The Lovely Planet has enormous human population full of biological variations and races. These variations include traits such as skin color, eye color, hair color and texture, height and built, and cranial features varying clinally across the globe. In this series naming Women of the Lovely Planet, we hereby present before you a collection of the women portraits from different parts of the world. This is the part 1 of the series.

1- An Afghani Woman in Kabul – Afghanistan

An Afghani Woman: Image by Martien Van Asseldonk (Location : Kabul)

2- An Australian Lady in Leiden, Australia

An Australian Lady in Leiden, Australia ( Photo: Ricardo Liberato )

3- A Pretty Austrian Girl ( Austria )

A Pretty Austrian Girl ( Image by Noiseroute )

4- A Girl from Bangladesh

A Girl from Bangladesh ( Image by David Lazar )

5- A Glorious lady of Belarus

A Glorious lady of Belarus in Kchowa (Image: Jenya Korn )

6- A Kenyan Woman  ( Location:Kenya )

A Kenyan Woman (Image: Bioversity International) Location:Kenya

7- A women from Bosnia and Herzegovina

A women from Bosnia and Herzegovina ( Photo: Soroptimist International )

8- A Beautiful British Lady in London

A Beautiful British Lady in London (Photo by Damian De La Ferra)

9- A Danish Girl in Denmark

A Danish Girl in Denmark ( By: Bentborn )

10- The Maltese Girl ( Malta )

The Maltese Girl (Malta) By: FotoBlu

11- A cute Chilean Lady from Chile

A cute Chilean Lady ( Matt.JP's Image captured in La Habana )

12- A Chinese woman in Kunming, China

A Chinese woman in Kunming, China (Dave Stamboulis Image)

13- A Croatian woman in her traditional dress

A Croatian woman in her traditional dress ( Image: angusforbes )

14- A portrait of a Cuban lady – Cuba

A portrait of a Cuban lady (By: Romtomtom)

15- A beautiful girl of Cyprus

A beautiful girl of Cyprus ( Image: Istanbul mike )

16- An exotic image of a girl of Finland

An exotic image of a girl of Finland (Som Sol' flickr)

17- An awesome French girl ( France )

An awesome French girl (Photo: markfoster999)

18- A Lady from Germany

A Lady from Germany ( Photo: Eddy Van 3000 )

19- A girl in the traditional Guatemalan dress – Guatemala

A girl in the traditional Guatemalan dress ( Image by Rafael Magallanes Quintanar )

20- From Haa Valley in  Bhutan:  A Bhutanese Lady

From Haa Valley in Bhutan, A Bhutanese Lady (Photo:rpb1001)

21- A Hungarian girl in traditional dress – Hungary

A Hungarian girl in traditional dress ( Image by Tibor Aknay )

22- A gorgeous Indian girl in the traditional clothing – India

A gorgeous Indian girl ( Image by Joe Routon )

23- An Indonesian woman (Image by Alex Saurel)

An Indonesian woman (Image by Alex Saurel)

24- A woman of Iran

A woman of Iran (Image: Aria Mehr)

25- An Israeli Woman- Israel

An Israeli Woman ( Image :Marisa Ross )

26- A Jamaican woman ( Jamaica )

A Jamaican woman ( Jamaica ) Image: Kevin Williams

27- A Japanese Girl (Japan)

A Japanese Girl (Japan) - Image: Andrew Murray

28- A girl of Jordan

A girl of Jordan ( Image: Joao Lucio Azevedo Filho )

29- A Kazakh lady in her cultural dress (Kazakhstan)

A Kazakh lady in her cultural dress (Kazakhstan- Image by Jonathan Newell)

30- A Latvian woman in her traditional dress- Latvia

A Latvian woman in her traditional dress (Image: Gatis Staprens)

31- A Lebanese woman ( Lebanon )

A woman from Lebanon (IPS Inter Press Service's Image)

32- A girl from Liberia

A girl from Liberia ( Photo: Bob Richards )

33- A Libyan woman in her traditional dress- Ghadamis , Libya

A Libyan woman in her traditional dress- Ghadamis ( Image: Eric Lafforgue )

34- A Lithuanian girl in traditional dress- Lithuania

A Lithuanian girl in traditional dress (By: Londonietis)

35- A Malaysian lady in her traditional clothing – Malaysia

A Malaysian lady in her traditional clothing ( Image : Mohd Mustakhim Noor Rehan )

