Pakistan independence Day Wallpapers

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The land of oldest Civilization - "Indus Valley and Mohenjo-Daro"

The land of oldest Civilization : Indus Valley and Mohenjo-Daro

Moenjodaro is the province of Sindh, Pakistan and archeology trace back it exitence 5000 years ago. It provides an earliest instance of exemplary form of town planning and community organization and found to be as one of the oldest cities known today. It is said to be the pilgrimage of ancient ruins. The splendor of Indus Valley civilization spread over a thousand mile from the high peak snowy mountains of Kashmir to the glittering sand dunes facing the Arabian Sea . One of the oldest known civilization that flourished in the Indus river Basin embraced within its fold almost the entire country now known as Pakistan .

One of the oldest Civilization Known today

One amongst the largest deserts in the World - "Thar Desert"

Thar Desert : One amongst the largest deserts in the World

Thar is a arid region in the north western part of Indian subcontinent, it lies mostly in Indian state of Rajasthan but it covers eastern Sindh province and the southeastern portion of Pakistan ’s Punjab province. It is amongst one of the largest deserts in the world rich multifaceted culture, heritage, traditions, folk tales, dances and music. The poetic expression of Kafi written by Sufi poets of Sindh resonates in the cold nights as the Thari musicians start singing them on sorrowing rhythmic beats. In the night the granules of the sand lit up like stars as the moonlight walks on them.

Pakistan: Tharparker

Asia’s largest Bird Sanctuary - "Haleji Lake"

Haleji Lake : Asia’s largest Bird Sanctuary

Pakistan is a land of serene beauty , a country with diverse wild life , fresh water lakes, a 1046 km coast lines. Some of the most unique species of birds are found in northern Pakistan with awe-inspiring natural wonders like Lake Saiful Maluk, Lake Shandur , Dudipatsar Lake , kutwal lake, Zalzal lake and many more. But Haleji has it’s own significance as it is Asia ’s largest waterfowl reserve. During winter thousands of birds of different species fly down to Haleji from Siberian colder areas

Pakistan: The heavenly Shandur Lake

Second Largest Salt Mine in the World

Khewra Mines : Second Largest Salt Mine in the World

Khewra Salt Mine located in Khewra, Jehlum Punjab, Pakistan is the second largest Salt Mine in the world and is considered to be the oldest in the subcontinent. It was said that discovery of Salt mines were not done by Alexander or his army but by their horses as they started licking the stones when they stopped here for rest. Thousand of visitors each year visit Khewra Salt mines and get fascinated by the nature’s miracle in the heart of mountains.

Khewra Salt Mine: Second Largest Salt Mine in the World

World’s Largest Deep Sea Port

“Gwa” means Air and “Dar” means door, and the word Gawadar means ” The door of the wind” is the world’s largest deep sea port lies in southwestern Pakistani province of Balochistan. The design and construction of the port is carried out in collaboration with China and it has just started it’s operation.It’s going to emerge as a world’s biggest skyline due to it’s capacity and infrastructure of handling bulk carriers. It has been declared as a Duty Free Port and Free Economic Zone by the Pakistani government that has increased the commercial worth manifolds. It has an immense geostrategic importance as it is the entrance to the Persian Gulf and is considered to be a substitute of Dubai Port.

Gawader: World's Largest Deep Sea Port

Eighth Wonder of the World - "World’s highest paved international Road”"

Karakoram Highway runs through the northern areas connecting Pakistan with China’s Xingjiang province is often described as ” Eighth Wonder of the World” due to the marvel of civil engineering as it has taken 15 years to complete by the Pakistan Army Engineers in collaboration with China. It’s been labeled as ” World’s highest paved international Road” under world’s toughest terrain.

Pakistan: Karakoram Highway World's highest paved international Road

World’s highest Polo ground at Shandur, Northern Pakistan

What it would feel like to play a sport that is wild, challenging and manly at the top of the world surrounded by the drumbeats and the music of the reed instrument. Yes Shandur Polo tournament is played every year at World’s highest Polo ground at Shandur, Northern Pakistan .

