35 interesting facts about the Bahamas that you need to know this summer

The islands of Tonga are practically unknown in the world, more precisely, most people on Earth do not even know about the existence of such a state. Recently, they are gaining popularity only among eco-tourists and downshifters.

 

Tonga is a tiny island country in the Pacific Ocean. People here live a habitual life that almost does not change over time, and even if they do not live richly, they are calm and quite happy. Here, no one cares about politics or the world economy - life here is limited to the territory of the country itself.

 

Tonga- top facts

 

1.Tonga is a small island country in the Pacific Ocean.

 

The majority of the world's population does not even suspect the existence of this country.

 

2. This state is located in Polynesia. The official name of the country is the Kingdom of Tonga.

 

3. The Kingdom of Tonga is an archipelago, it consists of 177 islands. Most of the islands of the Tonga archipelago are of volcanic or coral origin. Of the 177 islands, only 36 are inhabited by people.

 

4. These 36 islands have a total population of 108,020 people.

 

5. The total area of ​​Tonga is 748 square kilometers.

 

6. British explorer James Cook called Tonga "Friendly Islands" and this phrase is used by the country's tourism industry to this day to attract tourists from all over the world.

 

7. James Cook named these islands after attending a magnificent feast and festival in his honor, organized by the leader of the island of Haapai - Finau Ulukalala. But Cook did not even suspect that the feast was actually a red herring. Finau Ulukalala and members of his tribe wanted to attack Cook and his expedition and rob the ship. But the leader did not dare to do this and abandoned his idea shortly before the start of the feast.

 

 

8. The capital of the state is Nuku'alofa. This city was founded in 1795 on the island of Tongatapu. It is now the largest and most populous city in the Kingdom. Nuku'alofa is home to ¼ of the population of Tonga.

 

9. Tongatapu Island is an atoll with an area of ​​260 km², it is also the largest and most populous island in the state. About 70% of the country's population lives on the territory of this atoll.

 

10. The Kingdom of Tonga was created by King George Tupou I. During his reign, the first set of laws was created on the islands, and Christianity became popular. George Tupou I reigned from 1845 to 1893 until his death at 95. Under him, the period of wars and unrest, which lasted from 1799 to 1852, was completed, and a constitution was adopted.

 

11. Most of the country's inhabitants are Christians. 1/3 of the country belongs to the United Methodist Church, and 1/5 of the country belongs to the Mormons. Due to the fact that there is a small number of inhabitants, it turns out that Tonga is the leader among the countries of the world in terms of the number of Mormons per capita.

 

12. Tonga is a mono-national country, more than 96 percent of the population are Tongans.

 

 

13. Almost the entire population of the country has Polynesian roots. The inhabitants of TongA are closely related to the Samoans and other Polynesians in culture and language, as well as in genetic heritage.

 

14. The kingdom gained independence from Great Britain in 1970.

 

15. Life here is limited to the territory of the country itself. No one here cares about politics and the world economy. People here live a habitual life that almost does not change over time, and although they do not live richly, they are calm and quite happy.

 

16. Due to the lack of suitable stone for construction, almost all buildings in Tonga are made of wood. But the royal palace and the parliament building are made of stone, and building materials were delivered here from other places.

 

17. The Kingdom is located in the so-called Pacific volcanic ring of fire and has at least 4 active volcanoes on its archipelago. In 2009, there was a strong undersea earthquake measuring 8.3, which, in turn, caused a tsunami. As a result of this tsunami, a large number of villages were destroyed.

 

18. Over the past two centuries, at least 35 volcanic eruptions have occurred on the islands of Tonga, the last was in 1960.

 

19. The highest point in the Kingdom is an unnamed place on the island of Kao, towering 1033 meters above sea level.

 

 

20. The climate on the islands of Tonga has two distinct seasons - dry and rainy. As for the average annual temperature, it is around 26 degrees Celsius.

 

21. The Tonga archipelago has two national parks and six reserves.

 

22. Tonga has two official languages ​​- English and Tongan. But in practice, few people here speak and understand English.

 

23. Most Tongans are very religious people. The official religion of the kingdom is Christianity.

 

24. There are some diplomatic missions on the territory of the Kingdom of Tonga.

 

25. The Kingdom of Tonga maintains diplomatic relations with many countries.

 

26. The economy of this state is based on agriculture. Agriculture is the driving force in the country. The main export commodities that bring the greatest income to the country's budget are beans, coconuts, bananas, corn, breadfruit, limes, and pineapples.

 

27. In addition to these products, Tonga also exports timber, animal meat and fish.

 

 

28. Most of the produce grown is consumed by the Tongans, while the rest is exported to the United States of America, New Zealand, Japan and Australia.

 

29. The country also imports products from countries such as Australia, Singapore, USA, Fiji and New Zealand.

 

30. There are no railways in Tonga.

 

31. Hard-surfaced roads in Tonga are only about two hundred kilometers long.

 

32. The total length of roads in Tonga is about seven hundred kilometers.

 

33. There are only a few car rentals in the country.

 

34. There is only one international airport here. Flights from Tonga are only available from Fiji, New Zealand and Australia.

