Military dictatorship; “Dirty War” led to thousands of disappearances.
- 1983: Return to democracy.
- Economic crises have shaped modern politics, particularly hyperinflation in the late 1980s and the 2001 debt default.
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Brief Economic History:
- Once one of the world’s wealthiest nations in the early 20th century.
- Cycles of boom and bust, with reliance on agriculture (especially beef and soy).
- Chronic issues with inflation and foreign debt.
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Recent Political Shifts / News:
- 2023: Javier Milei, a libertarian economist, won the presidency, promising drastic economic reforms such as dollarization and cutting public spending.
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Current Economic State:
- Struggling with inflation exceeding 100% annually.
- Currency devaluation and high poverty rates plague the economy.
- Potential reforms under Milei may include dollarizing the economy to stabilize inflation.
Politics
Economy
Australia 🇦🇺
- Capital City: Canberra
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Language and Population:
- Official Language: English.
- Population: ~26 million (2023 estimate).
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Type of Government:
- Federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy under King Charles III.
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Brief Outline of History / Important Moments:
- 1788: British colonization begins with penal settlements.
- 1901: Federation unites Australia into a Commonwealth.
- 1942: Shifted foreign policy focus to the U.S. after World War II.
- 1967: Landmark referendum granted full rights to Indigenous Australians.
- Ongoing debates over Indigenous recognition and environmental policies.
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Brief Economic History:
- Traditionally reliant on agriculture (wool, wheat).
- Modern economy is heavily based on mining exports (iron ore, coal, natural gas) to China and other nations.
- A developed economy with strong financial and service sectors.
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Recent Political Shifts / News:
- 2022: Anthony Albanese became Prime Minister, emphasizing climate action and Indigenous rights.
- 2023: The referendum for the Indigenous Voice to Parliament failed, sparking debates over reconciliation.
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Current Economic State:
- Solid economic growth, though dependent on resource exports.
- Concerns over housing affordability and cost of living increases.
- Renewable energy investments growing amid climate commitments.
Politics
Economy
Austria 🇦🇹
Capital City: Vienna
Language and Population:
- Official Language: German.
- Population: ~9 million (2023 estimate).
Type of Government:
- Federal parliamentary republic.
Politics
History:
- 19th Century: Dominant power in Central Europe under the Habsburg monarchy.
- 1918: Austro-Hungarian Empire dissolved after World War I.
- 1938: Annexed by Nazi Germany (Anschluss).
- 1955: Declared neutrality after Allied occupation post-World War II.
- Became a prosperous, neutral country within the EU post-1995.
Recent:
- 2023: Rising concerns about inflation, immigration, and environmental policies.
- Politically stable but facing pressure from far-right parties due to migration issues.
Economy
History:
- Rebuilt rapidly after WWII with U.S. Marshall Plan aid.
- Diversified economy with strengths in manufacturing, tourism, and banking.
- Benefits from EU membership and trade relationships.
Current Economic State:
- Wealthy and stable economy with low unemployment.
- High inflation persists as a challenge, particularly in energy and housing.
- Green initiatives are shaping future policies, including energy transition goals.
Canada 🇨🇦
Politics
Economy
China 🇨🇳
Politics
Economy
France 🇫🇷
Politics
Economy
Germany 🇩🇪
Politics
Economy
India 🇮🇳
Politics
Economy
Iran 🇮🇷
Politics
Economy
Iraq 🇮🇶
Politics
Economy
Ireland 🇮🇪
Politics
Economy
Israel 🇮🇱
Politics
Economy
Italy 🇮🇹
Politics
Economy