Pakistan: Shundur Polo festival at the World's highest Polo ground

Aisa’s Highest Railway Station Kan Mehtarzai

Hunza is said to be a place ” Where Time Stops and Fairy Treads“, Kalash and Chitral are the natural wonders of the world where poetic verses find their inspirations from the beauty and elegance of high peak mountains, lush green fields and the fragrant breeze singing across the poplar trees. Some of the places which are not highlighted by the media but still due to their magnitude find their places on the World record books are ; Aisa’s Highest Railway Station Kan Mehtarzai [2] that is located 2240 meters above sea level near Quetta.

Pakistan: Asia's Highest Railway Station " Kan Mehtarzai "

Pakistan: Lalazar often termed as most beautiful place on earth

Pakistan: Nanga Parbat 9th Highest Peak in the World

The Roof Top of the World

Pakistan : The Roof Top of the World
Pakistan the land of grand mountain ranges, a land that holds 4 out of 14 most highest peaks in the world. K2 the second highest mountain in the world with all it’s grandeur symbolizing the pride and strength of the people of Pakistan .

Pakistan: K2 the 2nd highest mountain peak in the World

Pakistan Air force World Record - M.M.Alam

Pakistan: 7th largest Standing Arm Force in the World

Air force :Air Commodore MM ALAM has a world record of shoting down 5 Indian planes in less than a Minute

7th Nuclear Power of the World

The Might : 7th Nuclear Power of the World

On May 28, 1998, Pakistan became the 7th nuclear power of the world giving a loud and clear message to the enemies that this nation is fully equipped and ready to defend it’s sovereignty. Pakistan has world 7th largest standing arm forces [1] well trained possessing state of the art technology. Pakistan Air force (PAF) is the symbol of pride for the nation and a galaxy of highly trained professionals emerged in latest technological developments. The highly skilled PAF personals are renowned for their excellence and handling of aircraft and surely are the worst fear for the enemies.

World's 9th Largest English Speaking Country

Pakistan: World's 9th Largest English Speaking Country

Pakistan: World 7th largest Pool of Scientists and Engineer | Photo : Moin Ali Nawazish making a World Record by passing 23 A level Exams

Amazing Pakistan : A picture hidden from the W

Forward as much as possible within and outside Pakistan

In the recent times due to rendezvous between political forces and media, an ugliest picture about my country has been portrayed in front of the world, a picture that holds no color or I am not wrong to say “It’s all black just black”. I’m the struggling to unveil the true picture that hold millions of colors, so bright and so shiny that can dazzle one’s eyes. If you are son of a soil, and you love your country as much as I do then you will help me fight against those who are painting your land as a black corner of this world. “Spread the truth as much as you can, fight for the right”
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Pakistan meaning the “The land of pure” where each day the sun rises with a new hope, with an enduring majesty as the rays of light flushing down towards the snowcapped peaks of Himalaya’s and Nanga Parbat. A land where love finds a meaning in the heart warming hospitability of people, a land where history and ancient civilization mystifies one’s heart, a land where spiritualism unveils its mystery at the shrines of Sufi Saints. This is the land I belong to, this is the land I’ll die for and this is the land that defines my identity.

The Invincible 167 Million : 6th largest Nation of the World

The invincible 167 million Pakistani’s progressing forward with high hopes and a mission holding an unquenchable thirst to be the world leader’s soon. Despit the chaos, despite the ill spilled by the westeren media to demoralize the nation and to uproot the patriotism from the hearts and minds of people of this country, despite the foreign funded terrorists bombing hundreds of Pakistani’s each day painting the roads red with the blood of young children, women and men. Every drop of it shouts back loud ” You can never take us down, We’ll fight back till our last breath“. Reminding you this is the nation which has a 7th largest pool of scientists and Engineers in the World[1]. and the country that is ranked 9th in the world where English language is spoken and used as an official language [1].

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ipl 2oo9 sChedule

IPL 2^nd Edition Schedule [IST timing]

Teams ::
RR - Rajasthan Royals
RCB - Royal Challengers Bangalore
MI - Mumbai Indians
CSK - Chennai Super Kings
KKR - Kolkata Knight Riders
DC - Deccan Chargers
DD - Delhi Daredevils
KXIP - Kings XI Punjab