 

35. The crime rate in Tonga tends to zero, as in other small island countries like Niue or Kiribati.

 

 

36. Like many other island nations lost in the ocean, Tonga is experiencing problems with fresh water. Tongans collect rainwater in special tanks.

 

37. This country is home to the so-called "disappearing" island of Fonuafoʻou. This is an underwater volcano, which throughout history has repeatedly “peeped out” of the water, and then plunged back in the same way.

 

38. Between 1781 and 1865, shallow water formed near the volcano. In 1867, he already looked out from under the water. By 1885, it had risen to a height of 50 meters above sea level (at its highest point), and reached a length of 2 kilometers. Then the leadership of the state announced that they had a new island, Fonuafoʻou. However, after a few decades, he again disappeared under water. Two years later, Fonuafo'u reappeared, and its peak point reached 320 meters.

 

39. The government organized an expedition and wanted to plant the flag of Tonga there and plant some palm trees, but after the volcanic eruption, the island submerged again. Until 1927, he was under water. Then it appeared and existed until 1949, after which it again plunged under water. She reappeared in 1954 and sank again in 1959. Today it is under water at -17 meters above sea level.

 

40. The Tongan armed forces took part in the First World War, as well as in the peacekeeping operation in Iraq.

 

 

41. Bats are sacred animals in Tonga. These are the property of the monarchy and they are protected by law. Therefore, it is forbidden to harm them or use them as pets on the islands. Thanks to this policy, the islands of Tonga are an ideal place for these mammals.

 

42. The only embassy of Tonga is located in China, in Beijing.

 

43. In addition to the danger posed by the Pacific Ring of Fire, Tonga also faces a major sea level rise problem. While some parts of the country are quite high above sea level and protected by mountainous terrain, others, flat areas with relatively low altitude, may be flooded in the near future.

 

44. Grocery stores in Tonga do not have as much variety as one might expect, canned goods of all kinds predominate here. Affects the remoteness from civilization.

 

45. The national sport in Tonga is rugby.

 

46. ​​The Tongan currency is called paanga. In everyday life, it is sometimes called the Tongan dollar.

 

47. Five radio stations broadcast throughout the kingdom.

 

 

48. The land area of ​​the kingdom increases from time to time due to volcanic activity, as a result of which new islands rise to the surface of the ocean.

 

49. The islands of Tonga were practically unknown in the world. Even most people on Earth did not even know about the existence of such a state. Recently, they have been gaining popularity, especially among eco-tourists and downshifters.

 

50. Many tourists come to this country to swim with humpback whales. Every year from June to October, whales make an amazing journey of 5,000 kilometers from Antarctica to the warm waters of Tonga. They return to Tonga to breed. After their cubs get stronger, the whales return back.

 

 

The Sultanate of Oman is an Arab state located southeast of the Arabian Peninsula. It has a hot climate and wealth, like other oil countries. Officially, the Sultanate of Oman was founded relatively recently, only in 1970, but people have been living here for a long time, and once these lands were part of the Arab Caliphate. Today, Oman is a prosperous Arab country with a traditional Arab way of life.

 

The Sultanate of Oman- exciting facts

 

Oman is a typical Arab state, small but prosperous due to the deposits of natural resources found on these lands. True, oil is not endless, and today the government of Oman is already beginning to seek new sources of income so that the country does not go bankrupt when the oil runs out.

 

 

1. The Sultanate of Oman is an Arab state.

 

2. Oman is located in the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula.

 

3. Oman is a typical Arab state, small but prosperous.

 

4. The country of Oman became rich thanks to the deposits of natural resources found in these lands.

 

5. Of course, oil is not endless, and now the government of Oman is starting to look for new sources of income so that the country does not go bankrupt when the oil runs out.

 

6. Officially, the Sultanate of Oman was founded relatively recently, only in 1970, but people have been living here for a long time, and once these lands were part of the Arab Caliphate.

 

7. Scientists suggest that in ancient times, the main route for the settlement of people from Africa to different parts of Asia ran through the coast of Oman.

 

8. Oman is, in fact, the only country in the Middle East that has miraculously preserved its Arab identity and, at the same time, a high standard of living for the population.

 

 

9. Oman is an absolute monarchy, where the sultan is not a decorative figure but the natural leader of the country and head of government. He also heads the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Finance.

 

10. After the death of the Sultan, the ruling family of Oman must, within three days, decide on the candidacy of his successor. If this does not happen, the relatives open the letter of the late ruler with his recommendations regarding the heir to the throne.

 

11. In many ways, Oman resembles Bahrain.

 

12. The only major city in Oman is its capital, the city of Muscat. All other towns are pretty small.

 

13. Muscat is the capital of Oman, a small town it stretches for 30 kilometers along the coast. The building is mostly low-rise. Offices rarely exceed 9-10 floors. Muscat is the best place to live with your family in the Arabian Peninsula.

 

14. The country has a hot climate. Oman receives very little rainfall, and in some regions of the country, it rains only a few times a year.

