Europe is a spectacular location for travelers all around the world and it never fails to mesmerize us in every season. Of course, the iconic Eiffel Tower, and the legendary Colosseum are treats to the eye. But did you know? It also has some other interesting facts, locations, and secrets that put people in awe and surprise. Today, we are going to discuss 10 fun facts about Europe that will surely excite you.
10. Vatican City is the Smallest Country in the World
Vatican City is located within Rome in Europe and is the smallest country globally. It covers just 0.02 square miles. Despite its small size, it houses significant landmarks such as St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. The population of Vatican City is around 800 inhabitants including clergymen and other religious members.
9. Europe has the Oldest Known Map
The Phaistos Disc, an ancient artifact from Crete, is considered one of the oldest maps of the world. It features mysterious symbols on both sides, but their purpose and meaning remain a mystery, as the script has not been decoded yet. The disc is currently on display at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum in Crete.
8. Europe is a Land of Volcanoes
Europe is home to the second most active volcano in the world. Mount Etna is located in Italy and has had several eruptions in recent history. Moreover, Iceland is home to over 130 majestic volcanoes, some of which are still active today!
7. No Mosquitoes in Iceland
Iceland is free from mosquitoes and that is extremely surprising. This is because the climate in Iceland changes very quickly, preventing mosquitoes from completing their lifecycle. This makes it a very comfortable destination during summer. This means that outdoor activities such as camping and hiking are much more enjoyable without the annoyance of these pests bothering you.
6. Europe is the Wine Leader
Europe is a major producer of wine, with Italy, Spain, and France leading the way. In 2023, France produced about 48 million hectoliters of wine, while Italy produced 38.3 million hectoliters. Together, these three countries account for a significant portion of the world’s wine production. The European Union, as a whole, produces about 61% of the world’s wine, a figure consistent with the last decade’s average.
5. Norway has a Penguin Knight
Can a penguin be a king? At Edinburgh Zoo in Scotland, there’s a king penguin named Major General Sir Nils Olav III. He holds the third-highest rank in the Norwegian Army and serves as the mascot and colonel-in-chief of the Norwegian King’s Guard. This tradition began in 1972 when a penguin was first adopted by the King’s Guard. Since then, each penguin in the lineage has been promoted through the ranks.
4. The Tradition of Afternoon Tea originated in England
Afternoon tea began in early 19th-century England when Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, started having tea and snacks in the afternoon to curb her hunger before dinner. This became popular very quickly and by the 1880s, Queen Victoria was hosting official evening tea receptions at her palaces.
3. You can’t Mow your Lawn on Sundays in Switzerland
This is one of the best fun facts about Europe. It’s illegal to mow your lawn on Sunday, or even do some washing or construction work. This is because it can cause a lot of noise and disturb the people who are resting and enjoying their peace on an off day.
2. There’s a Town called Llanfairpwll-gwyngyllgogerychwyrndrob-wllllantysiliogogogoch
Not kidding! This really is the name of a town in Wales. This particular word is 58 letters long and means ‘cave’. For us, it’s almost impossible to pronounce it correctly. It can be called Llanfairpwll, or Llanfair PG in short. This town is popular for its exceptional long name and is an attraction to many tourists.
1. The Eiffel Tower wasn’t Always Popular
When The Eiffel Tower was first built in 1889, many Parisians hated it and called it an eyesore. It met with a lot of criticism initially, but gradually, the Eiffel Tower evolved into an iconic emblem of France, symbolizing the nation’s resilience and innovation.
Summary
Europe remains to be a universally attractive destination for travelers. It has unique cultures, mysterious museums, pretty landscapes, and epic monuments. These fun facts about Europe are known by a few, and sharing them with your friends and family will definitely prove you an intellectual.
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