Timings

April 18: RR v RCB (4 pm) at Cape Town; MI v CSK (8 pm) at Cape Town
April 19: KKR v DC (4 pm) at Cape Town; DD v KXIP (8 pm) at Cape Town
April 20: RCB V CSK (4 pm) at Port Elizabeth
April 21: RR v MI (4 pm) at Durban; KKR v KXIP (8 pm) at Durban
April 22: DD v CSK (4 pm) at Durban; RCB v DC (8 pm) at Cape Town
April 23: KKR v RR (4 pm) at Port Elizabeth
April 24: KXIP v RCB (4 pm) at Johannesburg
April 25: KKR v CSK (4 pm) at Cape Town; DC v MI (8 pm) at Durban
April 26: RR v KXIP (4 pm) at Cape Town; RCB v DD (8 pm) Port Elizabeth
April 27: KKR v MI (4 pm) at Cape Town; CSK v DC (8 pm) at Durban
April 28: DD v RR (4 pm) at Pretoria
April 29: MI v KXIP (4 pm) at Durban; KKR v RCB (8 pm) at Durban
April 30: DD v DC (4 pm) at Pretoria; RR v CSK (8 pm) at Pretoria
May 1: RCB v KXIP (4 pm) at East London; MI v KKR (8 pm) at Durban
May 2: RR v DC (4 pm) at Johannesburg; CSK v DD (8 pm) at Port Elizabeth
May 3: MI v RCB (4 pm) at Durban; KXIP v KKR (8 pm) at East London
May 4: DC v CSK (4 pm) at Port Elizabeth
May 5: DD v KKR (4 pm) at Durban; KXIP v RR (8 pm) at Durban
May 6: MI v DC (4 pm) at Pretoria
May 7: KXIP v CSK (4 pm) at Pretoria; RCB v RR (8 pm) at Pretoria
May 8: DD v MI (4 pm) at East London
May 9: DC v KXIP (4 pm) at Bloemfontein; CSK v RR (8 pm) at Port Elizabeth
May 10: KKR v DD (4 pm) at East London; RCB v MI (8 pm) at Johannesburg
May 11: DC v RR (4 pm) at Bloemfontein
May 12: RCB v KKR (4 pm) at Pretoria; KXIP v MI (8 pm) at Pretoria
May 13: DC v DD (4 pm) at Durban
May 14: MI v RR (4 pm) at Durban; CSK v RCB (8 pm) at Durban
May 15: KXIP v DD (4 pm) at Kimberley
May 16: CSK v MI (4 pm) at Johannesburg; DC v KKR (8 pm) at Port Elizabeth
May 17: RR v DD (4 pm) at Kimberley; KXIP v DC (8 pm) at Johannesburg
May 18: CSK v KKR (4 pm) at Pretoria
May 19: DD v RCB (4 pm) at Johannesburg
May 20: CSK v KXIP (4 pm) at Durban; RR v KKR (8 pm) at Durban
May 21: DC v RCB (4 pm) at Pretoria; MI v DD (8 pm) at Pretoria
May 22: Semi-final 1 at Pretoria
May 23: Semi-final 2 at Johannesburg
May 24: Final at Johannesburg

Kansai International Airport Japan.‏

As the world's population increases at a more-than-healthy rate and the cost of travel decreases, the number of people looking to travel by air is understandably on the rise. With this growing demand comes the need for more airports as existing ones struggle to cope with the millions of passengers passing through on a daily basis.

So what happens when there's no suitable land to build a new major airport or locals protest the new construction without hesitation due to noise pollution or other environmental implications?

If you travel to Japan in the near future you may witness a solution to these problems, in the form of island airports. At present there are four such constructions in Japan (there are also examples in Hong Kong and Macau), each built on its own artificial island offshore and each backed by the community it serves. The first of these incredible engineering wonders to be built, and the first of its kind in the world, was Kansai International Airport in Osaka Bay. Just to build the 4-kilometre long island called for 21 million cubic metres of landfill plus the assistance of 80 ships, then there was the small matter of connecting the airport to the mainland by way of a 3-kilometre bridge. In total the project has so far cost around $20 billion but has already saved some expense by surviving both an earthquake and a typhoon in the last 15 years, in addition to being open 24 hours a day due to its location.

The six keys to success

"The six keys to success".

Right off the bat:
Don't confuse how much money one has as to his or her success!

These keys will not unlock any opportunities of success without first having a strong and unfailing faith in God or that Being which is greater than you.
Please don't go through life as your "own little god."

I encourage you to memorize these six keys
by using the word ADVICE to do so.