 

15. There is not a single permanent river in Oman - they all dry up in the summer.

 

 

16. You can swim on the coast of Oman all year round. Here the water is always warm.

 

17. Oman has excellent diving. The water is warm and crystal clear. You can see sharks, barracudas, moray eels, rays, and turtles. I'm not talking about ordinary colored fish. During the season, you can see whales and whale sharks. Corals start right from the shore.

 

18. There is a theory that Oman was covered with forests several millennia ago, but all the forests were cut down due to active copper mining. Because of this, there was a rapid desertification of the area.

 

19. Oman is a highly law-abiding country. Even a domestic fight is impossible to see here. After all, such a violation of the order here is supposed to be a prison sentence.

 

20. Oman suffers from a lack of fresh water, so the country's authorities have to desalinate the salty sea water.

 

21. One of the most popular places in Oman are incense markets.

 

 

22. In the south of Oman, there is a population with Ethiopian roots, and even the local dialect is more like Ethiopian than Arabic.

 

23. In Oman, teaching the basics of Islam is a compulsory school subject.

 

24. An obligatory detail of the Omani man's costume is a short broad dagger.

 

25. Among Omani women, blue tattoos on the face and hands and earrings in the ears and nose are common.

 

26. In Oman, unlike other countries of the Persian Gulf, nature is very picturesque: tropics, savannahs, fjords, waterfalls, and mountains.

 

27. On the west coast of Oman, there is one of the few places in the world where green turtles come to lay their eggs.

 

 

28. Due to the heat and hot air, the sky over Oman almost always looks gray. Blue skies can only be seen during the cool season.

 

29. Because of the rain in Oman, for example, classes at school may well be canceled.

 

30. In Oman, alcoholic products are sold only in specialized stores. But to purchase alcohol, you must first obtain permission from the police, and Muslims do not receive such permission.

 

31. There is almost no public transport in Oman - only fixed-route taxis, but only Indians use them. For some reason, this is not an option for white people.

 

32. Taxis that travel around the city, as a rule, also carry Indians.

 

33. A more or less decent taxi can only be taken from the hotel and the shopping center. A brand new taxi is now running from the airport. All cars are new, business class.

 

34. The national currency of Oman is the Omani rial. It is heavily pegged to the dollar. One rial costs a little less than three dollars.

 

 

35. Crime, unemployment and poverty are virtually absent in Oman.

 

36. The door of the National Bank of Oman is cast from pure gold.

 

37. Residents of Oman are exempt from paying taxes.

 

38. One of the national musical instruments of the Omanis is the rabab violin with a single string.

 

39. Gasoline in Oman is very cheap, but of poor quality due to its high sulfur content.

 

40. The favorite delicacy of the inhabitants of Oman is hyena meat. Addiction to this food is not found in any other country in the Arab world.

 

41. The government of Oman has approved a list of 26 professions that are not available to foreigners. For example, taxi drivers can only be Omanis by nationality.

 

42. Tourists were allowed to enter Oman only in the late 1980s.

 

 

43. The fabulous merchant and traveler Sinbad the Sailor was from Oman.

 

44. Car tires on Omani cars crack from the heat in a few years. Tire fitting here, apparently, is a very profitable business.

 

45. A lot of roads are being built in Oman. Many highways are expanding. Due to mild climatic conditions, all roads are in excellent condition.

 

46. ​​There are no traffic jams anywhere in Oman, even in the capital, Muscat. Any part of the city can be reached in 20-25 minutes.

 

47. In Oman, it is not customary to show bare heels in public, as the locals consider it disrespectful.

 

48. In Oman there is a sandy Wahiba desert with huge sand dunes tens of kilometers high in a multi-storey building.

 

49. There is a real cave with stalactites and stalagmites 200 kilometers from the city of Muscat.

 

50. Children studying in foreign / European schools receive a fairly decent education, they then easily enter European and American institutions. And local schools and universities are of a low level.

 

 

51. In Oman, it is impossible to buy such familiar food as sausage. Products that religion does not allow Muslims to consume, such as pork, are very expensive in Oman, because only visitors buy them.

 

52. Residents of Oman on average give birth to 5-6 children.

 

53. Entertainment in Oman is varied. You can find something for every taste: you can go to a bar, to the mall, to the cinema or to the beach. There is also something to do: golf, diving or karting.

 

54. In Oman, the days off are Thursday and Friday.

 

55. Residents of Oman are not very interested in work - about 70% of the labor force in the country are foreigners. The same situation is observed in Qatar.

 

56. Omanis have the right to free healthcare, education (including in foreign universities) and land to build a house.

 

 

57. Only 0.2% of Omani consider themselves atheists. Although Oman is a noticeably less religiously radical country than neighboring Arab states.

 

58. Oman is considered a young country.

 

59. Thanks to the discovery of rich oil reserves, in 30 years Oman has turned from a run-down state with medieval orders and infrastructure into one of the economic leaders of the modern world.

 

60. Now Oman is a prosperous Arab country with a traditional Arab way of life.

 

 

Mexico is a country famous for its fantastic beaches and Mayan and Aztec ruins and pyramids. But this country full of history has much more to offer and this is the reason why it is tenth in the list of preferences of tourists around the world, when it comes to spending the holidays. Here are seven of the most beautiful and popular things about Mexico.

