Though the whole world knows a lot about Europe, there are plenty of unknown but exciting facts about Europe, which is part of its fascinating history. Check out these facts on Europe, about a land that stretches nearly 4 million sq. miles. Europe is a continent that is located totally in the northern hemisphere and mostly in the eastern hemisphere.

Europe’s largest country is Russia and the smallest is Vatican city in Rome. It is a popular destination for international students from all over the globe as it is home to several prestigious universities. Let’s check out some fascinating facts about Europe!

Check out how did Europe get its name!

10 Interesting Facts About Europe

1. Disneyland Paris – Most Popular Tourist Destination of Europe

Disneyland Paris is the most popular tourist destination, taking over the former Eiffel Tower that held the position till now. It is much more than just another theme park!

• The first park was opened in 1992, housing classic Disney characters, such as Snow White and Cinderella.
• There are magical adventures for young and old alike. You can meet your favorite Disney characters and stay amazed at the breathtaking shows and magical moments.
• Main Street uses forced perspective for creating an illusion of a bigger space. The castle seems distant as you enter, though it’s actually just some hundred feet away.
• On the main street, there is a real barber working, as Walt Disney wanted to offer tribute to his father, who was a barber.
• Did you know that the costume stockpile here is the biggest in Europe, amounting to 250,000 garments of stock? 5000 costumes are created in a year, with some requiring more than 200 hours of work.

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2. Something Interesting About Europe – 1 in 10 Europeans are Conceived in IKEA Beds

If a child asks you the question ‘Where do babies come from’? You could possibly answer quite truthfully that they first go to IKEA. Ask yourself whether you are an IKEA baby?

• According to the New York Times, one in 10 Europeans are conceived in an IKEA bed.
• IKEA has 387 stores across 48 countries and is one of the biggest suppliers of consumer appliances.
• There may not be a single person in Europe without a single Idea furniture in their house.
• They sell one of Billy bookcases every 10 seconds.
• Over 884 million people visit IKEA each month.

3. Every Town of France Has a Street Named Victor Hugo!

Victor Hugo, French author and playwright, is most known for his novel Les Miserables and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. He was a true Parisian at heart and a celebrated French figure.

• One of the most interesting Europe facts is that there are more than 2500 streets and alleys all over France, bearing his name.
• He has been immortalized forever, in small roads as well as large avenues across France.

4. 24 Hour Red Wine Fountain in Italy

Visitors to the Abruzzo region of Italy can drink red wine from the free 24-hour fountain set up by the Dora Sarchese winery.

Though anyone can drink this wine, it is specifically meant for quenching the thirst of those on the Cammino di San Tommaso pilgrimage.

• The fontana del vino works like a push button type of drinking fountain, where red wine is available for 24 hours a day.
• Thousands of pilgrims go on this pilgrimage between Rome and Ortana every year.

5. The Netherlands Has More Bicycles Than People

Anyone traveling by a car in the center of Amsterdam knows this fact, that the city is owned by the cyclists.

• Another of the amazing facts on Europe is that there are more than 22 million bicycles in the Netherlands, as compared to 18 million residents.
• The Dutch have an extended life expectancy due to their love for bicycles.
• Policies supporting cycling also create more jobs and help towards a green economy.

Note: More than 435,000 additional jobs could be generated if people across the major cities of Europe started using bikes more often.

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6. Rome is 3000 Years Old!

The traditional founding date of Rome is April 21st 753 BC. This ranks high in the amazing facts about European countries.

• According to the legend, Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome, had been brought up by a she wolf.
• In 31 BC, Julius Caesar started uniting Rome in a single rule or imperium and the Roman Empire officially ended in 475 AD.
• Rome continues to be the capital of Italy, and the location of the Vatican State. It is also the heart of the Roman Catholic church.

7. Germany is the Home of the First Hamburger

Though hamburgers are now America’s Favorite food, Hamburg in Germany is home to the first hamburger!

• The beef from Hamburg cows of Germany were minced, combined with onion, garlic, salt pepper, made into patties to create the early Hamburg burgers or steaks.
• Germany has the largest number of McDonald locations in Europe, operating in over 1500 outlets all over the country.

8. Greek is the Oldest Language of Europe

Greek is the oldest of the languages spoken in Europe.

• Greek language first appeared in 1450 BC. It has over 34 centuries of documents.
• More than 13 million people in Cyprus, Albania and Greece now speak the Greek language.
• The Iliad and Odyssey were originally written in Greek. Most western philosophical works, such as those of Aristotle and Plato, astronomical and mathematical works were written in Greek.
• It is the official language of the EU.

9. More Banks than Dentists

We all know that the rich and famous people of the world use Swiss banks to stash away their wealth.

• There is one bank for about 1400 residents in Switzerland. In fact, there are more banks here than dentists.
• The bank tellers here are protected by bullet proof glass. The country is known for its thriving banks.
• Though it is small in size, Switzerland is one of the most thriving economies of the world and the Swiss franc is considered among the most stable currencies of the world.

Fun Fact: Did you know that Albert Einstein developed E = MC2 in Bern in Swiss land!

10. The Largest and Smallest Country in the World

Both the largest and the smallest countries of the world are located in Europe.

• Russia, the largest country in the world, is located in Europe.
• The Vatican, with a land area of just 0.44 sq. km is also located in Europe.

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Wrap Up – Amazing Facts About Europe

What is Europe known for? For the famous historical events, the great wars, the empires, the rich cultural heritage and diversity, the history that spans back to centuries and the amazing literature, philosophical works and architecture, to name a few.

Considering the geography of Europe, it is the world’s second smallest continent, spanning around 2% of the earth’s surface, with Australia being the smallest and Asia being the biggest.

There are 44 countries in Europe and the most popular or visited countries are France; Spain; Italy; UK and Germany. 27 countries are part of the European Union and 19 countries use the euro.

Europe has some of the most visited countries of the world and is home to a fascinating history, amazing art work and towering feats, so Europe truly boasts of some amazing facts that are surprising and awe inspiring.