1. Attitude
   Bloom where you are planted. You have a choice to get back up after temporary set backs. Attitude is a small thing that makes a big difference!
   
   
2. Direction
   If you don't know where you are going, any road will get you there. Write your short term goals down on paper. I have discovered and continue to discover that putting your dreams and goals down on paper lock in or focus your belief that they can be achieved--even if you have to take a course correction in achieving your goals. Success comes in cans, failure comes in can'ts.
   
   
3. Values
   Explore what is important to you. Maybe it is family, friends, your spirituality or working hard at any given task. I can assure you that your priorities will change as you grow older. Very important that you value yourself and treat yourself like the valuable gift from God that you are.
   
   
4. Interests
   Birds of a feather flock together. This is to say that if you are hanging around winners or others with a "can do" mind-set, you'll likely adapt to this same kind of thinking. Remember--"SUCCESS LEAVES CLUES!
   
   
5. Commitment
   Feelings may change, commitments do not. "Success is getting up one more time than you fall." I have often wanted to give up, and then I must think to myself about what the consequences of giving up will be. Generally, this is more than enough of a motivation to make us stick to the task at hand even if we don't feel like it. When the task is achieved, Whow!--IT FEELS GREAT!
   
   
6. Encouragement
   Be an encourager and comforter to friends that are feeling discouraged. I promise that you will not regret this as you will be encouraged by one, if not many, when you are feeling down. Encouragement and love are contagious qualities that can change the minds of the most stubborn and "hard-to-get- along-with" people you know. I have seen it happen over and over again.

Health - Important Tips

Health - Important Tips

Answer the phone by LEFT ear.
Do not drink coffee TWICE a day.
Do not take pills with COOL water.
Do not have HUGE meals after 5pm.
Reduce the amount of OILY food you consume.
Drink more WATER in the morning, less at night.
Keep your distance from hand phone CHARGERS.
Do not use headphones/earphone for LONG period of time.
Best sleeping time is from 10pm at night to 6am in the morning.
Do not lie down immediately after taking medicine before sleeping.
When battery is down to the LAST grid/bar, do not answer the phone as the radiation is 1000 times.

Forward this to those whom you CARE about!

CTR/eCPM/Page Impression? What Are Those?

Before having your strategy earning big bucks, it is important to understand the details of Google Adsense. When you login into your AdSense account and look at the reports, youll see a few abbreviations, these are important to understand in order to maximize your profits.

1. Page Impressions
When somebody clicks on your website, Google counts that as one page impression. And if that same person browses 10 pages of your site, it is counted as 10 page impressions. So, its the number of clicks.

2. CTR
CTR stands for Click Through Rate. It is the number of times the ad is clicked on divided by the number of times it is displayed (Page Impressions). For example, if you had 2,000 page impressions, and those 2,000 page impressions resulted in 200 clicks, that is a 10% Page CTR (200/2000 = 10%).

3. Page eCPM
eCPM stands for Effective Cost per Millie. Millie means thousand. CPM is what the old world of banner advertisements used in pricing their ads. If a site had a $10 CPM it means that you as an advertiser would pay $10 for every 1,000 page impressions that your ad was shown on.

With AdSense, eCPM is telling you how much you will earn on average for every 1,000 page impressions. For example, if you have a $25 eCPM, you will earn $25 for every 1,000 page impressions on your site. Google shows you this figure so you can get an idea of how much more they are paying you than a banner advertising network will pay you.

Kings of the World - Rich Living Monarchs and their Royal Residences

Kings of the World
Rich Living Monarchs and their Royal Residences

"Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown" – so goes this age-old proverb. However, it is not just uneasiness in store for a monarch. Emperors globally have enjoyed and continue to enjoy luxurious lifestyles. Some even have 13 brides. The best levels of comfort that money can fetch are in store for the emperors globally. Be it the Sultan of Brunei or Queen Elizabeth, plush lifestyle is the mark of monarchy. There are currently 44 monarchies in the world and their combined royal wealth has shot up over US $10 trillion. One of the royal attractions is the palace of the King or the Queen. In this article, we will try to catch a glimpse of royal residences of some of the richest ruling monarchs in the world today along with a brief introduction about them.

1. Bhumibol Adulyadej – King of Thailand

Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej (L), Queen Sirikit (C) and Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn greets a crowd from the balcony of the Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall at the Grand Palace on December 5, 2007, in Bangkok, Thailand.