 

Mexicans represent a combination of over 50 different indigenous groups. This means that almost all Mexican citizens have indigenous blood flowing through their veins. The inhabitants of this country are very friendly and proud of the culture and heritage of their country.

 

Mexican food is famous all over the world, but the offers are much more varied than decattacos, fajitas, burritos, hot peppers, beans and tomatoes. In fact, the basis of most Spanish dishes is corn. The people here have been making corn tortillas for centuries, for which they have used varieties grown in the country. But you will also find other excellent dishes with vegetables, seafood and meat.

 

And many other interesting things you can find out today with Bemorepanda. We collected 50 pictures and facts about Mexico, a unique country!

 

1. Burritos and tacos are national and very popular food here, based on tortillas made from corn, wheat and even cactus flour. The second component is meat, chicken or vegetables and necessarily beans, all seasoned with a hot chili sauce.

 

2. Freshly squeezed juices, as well as various soft drinks sold on every corner, are very cheap, but be careful - ice is generously put there or diluted with water of unknown origin.

 

3. Fruits on the streets are sold peeled and cut, in plastic bags. Before selling them, they are offered to be sprinkled with chili powder with sugar on top - for hot lovers.

 

4. Homemade ice cream, which can be found on sale, is sold without packaging, and what looks like chocolate chips may turn out to be chili peppers. Even when buying ice cream you need to clarify - "no spicy pliz" =).

 

5. Tequila (full name of Santiago de Tequila) is the name of the Mexican city in which the main production of the drink of the same name is located.

 

6. Blue agave is the plant from which Tequila is made, contrary to popular belief that it is made from cacti. Blue agave belongs to the asparagus family and looks like a small bush with thorns, which is probably why the stereotype about cacti appeared.

 

7. Tequilero - this is the name of a tequila specialist.

 

8. Popular local sweets: apple and other fruit candy - in the form of toffee and in the form of cubes; candied coconut in lime; Juchela-shaped sweet beans with chili.

 

9. Boiled corn is also a popular delicacy here - you can buy the whole cob or already peeled in a glass. The seller, in addition to corn, adds salt, mayonnaise to the glass, sprinkles with cheese and squeezes lime juice onto all this mash. And for the ear and for the glass the price is the same - a little more than a dollar.

 

10. Corn here is generally a universal product - it is eaten raw, boiled and grilled; it is used for making tortillas, stew, yogurt and even corn ice cream with pieces of corn.

 

11. Meat in villages is often sold without refrigerators - despite the heat, it simply hangs on a hook.

 

12. In large supermarkets, sellers work in gauze bandages.

 

13. Mexican Groupon is very developed in large cities - interesting offers are often found, promotions will appeal to discount fans. We bought coupons in a cafe more than once, booked a hotel room (3 nights for the price of two), paid for an "extreme tour" with a 75% discount, a visit to a crocodile farm for 50% and a segway tour for 30% of the tour cost.

 

14. The sand on the Caribbean coast of coral origin is very fine, white and hardly gets hot. In 40 degrees heat, you can walk barefoot on it.

 

15. The water in the Caribbean Sea is very warm, about 25-28 degrees all year round.

 

16. The underwater museum with four hundred sculptures located at a depth of about 2 to 10 meters is located near Cancun. Divers who are bored with tropical fish and coral reefs will surely like it.

 

17. The beaches of Cancun and Tulum are among the ten best beaches in the world according to TripAdvisor.

 

18. Cenotes are natural wells or small lakes that the Mayans used as sources of water and places for sacrifices, they will surely appeal to snorkelers. Most cenotes are located in caves with many bizarre stalactites and stalagmites. The water there is crystal clear and pleasantly cool, well suited for relaxing from the heat outside.

 

19. Iguanas of different colors and sizes are very common in villages and small towns in Mexico.

 

20. Official taxis in Mexico City have a state license with a photo of the driver on the glass. To avoid misunderstandings, it is recommended that you check the photo with the person driving.

 

21. Taxis in Mexico City differ in safety classes. The safer - the more expensive, but generally it is quite cheap. For 3 or 4 people, it is often more profitable to take a taxi than to travel by public transport.

 

22. The cost of local calls from a pay phone does not depend on the duration of the call. For example, an unlimited city call will cost 3 pesos (25 cents).

 

23. Mexico City is located in the mountains, at an altitude of 2240 m, so if you are flying from the coast or lowland parts, prepare to wear a sweater or jacket at the exit from the airport. It is warm during the day and quite cool in the morning and evening.

 

24. The metro in the capital of 20 million, in comparison with St. Petersburg and Moscow, is relatively uncrowded, even at rush hour.

 

25. In addition to the name, each metro station has a picture designation - this is done especially for those who cannot read.

 

26. There are parking lots for bicycles at some metro stations - many people get to the station by bike, hang it on special handrails in the lobby in front of the turnstiles and then go by metro.

