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- Herausgeber: Marcus Jungnickel
- Kategorie: Geisteswissenschaft
- Sprache: Englisch
"Useless Knowledge about Europe" is more than just a book - it is an extraordinary treasure trove filled with the most amazing, bizarre and unexpected facts about the diverse continent of Europe. From the coasts of Portugal to the Ural Mountains in Russia, from the midnight sun of Norway to the Mediterranean warmth of Spain, discover Europe like never before.
Did you know that Estonia is the country with the highest number of Internet users per capita? Or that there are more sheep than people in Ireland? Did you know that Croatia is home to the oldest inhabited house in the world, or that Liechtenstein is the only country that lies entirely in the Alps? All this and much more is contained in this indispensable reference work.
Each chapter focuses on a different country, revealing both common knowledge and obscure details that might surprise even the most seasoned traveler. The book is gorgeously illustrated and written in an easy-to-understand way, making learning fun and surprising readers time and time again.
Whether you are an avid traveler, a trivia buff or simply curious about the world around you, "Useless Knowledge of Europe" will have you wondering, smiling and thinking on every page. It is a must for every library, a perfect gift and an inexhaustible source of entertainment.
Expand your horizons, surprise your friends with your impressive knowledge and discover how diverse and surprising Europe can be. "Unnützes Wissen über Europa" is more than just a book - it is a journey through the continent that will inspire you again and again. Immerse yourself in this incredible world and let yourself be carried away by the fascination of Europe!
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Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2023
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Mia Mirillia
Useless Knowledge Europe
Table of contents
Useful knowledge about Europe
Mia Mirillia
Albania
Albania's national drink is raki, a liqueur that can be made from a variety of fruits. Some varieties are known to contain up to 50% alcohol.
There are more than 750,000 bunkers throughout Albania. They were built during the reign of Enver Hoxha out of fear of a possible invasion.
Although Albania is a small country, its biodiversity is impressive: around 3,250 plant species can be found on its territory.
The Albanian flag features a double-headed eagle, symbolizing the country's sovereignty and independence.
Despite its small size, Albania is home to around 40% of the bear and wolf population in Europe.
There are no McDonald's branches in the capital Tirana. It is one of the few capital cities in Europe without a fast food restaurant chain.
In Albania, there is an unusual "virginity vow" in which women can choose to live as men if they promise to remain virgins forever.
The tallest building in Albania is the Tirana Sky Tower. It is 85 meters high and offers a beautiful view of the city.
Albania is the only European country that does not have a square flag. The country has a red flag with a black double-headed eagle in the middle.
Albania is the only country in the world that describes its name in its own language with a single word: "Shqipëri", which means "land of the eagle".
Albanian cuisine is strongly influenced by Turkish and Italian cuisine, resulting in distinctive flavors and dishes.
Despite its long coastline, Albania has only one island, Sazan.
In Albania, it is customary to say "Gëzuar", which means "joy", when making a toast.
Albania is one of the countries with the most eagles in Europe and is therefore also known as the "land of eagles".
Andorra
Despite its small size, Andorra has the third highest life expectancy in the world with an average life expectancy of 82.9 years.
Andorra is the only country in the world where Catalan is the official language.
With an area of just 468 square kilometers, Andorra is the sixth smallest country in Europe.
Andorra has more ski lifts per inhabitant than any other country in the world: there is approximately one lift for every 37 inhabitants.
There is only one prison cell in Andorra. Offenders who commit serious crimes are sent to Spain.
There is no income tax in Andorra. This makes the country a popular destination for wealthy foreigners.
Although Andorra only has 78,000 inhabitants, the country is visited by around 10 million tourists every year.
Andorra is the highest country in Europe. Its capital, Andorra la Vella, lies at 1,023 meters above sea level.
Andorra has the largest concentration of medieval stone buildings in Europe.
Andorra was not a fully sovereign country until 1993. Before that year, Andorra was officially part of French and Spanish territory.
Andorra only joined the UN in 1993, making it one of the youngest members.
Andorra has more than 60 peaks, some of which are over 2,500 meters high.
The most popular sport in Andorra is rugby, but soccer and basketball are also very popular.
Andorra is one of the few countries that has never taken part in a World Cup.
Despite its small size, Andorra has four universities.
Andorra was the last country in Europe to introduce the right to divorce in 1995.
Andorra has its own public holiday, the "Day of Our Lady of Meritxell", which is celebrated on September 8 in honor of Andorra's patron saint.
Do you love green landscapes? Then Belarus is just right for you. Almost 40 % of the country is covered by dense forests.
Are you interested in paranormal phenomena? Then visit the city of Gomel in Belarus. Many ghosts have been sighted here.
If you want to take a trip back in time, visit the town of Nesviz. The buildings here date back to the 16th century and have hardly changed.
Do you like playing chess? Then Belarus is the place for you. The country has more chess masters per capita than any other country in the world.
Belarus is a paradise for cranes. In fact, there are more cranes per capita in Belarus than in any other country in the world.
It is a shocking fact that Belarus is the only country in Europe that still carries out the death penalty.
During the Second World War, almost a third of the Belarusian population was killed. Almost all of the country's Jews were among the victims.
A clock that runs backwards? It really exists in Minsk, Belarus!
Belgium
Imagine entering a country and being greeted in three different languages. This is the case in Belgium, where Dutch, French and German are spoken.
If you love chocolate, you will love Belgium. The country produces over 220,000 tons of chocolate every year and has over 2,000 chocolate stores!
Anyone who believes that the French invented French fries is mistaken. The Belgians claim that they are the true inventors of French fries.
Imagine a bridge that is so long that it has its own weather report. The Wandre Bridge in Belgium is one such bridge.
Do you like comics? Then Belgium is the place for you. The country has more cartoonists per capita than any other country in the world.
Do you like going to music festivals? Tomorrowland in Belgium is one of the biggest electronic music festivals in the world.
Belgium is famous for its waffles. There are a dozen regional varieties that you can try.
