Today is Europe Day, an international celebration of peace and unity throughout the European Union. In the spirit of things, we got to talking about random facts about the continent. Here are fourteen of our favourites…
1. The largest city in the European Union is Paris.
With a population of just over 12 million, 2 million in the city and 10 in the surrounding areas.
2. Italy is home to two microstates.
San Marino and the Vatican are both their own entities.
3. In 1386, a pig was publicly executed in France.
The pig was executed for the murder of a child. He was given legal representation, a trial and was even dressed in human clothes.
4. The Italian flag was designed by Napoleon.
The flag is based on the French tricolour.
5. The name Europe originates from Greece.
A Phoenician princess named Europa from Greek mythology to be exact.
6. The word denim comes from De Nimes in France.
It was the first town to produce the fabric.
7. The world’s biggest chocolate selling point is Brussel’s National Airport.
We know where we are going next…
8. The Sydney Opera House was designed by a Dane.
Jorn Utzon was the architect for the iconic building.
9. The world’s oldest public zoo was opened in London.
In 1828, London Zoo opened its doors and is now the oldest zoo in the world.
10. The Hungarians invented the Rubik’s cube
The cube was invented by Erno Rubik.
11. Gin was invented in the Netherlands
And was first sold as medicine!
12. The Vasco de Gama Bridge is the longest in Europe
The bridge in Portugal stretches to 56, 381 feet.
13. Spain didn’t participate in World War 1 or 2
Everyone always remembers that Switzerland didn’t… And Ireland.
14. The largest shopping mall in Europe is in Sweden
The Nordstan in Gothenburg has approximately 180 shops and 150 offices.
