Rainbow Nations & Civil Wars
A quote from Nelson Mandela “It always seems impossible until it is done” on a letter board that is in front of a dandelion-knit blanket.
Editor’s note: This post will continue to evolve as I do.
Welcome readers, and fellow wander seekers. This chapter of our Around the World series carries a different kind of weight. It’s one that asks us not just to admire the beauty of a place, but to understand the stories that shape it.
“Rainbow Nations & Civil Wars” isn’t about perfect postcards or easy journeys. It’s about contrasts of unity and division, peace and pain, hope and rebuilding. From South Africa’s resilience and color to the unspoken strength of Sudan and South Sudan, and the island calm of Seychelles, we’re stepping into a region that has endured much, and still stands tall.
So, take a deep breath, open your heart, and travel with empathy as this post in an invitation, not just to learn, but to listen. To see beyond the headlines and join me in exploring Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, and Sudan. Places where resilience shines as bright as the rainbow after the storm.
Let’s take off and start exploring these six nations that remind us what it means to rebuild, to rise, and to keep reaching for the rainbow.
Hand drawn flag of Seychelles
SEYCHELLES
Official name: The Republic of Seychelles
Pronunciation: say-shelz
Capital: Victoria
Official language: French, English, and Seychellois Creole
Location: Off the Eastern coast in the Southern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Near Madagascar
Climate: Tropical oceanic
Most known for: Pristine white sand beaches and clear turquoise waters
Fun fact: Home to the oldest giant tortoise named Jonathan who is over 190 years old
Recent news article: Former Speaker Herminie wins Seychelles presidential election
My knowledge: Only familiar with the country name and location.
Hand drawn flag of Sierra Leone
SIERRA LEONE
Official name: Republic of Sierra Leone
Pronunciation: see-eh-ruh lee-own
Capital: Freetown
Official language: English
Location: In West Africa in Northern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Guinea and Liberia
Climate: Tropical
Most known for: For its rich diamond deposits
Fun fact: Only country in the world whose national animal is a chimpanzee
Recent news article: WHO donation strengthens Sierra Leone’s health system with essential supplies and equipment
My knowledge: While I am familiar with the country name, I learned about Sierra Leone from blood diamond. aka diamonds that fund wars. I don’t think it is as much of an issue anymore but it is one of the reasons I’m okay with not having a diamond ring
Hand drawn flag of Somalia
SOMALIA
Official name: Federal Republic of Somalia
Pronunciation: sow-maa-lee-uh
Capital: Mogadishu
Official language: Somali and Arabic
Location: In Northeast Africa (part of MENA) located in the Northern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Kenya, Ethiopia, and Djibouti
Climate: Aria and semi-arid
Most known for: Cultural traditions like oral poetry. Here is a video from PBS where it explains Somalia: A Nation of Poets, click here.
Fun fact: As a natural left-hander, I would need to switch hands to eat in Somalia. Did you know eating with your left hand in Somalia is considered unclean? Yeah, I just learned that too. To learn more about Somali culture, you can check out this Cultural Atlas on Somalia Culture piece, which you can read here. You might learn even more interesting bits.
Recent news article: Somalia’s internet users soar to 10.7 million as Starlink and digital strategy fuel expansion
My knowledge: I’m not very familiar with Somalia
Hand drawn flag of South Africa
SOUTH AFRICA
Official name: Republic of South Africa (RSA)
Pronunciation: sowth-a-fruh-kuh
Capital: Pretoria is the administrative capital, Cape Town is the legislative capital, and Bloemfontein is the judicial capital
Official language: Afrikaans, Zulu, Tsonga, English, Southern Sotho, Swati, Venda, Northern Sotho, South African Sign, Xhosa, Tswana, Ndebele
Location: In South Africa in the Southern hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini, and Lesotho
Climate: Diverse
Most known for: Its diverse culture. Considered to be a melting pot of many cultures, languages, and traditions
Fun fact: First human-to-human heart transplant was performed in South Africa in 1967
Recent news article: Using social media savvy to help South Africa’s seabirds
My knowledge: I know of South Africa because I’ve seen videos/reels of people dining while also simultaneously feeding giraffes. I’m also familiar with Cape Town, more or less. I would say that I know the social/activity scene more than the history of the country.
Hand drawn flag of South Sudan
SOUTH SUDAN
Official name: The Republic of South Sudan
Pronunciation: sowth-soo-dan
Capital: Juba
Official language: English
Location: Within East Africa closer to the equator but still in the Northern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Central African Republic, Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, and Democratic Republic of Congo
Climate: Tropical
Most known for: Being the World’s youngest country. It gained independence from Sudan on July 9th, 2011.
Fun fact: Home to the largest animal migration on Earth known as the Great Nile Migration. Unfortunately, due to poor infrastructure tourists aren’t able to witness but it’s estimated that 6 million animals, such as antelope and gazelle move across the Boma National Park (African Parks, Great Nile Migration).
Recent news article: South Sudan: Civil War Risks Resuming on a Large Scale
My knowledge: I’m unfamiliar with South Sudan.
Hand drawn flag of Sudan
SUDAN
Official name: The Republic of Sudan
Pronunciation: soo-dan
Capital: Khartoum
Official language: Arabic and English
Location: In Northern Africa (part of MENA) in the Northern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Chad, Libya, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Central African Republic
Climate: Hot & seasonal
Most known for: Ancient Nubian history for its pyramids at Mereo and Kingdom of Kush. Click here to read the UNESCO World Heritage Convention Archaeological Sites of the Island of Mereo.
Fun fact: Has more pyramids than Egypt
Recent news article: Sudan’s displaced are in homes, not just camps and aid keeps missing them
My knowledge: I’m also not familiar with Sudan
From South Africa’s fight to unity to the enduring hope of Sudan and South Sudan, and the quiet island strength of Seychelles, this chapter reminds us that a nation’s story is never one thing. It’s complex with a blend of history, hurt, healing, and hope.
If there’s one thing this journey has shown me, it’s that travel isn’t always about finding beauty. Sometimes it’s about understanding the resilience behind it. Every country, no matter its past, has people who keep building, creating, and believing in brighter days.
As we close this part of our Around the World Series, I’d love to hear your thoughts if you have lived in, visited, or learned from any of these countries: Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, or Sudan? Share your stories below as they help us all see the world a little clearer.
Stay tuned for our next destination, and keep exploring not just the world, but the perspectives that shape it. Also, tomorrow will be the second giveaway, so be on the lookout!
As a signature of my blog, I’d like to end this post with a suggestion to “Pass on kindness.” There’s no time like the present to Inspire Those Who Inspire You. Acts of kindness, no matter how big or small, can have a direct, positive impact on someone else. Go out there today and change someone’s life for the better!
***These are my personal opinions and may not be those of my employer.***
