Ethnicity
State Type
Sweden
Sweden is an elongated nation state. Sweden contains a few ethnicities, however they are all from similar decent and a large majority of the country speaks the same language. It is a sovereign state. Also, many countries have issues with communication when the state shape is elongated, but that is not a problem for Sweden. It is located along the Baltic Sea, so there are few issues with getting access to resources. Sweden does not fight with its neighboring countries, and was actually ranked number 9 among the most peaceful countries by the Global Peace index this year. |
The Democratic Republic of Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo is a multi-ethnic landlocked state. The state is home to over 200 Bantu tribes, some of the largest being Mongo, Luba, Kongo, and Mangbetu-Azande. These four ethnicities make up 45% of the population the other 55% are smaller tribes. Because the DRC is primarily landlocked in the center of Africa, it has a very limited access to resources. To acquire these resources the state must keep peace with its non-landlocked neighbors in hopes of trading. This is very difficult because there are so many different ethnicities there is a greater chance one could clash with a neighboring state ruining the DRC’s chance of trade. |
Demonym
Swedish or Swede
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Congolese
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National Anthem
Sweden’s national anthem, differing from the royal anthem, was written in 1844. The lyrics were set to a Swedish folk tune and were written when a “pan-Scandinavian” movement was strong. This explains why it is a “song to the north,” as opposed to being for all of Sweden. Other additional verses were written which are more patriotic to the whole state but they never gained popularity. This song has never been ‘officially’ named the national anthem, but is considered by all most all citizens to be it.
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Swedish national anthem (English)
1. Thou ancient, thou free and mountainous North Thou quiet, thou joyful beauty! I greet thee, most beautiful land upon earth, Thy sun, Thy sky and meadows green. Thy sun, Thy sky and meadows green. 2. Thou rest upon memories of great olden days, When honored thy name flew across the world, I know that thou art and will be as thou were, Yes, I want to live I want to die in the North Yes, I want to live I want to die in the North |
1. Du gamla, Du fria, Du fjällhöga nord
Du tysta, Du glädjerika sköna! Jag hälsar Dig, vänaste land uppå jord, Din sol, Din himmel, Dina ängder gröna. Din sol, Din himmel, Dina ängder gröna. 2. Du tronar på minnen från fornstora dar, då ärat Ditt namn flög över jorden. Jag vet att Du är och Du blir vad du var. Ja, jag vill leva jag vill dö i Norden. Ja, jag vill leva jag vill dö i Norden. |
The Democratic Republic of Congo adopted their anthem when gaining independence in 1960. The country wanted to differentiate itself from its neighbors with its name, Congo. The DRC kept its name Congo or Kinshasa until the name and symbols of the country were changed, including the national anthem. Eventually in 1997 the national symbols including the name and anthem were restored. The current national anthem is called “Arise Congolese” or in French, “Debout Congolaise.”
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National Anthem (English)
CHOIR: Arise, Congolese, united by fate, United in the struggle for independence, Let us hold up our heads, so long bowed, And now, for good, let us keep moving boldly ahead, in peace. Oh, ardent people, by hard work we shall build, In peace, a country more beautiful than before. VERSE: Countrymen, sing the sacred hymn of your solidarity, Proudly salute the golden emblem of your sovereignty, Congo. REFRAIN: Blessed gift Congo of our forefathers Congo, Oh country Congo that we love Congo, We shall people your soil and ensure your greatness. 30th June Oh gentle sun 30th June of 30th June, Sacred day Be witness sacred day of the immortal oath of freedom That we hand on to our children for ever. |
National Anthem (French)
CHOIR: Debout Congolais, Unis par le sort, Unis dans l’effort pour l’indépendance, Dressons nos fronts longtemps courbés Et pour de bon prenons le plus bel élan, dans la paix, O peuple ardent, par le labeur, nous bâtirons un pays plus beau qu’avant, dans la paix. VERSE: Citoyens, entonnez l’hymne sacré de votre solidarité, Fièrement, saluez l’emblème d’or de votre souveraineté, Congo. REFRAIN: Don béni, Congo des aïeux Congo, O pays Congo bien aimé Congo, Nous peuplerons ton sol et nous assurerons ta grandeur. Trente juin O doux soleil trente juin du trente juin, Jour sacré Sois le témoin jour sacré de l’immortel serment de liberté Que nous léguons à notre postérité pour toujours. |
Flag
Sweden’s flag is two different colors, blue and yellow. It was adopted in 1906 but is rumored the design has been around since the 1500s. The colors come from the Swedish national arms, and the design is based off of the Danish flag. The Scandinavian cross represents Christianity, the number one religion in the state. Flag day is widely celebrated each year on June 6.
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The
Democratic Republic of Congo’s flag is 3 different colors, and two different
symbols. It has a light, sky blue background with a red stripe running across.
In the upper left hand corner there is a gold star. These colors were not
chosen by random, but they have a meaning. The Red coloring stands for the
people’s blood. The yellow represents prosperity, and blue for hope. The star
is supposed to be a symbol for unity.
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