Norway
Vs.
Puerto Rico
Norway and Puerto Rico are two completely different countries, in so far as terrain, climate and native culture. Local phenomenon such as natural environment and climatic atmosphere has produced two very distinctive cultures. This is reflected in everything from regional cuisine and clothing styles to social events and the dictates of cultural norms. Moreover, the location of each country plays a very important role in its’ national cuisine and typical fashions.
In terms of terrain and climate, Norway is a small country, 300,000+ sq. km or about the same size as New Mexico, with over 50,000 small islands running along it’s coastline (CIA Factbook 1999). Located on the North Sea, it is just as close to the north pole as Greenland, Russia and the northern most islands of Canada. Norway is made up of glacier icecaps, rugged mountain terrain and many high rocky plateaus. Small fertile valleys are scattered far and few between the mostly arctic tundra. Needless to say, farming is especially rare in this part of the world. However, due to its location on the North and Norwegian seas, fishing is copious and one of Norway’s largest exports.
Puerto Rico on the other hand, is an even smaller island of 9,000+ sq. km or about one-thirtieth the size of Norway. Located on the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, Puerto Rico has a tropical marine climate, little seasonal temperature variation and always lots of sunshine. Because of its location, nearer to the equator than Norway, the island reaps the benefits of an annual average temperature of a whopping 80 degrees (http://dominicaonline.com/puertorico/prchstry.html). With a huge coastal plain on the north side of the island, and moderate temperature changes year round, agricultural cultivation is bountiful. Sugarcane, bananas, pineapples, coffee and many other types of fruit are all major exports.
In terms of cuisine the abundance of fish in Norway’s cultural dishes is easily visible in any Norwegian home around the holidays. Norwegian’s have found numerous dishes to make from the effortless surplus of saltwater fish like Halibut, Mackerel, Coley and Cod. The cuisine also features many potato and stewed dishes like goulash and stroganoff. Thus, it is common to see at the table, food of mushy runny consistency, always lacking in color, usually a hue between dark gray and white and the overwhelmingly pungent odor of fish.
The abundance of vegetation on the island of Puerto Rico is obvious in the national cuisine.
In order to understand the current situation of Puerto Ricans one must look at their history and retrace the sequence of events that led to the current formation of the Puerto Rican people. An important component of this history is the time Puerto Rico spent under Spanish rule. Studying this portion of Puerto Rican history forces us to acknowledge the contribution the Spaniards, European immigrants, and African slaves had on Puerto Rican identity as we consider it today. This also addresses contemporary debates on Puerto Rican identity. An example of this is evident in an essay written by Jose Luis Gonzales entitled "Puerto Rico : Th Four Storied Country". In the article Gonzales points out what he feels is a disregard toward the African contribution to the Puerto Rican identity. He argues that the first Puerto Ricans were black , based on his interpretation that Africans were the first group to come to Puerto Rico and reproduce who did not have ties to a "motherland" because they were slaves. This is unlike the Spaniard elites and Criolles that demonstrated their commitment and loyalty to Spain. Since they had no other place to go, Puerto Rico was their motherland. Gonzalez also points out that the culture of a region is always the culture of the elite, not the popular culture.
A great deal of Puerto Ricans are concerned that becoming a U.S. state will cause them to lose their culture. In the past few years Puerto Rico has managed to become a contender in international competitions, where it competes as a sovereign nation. "Puerto Rico is not a nation-state, not an independent … country, but still it has its own history, language, territory, culture and autonomy, and perhaps more importantly, the awar...
Although Costa Rica did not have the prettiest water, it was still great for paddle-boarding. After getting away from the shore, the water was much clearer. It was actually a beautiful dark blue. This made for the best deep sea fishing. Another amazing thing to do in Costa Rica is a jungle tour. Whether it be by walking or ziplining, seeing all the different types of animals and plants was truly amazing. Unfortunately, Bonaire did not have the exotic jungles, but it did have many other interesting things to do. Because it is surrounded by the most gorgeous water, Bonaire is a scuba diver’s paradise. It is also a great place to snorkel. Below the water’s surface is a whole other world of beautiful sea creatures. Under water is the best place to be in Bonaire. Disappointingly, the landscape of Bonaire is not as marvelous as Costa Rica. Of course, any view with the turquoise water is exquisite, but the island itself is just a enormous desert. Driving around the island was one of the only things to do. The eastern coast is lined with rocks, which causes giant waves. Another thing that you will see on your drive around the island is the salt farms. Bonaire creates its own sea salt. The areas where the salt is made looks like enormous pink lakes. Although Bonaire did not have the most beautiful landscape like Costa Rica, it did have an amazing ocean
The intention of this essay is to demonstrate to a vision rational, concordant political leader to the Puerto Rican, American and worldwide reality. It responds to the necessity that to the statehood it is necessary to imagine it and to expose it with all the evidence available, since many Puerto Ricans, including many political leaders, do not know like defending it or exposing it before the peculiar ones or our adversaries.