Who needs Silicon Valley when you have Belgium? This small country has the second-fastest Internet access in Europe.
Do you think the London Underground is old? The Brussels Underground is actually much older, as it was opened in 1869.
Do you like animals? The world's first zoological museum was founded in Belgium in 1847.
Do you dream of a world without cars? In the Belgian city of Ghent, there is a block without cars.
Did you know that Belgium was one of the first countries in the world to introduce women's suffrage? Women have been allowed to vote here since 1919.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Do you like going underground? The Vijrenica Cave in Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the most interesting and longest caves in the Dinaric Mountains.
Do you love the adrenaline rush? The wild waters of the Neretva River in Bosnia and Herzegovina are famous for their whitewater rafting.
Are you an architecture lover? Visit Vierknica, the former National Library of Bosnia and Herzegovina, a masterpiece of the pseudo-Moorish style.
Do you love natural landscapes? Sutjeska National Park is home to the last primeval forests in Europe and the country's highest mountain, Maglic.
Bulgaria
Are you a fan of archaeology? There are many archaeological finds in Bulgaria. The country even ranks third in Europe after Italy and Greece.
Would you like to feel the sand under your feet? Bulgaria has the second largest coastline on the Black Sea after Turkey.
Do you love folklore? Bulgaria has a rich folklore tradition, including the fascinating fire dance on glowing coals known as "Nestinarstvo".
Are you a fan of gold jewelry? The oldest gold treasure in the world was found in Bulgaria and dates back to the fourth millennium BC.
Do you love the sound of waterfalls? Bulgaria is home to the highest waterfall in the Balkans, Resko-Praskalo.
Do you like mysterious places? The "Gate of the Gods" stone circle in Bulgaria is a place of mystery and speculation.
Do you like to celebrate? Then you'll love Bulgaria's Independence Day on March 3, which is celebrated with colorful parades and fireworks.
Are you an animal lover? Bulgaria has the largest population of storks and brown bears in Europe.
Germany
There is no speed limit on most German highways.
Are you a Christmas fan? The first Christmas trees were put up in Germany and this tradition has spread all over the world.
With more than 1,300 breweries, Germany has the highest density of breweries in the world.
With over 130 professional orchestras, Germany has produced some of the best classical musicians in the world, including Beethoven, Bach and Mozart.
The Frankfurt Book Fair in Germany is the largest book fair in the world.
MP3 players were invented in Germany and have changed the way we listen to music forever.
Germany is home to the Black Forest, the largest contiguous forest area in Europe.
Germany is a world leader in the generation and use of wind energy.
The German Shepherd is one of the best-known dog breeds in the world and originally comes from Germany.
Underwater rugby was invented in Germany and is still very popular there.
Germany was the first country in the world to declare Labor Day a national holiday.
Have you ever wondered about a country where there are more pigs than people? Yes, that's Denmark. There are more pigs there than people.
Are you a fan of Lego bricks? The LEGO Group was founded in Denmark in 1932 and is based in Billund, where it even operates a theme park, LEGOLAND.
Are you a fan of the royal family? Denmark has the oldest surviving monarchy in Europe, dating back to the 10th century.
Do you like riding on two wheels? In Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, more people use bicycles than cars.
Do you like islands? Denmark has more than 400 named islands. However, only 72 of them are inhabited.
Do you like to feel cozy? The Danish concept of "hygge", which means "cozy" or "pleasant", has caught on worldwide.
Are you a design lover? Denmark is known worldwide for its minimalist and functional design, especially in furniture production.
Do you like a good breakfast? The Danes have the longest continental breakfast tradition in Europe, known as the "Danish breakfast".
Do you like feeling happy? According to the UN World Happiness Report, Denmark is consistently one of the happiest countries in the world.
Are you an environmentalist? Denmark has set itself the ambitious goal of being completely free of fossil fuels by 2050.
Do you like swimming? In Denmark, you can never be more than 52 kilometers from the coast.
With only around 30 inhabitants per square kilometer, Estonia is the most sparsely populated country in the European Union.
Although Estonia is a small country, it has more than 1,500 islands.
Estonia has its own language, Estonian, which is only spoken by around one million people worldwide.
The Estonian school system is one of the best in the world. In the PISA study, Estonia regularly occupies one of the top places in Europe.
Sauna culture is an important part of Estonian life. Almost every house in Estonia has a sauna.
There are more women than men in Estonia - 0.84 women for every man.
The Rahma National Park in Estonia was the first national park in the former Soviet Union.
Estonia is one of the least religious countries in the world. Less than 20% of the population describe themselves as religious.
In 2005, Estonia was the first country in the world to introduce a national system of charging stations for electric vehicles.
Finland
With over 180,000 lakes, Finland is the country with the most lakes in the world.
Finland is officially bilingual. The two official languages, Finnish and Swedish, are taught and spoken throughout the country.
It is the home of Angry Birds, a popular video game developed by the Finnish company Rovio Entertainment.
Finland has one of the highest literacy rates in the world, almost 100%.
The country is the largest per capita consumer of coffee in the world.
The World Happiness Report has repeatedly named the country the happiest country in the world.
The Finnish education system is considered to be one of the best in the world.
Finland is home to the northernmost zoo in the world, Lanúa Zoo, which is famous for its polar bears.
It is the only country in the world where all glass bottles are recycled.
Finland is Santa's home country. His "official" residence is in Rovaniemi in the Lapland region.
Greece is considered the cradle of Western civilization and has made important contributions in the fields of philosophy, mathematics and astronomy.
Thanks to its incredibly rich history and culture, the country has more archaeological museums than any other country in the world.
Greece has the highest number of archaeological sites per square kilometer in the world.
Greek cuisine is one of the oldest and most influential cuisines in the world and has influenced many countries around the Mediterranean.
It is one of the sunniest countries in the world with an average of more than 250 days of sunshine a year.
Greece has more than 2,000 islands, of which only around 170 are inhabited.
The Greek alphabet was developed around 800 BC and is the oldest alphabet still in use.