36- A Moroccon woman – Morocco

A Moroccon woman ( Image: Jack Wickes )

37- A Burmese girl – Myanmar

A Burmese girl - Myanmar ( Image: Diane Wolkstein )

38- A Namibian girl of Himba Tribe – NAMIBIA

A Namibian girl of HIMBA TRIBE - NAMIBIA ( Image by Eric Lafforgue )

39- A young Tonag girl, near Binga, Zimbabwe

A young Tonag girl, near Binga, Zimbabwe

40- An indigenous Nepalese girl from Nepal

An indigenous Nepalese girl ( Image by Tim Webster )

Most of the countries of the lovely planet have also enlisted their national birds. We’ll tell you about the officially declared national birds of the countries of the world.

The list along with the exotic images of the national birds of the lovely planet is as under;

1- African Fish Eagle: The national bird of Zambia & Zimbabwe

African Fish Eagle is the national bird of Zambia & Zimbabwe (Image:Lyn Francey )

2- Andean Cock of the Rock: The national animal of Peru

Andean Cock of the Rock is national animal of Peru (Image: Momotus )

3- Andean Condor: The national bird of Bolivia, Chile, Colombia and Ecuador

Andean Condor is the national bird of Bolivia, Chile, Colombia and Ecuador ( Image : Pedro Szekely )

4- Bald Eagle: The national bird of the United States of America

Bald Eagle is the national bird of the United States of America (Image:Alan Vernon )

5- Barbary Partridge: The national bird of Gibraltar

Barbary Partridge: The national bird of Gibraltar ( Image: Jonathan Perera )

6- Barn Swallow: The national bird of Austria & Estonia

Barn Swallow: The national bird of Austria & Estonia ( Image:Bayarsaikhan Luvsandor)

7- Bar-tailed Trogon: The national bird of Malawi

Bar-tailed Trogon is the national bird of Malawi_( Image courtesy flickr )

8- Bermuda Petrel: The national bird of Bermuda

Bermuda Petrel: The national bird of Bermuda ( Image courtesy Silver Photos )

9- Black Crowned-Crane: The national bird of Nigeria

Black Crowned-Crane is the national bird of Nigeria (Image courtesy Steve Photos on flickr )

10- Blue Crane : The national bird of South Africa

Blue Crane : The national bird of South Africa ( Image : Arthur Chapman )

11- Blue Rock Thrush: The national bird of Malta

Blue Rock Thrush is the national bird of Malta ( Image: Pete Walkden )

12- Burmese Peacock: The national bird of Myanmar

Burmese Peacock is the national bird of Myanmar ( Photo: Peter Stubbs )

13- Caribbean Flamingo: The national bird of Bahamas

Caribbean Flamingo: The national bird of Bahamas ( Photo: Jeffery Johnson )

14- Chukar Partridge: The national bird of Iraq and Pakistan

Chukar Partridge is the national bird of Iraq & Pakistan ( Image : Fly to Water )

15- Clay-colored Thrush: The national bird of Costa Rica

Clay-colored Thrush: The national bird of Costa Rica ( Photo :Reddirtpics )

16- Common blackbird: The national bird of Sweden

Common blackbird is the national bird of Sweden ( Image Source : Kate's Photos )

17- Common Kestrel: The national bird of Belgium

Common Kestrel: The national bird of Belgium ( Image : Trrhodes )

18- Common Raven: The national bird of Bhutan

Common Raven: The national bird of Bhutan ( Image: Tom Spross )

19- White-cheeked Turaco: The national bird of Côte d’Ivoire

White-cheeked Turaco: The national bird of Côte d'Ivoire ( Image:Ryan Ladbrook)

20- Crested Caracara: The national bird of Mexico

Crested Caracara is the national bird of Mexico ( Photo: Paul Williams )

21- Crimson Sunbird: The national bird of Singapore

Crimson Sunbird: The national bird of Singapore ( Photo : Sgluskoter )

22- Cuban-Trogon: The national bird of Cuba

Cuban-Trogon: The national bird of Cuba ( Phot: Dave Irving )

23- East African Crowned-Crane: The national bird of Uganda

East African Crowned-Crane: The national bird of Uganda ( Photo: gtjkb )

24- Eurasian Oystercatcher: The national bird of Faroe Islands

Eurasian Oystercatcher: The national bird of Faroe Islands ( Image: John Haslam )