 

27. Many merchants can be found in the metropolitan subway - both spreading their goods in the passages, and moving along the wagons. In funny, howling voices, like a church priest singing psalms, they offer to buy a variety of goods - food, clothing, shoes, souvenirs, etc. - often like ours "three for a dozen" =).

 

28. The sellers of music discs are visible, or rather heard the most. They enter the carriage with a backpack-column behind their backs and turn on a CD with hits so that they can be heard at the next station.

 

29. Free bike rental - a special city program for tourists operates in Mexico City. Bicycle hotspots are located close to many attractions.

 

30. Metrobus is a special type of transport in the capital, something between the metro and the bus. Outwardly this is a bus, but it consists of two parts and travels, most often, along a dedicated lane. The entrance to it is carried out through turnstiles at specially equipped stops.

 

31. The first subway car is intended for disabled people and women - such a separation is a forced measure of the state to protect women from the harassment of hot Mexicans.

 

32. There are a lot of currency exchange offices in tourist places, but it is best to change the currency in banks - the rate is always better. You must have a passport with you.

 

33. Double names are the norm for local people (for example, Addi Maria or Carlos Antonio). This has nothing to do with the parents, just at birth they give not one name, but two at once.

 

34. Medical care for the Mexican population is free, but, as the locals themselves say, it is of very poor quality, so if you want normal conditions and assistance, you need to go to a private clinic.

 

35. Education is also almost completely free. Various social programs are provided for schoolchildren - up to free meals and uniforms. The universities pay decent scholarships, but many still do not want to study - they go to work.

 

36. Quinceañera - one of the important events in the life of a Mexican girl, symbolizing the entry into adulthood. Quinceañera is celebrated on the 15th anniversary and is usually celebrated on a grand scale - with a ceremony in the church, flowers, gifts, professional photography and video filming, dancing and live music. The guests and the hero of the occasion dress in expensive outfits and jewelry to match the wedding.

 

37. The numbering of streets and houses in cities is very curious - streets are named by numbers: Calle 1, Calle 2. And even numbers go perpendicular to odd ones, and the address is listed as "Calle 2, house 56, between Calle 1 and Calle 3". This is very convenient and allows you to quickly find the desired street and house on it, even without having a map at hand.

 

38. One-way traffic is organized in many cities due to the fact that most of the streets are narrow. Moreover, the direction of movement alternates - for example, on Calle 1 in one direction, and on Calle 3 - in the other. There is two-way traffic on wide streets, they are usually called Avenida - avenues.

 

39. Most small towns and villages are built on the same principle: a square central square, where the cathedral gathering and the police building are located, and in the middle there is a park area.

 

40. Tricycles are the most common form of transport in small villages. Moreover, one wheel is located at the back, and 2 - in front and on them there is a large basket in which they carry everything in a row - from firewood to people.

 

41. Inhabitants of very poor villages live in reed huts. Often inside such a hut, the only "piece of furniture" is a hammock.

 

42. Chips, biscuits and Coca-Cola - a permanent set of products, which is in every shop, in every run-down village. The Coca-Cola inscription is here on all stores.

 

43. Insurance with a franchise is offered by most car rental companies. Finding full coverage insurance takes hard work.

 

44. The difference between "automatic" and "mechanics" when renting a car, as a rule, is not very significant - usually overpaid only $ 12 per week.

 

45. License plates are missing on many cars - instead of them there is a "technical passport" on the rear window.

 

46. ​​Imprinting - this ancient procedure had to be subjected to a bank card to pay for a rented car. A few days later, the bank blocked the card due to the fact that it was "compromised". It is not known if this is due to imprinting or simply to spending in Mexico.

 

47. Heavy things, especially basins, are often worn by women on their heads.

 

48. Policemen patrolling the streets of the city, standing in the back of an SUV - a frequent occurrence in tourist cities.

 

49. Corruption is very common among police officers - in case of any violation on the road, they begin to gently offer to "resolve the issue on the spot."

 

50. The city of the Maya Indians, Chichen Itza, which belongs to the list of "7 new wonders of the world" is located on the Yucatan Peninsula.

 

Italian Rome is one of the popular tourist destinations. And, in general, it is clear why guests from all over the world tend to visit the Eternal City. Incredible works of art, excellent cuisine, architecture can lure any travel lover, leaving the impression of visiting Rome for a lifetime and giving rise to the desire to return there at least once again.

Why is it said that all roads lead to Rome?

Bemorepanda has collected exciting facts ranging from ancient Rome to today's Rome, which may be the final push to encourage you to put this city on your following trip list. Or you want to learn more about it from other sources - books, online tours, films, which will also be good because knowledge is never extra.

Especially when it comes to a city with such a long history, by the way, if you are still going on a trip, some of our collection's facts will be useful to you, because they will help you protect yourself from violating local laws and traditions.

1. The law in Rome allows cats to live freely where they were born.

There are rules to protect wild cat colonies, as Italians are fond of cats. Cats are allowed to roam freely anywhere, even in famous historical places. Anyone who harms a cat in Italy can be charged with a crime.

