55 of the best europe travel facts and surprising statistics
With the internet awash with Interesting Europe travel facts I thought it would be fun to combine the best Europe facts and statistics together so its easy to see what a crazy and unusual continent is! So, without further ado, here are 55 Europe travel facts and statistics for you to breeze through.
1. How many languages do they speak in Europe
Europe is a cultural melting pot. As a result, languages from all around the continent exist. Only 24 of the more than 200 spoken languages in Europe are recognised as formal languages. Three of these 24 languages have been designated as procedural languages, which implies they are the primary languages spoken when conducting business.
2. 65 % of EU residents made at least one personal tourism trip in 2019 (pre covid)
3. There are 9 royal families in Europe
The Royal Family of the United Kingdom is not the only royal family in the globe. Denmark, in fact, is home to Europe's oldest monarchy. Viking Kings Gorm the Old and Harold Bluetooth founded it in 935. Spain, Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, Liechtenstein, Andorra, and Belgium are the other eight European monarchy.
4. 85% of swedes have travelled outside of the EU making them the most travelled nation in Europe
5. Europe has more than 400 UNESCO world heritage sights
The European Continent is Home to More than 400 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
There are approximately 400 UNESCO World Heritage sites in Europe; some of these featured locations will be familiar to you, while others will be more unknown ready to explore
6. Christianity is the most widely practised religion in Europe
Christianity accounts for 72.9% of the total of Europe’s population.
7. The Country with the Highest Life Expectancy in the Europe is Monaco
According to data collected and provided, the average life expectancy in Monaco is 89.4 years. This is not just Europe's but also the world's highest life expectancy rate. Monaco's high life expectancy is thought to be due to its lovely geographic location along the French Riviera. It appears to be owing to its well educated medical personnel as well.
8. Only One of the world’s seven wonders, Colosseum is in Rome the capital of Italy, located in Europe
9. Czech republic has the most castles in Europe
Visit European countries if you wish to view castles. There is a wealth of fascinating history and varied civilizations to be discovered. This incredible continent boasts attractions that no other country or continent can match. However, did you know that the Czech Republic has the most castles? Sure, Europe has some interesting historical sites, but the Czech Republic was home to numerous royal dynasties, which is why it has the most castles! In total, 932 castles can be found in the Czech Republic. Plus, there are around 1,187 other stately mansions' throughout the country.
10. Europe has both the largest and the smallest country in the world
Russia and the Vatican city.
11. you cannot kiss on French Train Platforms
From as far back as 1910, kissing was banned from all French train platforms. An interesting fact for this becoming a law was to help keep the trains running on time and to keep the crowd always moving.
12. Liechtenstein is the second least visited country and attracts 69,000 tourists a year
13. Austria is Home to the World’s Oldest Zoo
The Vienna Zoo Schönbrunn Austria's zoo is not only Europe's oldest, but also the world's oldest. The zoo is housed within the Schönbrunn Palace grounds. The zoo began as a private collection of animals for the Hapsburg royal family. It goes without saying that this is also Austria's most visited attraction!
14. In France, it is illegal to call your pig Napoleon, if so, it could land you to jail
15. The Largest European company is Volkswagen
Although we are all familiar with the VW insignia, others may be unaware that it is a German brand. Volkswagen makes a lot of money, with revenues of up to 240.4 billion dollars. Volkswagen is the world's seventh largest manufacturer, with over 11 million automobiles sold..
16. In 2022, nearly half of all overnight stays of international tourists in the EU were in Spain, Italy and France
17. Don’t drink Cappuccino After 11 Am in Italy
A fun fact about Europe is that cappuccinos are not consumed after 11 a.m. in Italy. Anything with 'frothy milk' is considered a breakfast drink in Italian culture. So the next time you're in Italy, don't draw attention to yourself by ordering Cappuccino outside of the'recommended' hours.
18. Fries were Invented in Belgium
Many people all throughout the world enjoy French fries. Many people believe this meal was originated in the United States. The truth is that French fries are a product of Europe, notably Belgium. The Belgian phrase for fries is 'frites,' and the people love them with mayonnaise. Belgians are so fond of fries that they have a museum dedicated to them called the 'Frietmuseum.'
19. Vatican City is the World’s Smallest Country
Vatican City is a country that many people are unaware of. It is the world's tiniest country, measuring 0.02 miles in length. The Pope's official home is recognised around the world as Vatican City. Naturally, this 'nation' has the smallest population in Europe! Vatican City is also (to some extent) self-sufficient, as it has its own mint for printing euros, issuing passports, and even has its own media houses, anthem, and stamps.
20. There are Over 400 Words for Snow in Scotland
Scotland, it seems, gets a lot of snow, thus there are a lot of terms that mean "snow." In Scotland, there are over 400 words that indicate snow, 421 terms to be exact. All of the words for snow have different connotations, such as 'flinkdrinkin,' which means 'light snow,' or 'unbrak,' which means 'the start of the thaw.'
21. Mount Etna is the largest active volcano in Europe, which is located in Sicily, Italy
22. Liechtenstein doesn’t have any airports
True, the fourth-smallest country in Europe lacks airports. In fact, the Principality of Liechtenstein is a doubly landlocked country with neither harbour or shoreline. It is landlocked, and the countries that surround it are also landlocked. The closest airport is St. Gallen–Altenrhein Airport in Switzerland, however there are other train, bus, and vehicle options to get to Vaduz, the capital.
23. The youngest country in Europe is Kosovo
Some of these European facts are more recent than others. Kosovo proclaimed independence from Serbia on February 17, 2008, making it Europe's youngest country. Kosovo is a landlocked country in Europe's Balkans with a population of almost 2 million people. Make sure you're aware of this European travel experience that few people are aware of.
