While the American version of Sesame Street is broadcast in over 140 different countries, some countries have their own versions in their native languages. While there are some familiar characters in the international versions, each show has its own unique characters that you won’t find on any other Sesame Street. In Israel’s version, for example, you won’t see Oscar – but you’ll see Moishe Oofnik, an Israeli grouch. China has Xiao Mei Zi, a bright red monster, much like a female Elmo. Mexico’s version of Big Bird is a huge green, yellow, and red parrot.
Like American Sesame Street, each country’s respective Muppets help kids deal with the issues that affect them most. Rechov Sumsum/Shara’s Simsim is the revolutionary Israeli/Palestinian co-production designed to teach children in both territories mutual respect. And recently, South Africa’s Takalani Sesame introduced Kami, an HIV-positive Muppet.
Here’s what you’ll hear each country call their version (and they thought Sesame Street would be hard to pronounce?):