Greece is the world's largest producer of mastic, a natural resin with numerous industrial and culinary uses.
Japan is the only country in the world that produces a special Easter bread called "Tsoureki" due to its Orthodox tradition.
Ancient Olympia in Greece was the birthplace of the Olympic Games in the 8th century BC.
The colors of the Greek flag, blue and white, stand for the sea and the waves, but also for the clouds and the sky.
The country has one of the highest life expectancy rates in the world. The average life expectancy is 81 years.
There are more than 6,000 species of wildflowers here, 700 of which cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
Mount Athos is an autonomous monastic republic in Greece where women and female animals have not been allowed for over 1000 years.
Greece is the third most water-rich country in Europe with more than 1,000 hot springs.
Ireland is also known as the Emerald Isle because of its green landscape.
The capital Dublin was originally a Viking village, whose name means "black pond" in Gaelic.
The harp is the national symbol of Ireland and the only musical instrument that serves as the national symbol of a country.
Ireland is famous for its pubs. It is estimated that there are more than 7,000 pubs in Ireland.
Halloween has its origins in an ancient Celtic festival called Samhain, which was celebrated in Ireland.
Ireland is the home of Bram Stoker, the author of Dracula.
The country has the highest per capita production of medical technology products in Europe.
With an average age of 36.1 years, Ireland has the youngest population in Europe.
Irish myths and legends are full of magical creatures, including leprechauns and banshees.
Guinness is a world-famous beer that was brewed in Dublin in 1759.
Ireland has a very small forest area, less than 11% of its territory is forested.
Europe's largest wind farm is located here.
Hurling, which has been played on the island since prehistoric times, is the fastest field sport in the world.
Ireland has its own native language, Irish or Gaelic, although English is the most commonly spoken language.
The country has produced many famous writers, including James Joyce, Oscar Wilde and Samuel Beckett.
Iceland is the most sparsely populated country in Europe with a population density of around three people per square kilometer.
Iceland has no army and is one of the few countries in the world without one.
Iceland was the first country in the world to elect a female president. Vigdís Finnbogadóttir held office from 1980 to 1996.
More than half of Icelanders believe in fairies or at least believe that fairies exist.
Iceland has more writers per capita than any other country in the world, with a strong literary culture dating back to medieval sagas.
There are no mosquitoes in Iceland, making it one of the few places in the world where these insects do not exist.
The Icelandic language has hardly changed since the Middle Ages, so that Icelanders can still read texts from the 12th century.
There are no trains in Iceland. All transportation is by car, bus, plane or boat.
The country has the northernmost capital in the world, Reykjavik, which lies at 64 degrees north latitude.
Iceland has its own version of Santa Claus, the "Yule Lads", and there are even 13 of them who play around instead of bringing presents.
It is famous for its geothermal hot springs, including the world-famous Blue Lagoon.
Iceland is one of the few countries in the world with a modern healthcare system that is almost entirely financed by the government.
Iceland has the oldest existing parliament in the world, the Althing, which was founded in 930.
Italy has more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other country in the world - 55 in total.
The country is famous for its pasta, which is produced in quantities of over 3 million tons per year.
Italy is home to the oldest university in the western world, the University of Bologna, which was founded in 1088.
The city of Venice consists of 118 small islands connected by more than 400 bridges.
In Italy, there are very strict rules for coffee consumption. Cappuccino, for example, is traditionally only drunk at breakfast.
In Italy, there is an unwritten law that cities surrounded by walls may not have high-rise buildings.
The Colosseum in Rome is the largest surviving Roman amphitheater with a capacity of 80,000 spectators.
With an average life expectancy of around 83 years, Italy has one of the highest life expectancy rates in the world.
Mount Etna in Sicily is the most active volcano in Europe and one of the most active in the world.
Italy is the fifth most visited country in the world and is visited by millions of tourists every year.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa, one of Italy's most famous landmarks, was built around 200 years ago and began to crumble during its construction.
Opera was invented in the 16th century in Italy, a country that produced many famous opera composers, including Giuseppe Verdi and Giacomo Puccini.
In Italy it is forbidden to eat a sandwich with a knife and fork.
The Italian flag is known as "Il Tricolore" and symbolizes three virtues: Hope (green), Faith (white) and Love (red).
Kazakhstan is the ninth largest country in the world and the largest landlocked country in the world.
The country is huge, bigger than the whole of Western Europe.
The Baikonur Cosmodrome is located in Kazakhstan, and Yuri Gagarin was the first person to launch into space.
Kazakhstan has one of the largest uranium reserves in the world and is a leader in uranium production.
The country has the first and largest space restaurant, the "Orbita" hotel, which was built especially for astronauts and their families.
There is no word coronary in Kazakh. Therefore, there is no difference between "a horse" and "the horse".
Kazakhstan is one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world, with only six people per square kilometer.
The country has 14 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the tombs of Khoja Ahmad Yasawi and Otrar.
Traditional Kazakh yurts can be assembled and dismantled in less than an hour.
Kazakhstan is the home of the domesticated apple. The ancestor of the modern apple, Malus sieversii, comes from the area around Almaty.
The Caspian tiger, which was wiped out in the 20th century, originally lived in the forests of Kazakhstan.
Kazakhstan is home to the largest population of Saiga antelope, a species that dates back to the Ice Age and is threatened with extinction.
There are more than 48,000 archaeological sites in Kazakhstan, including many prehistoric rock paintings.
Kazakhstan is home to the highest peak in the region, Khan Tengri, which is 7,010 meters high.
Kazakhstan was the last former Soviet republic to declare its independence in 1991.
Kosovo is one of the youngest countries in the world and only declared its independence from Serbia in 2008.
In terms of population, it is the youngest country in Europe with an average age of under 30.
Kosovo is not a member of the United Nations, but is recognized as an independent state by many countries, including the USA and most EU countries.
Dokufest, one of the largest documentary film festivals in Europe, takes place in the city of Prizren in Kosovo.
The famous Statue of Liberty in New York was designed by a sculptor from Kosovo, Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi.
