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Introduction
Leaderboards like the Points and Photo Views leaderboards regularly posted here on Connect, each look at a specific but different aspect of our Maps contributions. Based on various metrics, including the number of points and the number of views, the participants on these leaderboards are listed without giving any consideration to their respective country location.
However, it goes without saying, Local Guides in smaller countries or ones where there are significantly less guiding opportunities, such as Barbados, Cameroon and Rwanda, would have less chance of gaining enough points or photo views than those in larger countries such as the United States, Canada, France or UK and therefore, Local Guides in these smaller countries have less chance of getting onto leaderboards based strictly on points or photo views!
Local Heroes > Local Stories
The leaderboards in this post, are different because they specifically take into account the country location of the participating Local Guides and in this way, they give Local Guides from even the smallest countries (true local heroes) recognition and an opportunity to be seen as “stars” in their country, and you will see many are.
There are many great local stories on the Country leaderboards and this month they come from 82 different countries! If you’re a Local Hero and you’re not listed on the leaderboards or your country isn’t listed, then you and your country should be and you can make this happen by registering for participation. It’s simple to do, just hit this link. If you want to know more see this excellent How-to post by @AZ_2021.
The Cover GIF
On October 21, 1879 Thomas Edison invented the incandescent electric lamp. On October 24, 1945, The United Nations came into existence. On October 29, 1969 the Internet was created when the first bits of data were sent between computers at UCLA and Stanford Research Institute. While each of these and so many others are major historical October events, October 28 when France presented the U.S. with the Statue of Liberty is why I chose the cover image of this Country leaderboards post. Why? Well everyone knows of the Statue of Liberty and I dare say that many Local Guides, including myself, have taken photos of it.
Most will know that this iconic statue, was a gift from France to the United States in 1886. The idea of gifting the Statue of Liberty to the United States was conceived by Frenchman Édouard René de Laboulaye. Laboulaye was a fervent admirer of the United States’ commitment to freedom and democracy, especially its abolition of slavery and the preservation of the Union during the Civil War. He saw the American experiment as a shining example for the world and believed that a symbol of liberty should be given to the United States to commemorate their shared values and history.
Laboulaye’s vision became a reality through the collaboration of two talented individuals: sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and engineer Gustave Eiffel. Bartholdi designed the statue, which was inspired by the ancient Colossus of Rhodes, and he raised funds for its construction both in France and the United States. Eiffel, renowned for his innovative iron structures, designed the statue’s internal framework. The combination of Bartholdi’s artistic vision and Eiffel’s engineering expertise resulted in a masterpiece that still stands as a symbol of freedom.
The Statue of Liberty, a symbol of hope and freedom, continues to inspire people from all over the world who visit her shores. As she gazes out over the waters of New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty stands as a beacon of hope for all who seek a better, freer future.
Did you know that:
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The Statue of Liberty embarked on a transatlantic journey to the United States in 1885 and arrived at Liberty Island (formerly known as Bedloe’s Island) in New York Harbor in more than 200 crates?
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The Statue of Liberty holds a torch aloft in her right hand, symbolizing enlightenment and the path to liberty.
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In her left hand, she holds a tablet inscribed with the date of the American Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776.
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Her crown is adorned with seven spikes, representing the seven continents and the universality of the principles of liberty.
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The broken shackles at her feet symbolize freedom from oppression and tyranny.
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It’s official name is “Liberty Enlightening the World.”
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Barbados
Belarus
Belgium
Bolivia
Brazil
Bulgaria
Cambodia
Cameroon
Canada
Chile
China
Colombia
Croatia
Cuba
Czechia
Denmark
Dominican Republic
Egypt
Finland
France
Georgia
Germany
Ghana
Greece
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Japan
Jordan
Malaysia
Mexico
Morocco
Nepal
Netherlands
New Zealand
Nigeria
North Macedonia (formerly Macedonia)
Norway
Pakistan
Panama
Paraguay
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Puerto Rico
Qatar
Romania
Russia
Rwanda
Saudi Arabia
Serbia
Singapore
Slovenia
South Africa
South Korea
Spain
Sri Lanka
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Thailand
Turkey
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
United Kingdom (UK)
United States (USA)
Vietnam
Yemen
Zambia