King Bhumibol, the 80-year-old king of Thailand, is worth US$ 35 billion. He is the longest serving monarch in Thai history. He has benevolently used his royal wealth in over 3,000 rural development projects in the country. He has a world record in having the highest number of honorary university degrees (136). The royal palace in Bangkok was built in 1782. The palace consists of an aggregate of buildings on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River. The total area is 218,400 sq. m. The palace has a sacred Buddha temple. You have to follow a strict dress code to enter the royal palace (this is applicable for both men and women).

Official residence: Grand Palace - Bangkok

2. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan
– President of UAE and hereditary ruler of Abu Dhabi

UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahayan (C) Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed al-Nahayan (L) Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahayyan (R)

The 60 year old president of UAE is worth US$ 23 billion.. The oil reserve pool is the president's source of wealth. Amiti Palace is the official residence of the President.

Official residence: Amiti Palace

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Interesting fact:

Emirates Palace - This luxurious hotel, managed by The Kempinski Group, is probably the most expensive hotel ever built in the world, costing the Abu Dhabi government roughly US$3 billion. Often mistaken as the presidential palace. It has about 400 rooms and gold has been used to decorate the interiors along with highest quality of marble. Several classical and popular music and ballet performances have been staged at the Emirates Palace's Conference Centre since its inauguration.

3. Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud – King of Saudi Arabia

The 84-year-old king of Saudi Arabia is worth over US$ 21 billion. King Abdullah is known for his benevolence. He bore the entire expenditure of operation of Polish conjoined twins. He was reciprocated with "honorary citizenship" of the Polish town where the twins were born.. The King's palace in Riyadh is more than 1 sq. mile in area. The palace has polished stone walkways and serene water bodies. The pink palatial buildings are true architectural marvels.

Official residence: King's Palace in Riyadh

4. Haji Hassanal Bolkiah – Sultan of Brunei

The 62-year Sultan of Brunei, the 29^th heir to the throne of an unbroken 600-year-old Muslim dynasty, has a net asset worth of $20 billion. The Sultan has anything between 3000 to 6000 cars in his collection. The Istana Nurul Iman palace, the Sultan's official residence, provides visitors a spectacular sight. It is the biggest palace in the world, much bigger than the Vatican palace. US$ 350 million was spent in erecting the palace. It has 1788 rooms, 257 bathrooms and the total floor area is 2,152,782 sq. feet.

Official residence: Istana Nurul Iman Palace

5. Hans-Adam II – Prince of Liechtenstein

The 63-year-old prince is the 15^th in succession to the throne of Liechtenstein. His net worth is 5 billion US$. Castle Schloss Vaduz is his official residence. The palace overlooks the town of Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein. The main alter has a late-gothic architecture. The original entrance of the spectacular palace has a height of 11 m.

Official residence: Castle Schloss Vaduz

6. Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani – Emir of Qatar

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani and his daughter and chief of staff Sheikha (Princess) Hind Bint Hamad Al Thani

Sheikh Hamad, Emir of Qatar is aged 56 and worth 2 billion US$. Sheikh Hamad is instrumental in developing Qatar's oil and natural gas resources. His fame is also attributed to the modernization of the country's armed forces. His Royal Palace is in Doha. He does not live there. The palace is mainly used for parliamentary affairs and for receiving guests.

Official residence: Royal Palace in Doha

7. Mohammed VI – King of Morroco

Morocco's King Mohammed VI and Princess Lalla Salma

The 46-year-old Moroccan king has asset strength of 1.5 billion US$. The king is reputed for his drive to modernize the society and inject a culture of accountability. He has tried to eradicate poverty from Moroccan society. The Royal Palace in Rabat is open to the public. The king has a personal mosque within the palatial complex. The palace is famous for its lush green gardens and the entrance gates are truly majestic.

Official residence: Royal Palace in Rabat

8. Albert II – Prince of Monaco

Prince Albert II, aged 50, is the current ruler of the Principality of Monaco. His net worth is 1.4 billion US$. He is the first head of state to have visited the North Pole. He is also the Global Advisor to Orphans International. His palace remains open to the public during the summer. The palace hosts many functions ranging from open-air concerts to children's Christmas parties. It has an Italian-styled gallery and lot of awesome salons. The palace has several attractions. Among them the Throne Room, which overwhelms you with memoirs of the Renaissance period, and the Sainte-Marie Tower are notable.