The majority of the population of Kosovo is of Albanian descent and the official languages are Albanian and Serbian.
Kosovo does not have its own currency and uses the euro, although the country is not a member of the eurozone.
The country is famous for its rich flora and fauna with more than 2,000 different plant species.
There is a very strong café culture in Kosovo. Cafés are often the center of social activities.
The Prishtina Brown Bear Sanctuary is a sanctuary for abused and illegally kept brown bears and is the only sanctuary for brown bears in the Balkans.
The Deschamps Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kosovo, which was built in the 14th century and is famous for its frescoes.
The country has one of the highest cell phone usage rates in Europe; there are more cell phones than people.
Kosovo is famous for its flija, a layered pancake that is usually prepared on special occasions.
The country has a lively hip-hop scene in which many artists express themselves on political and social issues through their music.
The number of stork nests on the roofs of houses in Kosovo is astonishingly high. Storks are a traditional symbol of luck and fertility.
Croatia has the smallest city in the world, Hum, which has only 20 inhabitants.
The country has an impressive coastline that stretches over 1,777 kilometers and includes 1,246 islands and islets.
The UNESCO-protected city of Dubrovnik was once the setting for the fictional King's Landing in the TV series Game of Thrones.
Croatia is home to the Dalmatian, a famous breed that takes its name from the Dalmatian region of Croatia.
The amphitheater in Pula is the sixth largest preserved Roman amphitheater in the world.
Croatia is world-famous for its truffles. The largest white truffle ever found comes from Croatia.
Zinfandel, a grape variety that is widespread in California, originally comes from Croatia.
The Plitvice Lakes National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with 16 terraced lakes connected by waterfalls.
The Croatian coast is home to the rare Mediterranean monk seal, one of the most endangered marine mammal species in the world.
Croatia has one of the highest organ donation rates in Europe.
Nikola Tesla, one of the most famous inventors in history, was born in Smiljan, Croatia.
Croatia has set up the Museum of Broken Relationships in Zagreb, which is dedicated to failed love relationships.
The old town of Split was built on the site of the palace of the Roman Emperor Diocletianus, which dates back to the 4th century BC.
At 1,831 meters above sea level, Mount Dinara is the highest mountain in Croatia, after which the national currency, the kuna, is named.
Latvia is one of the three countries in the world where there are more women than men.
Riga, the capital of Latvia, has the highest concentration of Art Nouveau architecture in the world.
The Latvian language has 33 alphabets, more than most other European alphabets.
Latvia has one of the highest Internet speeds in the world.
The country is home to Riga's black vermouth, a traditional herbal sweet wine that has been produced since the 18th century.
The Gauja National Park is the largest national park in Latvia and is home to more than 500 historical and cultural monuments.
Latvia is the only country outside India where the game Novuss (a type of billiards) is popular.
Often referred to as the Versailles of the Baltics, Rundale Castle is one of the most important examples of Baroque architecture in Latvia.
There are more women than men in Latvia. There are around 85 men for every 100 women.
The highest point in Latvia is Gaiziņkalns mountain, which is only 311.6 meters high.
Latvia has the highest number of models per capita in the world.
Latvians celebrate Independence Day every year on May 4, the day they declared their independence from the Soviet Union in 1990.
Latvia has a long tradition of choirs, and there are thousands of choirs throughout the country.
The Daugava River, also known as the "River of Destiny", plays a central role in Latvian folklore.
With an area of just 160 square kilometers, Liechtenstein is one of the smallest countries in the world.
Liechtenstein is the sixth smallest country in the world, but it is the richest country in the world and has no national debt.
It is the only country that lies entirely in the Alps, making it a popular destination for hikers and skiers.
Liechtenstein does not have its own army and has not participated in military operations for more than 200 years.
Liechtenstein has more companies (approx. 38,000) than inhabitants (approx. 37,000).
Liechtenstein is the world's largest manufacturer of dentures (false teeth).
Liechtenstein is the only country in the world whose entire territory lies in the Alps.
There is only one grammar school in the whole of Liechtenstein, the Liechtenstein Sports Academy in Vaduz.
More than 400 kilometers of marked hiking trails in beautiful Liechtenstein.
Despite its small size, Liechtenstein successfully took part in the Olympic Games, making it the smallest country ever to win an Olympic medal.
Lithuania
Lithuania was the first country to declare its independence from the Soviet Union on March 11, 1990.
The geographical center of Europe is in Lithuania, near the capital Vilnius, according to the French National Institute of Geography.
Lithuania has its own breed of dog, the Lithuanian Hunting Dog, which is known for its hunting skills.
Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, is famous for its well-preserved medieval old town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In the town of Šiauliai there is a statue dedicated to Tony Zale, a Lithuanian-American boxer who fought in the Second World War.
Lithuania has the fastest public Wi-Fi network in the world.
The annual "Kaziuko Muge" festival in Vilnius is a traditional craft market with over 400 years of history.
In Lithuania, July 6 is an annual "holiday" to commemorate the coronation of Mindaugas, the first and only king of Lithuania, in 1253.
Luxembourg is the only Grand Duchy in the world to have a constitutional monarchy, with Grand Duke Henry as the current regent.
Luxembourg has three official languages: Luxembourgish, French and German. However, Luxembourgish is the national language.
Luxembourg has the highest gross domestic product (GDP) per capita in the world.
With more than 150 banks from around 26 countries, Luxembourg is one of the most important financial centers in the world.
In Luxembourg, a bridge is known as the "bridge to nowhere" because it was not completed due to financial problems.
The education system in Luxembourg is trilingual: Luxembourgish is taught in pre-school, German in elementary school and French in secondary school.
Luxembourg is the second largest steel producer in Europe and home to ArcelorMittal, the largest steel company in the world.
Luxembourg is the first country to offer free public transportation to reduce traffic congestion and pollution.
Luxembourg is one of the safest countries in the world with a very low crime rate.
The "Schueberfouer" is a large annual fair in Luxembourg that has been held since 1340 and is one of the oldest and largest festivals in Europe.