25- European Robin: The national bird of the United Kingdom and Ireland

European Robin: The national bird of the United Kingdom and Ireland (Photo: Peter Kostov )

26- Gallic Rooster: The national bird of France

Gallic Rooster: The national bird of France ( Image by Mark Wilson )

27-Garden Bulbul: The national bird of Liberia

Garden Bulbul: The national bird of Liberia ( Photo: Tim Randall )

28- Giant Ibis Backlit or Pseudibis gigantea: The national bird of Cambodia

Giant Ibis Backlit or Pseudibis gigantea: The national bird of Cambodia ( wbdevelopmentmarjetplace )

29- Goldcrest: The national bird of Luxembourg

Goldcrest: The national bird of Luxembourg ( Photo: Gary Faulkner )

30- Golden Eagle: The national bird of Scotland

Golden Eagle: The national bird of Scotland ( Image : Mike Ashton )

This is the first part of the national bird series on the lovely planet. See the 2nd and the 3rd parts for the remaining lists of the national birds of the lovely planet.

Water flows rapidly downwards, drops over the stairs of cliffs and after falling, it splashes and the particles create phenomenal colors of rainbow. This is normally the child of a river and the water passes through many courses over many resistants. We are talking about ” Waterfall ” which is obviously the pearl of the scenic beauty of a mountain zone. In our lovely planet, earth, many types of waterfalls are existing like cascade, multi-step, frozen, block, horsetail and segmented etc.

- Mantokha Waterfall of Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan

Mantokha Waterfall of Gilgit Baltistan ( Image: Huma Imtiaz ) - Pakistan

There is no doubt about the awe-inspiring grace of the waterfalls which has impressed the humans to this extent that they have constructed the models of wterfalls in many buildings for embellishment. Waterfalls have also tremendous benefits for the humans and they are equally good for the biodiversity. Waterfalls provide oxygen to the aqua species and help many water supporting plants to grow fastly. For the generation of hydropower and energy, the waterfalls have exceptional significance. Waterfalls are considered as the metaphor of “Oneness” in the world of spirtuality.  Their mind blowing appearance is a fantastic source of meditation and contemplation.

Following are the images of the famous and lovely waterfalls of the lovely planet;

1- Angel Falls in Venezuela : The world’s tallest at 979 metres (3,212 ft)

Angel Falls in Venezuela is the world's tallest at 979 metres (3,212 ft) Image: Benedict Adam

2- Takakkaw Falls of Canada : 384 metres (1,260 ft) high (  Yoho National Park )

Takakkaw Falls of Canada : 384 metres (1,260 ft) high ( Yoho National Park ) Glenn Gilbert's Image

3- Krimmler Wasserfälle of Austria : At 380 metres (1,250 ft) Austria’s second-tallest waterfall Salzburg

Krimmler Wasserfälle of Austria : At 380 metres (1,250 ft) Austria's second-tallest waterfall Salzburg.Image: thisisbossi

4- Utigardsfossen / Ramnefjellsfossen of Norway : The world’s third tallest at 808 metres (2,651 ft) in Norway

Utigardsfossen / Ramnefjellsfossen : The world's third tallest at 808 metres (2,651 ft) in Norway

5- Yosemite Falls of the United States: At 739 metres (2,425 ft) Yosemite National Park

Yosemite Falls, the fourth tallest waterfall in North America at 739 metres (2,425 ft), is located in Yosemite National Park, United States. A Terry Chay Image

 6- Victoria Falls in Africa:  The largest waterfall in the world on the Zambezi river on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia

An ariel view of Victoria Falls

 7- James Bruce Falls of Canada: The tallest waterfall of North America at 840 metres (2,760 ft)

James Bruce Falls of Canada: The tallest waterfall of North America at 840 metres (2,760 ft) By: Nick DeWolf

 8- Niagara Falls of USA & Canada

An image of Niagara Falls by ALdowayan

 9- Nohkalikai Falls of India : India’s tallest plunge waterfall in Meghalaya state

Nohkalikai Falls : India's tallest plunge waterfall in Meghalaya state ( Image: Debabrata Deb )

10- Huangguoshu Waterfall of China : The largest waterfall in East Asia

Huangguoshu Waterfall of China : The largest waterfall in East Asia

11- Detian – Ban Gioc Falls between the Chinese and Vietnamese border

Detian - Ban Gioc Falls between the Chinese and Vietnamese border ( knees_n_elbows Image )

12- Shir-Abad Waterfall of Iran: Golestan Province, Iran.

