Time Zone |
America/Chicago |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC-6 |
Daylight Saving Time |
UTC-5 |
Time Zone |
Pacific/Noumea |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC+11 |
Daylight Saving Time |
Daylight saving time is not observed in the current region. |
Ames is located in the central part of the U.S. state of Iowa, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) north of the capital city of Des Moines, and is one of the county seats of Boyd and Story counties, as well as the state's most important educational and livable city. As the home of Iowa State University (ISU), Ames has been deeply tied to the university since its founding in 1888, and the university is nationally renowned for its agricultural engineering, veterinary medicine, materials science and other disciplines, infusing the city with a strong academic and innovative atmosphere. With the university's resources, Ames has developed into a center for biotechnology, high-end manufacturing and aerospace research, with leading research institutions such as the National Advanced Driving Simulator Laboratory. With a population of approximately 66,000 (2020 data), the city has been repeatedly recognized as one of the safest and most livable areas in the nation, combining urban convenience with a small-town friendliness that attracts numerous academic conferences and tourists each year.
Located in the Loyalty Islands of the French overseas territory of New Caledonia, Menakou is the capital of the island of Ouvéa. Nestled beside a natural harbor surrounded by emerald green lagoons and coral reefs, this small town is known for its pristine white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters.
As an important reserve of traditional Kanak culture, Menaku retains unique tribal rituals and crafts. The surrounding waters are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boast one of the largest lagoon ecosystems in the world, making it a popular destination for diving enthusiasts and eco-tourism.
The local economy is based on fishing and tourism, and visitors can experience canoe sailing, traditional fishing and hunting. The city is small but has good infrastructure and is connected to the capital Nouméa through the Faya airport, making it an ideal starting point for exploring the pristine landscape of the Loyalty Islands.