Does the country have a national emblem, like an animal, plant, slogan, or national hero? What about your city? town? region? Do any of these have nicknames, like The Buckeye State, the Windy City?
Learn the national anthem. Find out who wrote it, when it is sung, and how one should stand when it is sung. How universally is it known and recognized?
Is there a national flower? animal? bird? tree? sport? dress? What about food or drink? Are any of these recognized on a local level?
What is your area famous for? a beverage? a particular food? climate? a natural scene or occurrence? a festival?
]]>What administrative buildings are present? Are they all in one general location, or scattered around the city? Are there other buildings which are considered national buildings, as museums, monuments, parks, mausoleums?
Obtain a map of the city and highlight the various buildings.
Are tours available to see the capitol building? If so, take one, and note seating arrangements, color schemes, pictures hung or painted on the walls, any other decorations. Do the pictures depict national heroes, war victories, ethnic groups, or anything else that would give a clue as to what is considered important in the culture and history of the nation? Is there a balcony or other area where observers can come and watch proceedings? Is this only open for citizens, or can foreigners also watch?
]]>Are there water sources in your immediate area, like a stream, a river, a lake? What are the local names for these? Look at a map, or draw your own, and name each of the rivers and lakes throughout the country. Are these navigable? If so, for what purpose? Did any of these figure in historical events? How are rivers and streams crossed? Are they considered boundaries between ethnic groups? Is a river the border of another country? Is the “other side” enemy territory? What economic value does the water source have for the community? for the country?
Are there legends or folk tales associated with any of these topographical features? Find out about those that are commonly known in your area. Are these areas regarded with fear or are they considered mysterious? Are there stories of origin associated with them?
]]>How important is genealogy? How far into the past can anyone go with his personal history?
What are considered the main events in the history of the nation, or of your local group?
Find out the heroes involved and their exploits. When did the country become a nation? What were the circumstances concerning that event?
What historical sites can tourists visit? Where are they and what do they commemorate? Are they visited often, or just on certain significant dates? Who visits them—foreigners? local people? Are any of the sites of international importance? Explain. If possible, visit one and talk about what you observed about the site itself and what the people who were present did while there.
How many languages are spoken in your area? in the entire country? Which ones are of importance in communicating on international or national levels?
]]>Ask about the history of each place of worship.
Are there restrictions as to who can enter?
Choose two centers—the one in which you are worshiping, and one of another faith—and compare them as to:
How often do your local friends and their families go for worship or for meetings?