Shir-Abad Waterfall is located near Khan Bebin in Golestan Province, Iran. ( Image © Ali Shokri )

13- Bambarakanda Falls of Sri Lanka: At 263 metres (863 ft)

Bambarakanda Falls of Sri Lanka: At 263 metres (863 ft) Gayan Chathuranga's Image

 14- Silver Falls in Silverton, Oregon

Silver Falls in Silverton, Oregon ( Image by Jesse Estes )

 15- Jamgar Falls of Azad Jammu & Kashmir: Neelam Valley, Pakistan

Jamgar Falls of Azad Jammu & Kashmir: Neelam Valley, Pakistan ( Muhammad Zubair's Image )

Boerewors is the traditional sausage of Africa which contains a minimum of 90% meat, of which not more than 30% is fat. Boerwors are braaied and we must remember that the word braai  is Afrikaans word for “barbecue” or “grill” and is a social custom in South Africa , Namibia , Zimbabwe , Botswana and Lesotho etc. Then word Boerewors is derived from the Afrikaans words boer (“farmer”) and wors (“sausage”).

Boerewors: The traditional African sausage

Boerewors are prepared with the minced beef and in some areas the people also like it with minced lamb. After filling the sausage casings lightly with the meat mixture, some cooks refrigerate the material for 24 hours before using. Boerewors can be kept for a week or for 3 months if frozen. The other spices in the recipe include coriander seed, black pepper, nutmeg and cloves etc. The minced meat is processed with salt and vinegar. Boerewors are also cooked after grilling or frying in ovens. Boerewors are coiled on a flat surface and for the perfection Boerewors are turned 2 or 3 times carefully. Boerewors, the traditional African sausage is  a highly seasoned traditional food which is a favorite of African people. Many food competitions and events are held for this delicious food which is made from minced or pounded meat.

The largest ethnic groups of South Africa, Zulu who are actually descended from the Nguni tribes live in South African province KwaZulu-Natal. The word Zulu denotes ‘The people of Heaven’ and their population is approximately 11 million and some of their family members also live in some parts of Zimbabwe, Zambia and Mozambique. They speak Zulu language which is the most widely spoken language in South Africa and it is one of the official languages of the Republic of South Africa.

Zulu Dance Tradition

The Zulu people contributed an eminent part in the South African culture and history especially in the 19th and 20th century. During apartheid which was the governing system of South Africa between 1948 and 1994, the Zulus suffered from great racial discrimination and segregation. It was an era in South Africa when minority rule of white people was dominating and all rights of the indigenous populations were usurped. However they continued their struggles for their rights and after the election of Nelson Mandela as president of post-apartheid South Africa in 1994, the reforms were made and Zulus are identified today as the most numerous ethnic group in South Africa, and now have equal rights along with all other citizens.

Zulu religion includes belief in a creator god (Nkulunkulu), who is above interacting in day-to-day human affairs. Although due to preaching by the Christian missionaries , the most Zulus have embraced Christianity  but still they have strong faith in ancestor spirits (Amatongo or Amadhlozi), who according to them have the full control in their lives. Politically Zulus are officially ruled by the South African government but their traditional way of obeying the commands of their leader is still carried on by them.  The traditional clothing of Zulus consists of tremendous varieties and they wear in festive occasions and in cultural ceremonies.  Zulu dress is animal skins for men and skirts decorated with hardwood beads for women.

The Zulu traditional dances are also a prominent feature of their identity. The important dances of Zulus are known as ‘Reed Dance’ which is performed by young maidens to attract their king who is looking for a wife. ‘Ingoma (isizingili)’ is a form of dance performed together by boys and girls with a song and no music. ‘Ingoma (ishishameni)’ a separate dance of boys and girls with clapping.

The most well known Zulu dance is ‘Indlamu’ which is actually associated with their war habits and cultures. It is a typical male dance and reflects the real colors of Zulu culture. They dress up themselves in their conventional attires and expose their traditional weapons. The dancers engage themselves in mock combat, expressing their strength and mastery of weapons.

On the whole all of the traditions of Zulu dances are closely related to their wedding rites, the succession of a new king, the choosing of a bride, and many other important religious and cultural events.