24. The continent is shared by fifty-one countries but only 44 sovereign states
There are a couple of trans-continental countries that span over Europe and Asia, such as Russia and Turkey.
25. In Sweden, Donald Duck is a Christmas Staple
Who would associate Donald Duck with the holiday season? Donald Duck is a prominent element of the Christmas customs in Sweden. It is typical for Swedish families to watch replays of Donald Duck's Christmas special on Christmas Eve. Many German-born residents have also adopted this.
26. Europe is entirely in the northern Hemisphere
As well as this, The eastern Hemisphere contains the majority of the continent's landmass. This is odd because the continent is typically referred to as "the west," along with America.
27. The industrial revolution began in Britain
One of history's most important periods, the Industrial Revolution, began in Britain in the 18th century and extended throughout Europe, finally reaching Japan and the United States.
28. World War One was responsible for destroying four European empires
The war caused the breakdown of the German, Russian, Ottoman, and Austro-Hungarian empires.
29. The European Union (EU) is a political and economic union of 27 countries, from which the United Kingdom recently left
30. Germany has the most Mcdonald's branches in Europe
If your favourite meal is a Big Mac then you should visit Germany. It’s the country with the most Macdonald’s branches in Europe.
31. <h3>Spain grows 60% of Europe's bananas
It’s not only an awesome country in Europe to visit, but it also grows 60% of the continent’s bananas.
32. Iceland doesn't have any mosquitos
Although there are over 3,000 different varieties of mosquitos in the globe, Iceland has none. Because of the frigid weather and absence of shallow ponds that mosquitoes adore, Iceland is thought to be fully mosquito-free.
33. You can get a Postcard from the Queen
One of the most bizarre facts about Europe is that you can receive a letter from the Queen of England if you live in the Commonwealth! You'll receive a celebratory card from Queen Elizabeth herself if you celebrate your 100th and 105th birthdays and every year following, or your 60th, 65th, and 70th anniversaries and every year after.
34. Norway knighted a Penguin
Are you aware that there is a penguin who is more aristocratic than you? One of our favourite European fun facts is that Brigadier Sir Nils Olav III, a knighted penguin, lives at Scotland's Edinburgh Zoo. He is the third king penguin to serve as the Norwegian King's Guard's mascot and colonel-in-chief. Between 1972 through 1987, the first Sir Olav penguin served.
35. St. Peters Basilica is the largest church in Europe
Looking for awe-inspiring churches? It has to be St. Peter's Basilica in Rome's Vatican City. With dimensions of 222 metres long, 152 metres wide, and 137 metres tall, with a seating capacity of 60,000 people, this is the world's largest church. The church's location in Vatican City, the Pope's residence, seems appropriate.
36. Hungarians don’t clink glasses
While you may be accustomed to exchanging cheers and clinking glasses with pals, this is not appropriate in Hungary. This habit dates back to 1848, when Austria won the revolution in Hungary. The Austrians toasted their win by clinking their beer glasses together. Since then, Hungarians have refused to clink their glasses during toasts. Instead, before taking a drink, say "Egészségedre" and look your Hungarian friends in the eyes.
37. Wales is a town with 58 letters in its name
Do you think you can do tongue twisters? Try saying "Llanfairpwll-gwyngyllgogerychwyrndrob-wllllantysiliogogogoch," the Welsh town's name. It may appear as if something was spilled on their keyboard, but it's a legitimate name that meaning "cave." The name Llanfairpwll, or Llanfair PG for short, is 58 letters long, making it the longest name of any town in Europe.
38. 10 Scandinavian villages have names that are just one letter long
Wales may have the longest town name, while Scandinavian cities have the shortest names. In Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, ten villages have names that are only one letter long.
39. Europe is the second smallest continent in size
It covers 3,825,730 square miles, or about a third of Africa. Despite having the second-smallest land area, the continent has the third-largest population, with 748 million people.
40. 538 million global tourists arrived in the last year, this accounts for 50% of the world’s total
41. Global visitors to EU destinations are expected to increase by 1.9% (9 million) a year through to 2030
42. 139 million inbound arrivals to destinations within the EU are from outside of European countries
43. San Marino takes in 60,000 visitors a year. This makes San Marino the least visited country in Europe
44. Moldova is located between Romania and the Ukraine and welcomes 121,000 visitors a year
42. As of December 2021, the cheapest city to travel to in Europe was Wroclaw in Poland, with an average daily price of roughly 23 U.S. dollars
43. Although Europe is divided into continents of 50 countries, there are many countries in both Europe and Asia regions
Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Russia are considered as “transcontinental” countries with parts of their countries.
44. Europe has both the largest and the smallest country in the world
Russia and the Vatican city.
45. Europe is the world’s largest wine producer continent
Italy, followed by France and Spain, is the world’s largest wine exporters, and all these three countries are part of the European continent.
46. There are three different time zones in Europe
These are the Western European Time Zone, Eastern European Time Zone, and Central European Time Zone.
47. The longest River in Europe is the volga river
48. Some credit the Greeks with this initial separation as the name ‘Europe’ comes from ‘Europa’, a Greek Goddess
49. At over 14,000 feet high, the highest toilet in Europe is on Mont Blanc in the Alps
50. 11% of the world’s population live in Europe
51. Rainforests exist within Europe, but they are very rare
Perucica in Bosnia is one of the last rainforests in Europe.
52. There are no deserts in Europe
53. There are two Europe days celebrated every year
The Council of Europe celebrate it on May 5th, while the European Union celebrate Europe Day on May 9th
54. The construction of Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia is taking longer than the pyramids
55. Nearly every city in France has a street named for Victor Hugo
And that's it for the most fun and unusual Europe facts and statistics. If you have any other facts you think we should add let me know so i can update!