By the way, according to some estimates, the cat population in Rome is 300,000 individuals. For cat lovers, there is a particular part of Rome that is a must-see on any visit. Among the ancient ruins of Largo di Torre, Argentina, is a cat sanctuary that currently houses over 250 cats.

2. Bruschetta originates in ancient Rome when olive growers spread their oil on a slice of bread.

It is generally accepted that bruschetta was created in Italy in the 15th century. However, the origins of this dish date back to Ancient Rome, when olive growers would take their olives to the nearest olive press and taste the freshly pressed oil using a slice of bread. Bruschetta is still a popular appetizer in Rome today.

3. Rome has over 2,000 fountains

Rome has more fountains than any other city, with over 2,000 in total, including 50 monumental fountains and hundreds of smaller fountains.

4. Nearly 1.5 million euros worth of coins are thrown into the Trevi Fountain in Rome yearly.

You must have heard of the Trevi Fountain coin tradition: with their backs turned to the fountain, visitors must toss a coin over their shoulder, hoping it will fall into the fountain. According to legend, if you throw one cash into the fountain, then you will return to Rome; if you throw two coins, then you will return and fall in love; and if you throw three coins, then you will return, fall in love and get married!

But what happens to all this money? Are other people tempted to take them out of the water? This is the case, as back in 2001, the then mayor of Rome issued a decree that the coins from the fountain would be collected by the municipality and then donated to charity.

Regularly assigned officers collect coins with a brush and a suction hose while police officers are on duty nearby.

5. In ancient Rome, only freeborn men were allowed to wear the toga, a sign of Roman citizenship.

Putting on the toga was easy, if manageable. A strip of fabric was folded lengthwise; one end was thrown over the left shoulder, the toga was thrown over the back, and the other end was passed under the right shoulder and thrown over the left shoulder in front. Wealthier citizens had a particular slave (vestiplik), which made this challenging task easier for them.

By the way, the length of the toga was from 3.7 to 6.1 m, so it is not surprising that an assistant was required to put it on. However, because putting on a toga was such a complicated matter, and besides, the outfit itself was costly, it gradually fell into disuse, first among citizens of the lower class, then among the representatives of the middle class, and began to be worn by the upper class only on solemn occasions.

6. Rome became the capital of a united Italy in 1870, taking over the title from Florence.

Rome was a candidate for the title of capital because of its symbolic importance in the history of Italy as a territory of the former Roman Empire and its even more advantageous position. The migration to Rome was in full swing when the Franco-Prussian War broke out in 1870.

7. St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican is the largest Christian church ever built.

Although St. Peter's Basilica is a revered gathering place and the leading tourist destination in the Vatican, it has another purpose. It is claimed to be the final resting place of Saint Peter, whose tomb is said to be under the basilica's main altar.

In addition, several generations of great masters worked on its creation: Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, and Giovanni Lorenzo Bernini - therefore, it is not surprising that St. Peter's Basilica is the most famous work of Renaissance architecture.

8. Cinecittà Studios, the largest film studio in Europe, is located in Rome

Roman Holiday (1953), Ben Hur (1959), La Dolce Vita (1960), Cleopatra (1963), Romeo and Juliet (1968), and many other famous films were made at Cinecittà. As you can see, the film studio is used for both American and Italian film production. Therefore, it is very likely that the film you like was made at this film studio!

More than 3,000 films have been filmed here, 90 of which have been nominated for an Oscar, and 47 have won. In the 1950s, several international productions led to Rome being nicknamed "Hollywood on the Tiber."

9. Rome has a museum entirely dedicated to pasta.

It makes sense that the world's only pasta museum is in Rome, Italy, as the country is known for its perfect combination of flour, water, and salt.

10. Paris is the only official sister city of Rome.

With the motto “Only Paris is worthy of Rome; only Rome is worthy of Paris,” Rome and Paris have been the only sister cities since 1956.

Twinning between the two cities is, first of all, a symbol of cooperation and mutual assistance. However, in addition to the character, this partnership allows Parisians free access to many of Rome's museums (Musei Capitolini, Galleria d'arte moderna, Museo Civico di Zoologia, Museo di Roma) and vice versa (free admission for Romans to the typically paid temporary exhibitions of Paris museums).

11. Not a single building in the center of Rome can be higher than St. Peter's Basilica (136 meters) in the Vatican

No building in the central area of Rome, bounded by the walls of Aurelian, can be higher than the dome of St. Peter's Basilica, which rises to 136 meters. Torre Eurosky (Eurosky Tower), a skyscraper built in the EUR area (EUR) in 2012 (outside the prohibition zone), has a height of 155 meters and is the only building exceeding this limit.

12. There are over 900 churches in Rome

Rome has over 900 churches, which is no surprise given that no other city is so closely associated with the Catholic faith.

13. Trajan's market is believed to be the world's first indoor shopping center. A variety of goods were sold there, including groceries.

14. There are at least 40 ancient catacombs under Rome.

While many Romans built ornate roadside tombs, Christians buried their dead in the labyrinths of the catacombs. By excavating pliable tuff (light, cemented, porous rock), miles of underground tunnels were laid, which became the graves for many ordinary Christians, saints and martyrs.