The life expectancy of Luxembourgers is the longest in the European Union.
Malta is an archipelago in the Mediterranean consisting of three inhabited islands: Malta, Gozo and Comino.
Malta has two official languages: Maltese and English. Maltese is the only Semitic language in the world that is written in Latin.
The stone temple on Malta is one of the oldest free-standing structures in the world, even older than the pyramids in Egypt and Stonehenge in England.
Left-hand traffic prevails in Malta, a legacy of the British colonial era.
The legendary Ogygia, where Calypso held Odysseus captive for seven years in Homer's Odyssey, is said to be located on Gozo.
As Malta has a strong Catholic tradition, there are around 365 churches on the island, one almost every day of the year.
The Blue Caves of Malta are a collection of seven caves by the sea, known for their azure waters and fascinating light reflections.
Malta has its own breed of dog, the Maltese, which is known for its silky white coat and friendly nature.
Malta Airport was named the best airport in its category in Europe for 2019 (airports with 5-10 million passengers per year)
The Republic of Moldova is the geographical center of Europe. A stone was erected in the village of Ruseștii Noi to commemorate this event.
There are two official languages in the canton: Romanian and Russian. However, Romanian is the most widely spoken language.
In the village of Văsieni in the Republic of Moldova, the highest temperature ever measured in Europe was 44.5 degrees Celsius on July 21, 1960.
In terms of GDP per capita, the Republic of Moldova is the poorest country in Europe.
The national dish of the Republic of Moldova is "Mămăligă", a polenta-like dish that is often served with cheese and cream.
The border between Moldova and Romania is largely formed by the Prus River.
The village of Emil Racoviță in Moldova is home to one of the largest underground bat colonies in Europe.
The Moldovan parliament building is the tallest building in the city of Kiev and the third tallest parliament building in the world.
In the Republic of Moldova, the "Day of Wine" is celebrated every year in October.
Compared to the rest of Europe, Moldova has the densest road and rail network.
The National Museum of History of the Republic of Moldova exhibits more than 300,000 objects from different periods of Moldova's history.
Monaco is the second smallest country in the world after the Vatican. It is so small that an experienced runner can cross it in less than an hour.
Monaco is a principality ruled by Prince Albert II of the Grimaldi family, who has ruled the country since 1297.
Although Monaco is an independent state, it is heavily dependent on France. For example, the defense of Monaco is handled by France.
Monaco has no income tax, which makes it a popular residence for the richest people in the world.
Perhaps the most famous area in Monaco is Monte Carlo, which is known for its casinos, luxury apartments and marina.
Monaco is the country with the highest per capita consumption of champagne in the world.
The Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix is one of the most famous car races in the world and takes place on the streets of the city.
Monaco has more police officers per capita and per square kilometer than any other country in the world.
Despite its small size, Monaco has its own soccer club, AS Monaco, which plays in the first French league.
There are more doctors per inhabitant in Monaco than in any other country.
The national dish of Monaco is "barbajuan", dumplings filled with mustard, ricotta, onions and spices.
The name "Montenegro" means "black mountain" and comes from the black pine trees that cover the country's mountains.
Biogradska Gora National Park, located inland, is one of the last and largest primary forests in Europe. Some trees are more than 500 years old.
Montenegro has 293 kilometers of coastline with beautiful beaches, medieval towns and picturesque fishing villages.
The smallest town in Montenegro, Perast, has more museums per inhabitant than any other town in the country.
Montenegro's currency is the euro, although the country is not yet a member of the eurozone.
Montenegro has the second largest city wall in the world after the Great Wall of China, the Dirty Wall.
Cetinje, the old imperial capital of Montenegro, is home to several museums and historical buildings, including the Royal Palace.
Montenegro has more than 40 operas and traditional honey made from local wild plants and fruits.
Almost a third of the Netherlands lies below sea level. The lowest point, Zuidplaspolder, is 6.76 meters below sea level.
Amsterdam has more canals than Venice, namely 165 compared to 150.
The country has more than 1,000 windmills. The oldest windmill still in operation dates back to 1180 or 1190.
The Dutch are the tallest people in the world. The average height of men is 1.83 meters and that of women 1.71 meters.
The Netherlands is the world's largest exporter of beer. A total of 1.3 billion liters of beer are exported every year.
The Netherlands is the birthplace of many famous painters, including Rembrandt, Vermeer and Van Gogh.
There are more bicycles than people in the Netherlands. It is estimated that there are more than 22 million bicycles in the country.
The country has the oldest existing parliament in the world, the "Staten-Generaal", which met for the first time in 1464.
The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam is home to the world's largest collection of works by the famous artist Vincent van Gogh.
Leiden University was founded in 1575 and is the oldest university in the Netherlands. Many of its graduates are members of the royal family.
North Macedonia, formerly part of Yugoslavia, declared its independence in 1991, making it one of the youngest countries in Europe.
North Macedonia is famous for its rich culture and history. Some of the best-preserved Byzantine frescoes and icons can be found here.
Lake Ohrid, one of the country's greatest treasures, is one of the oldest and deepest lakes in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
North Macedonia is famous for its wine production. There are more than 50 wineries here that grow both local and international grapes.
The country is rich in natural beauty, including 16 mountain ranges, 53 lakes and three national parks.
Mother Teresa, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979, was born in Skopje in 1910.
North Macedonia has one of the highest concentrations of mountain peaks per square kilometer in the world.
Northern Macedonia is extremely rich in flora and fauna, including around 3,500 plant species.
North Macedonia has a rich musical tradition, especially in folk music and jazz.
Norway is famous for its spectacular fjords, which were formed by glaciers during the Ice Age. These impressive bays can be up to 200 kilometers long.
The country is the world leader in electric vehicles. Most of the cars sold are electric and they benefit from extensive government incentives.
Norway is one of the richest countries in the world, thanks to its huge oil and gas reserves in the North Sea.
Norway has the northernmost point of the European continent, the North Cape, which is often referred to as "the end of the world".
