FlagAndMap Weblog

What’s going on with our latest t-shirt designs? … they might drive you dotty! Take a look at the examples below. The images begin as just a few enlarged dots, which gradually multiply as the resoluton increases, until you get … a map of whichever US state you choose. Underneath is a ‘. . .’ followed by the name of the state. We think that text sounds good but it’s editable, so if you prefer a personalized slogan just go ahead and type it in before checkout. This apparel is available through our Famusa online store.

Q: What is noteworthy about the lyrics to Spain’s national anthem, “La Marcha Real”?

find the answer on our Trivia Page – there’s no prize; it’s just a bit of fun; something to stimulate your geographic imagination.

Several countries have interesting names for their national days but one of our favorites is that of Taiwan – Double Ten Day – which occurs (surprise!) on October 10. Get ready for festivities in October with Croatians, Germans, Nigerians, Ugandans and many more on the dates listed below.

Oct 1: Independence Day in Cyprus, Nigeria, Palau and Tuvalu; National Day in China
Oct 2: Independence Day in Guinea-Conakry
Oct 3: Independence Day in Iraq; Unity Day in Germany
Oct 4: Independence Day in Lesotho
Oct 8: Independence Day in Croatia
Oct 9: Independence Day in Uganda
Oct 10: Double Ten Day in Taiwan; Fiji Day in Fiji; Independence Day in Cuba
Oct 12: Independence Day in Equatorial Guinea; National Day in Spain
Oct 15: Eid al-Adha celebrated by Islamic communities
Oct 19: Constitution Day in Nuie
Oct 23: Liberation Day in Libya
Oct 24: Independence Day in Zambia
Oct 26: National Day in Austria
Oct 27: Independence Day in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Turkmenistan
Oct 28: Independence Day in Czechia
Oct 29: Republic Day in Turkey

Q: On September 16, Mexicans celebrate the ‘Grito de Dolores’ (Cry of Dolores), which in 1810 called for their independence from Spain – who uttered the call?

find the answer on our Trivia Page – there’s no prize; it’s just a bit of fun; something to stimulate your geographic imagination.

By September, as year end in the western calendar approaches, a new year is about to be celebrated in Jewish communities (from September 4). Perhaps the end of summer is indeed a good opportunity to start afresh and renew those global connections that may have been neglected all year. Contacts from countries listed below may well appreciate a timely greeting on their national day.

Sep 1: Constitution Day in Slovakia; Independence Day in Uzbekistan
Sep 2: Independence Day in Vietnam
Sep 4: Rosh Hashana celebrated by Jewish communities
Sep 6: Independence Day in Swaziland
Sep 7: Independence Day in Brazil
Sep 8: Independence Day in Macedonia; Our Lady of Meritxell Day in Andorra
Sep 9: Independence Day in North Korea and Tajikistan
Sep 15: Independence Day in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua
Sep 16: Grito de Dolores (Independence Day) in Mexico; Independence Day in Papua New Guinea
Sep 18: National Day in Chile
Sep 19: Independence Day in Saint Kitts and Nevis
Sep 21: Independence Day in Armenia, Belize and Malta
Sep 22: Independence Day in Bulgaria and Mali
Sep 23: National Day in Saudi Arabia
Sep 24: Independence Day in Guinea-Bissau
Sep 30: Independence Day in Botswana

Q: This is the westernmost of the six continental African countries traversed by the equator – what is its name?

find the answer on our Trivia Page – there’s no prize; it’s just a bit of fun; something to stimulate your geographic imagination.

August has numerous national holidays around the world (see below) but is also designated a ‘holiday month’ in many European countries. If you’re lucky enough to be lounging in the sun this August share the warmth with any expat friends who might be celebrating on one of the dates listed below.

Aug 1: Independence Day in Benin; National Day in Switzerland
Aug 3: Independence Day in Niger
Aug 5: Independence Day in Burkina Faso
Aug 6: Independence Day in Bolivia and Jamaica
Aug 7: Independence Day in Cote d’Ivoire
Aug 8: Eid al-Fitr celebrated by Islamic communities
Aug 9: National Day in Singapore
Aug 10: Independence Day in Ecuador
Aug 11: Independence Day in Chad
Aug 13: Independence Day in Centrafrique
Aug 14: Independence Day in Pakistan
Aug 15: Independence Day in Congo-Brazzaville and India; Liberation Day in South Korea; National Day in Liechtenstein
Aug 16: Restoration Day in the Dominican Republic
Aug 17: Independence Day in Gabon and Indonesia
Aug 19: Independence Day in Afghanistan
Aug 20: St. Stephen’s Day in Hungary
Aug 24: Independence Day in Ukraine
Aug 25: Independence Day in Uruguay
Aug 27: Independence Day in Moldova
Aug 29: National Uprising Day in Slovakia
Aug 30: Constitution Day in the Turks and Caicos Islands
Aug 31: Hari Merdeka in Malaysia; Independence Day in Kyrgyzstan and Trinidad and Tobago

Q: Only two signers of the US Declaration of Independence went on to become US Presidents; coincidentally they both died on July 4, 1826 – who were they?

find the answer on our Trivia Page – there’s no prize; it’s just a bit of fun; something to stimulate your geographic imagination.

Much of North America that is. Canada Day is on July 1 while the USA celebrates its independence on July 4 and even the Bahamas have their independence day on Jul 10. So if you know people in or from North America, July would be a good month to party with them. Additionally, as listed below, several other nations enjoy special occasions in July – timely opportunities to keep in touch with friends from those countries with a FlagAndMap postcard.

Jul 1: Canada Day in Canada; Independence Day in Burundi and Rwanda; National Day in the British Virgin Islands
Jul 3: Independence Day in Belarus
Jul 4: Independence Day in the United States
Jul 5: Independence Day in Algeria, Cape Verde and Venezuela
Jul 6: Independence Day in the Comoros and Malawi
Jul 7: Independence Day in the Solomon Islands
Jul 9: Ramadan observed by Islamic communities; Independence Day in Argentina
Jul 10: Independence Day in the Bahamas
Jul 11: Naadam Holiday begins in Mongolia
Jul 12: Independence Day in Kiribati and Sao Tome and Principe
Jul 14: Bastille Day in France
Jul 20: Independence Day in Colombia
Jul 21: Independence Day in Belgium; Liberation Day in Guam
Jul 23: Revolution Day in Egypt
Jul 25: Constitution Day in Puerto Rico
Jul 26: Independence Day in Liberia
Jul 28: Independence Day in Peru
Jul 30: Independence Day in Vanuatu

FlagAndMap designs are used to create distinctive products that are available through a number of print on demand manufacturers. One such outlet is Spreadshirt whose platform mainly offers apparel such as t-shirts and sweatshirts. We have recently revamped the FlagAndMap store at Spreadshirt to include a refreshed selection of t-shirts and sweatshirts. Design examples are shown below, including designs with editable text that can easily be altered to a message of your choice. Designs are available for every nation, from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, China to the Pitcairn Islands, so no matter which part of the world interests you there’s sure to be a suitable product available in the store.