15. Smoking is prohibited in all public places in Rome

Smoking is prohibited in closed public places and workplaces, such as government, medical and educational institutions, and places frequented by minors. However, smoking is allowed in designated smoking areas in some public places and workplaces such as bars and nightclubs.

16. The Spanish stairs are not Spanish

These 18th-century Baroque steps that descend from the Trinita dei Monti church to the Piazza di Spagna below were created by an Italian architect at the request of a French diplomat. The square and the staircase owe their name to the Palazzo di Spagna (Palace of Spain), the residence of the Spanish ambassador to the Holy See in the Vatican.

17. The symbol of Rome is a she-wolf who took care of the brothers Romulus and Remus, the mythological founders of Rome

According to the Roman founding myth, the twins Romulus and Remus were left in the forest under the command of King Amulius of Alba Longa. They were fed and protected by a she-wolf until they were found by a shepherd named Faustulus.

The image of a she-wolf breastfeeding twins has been a symbol of Rome since ancient times and is one of the most recognizable icons of ancient mythology.

18. Women in ancient Rome dyed their hair with goat fat and beech tree ash.

Roman women were very fond of dyeing their hair. The most popular colors were red, black and blond. Even by law, prostitutes had to be blonde to distinguish themselves from ordinary Roman women. However, despite this, the locals continued to dye their hair. Various substances were used to create different colors, including goat fat, beech ash, henna, saffron, and bleach.

Numerous methods for obtaining dyes also included boiled and crushed walnuts, burnt and charred ant eggs, rotting remains of game, or various types of xia with soaked and rotten leeches that were aged in red wine for 40 days.

19. Rome's first university, La Sapienza, founded in 1303 AD, is one of the largest universities in Europe

Sapienza served as the leading educational institution for most of the Italian aristocracy. Numerous Nobel Prize winners, Presidents of the European Parliament and European Commissioners, heads of several countries, prominent religious figures, scientists and astronauts are just some of the notable Sapienza alumni.

20. Rome was founded in 753 BC.

Romulus and his twin brother Remus are said to have founded Rome on April 21, 753 BC. just in the place where they were nursed by a she-wolf when they were orphaned babies.

21. The Vatican, the smallest country in the world, is located inside Rome

The Vatican, with an area of only 49 hectares, is the smallest country in the world. In addition, it is the only country in the world located inside another city.

The Vatican has religious and cultural attractions such as St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums. They feature some of the world's most famous paintings and sculptures. The Vatican's unique economy is supported financially by donations from the faithful, the sale of postage stamps and souvenirs, museum admission fees, and the sale of publications. There are no taxes in the Vatican and goods are sold duty-free.

22. All roads really led to Rome

The idiom "All roads lead to Rome" implies that all decisions, strategies or actions lead to the same result. However, this remark had a more literal meaning throughout the early Roman era. All the important highways of the Roman Empire did indeed lead directly to the capital, which was served by a developed network of roads.

At the peak of Rome's development, no less than 29 great military roads diverged from the capital, and 113 provinces of the late empire were connected by 372 great roads. In total, more than 400,000 kilometers of roads were laid, of which more than 80,500 kilometers were paved with stone.

23. Frascati and Castelli Romani are the most famous white wines in Rome

Frascati wines, the most revered of the nine Castelli Romani (Roman castles), are often called "golden wine" by locals because of their golden hue and high price. The fermentation process that takes place in this area while the grapes are still in their skins is what gives the wine its color.

24. Italians call their capital Roma

In the Latin used in ancient Rome, the original name of the city was Roma. Most likely, the city owes its name to Romulus, who founded it.

25. The flag of Rome consists of vertical stripes of red and yellow, the two colors of the city.

According to the consummate urban portraitist Renzo Vespignani, the color of Rome is the yellow ocher of burnt bread, which, unsurprisingly, is a combination of red and gold.

26. Oscar Wilde called Rome the "Scarlet Woman" and "The Only City of the Soul"

The already well-known Oscar Wilde considered honeymooning his fiancee Constance in Rome in 1884, but decided to take her to Normandy and Paris instead. Wilde did not spend much time in Rome until almost the end of his life.

27. There are about 60 museums in Rome

Rome is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world, and museums are a great way to experience its history and culture. The museums of Rome also contain masterpieces by artists such as Michelangelo, Raphael, Bernini, Caravaggio, Cavallini and many others.

28. Rome has only hosted the Olympics once: the 1960 Summer Olympics

The XVII Olympiad, or 1960 Olympic Games, was held in Rome, Italy from August 25 to September 11, 1960. There were many innovations at these Olympic Games, for example, they were shown on television for the first time, the Olympic anthem was played for the first time, and for the first time an Olympic winner ran barefoot!

By the way, the Soviet Union won the most gold and overall medals at the 1960 Games.

29. Rome Termini train station is one of the busiest stations in Europe, serving more than 180 million passengers annually

Rome Termini is likely to be a stopover on your itinerary whether you arrive in Rome by plane, train or ship. The name of the station comes from the Termini area, which takes its name from the Roman baths (thermae) that once stood there.

