MILAN, Italy, April 26 — Up to 145 countries will be represented at the 2015 World Expo, which takes place in Milan from Friday to October 31.

At their respective pavilions, all of these nations will contribute to the discussion on the theme “Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life”.

While it may be impossible to visit them all, here are five you won’t want to miss. 

USA

Americans will present the history of their food system at a pavilion designed by architect James Biber. The pavilion, titled “American Food 2.0”, is designed as an environmentally friendly granary surrounded by a vertical farming zone.

Included are a wooden walkway and a fleet of food trucks serving meals and beverages.

France

The country known for its gastronomy will spotlight some of its main culinary fortes, including the art of baking through an oven turning out bread and pastries on site.

French Michelin-starred chefs including Yannick Alléno and Michel Roth will prepare gourmet dishes à la française.

The pavilion made of latticed timber beams is designed to resemble a covered market hall, while the curved ceiling inside is meant to evoke the rolling hills of the French countryside.

A series of LED screens will display images and footage on the theme of different means of food production. 

Burundi (part of “Coffee: The Engine of Ideas”)

Rather than building their own pavilion, certain countries have chosen to participate in collective structures based on given themes.

The small East African nation of Burundi, for example, is represented within the coffee cluster with an exhibition appealing to all five senses.

Images of Burundi’s stunning landscapes will appeal to the eyes, while the nation’s mild Arabica beans will awaken the senses of smell and taste.

Finally, displays of Burundi’s traditions and rituals will appeal to the senses of hearing and touch. Visitors will find all of this under a straw and banana leaf structure inspired by the traditional dwellings known as “rugos”.  

Ghana (inside “Cocoa and Chocolate: The Food of Gods”)

Ghana, the world’s second-largest cocoa producer, is also known among chocolatiers for the excellent quality of its beans.

At the dedicated pavilion, Ghanaians will acquaint visitors with the history of cocoa and with the implementation of sustainable production methods.

Ghanaian cocoa-based products will be available for tasting, allowing visitors to discover the specific characteristics of the nation’s cocoa.

Israel

Attempting to wow visitors, Israel is mounting a visually stunning display with a vertical garden as its centrepiece.

The plants, flowers and colours will change with the seasons, and 3D film screenings will acquaint visitors with the history of Israeli agriculture.

A shimmering, dancing LED light tapestry will add to the visual experience. — AFP-Relaxnews