Official residence: Prince's Palace of Monaco

9. Qaboos Bin Said – Sultan of Oman

Qaboos Bin Said, the Sultan of Oman, has royal properties worth $1.1 billion. The 67-year-old Sultan captured the throne after overthrowing his father. His riches are accounted to surplus oil production. He owns a 500 ft yacht. The Al Alam Royal Palace, the residence of the Sultan, overlooks the serene Muscat harbour. The regal palace is an exquisite marvel of art and architecture. Simply stated, the palace seems to be taken out of a fairy tale book.

Official residence: Qasr al Alam Royal Palace

10. Prince Karim Al Husseini Aga Khan – leader of 15 million Ismaili Muslims

Prince Aga Khan, aged 71, is the spiritual leader of 15 million Ismaili Muslims. Aga Khan, worth 1 billion US$, chairs the Aga Khan Development Network that invests in Asian and African development projects. He donated his palace to India in 1969 in the honor of Mahatma Gandhi and the Gandhian philosophy. The palace, located in Pune, India was built in 1892. The main aim behind construction of the Aga Khan palace was to provide employment to local people hard-hit by famine.

Official residence: Aga Khan Palace

11. Elizabeth II – Queen of U.K.

Queen Elizabeth II is the oldest living emperor in the history of United Kingdom at the age of 82. Her net worth is 650 million US$. She plans to rule until she becomes physically unable. The Buckingham palace is the official residence of the royals. It is also a site for hosting state occasions and welcoming international guests. The palace, having 775 rooms, is kept open for visitors on a regular basis.

Official residence: Buckingham Palace

12. Sheikh Sabah Al-Sabah – Emir of Kuwait

It is interesting to note that Sheikh Sabah Al Sabah, the Emir of Kuwait, does not have a royal blood. He was the foreign minister of Kuwait and ascended to the throne in 2006 after the crown prince became too ill to rule. The royal wealth is estimated at 500 million US$. However, his wealth comes in the form of a stipend. He is promoting economic reforms in Kuwait currently. Dar Salwa palace is the official residence of the Emir.

Official residence: "Dar Salwa" Palace

13. Beatrix Wilhelmina Armgard – Queen of Netherlands

Queen Beatrix Armgard, the queen of Netherlands, has a net asset worth of 300 million US$. The queen is rumoured to have stepped down so that his eldest son can ascend the throne. This will make her son the first Dutch king in over a century. Huis ten Bosch Palace is the official royal palace of the queen.

Official residence: Huis ten Bosch Palace

14. Mswati III – King of Swaziland

Swaziland's King Mswati III (in the foreground)

King Mswati, the king of Swaziland, has a net worth of 200 million US$. The king, ascending to the throne at a tender age of 18, has reportedly spent 2.5 million US$ to celebrate 40 years of his country's independence along with his 40^th birthday. He leads a lavish lifestyle and has 13 brides. Lozitha Palace is the official residence of the king.

Official residence: Lozitha Palace

15. Sheikh Hamad bin Isa al Khalifa – King of Bahrain

King Of Bahrain Sheikh Hamad bin Isa al Khalifa With George W. Bush

Sheikh Hamad is the emir of Bahrain since 2002. He is an alumnus of the Cambridge University. He takes active interest in preserving the country's cultural heritage. Sports and fishing are also his areas of interest. The Riffa Palace is his official residence.

Official residence: Riffa Palace

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16. Albert II – King of Belgium

Albert, the king of Belgium, is the titular head of state. He symbolizes the entire nation and appoints the Belgian cabinet after an election. The Royal Palace in Brussels, known as Palais Royal, is the King's palace. However, he prefers to live in Chateau de Laeken. The Royal palace is a neo-classic architectural marvel. It is open to public during summer.

Official residence: Royal Palace in Brussels

17. Yang di-Pertuan Agong Mizan Zainal Abidin – Sultan of Terengganu, Malaysia

Duli Yang Maha Mulia Al Wathiqu Billah, Al-Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Ibni Almarhum Al-Sultan Mahmud Al-Muktafi Billah Shah Al-Haj (Center)

Yang Zainal Abidin, the Sultan of Terengganu, is the youngest Malay ruler. There are six sultans in Malaysia. One of these six, in this case Yang Zainal Abidin, has been elected as the King of Malaysia. He is the constitutional head of the country. His official residence is Istana Negara in Kuala Lumpur. The palace has a ground area of 28 acres. It overlooks the Klang River.