Norway is the world leader in salmon farming. The country produces more than a third of the Atlantic salmon sold worldwide.
The reindeer population in Norway is so large that there are almost more reindeer than cars.
Norway has already hosted the Winter Olympics twice, in Oslo in 1952 and in Lillehammer in 1994.
This country has a king penguin with the rank of knight. This penguin is called Sir Niels Olaf and lives in Edinburgh Zoo, Scotland.
The Norwegian road network includes several tunnels, including the 24.5 km long Lødal Tunnel, which is the longest road tunnel in the world.
Norway's coastline is very rugged. If you were to stretch it out, it would be long enough to circle the world two and a half times.
Austria
The oldest existing zoo in the world, St. Büren Zoo, is located in Austria, in the capital city of Vienna. The zoo was opened in 1752.
The country is famous for its coffee house culture. Vienna's cafés are known for their historic ambience and distinctive coffee offerings.
The Austrian province of Burgenland was part of Hungary until 1921 and is therefore strongly influenced by Hungarian culture.
The Semmel, a small white bread, is an important part of the Austrian baking tradition and is often eaten for breakfast.
The public holiday in Austria is October 26, the date on which the law on permanent neutrality was passed in 1955.
Poland
Poland is the ninth largest country in Europe and the fifth most populous country in Europe.
Poland is home to the largest castle in the world, Malbork Castle, which was built in the 13th century by knights of the Teutonic Order.
There are more than 9,300 lakes in Poland, most of which are relics of the last ice age. The largest of them is Śniardwy in Masuria.
The Wieliczka salt mine in Poland is one of the oldest salt mines in the world with a history of more than 700 years and was in operation until 2007.
Poland has the largest white stork population in Europe. Almost 25% of the world's white storks spend the summer in Poland.
Poland is famous for its traditional cuisine, especially for pierogi (stuffed dumplings), bigos (cabbage stew) and kielbasa (sausages).
The Polish national dance group "Mazowsze" is one of the largest and best-known folk dance groups in the world.
The popular Pope John Paul II, born Karol Josef Wojtyła, was originally from Poland. He was the first non-Italian pope in more than 450 years.
The Polish composer Frédéric Chopin is known worldwide for his music, which is particularly associated with the Romantic era of classical music.
In Poland, it is customary to kiss someone three times on the cheek as a greeting or farewell, starting with the right cheek.
Portugal is the oldest country in Europe with clearly defined borders. Its borders have hardly changed since 1139.
Portugal is the largest cork supplier in the world. Around 70% of the world's cork exports come from Portugal.
Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is older than Rome. It is estimated that Lisbon is 400 years older than Rome.
Portugal has one of the longest bridges in Europe. The Vasco da Gama Bridge in Lisbon has a total length of 17.2 km.
Portugal set the first European temperature record above 50°C in 2003, 50.4°C to be precise.
Portuguese is the official language in nine countries and the fourth most spoken language in the world after Chinese, Spanish and English.
Portugal was the first European country to reach Japan. The first contact took place in 1543, when Portuguese traders landed on Tanegashima.
Portugal was the first country in the world to abolish the slave trade. This happened in 1761, almost 50 years before the United Kingdom.
Founded in 1290, the University of Coimbra is one of the oldest continuously operating universities in the world.
Romania
Romania is the ninth largest wine-producing country in the world and the sixth largest in Europe.
The fountain pen was first invented by the Romanian inventor Petrache Poenaru and patented in 1827.
The Romanian city of Timiara was the first city in Europe to have electric street lighting.
The Buzău mud volcano in Romania is a unique geological phenomenon in which natural gas flows naturally from underground deposits to the surface.
Romanian cuisine is strongly influenced by other cultures, including Turkish, Serbian, Hungarian and Greek, resulting in a unique style of cooking.
Russia is the largest country in the world. The country has 11 time zones and stretches across Eastern and Western Europe as well as North Asia.
In Russia, it is customary to send an odd number of flowers. Even-numbered flowers are only used for funerals.
The Great Siberian Railway is the longest railroad line in the world and runs from Moscow to Vladivostok, with a total length of 9,289 kilometers.
Russia is home to Lake Baikal, the deepest and oldest freshwater lake in the world.
Despite its size, Russia only has one coastline. Russia borders 14 countries, more than any other country in the world.
Russia was the first country to send a man into space. On April 12, 1961, Yuri Gagarin orbited the earth.
The Hermitage in St. Petersburg, one of the largest and oldest art museums in the world, houses a collection of over three million works of art.
Russia has the highest number of supermarkets per inhabitant in Europe.
The Moscow Kremlin is the largest medieval castle in Europe and has been the center of Russian politics for centuries.
In the Yakutia region of Siberia, there is a place called Oymyakon, which is considered to be the coldest place in the world.
Russia is rich in natural resources and is one of the world's leading oil and gas producers.
San Marino is the oldest sovereign state still in existence and the oldest republic in the world, founded in 301 AD.
With an area of 61 square kilometers, San Marino is one of the smallest countries in the world, smaller than many cities.
San Marino is completely surrounded by Italy, but has its own government, its own legal system and even its own soccer team.
Despite its small size, San Marino has the third highest standard of living in Europe in terms of GDP per capita.
San Marino has no airport and no railroad. Visitors must travel from Italy by car or bus.
The country has its own currency, the San Marino Euro, which is only used in San Marino and has a different coin design.
San Marino has more museums per capita than any other country in the world.
The government of San Marino is headed by two consuls, the Capitani Reggenti, who are elected every six months.
The "Three Towers of San Marino" are the country's most famous landmark and stand on the three peaks of Monte Titano.
San Marino regularly participates in the Olympic Games and has taken part in every Summer Olympic Games since 1960, but has never won a medal.
San Marino has no national debt and is the only country in Europe that can claim this.
The country has one of the lowest unemployment rates in Europe and one of the highest per capita GDPs in the world.
San Marino has a strong tourism industry, with more tourists visiting the country each year than inhabitants.