The preparation and flavor of food in Mexico can vary significantly based on the region. The basis of most cuisine is rice, beans, meats, and vegetables served with either flour or corn tortillas. Dining is considered a time for socialization with varying mealtimes that can begin late into the evening. Depending on the people, their socioeconomic status can influence the availability and nutritional value of food in certain areas of Mexico. Due to geographical and climate limitations the Polish food choices are limited to potatoes, vegetables, meats and dairy products. All of which may be changed depending the growing season that can have a significant impact of food availability. The Polish American diet is frequently high in carbohydrates, sodium, and saturated fat (Purnell & Paulanka, 2008). This type of food preparation should be taken into consideration when interacting with individuals from this culture. The influence of the catholic religion impacts both the Mexican and Polish cultures...
Today I bring to your forefront of thought, the island of Hispaniola. This island is the namesake for the two countries who run the land, the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Both nations hail from a joint introduction into the world market and post-European colonization, but as time progressed, each one had a different outlook to the world stage. The present day Dominican Republic and Haiti are worlds apart on an island which keeps them together. Their culture is separated by the colonial residuals that lay imbedded into their communities. They are on different sides of the spectrum of structural growth due to the resulting outcomes from decades of political ruling and policy making. On one side we have the second independent state of the Americas,
Unlike the United States, in Puerto Rico the different races mixed and intermingled to create the moder...
The Island political status has been an issue over many years since Spanish-American War. Puerto Rico is a Commonwealth “Free Associated State of P.R” of the US. In fact, Puerto Rico became a US territory in 1898, when it was earned from Spain after the Spanish-American War. It gave Puerto Ricans the right
In certain areas of Atlantic maritime the soil is better for vegetation, it helps the farmers a lot in the Atlantic maritime region because there is a lot of
After the Spanish-American war, Spain granted the United States with full ownership of the island of Puerto Rico, which largely benefited the United States with profitable agricultural land, in the same way, Puerto Rican citizens were all benefited when they received U.S. citizenship, this granted them with greater opportunities that awaited them in the United States. However, despite their citizenship, Puerto Ricans are yet to have a vote in national U.S. elections. The ownership of the island has mostly benefited the United States as it is able to control the land, and impose tax and restrictions. Due to this, Puerto Rico transformed from a local economy, to one that is dominated by external U.S. companies. Because of many programs that have been implemented in order to stimulate economic development, the economy has progressed. However, one of the negative side effects left the population dealing with high income tax, as well as leading the economy further away from the local farmers and into the capitalist economy of the United States. It seems as if the relationship between the United States and Puerto Rico benefit the capitalist country and its economy but fails to befit much of the islands population as they are later faced with high income tax and high unemployment rates. Because of the high unemployment, the Puerto
Puerto Rico is the neighbor to the south of Florida. There is a growing population of Puerto Ricans in the United States. There is also a large United States interest in Puerto Rico. It is important to understand the culture of our neighbor should the United States wish to continue a positive relationship as well as globalization. Understanding the superstitions and the proper business etiquette in Puerto Rico can serve as a glimpse into the culture of the island.
Located in South America on the Pacific Coast lies a country named Peru, which offers one of the world’s greatest cuisines. The country of Peru is exquisitely diverse with geography containing the Andes Mountains and highlands, the tropical/Amazon Basin and the coast. All of which contribute significantly to the Peruvian cuisine. Peruvian cuisine is a unique blending of Andean and Spanish cultures over 500 years, mixed with Japanese, Chinese, African, Arab, and other influences (Cayo, 33). With the cuisine being a fusion of many different cultures, it retains unique elements of each and creates a distinct cuisine of its own making it unmatched in its diversity and individuality. The best part of Peruvian cuisine is the similarities in the cuisine over the last several hundreds of years.
As a republic, Puerto Rico has a government that exercises political control over its citizens. As with any republic, a social contract exists between government and citizens in which citizens give up certain freedoms in order to enjoy the protection and comforts that a functioning government can provide. As a U.S. territory, Puerto Rico shares our three branches of government: legislative, executive, and judicial. Focusing on the judicial branch, one must look at the criminal justice system, which consists of policing, courts and corrections.
Norway is made up of 118,834 square miles mainland, with much of its territory having vast, yet rugged, coastal borders with the North Sea, the North Atlantic Sea, and the Norwegian Sea. This is important when it comes to trade, given their Viking history as a seafaring nation.
Norway is one of the “three fingers” of Scandinavia, and is just larger than New Mexico. It covers 125,181 square miles. It is located in Northern Europe, bordering the North Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean. The coastline stretches 21,925 km. The population of Norway is 4.3 million and growing. The population is predominantly or Nordic (Scandinavian) decent. There is also a small minority (20,000) of native Sámis (Laplanders), who live mostly in the North. Many aspects of business and management in Norway are very similar to those of America including language and communication, power structures/politics, work ethics, food and eating habits, dress, and religious beliefs.