The continent of Europe is home to 46 countries, each with its own unique culture, history, and characteristics. It's not just about knowing their capitals and currencies—there are some surprising facts hidden behind these nations that will enrich your general knowledge. In this post, we have compiled some interesting facts about each and every country in Europe.
For detailed information on the capital, currency, population, area, and government type of these countries, please watch the video linked to this post.
1. Albania: Almost all new mosques built in Europe each year are in Albania.
2. Andorra: Andorra is the only country in Europe without an official army.
3. Austria: The Schönbrunn Zoo in Vienna is the oldest zoo in the world, founded in 1752.
4. Belarus: Belarus is home to the largest population of wild European Bison on the continent.
5. Belgium: The "French Fries" we know today actually originated in Belgium, where they are called 'frites' and are often served with sauce. Brussels Airport sells more chocolate than any other single location in the world.
6. Bosnia & Herzegovina: Bosnia has over 700 bridges, earning it the nickname "the country of bridges."
7. Bulgaria: Bulgaria is the oldest country in Europe that has not changed its name since the 6th century.
8. Croatia: Hum, the smallest town in the world, is located in Croatia. It has a population of just 30 people.
9. Cyprus: Cyprus is the only country where the ruins of an ancient city are preserved underwater.
10. Czech Republic: The Czech Republic has the highest beer consumption per capita in the world.
11. Denmark: The Danish monarchy is the oldest in Europe, founded by the Vikings in 935.
12. Estonia: Estonia has the highest number of meteorite craters per land area in the world.
13. Finland: Finland is known as "the land of a thousand lakes" because it has over 188,000 lakes.
14. France: The Eiffel Tower was actually intended to be a temporary structure for the 1889 World's Fair.
15. Georgia: Georgia claims to be the "birthplace of wine," with evidence of winemaking dating back over 8,000 years.
16. Germany: Germany has over 400 zoos, more than any other country in the world.
17. Greece: In Greece, coffee was prohibited for consumption until 1957.
18. Hungary: Hungary is home to the largest system of thermal water caves in the world.
19. Iceland Iceland is the only country in Europe where there are no mosquitoes.
20. Ireland: The Halloween tradition originated in Ireland.
21. Italy: Italy has more than 50 UNESCO World Heritage sites, more than any other country.
22. Kosovo: Kosovo is one of the newest states in Europe.
23. Latvia: Approximately 50% of Latvia's land area is covered by forests, making it one of the greenest countries in Europe.
24. Liechtenstein: Liechtenstein is the only "double landlocked" country in the world, meaning it is surrounded by countries that are also landlocked.
25. Lithuania: Lithuania was the last European country to adopt Christianity.
26. Luxembourg: Luxembourg is the only 'Grand Duchy' in the world.
27. Moldova: Moldova is home to the largest wine cellar in the world.
28. Monaco: Citizens of Monaco are legally forbidden from gambling in the casinos.
29. Montenegro: The 'Bay of Kotor' in Montenegro is the longest fjord-like bay in Europe.
30. Netherlands: The Netherlands is the world's largest exporter of flowers.
31. North Macedonia: North Macedonia is the only country that gained independence from Yugoslavia without any bloodshed.
32. Norway: Norway has the longest road tunnel in the world, the Lærdal Tunnel.
33. Poland: Poland is home to the largest castle in the world, Malbork Castle.
34. Portugal: Portugal is the world's leading producer of cork, accounting for about 50% of global production.
35. Romania: Romania has the largest remaining areas of untouched forest in Europe.
36. Russia: Russia's Lake Baikal is the deepest and oldest freshwater lake in the world.
37. San Marino: San Marino is the oldest republic in the world, founded in 301 AD.
38. Serbia: Serbia is a country in Europe where one of the world's oldest villages is located.
39. Slovakia: Slovakia has the most castles and chateaux per capita of any country in the world.
40. Slovenia: Slovenia has the largest show cave in Europe, where a train runs for visitors.
41. Spain: Spain is home to the world's oldest restaurant, which was founded in 1725.
42. Sweden: A unique Christmas tradition in Sweden is that every family sits together to watch the 'Donald Duck Christmas Special.'
43. Switzerland: There is a specific law in Switzerland stating that you cannot own just one guinea pig, as they are social animals.
44. Ukraine: Ukraine is known as the "Breadbasket of Europe" due to its large production of grain.
45. United Kingdom: Windsor Castle in the United Kingdom is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world.
46. Vatican City: Vatican City is the smallest country in the world, both in terms of area and population.
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