Termini Station is the second largest railway station in Europe after the Gare du Nord of Paris, which receives 200 million passengers every year.

30. In 2016, Rome for the first time in its history and an Italian political party) faced nationwide polls two years later, when it received almost twice as many votes as its closest rival.

31. Rome is one of the most visited cities in the world

Rome tops the list of Italian cities most loved by travelers from all over the world, hosting 25 million foreign visitors annually. The Colosseum, St. Peter's Basilica and the Trevi Fountain are just a few reasons why the Italian capital is still considered the Eternal City.

Like other Italian cities, Rome levies a tourist tax that helps maintain public transport and infrastructure. It varies from 3 to 7 euros per person per night depending on the hotel or other type of accommodation used (children under 10 years old are exempt from the tax and the tax is no longer charged after 10 days).

32. Rome has one of the smallest inhabited islands in the world.

Isola Tiberina (Tiber Island), a small island in the Tiber River, is located in Rome. It is tiny and barely reaches 270 meters in length. However, the Ponte Cestio and Ponte Fabrizio bridges make it easier to access.

33. Rome ranks 4th in terms of population in the European Union - 2.8 million people live within the city

In addition, Rome held the title of the largest city in the world for 550 years, from 100 BC. to 450 AD This includes a 250-year period at the beginning of the first millennium, when the population of the Italian capital reached 1 million.

The municipality of Rome is made up of 15 districts, each with over 100,000 inhabitants, while its metropolitan area is made up of 120 municipalities and has 4.4 million inhabitants, more than in other major European metropolitan areas.

34. The mayor of Rome officially opens the Christmas season by lighting the Christmas tree in Piazza Venezia.

The celebration of Christmas in the city officially begins with the lighting of the Christmas tree in Piazza Venezia. All this marks the beginning of the holiday season.

Did you know that the Federal Republic of Nigeria (better known in the world as the country of Nigeria) is one of the most developed countries on the African continent today?

Interesting facts about Nigeria

And although perhaps, with its economic potential with GDP, this African country will not be able to capture the imagination of the inhabitants of the Western world, Europeans can undoubtedly be surprised by others - the traditions and way of life in Nigeria, where residents sometimes lead a very unusual way of life from the point of view of Westerners. Peace.

We have selected for our readers 20 examples of facts from Reddit about Nigeria, which people on the Web call authentic and which can be called unique to Nigeria. Some Nigerians even refer to these behaviors as the "Nigerian mentality."

1. “In Nigeria, all meetings and activities begin with prayer. They even pray before meetings of the Federal Council of the country and football matches.”

2. “More than 1 million students annually apply to universities in Nigeria, but since there are only 122 universities in the country for 206 million people, no more than 30% of applications are accepted.”

3. “Mourning at the funeral. In most regions of the country, funerals are celebrated (if the person has been successful in life and has not died at a young age). Sometimes you can't tell if it's a party or a funeral."

4. “The person standing at the door of the minibus is called agbero. People like him can stand like this in the picture all day long. Undoubtedly, they are hardy. But the job is not safe."

5. “Reluctance to have children: A married couple is expected to have a child in the first nine months of marriage. . If a couple declares their desire to remain married without children, they automatically become a source of shame for their family.”

6. “Almost all Nigerians are forbidden by their parents to eat outside the home as children. Their families specifically teach children not to take food from strangers and do it for safety purposes.”

7. “Going to a hospital here is a luxury: millions of Nigerians have never been in a hospital in their lives!”

8. “Shaking hands with parents as a greeting is a big disrespect.”

9. “Announcing your pregnancy to the public, mentioning the sex of the baby, names, and due dates are taboo among Nigerians.”

10. “It’s unacceptable to refuse food cooked by mom! If you say, "I don't want to eat this," get ready for a beating."

11. “Gifts and rewards. From a young age, we are taught that it is wrong to accept gifts or gratuities from people (especially from strangers) for good or other deeds.

12. "Because the temperature in the country is higher than usual, you can see people sleeping in the bathroom or other places where it can be cooler."

13. “Due to living conditions and financial hardship, the average life expectancy for Nigerians is 55 years. Most deaths are caused by diseases such as malaria and drinking water poisoning…”.

14. “Nigeria has the highest number of twins in the world. Don't be surprised if you keep walking around feeling like you're always seeing the same people."

15. “I would advise you not to call your friend's parents or anyone older than you by their first names. In Nigeria (and other African countries), it's disrespectful to address someone older than you by your first name."

16. Another oddity objects / things with the left hand.

17. “Nigerians call people not only by their names, but also by their titles: sir, madam, chef, teacher, doctor… If you call someone without using their title, they won’t even respond to you.

18. “Nigerians don't like having pets. We are especially surprised when foreigners keep dogs at home, while in our country dogs are used only for hunting or guarding.”

19. Ladies can propose to a guy or invite a guy on a date.

20. It is considered socially unacceptable to say: "I'm sick" or "I have no money (ruined)." Nigerians prefer euphemisms like "I'm strong", "I'm very rich".