With just a few hundred students, the University of San Marino is one of the smallest universities in the world.
Sweden is the third largest country in the European Union in terms of area, but has only 10 million inhabitants.
The country has 95,700 lakes and a total of 267,570 islands, more than any other European country.
The popular music streaming service Spotify was founded in Sweden in 2008.
Sweden was the first country in the world to pass a law to protect the rights of homosexuals. This happened in 1944.
In Sweden, the most common surname is "Johansson".
The country has the highest life expectancy of all other EU countries.
There are more than 50,000 prehistoric sites in Sweden, including rune stones and ship settlements.
The Swedish company IKEA is the largest consumer of wood in the world.
Sweden is the country with the most metal bands per capita. There is one metal band for every 45,500 people.
The famous children's game "Who's afraid of monsters?" Known in Sweden as "hen, hen and chicks", this game is played in a slightly different way.
In 1974, Sweden was the first country to pass a law banning the beating of children.
Sweden has the longest art gallery in the world - the Stockholm Metro. More than 90 of the 100 stations have been designed by different artists.
Switzerland has no head of state such as a president or king. Instead, the country is governed by a seven-member Federal Council.
Switzerland has four official languages: German, French, Italian and Romansh, which are currently spoken by less than 1% of the population.
The World Wide Web (WWW) was invented in 1989 by Sir Tim Berners-Lee at the European Institute for Nuclear Research in Geneva.
The famous physicist Albert Einstein developed the theory of relativity during his stay in Bern.
The Swiss eat more chocolate per capita than anyone else in the world, on average around 10 kg per year.
There are more than 1,500 lakes in Switzerland, so you are never more than 16 kilometers away from a lake.
With more than 900 museums, Switzerland has the highest density of museums in the world.
The Swiss banking system, also known as Swiss banking secrecy, is one of the strictest in the world.
Zurich and Geneva are consistently ranked among the cities with the highest quality of life in the world.
The Red Cross was founded in Geneva in 1863 and the city is now home to numerous international organizations.
Switzerland is famous for its watch industry. The country produces millions of watches every year and is known for its high-quality timepieces.
The Swiss army is a militia army. Every man fit for military service must spend part of his time in military service.
In 2002, Switzerland was the last country in Europe to introduce women's suffrage at national level.
Serbia
Serbia is one of the world's leading producers of raspberries. Almost a third of the raspberries offered on the world market come from there.
The Del Dap National Park in Serbia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to the largest stone sculpture in Europe, the Desiparus statue.
Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, is one of the oldest cities in Europe and has already been destroyed 140 times.
Every year, the Serbian city of Novi Sad hosts one of the largest music festivals in Europe, the EXIT Festival.
Serbia is home to the Belgrade Forest, one of the largest urban green spaces in Europe.
The Woolly Mammoth Ice Age Park is a paleontological site near Kostolac where the remains of more than 600 prehistoric mammoths have been found.
St. Sava Church in Belgrade is the largest Orthodox church in the world.
Serbian artist Marina Abramović, who is often referred to as the "grandmother of performance art", comes from Belgrade.
Slovakia's Muránska planina National Park is home to a butterfly sanctuary where almost 40 percent of all butterfly species in Europe can be found.
Bratislava Castle is a landmark of the Slovakian capital, which has been destroyed and rebuilt four times in its history.
Slovakia is famous for its thermal and mineral springs and has more than 1,300 registered spas.
The village of Čičmany in Slovakia is famous for its unique traditional wooden houses, which are painted with characteristic white geometric patterns.
The Slovakian national drink is Borovička, a gin-like schnapps made from juniper berries.
Slovakia is famous for its many castles and palaces - over 100 in number, some of which are well preserved, while others only exist as ruins.
Slovakia is the world's largest car manufacturer per capita, with factories belonging to companies such as Kia, Volkswagen and Peugeot.
Slovenia
Slovenia is the only country in the world with the word "LOVE" in its name.
The Triglav National Park, named after the highest mountain in Slovenia, is one of the oldest national parks in Europe.
More than 60 percent of Slovenia is covered by forests, making it the third most forested country in Europe.
There are more than 10,000 registered caves in Slovenia, including Postojna Cave, which is known worldwide as the largest tourist cave in Europe.
On average, every inhabitant in Slovenia speaks at least two foreign languages. This makes Slovenia one of the most multilingual countries in Europe.
The Slovenian horse Lipizzaner from Lipica, Slovenia, is known for its elegance and performance at horse shows.
Slovenia is the only country in the world that has a national holiday dedicated to bees, and May 20 is World Bee Day.
The oldest vine in the world that still bears fruit can be found in Slovenia. It is more than 400 years old and is located in Maribor.
Slovenian is one of the few languages in which there are puns, i.e. a grammatical form that refers to two people or things.
Slovenia has more bears per square kilometer than any other country in the world, with the exception of Finland and Sweden.
Spain
Spain has the most bars per capita in Europe. Whether it's for a morning coffee or a relaxed dinner, there's always somewhere nearby to go.
Spain produces over 44% of the world's olive oil, more than Italy and Greece combined. The country is the largest olive oil producer in the world.
The Spanish Christmas lottery, "El Gordo", is the oldest and largest lottery in the world. It was first organized in 1812.
In Spain, dinner is usually around 10 pm. This is one of the latest dinner times in the world.
The country has the highest number of elevators per inhabitant in the world.
Spain has the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Europe and the second largest in the world after Italy.
The country is famous for its siesta - a lunch break that is usually followed by lunch.
The windmills of La Mancha, which are mentioned in Miguel de Cervantes' Don Quixote, still exist and can be visited.
The aqueduct in Segovia is one of the best-preserved Roman structures in the world. It was built in the 1st century AD and is still in use today.
Spain has some of the oldest known cave paintings in Europe. The Altamira cave is home to impressive prehistoric paintings that are 35,600 years old.
The Czech Republic, or more precisely the city of Pilsen, is the home of Pilsner beer. This globally popular beer was first brewed in 1842.