Official residence: Istana Negara - Kuala Lumpur

18. Margaret II – Queen of Denmark

Margaret II, the queen of Denmark, is a great painter. She is also known for her addiction to tobacco. The queen has multiple palaces. The winter residence is at Amalienborg palace; the summer residence is at Marselisborg palace (or Graasten Palace or on the royal yacht); and the spring and autumn residence is at Fredensborg Palace.

Official residence: Amalienborg Palace ( winter )

19. Akihito – the Emperor of Japan

Emperor Akihito is the 125^th emperor of Japan.. His rule is now merely ceremonial. The king is considered to be a direct descendent of God. The Imperial Palace in Tokyo is the official residence of the emperor. It is open to the public on just two days of the year – January 2, when the king wishes New Year to his subjects, and on December 23^rd – his birthday.

Official residence: Imperial Palace in Tokyo

20. Abdullah II – King of Jordan

King Abdullah is the constitutional head of Jordon and retains substantial power. He has contributed greatly to the economic revival of the country and he is applauded for his pro-reform outlook. He is an alumnus of the Oxford University. The Raghadan Palace is the official residence of the King.

Official residence: Raghadan Palace

21. Henri – Grand Duke of Luxemburg

Henri, the Grand Duke, is the head of the state of Luxemburg. He is known for his anti-euthanasia stands. Interestingly, he is a member of the International Olympic committee. The Grand Ducal Palace is his official residence. It is an awesome palace, located in the middle of the city. Built in 1572 as a town hall, it has become a palace replete with history.

Official residence: The Grand Ducal Palace

22. Harald V – King of Norway

Harald V is the king of Norway. The king has no real powers, but only ceremonial authority. He resides in the Royal Palace in Oslo. The palace was built in the first half of the 19^th century.

Official residence: Royal Palace, Oslo

23. Juan Carlos I – King of Spain

Juan Carlos I, the king of Spain, is highly popular among his subjects. He helped in establishing democratic governance in Spain. The Royal Palace in Madrid is the designated residence of the King, although the king prefers to live in a smaller palace on the outskirts of Madrid. The Royal Palace is still used for state occasions. It is the largest palace in Western Europe. It has a total area of 135,000 sq. m and has over 2800 rooms.

Official residence: The Royal Palace of Madrid

24. Carl XVI Gustaf – King of Sweden

The present monarch of Sweden is King Carl XVI Gustaf. He is the seventh king in the Bernadotte dynasty of Sweden. The Royal Palace of Stockholm is the official residence of the king. However, the private residence of the royal family is the Drottningholm palace. The palace has 609 rooms and is considered as one of the largest royal palaces in the world.

Official residence: Royal Palace of Stockholm

24. Norodom Sihamoni – King of Combodia

Norodom Sihamoni is the king of Combodia, although under the present constitution, he has no real power. The royal palace of Phnom Penh is his official residence. The palace was constructed over a century ago and it hosts all major ceremonial functions of the country. Foreign dignitaries also stay here.

Official residence: Royal Palace of Phnom Penh

26. Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk – The Dragon king of Bhutan

Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchukm is the Dragon king of the secluded Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan. The Oxford-educated bachelor of 28 years is the youngest reigning monarch in the world. The Tashichoedzong Palace is the official residence of the royal family. The palace houses the government and the central clergy of monks. It remains open to the public during festivals, weekends, and after office hours.

Official residence: Tashichoedzong Palace

27. George Tupou V – The king of Tonga

George Tupou V is the ruler of the Polynesian archipelago that consists of 150 islands. The king lives in the royal palace of Nukualofa, the capital. The palace is wooden and is not open to the people. The king made strong fencing arrangements after some people broke the old, sacred fence after 1990.

Official residence: Royal Palace, Nuku'alofa Tonga

28. Letsie III – The king of Lesotho

(Letsie III / lesotho.gov. ls)

Letsie III is the king of Lesotho. Interestingly, Lesotho is the only independent state in the world that lies over 1000 meters above sea level. The Royal Palace in Maseru is the official residence of the king.

Official residence: Royal Palace in Maseru, Lesotho