Prague Castle is the largest contiguous castle complex in the world. It extends over almost 70,000 square meters.
The Czech Republic has the largest number of castles and wineries in the world. With more than 2,000 attractions, you are spoiled for choice here.
The astronomer Johannes Kepler published his most important work, the laws of planetary motion, in Prague.
The Czech Republic has one of the densest public transport networks in the world. Almost every part of the country can be reached by train or bus.
The Vltava is the longest river in the country and inspired composers such as Bedrich Smetana to write famous works.
The Czech Republic is famous for its glass art and crystal production. High-quality glass has been produced here since the 13th century.
Charles University in Prague is the oldest university in Central Europe. It was founded in 1348.
Candy sugar was discovered in the Czech town of Dachez in 1843.
Prague is home to the only rotating sculpture in the world. The Franz Kafka statue consists of 42 movable layers.
Every year in the Czech Republic, the "burning of witches" takes place, a traditional spring festival to end the winter and drive away evil spirits.
Turkey is the only country that lies on two continents. Most of the country is in Asia, while a small part in the northwest is in Europe.
Traces of human settlement dating back around 40,000 years have been found in Turkey. This is one of the oldest settlement areas in the world.
The Hagia Sophia in Istanbul was originally an orthodox cathedral, was then converted into a mosque and is now a museum.
Turkey is home to two of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: the Tomb of Halicarnassus and the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus.
More than 70% of the world's hazelnuts come from Turkey. This makes the country the largest producer of these nuts in the world.
Santa Claus, also known as St. Nicholas, was born in what is now Turkey. His hometown is now called Demre.
There are more than 9,000 flower species in Turkey. In comparison, there are around 11,500 species in the whole of Europe.
The Turkish Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world with 61 covered streets and over 4,000 stores.
The famous Trojan Horse from the film Troy (2004) was donated to the town of Çanakkale after filming and is a popular tourist attraction there today.
Turkey is home to the best-preserved Roman theater building in the world, the Aspendos Theater, which is still used for performances and festivals.
The name Turkey means "strong country" in Turkish.
Mount Ararat, which is described in the Bible as the landing place of Noah's Ark, is located in Turkey.
Ukraine is the largest country in Europe, excluding Russia, and is roughly the size of the entire state of Texas.
The country has the deepest subway station in the world: the Arsenal station in Kiev is 105.5 meters below ground.
Ukraine is the geographical center of Europe. A small stone monument in the village of Dyrov commemorates this.
Ukraine is famous for its "pysanka", artfully hand-painted Easter eggs, which are traditionally produced at Easter time.
Kiev is the capital of Ukraine and one of the oldest cities in Eastern Europe with over 1,500 years of history.
St. Sophia's Cathedral in Kiev was built in 1037 and is the oldest surviving building in the city.
The Askania-Nova Biosphere Reserve in Ukraine is home to the world's only herd of Przewalski's horses that have never been domesticated.
Ukraine is the world's third largest exporter of grain and the largest exporter of sunflower oil.
Crimea, a peninsula in the Black Sea annexed by Russia in 2014, is home to the longest streetcar line in the world.
Hungary
The famous Rubik's Cube was developed by Ernő Rubik, a Hungarian architect and professor of architecture.
Hungarians have their own special version of Monopoly called "Gazdálkodj okosan!", which means "Manage wisely!" !
The oldest zoo in the world is located in Hungary, more precisely in the capital Budapest. The zoo was opened in 1866.
Hungary was the first country to have an official national water polo team. The country is also the biggest Olympic gold medal winner in this sport.
Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is actually a combination of two cities, Buda and Pest, which are separated by the Danube.
In Hungary, it is customary to put the surname before the first name when introducing yourself or being addressed.
Hungary is famous for its dental clinics. In fact, many Europeans come to Hungary every year to receive high-quality and affordable dental treatment.
The famous Hungarian mathematician Johann von Neumann is considered the father of modern computer technology.
Hungary is home to four Nobel Prize winners, including Albert Szent-Györgyi, who discovered the vitamin C content in red peppers.
Vatican City
With an area of only around 44 hectares, Vatican City is the smallest independent state in the world.
Vatican City has its own postal service and issues its own stamps, which are highly sought after by collectors.
It is one of the few countries that does not have an airport. The nearest airport is Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Fiumicino, Italy.
There are no shopping centers, restaurants or cinemas in Vatican City. The only stores are those that sell religious articles and souvenirs.
The country has one of the oldest standing armies in the world, the Swiss Guard, which was founded in 1506.
The Vatican City has its own railroad station, but it is mainly used for freight traffic and occasionally for special trips.
Although it is the center of the Catholic Church, there is no hospital in Vatican City. Emergencies are treated in Italian hospitals.
The Sistine Chapel, famous for Michelangelo's frescoes, is located in the Vatican City.
The Vatican is the only country in the world that has no female citizens.
The country also has its own bank, the Vatican Bank, which is officially known as the Institute for Religious Works.
Although Latin is the official language, Italian is mainly spoken in Vatican City.
Although the Vatican City is an independent state, it is completely surrounded by Italy and has no natural resources of its own.
St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City is the largest church in the world with a capacity of over 60,000 people.
There are more chickens than people in the UK.
The British Royal Family owns all the swans in the open waters of England and Wales.
London's famous Big Ben actually refers to the clock inside the tower, not the tower itself. The tower was officially renamed Elizabeth Tower.
There are over 3,000 castles in Scotland, so every inhabitant could have their own castle.
In contrast to most countries in the world, left-hand traffic prevails in the United Kingdom.
The British Library is the second largest library in the world with a collection of over 150 million items.
In the United Kingdom, there is a law that prohibits the wearing of protective vests in parliament.
Lake Windermere in Cumbria is the largest natural lake in the United Kingdom.
The London Underground, often referred to as the "Tube", is the oldest subway system in the world.
The United Kingdom is famous for its tea culture and has the second highest per capita consumption of tea in the world.
The linguistic diversity in the United Kingdom is characterized by the fact that the population there speaks over 300 languages.
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