50 interesting facts about Venezuela

Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world and at least the most senior in Western Europe. The first mention of it dates back to the 3rd century BC. Despite this, practically no evidence of this antiquity remains in the city. It's all to blame - the fact below.

 

Lisbon is the westernmost capital of mainland Europe. Near the city is the famous Cape Roca, from which only the boundless Atlantic Ocean extends.

 

Facts about Lisbon

 

1. The city of Lisbon is the capital of Portugal.

 

2. He is respected in Europe because he is one of the oldest.

 

3. The first settlements on the site of the modern capital of Portugal appeared earlier than in Rome and Paris.

 

4. According to most estimates, the city was founded in the 12th century BC, near the Tagus River, providing excellent living opportunities. It turns out that Lisbon is older than Rome by four centuries. In fact, in Europe, only Athens was founded earlier than Lisbon.

 

5. Lisbon has been considered the capital of Portugal since 1255. However, there are no official documents confirming the fact that Lisbon is the capital of Portugal. The city became the capital by accident when King Alfonso III settled with his court in Lisbon. This made sense since Lisbon was already Portugal's largest and most important city.

 

6. A long time ago, this region was inhabited by pre-Celtic tribes. Then came the Celts, and then the Phoenicians. The Punic Wars forced the inhabitants of this place to think about building defensive walls. And then they began to build castles and towers here.

 

7. In the Middle Ages, Muslims came to the city and brought with them a new culture. But their reign ended when the Norwegian crusaders came to Lisbon.

 

8. Gradually, the city expanded due to its advantageous position. As a result, it became the most important European port, from which the gates to many states were opened.

 

 

9. And again, the city wants to capture the enemies. Lisbon survived both the invasion of the Spaniards and the arrival of Napoleon's troops. So Lisbon is a city that has seen a lot in its lifetime. But the most terrible disaster in the city's history was the most powerful earthquake of 1775.

 

10. It turned out to be so ruthless that the city turned into ruins. But he was not destined to die. With the help of the remaining townspeople, the use of the country's inhabitants was gradually revived.

 

11. Then, a new city practically rose from the ruins and became one of the most beautiful. Three revolutions took place here in the 20th century. After them, the rapid development of modern capital began.

 

12. Today's Lisbon is the most beautiful European capital with its sights and legends.

 

13. Lisbon is the warmest European capital. There are at least 100 rainy days here a year.

 

THE OLDEST DISTRICT OF LISBON - ALFAMA

 

14. Alfama is the oldest district of Lisbon and the only one that survived and even retained its appearance after an earthquake in the middle of the 18th century. The Alfama district is located in the southeast of the city along the banks of the Tagus River. Alfama is situated at the foot of two of the seven Lisbon hills, one of which crowns the castle of St. George, and the other is the Cathedral of St. Vincent.

 

15. Its architecture stands out as a bright spot against the background of the rest of the city - chaotically located streets and tiny houses with stairs on the slopes form the image of the Middle Ages, and in general, it looks not like a district, but like a small village in the city. For a long time, it had a reputation as an area where sailors, anglers, etc., lived, that is, simple poor people, but in the Middle Ages, Muslims used the springs in Alfama to improve their health; for this, they came here as a resort.

 

16. Down to the banks of the Tagus River, the Alfama area is taking on more modern features - the old port warehouses have turned into modern loft spaces equipped with restaurants and trendy nightclubs.

 

17. The sights of Porto and Lisbon are a unique tandem of two Portuguese pearls that allows you to discover all the most atmospheric places in Portugal, feel its lively character and plunge into the old days.

 

18. The ancient buildings and centuries-old streets of these cities allow you to go back in time and understand how the state's glorious history developed.

 

ROSIE SQUARE

 

19. One of the most iconic places in Lisbon is Rossio Square, which can be classified as a must-see for tourists. It is surrounded by buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries, which house numerous shops, cafes, and restaurants today, from modern eateries to fine Art Nouveau establishments.

 

20. Over the centuries, the square has seen a lot - even the Romans equipped their hippodrome on this place. Bullfights, festivals, military parades, and executions were held in the court. Today, city and public holidays are celebrated here; they study original installations and relax.

 

21. Locals are sure that Lisbon is associated with Freemasonry since the entire central district of Lisbon Baixa was designed and built on the principles of Masons: there are seven streets (one of which is Golden Street and the other is Silver Street), three squares, two columns near the river, one triumphal arch and many other facts point to this. But it is difficult to say this is true because Freemasonry is covered with a veil of mystery.

 

22. Ravens have been a symbol of the city since 1173 when they accompanied the body of Saint Vincent to Lisbon, where he was buried. Every coal merchant in the town kept ravens as pets. All these beloved pets have always had the same name: Vicente, in honor of the saint. The raven can always be seen in the castle of San Jorge and below at Se.

 

23. Lisbon is the first city to import Guinness. It is not in the Guinness Book of World Records, but records from 1811 show Lisbon was the first city to import Guinness beer.

 

24. O'Gillins and Hennessy's are among the few pubs in Lisbon where you can enjoy a perfectly poured pint of Guinness - continuing a tradition over 203 years old.

 

TRIUMPHAL ARCH

 

25. One of the attractions of Lisbon is the Arc de Triomphe. The date of the creation of this architectural structure is the end of the 18th century. The majestic arch was decorated with statues, sculptures of famous Portuguese, stone carvings, bas-reliefs, and column groups. By paying a few euros, you can climb to the observation deck, located on the roof of the building.

 

26. The Tahoe River stretches for 14 kilometers, winding through the capital.

 

27. The Tagus River is not the most attractive. No one in their right mind would think of swimming in its waters. But the world-famous oysters were once found in this river.

 

28. Only five people know the recipe for their favorite Lisbon cake. In a city where almost no one has secrets from each other, one terrible secret is kept - the recipe for Pastel de Belém cake. The secret recipe of Pastel de Belen has never been written down and is transmitted only orally; it has always been remembered and kept in mind. To prevent the formula from being lost, its keepers are not prohibited from flying together in the same plane or driving in the same car.

 

29. As you know, with great secrets comes great responsibility, and the keepers of this recipe take special precautions: they never travel in the same plane, do not sit in the same car, and do not order the same dish in a restaurant.

 

ON THE HILL OF GRACE

 

30. Graça is the highest of Lisbon's hills, but it was excluded from the original and official list. The seven lucky ones lined up in this order: San Jorge, San Vicente, San Roque, Santo Andre, Santa Catarina, Chagas and Santa Anna.

 

31. Maybe that's why most locals tell tourists that Lisbon is a city of seven hills. But this statement is not valid. They are deliberately misidentified to make Lisbon more like Rome, also known as the city of the seven hills.

 

CHURCH OF SAINT ENGRAVE

 

32. One of the most impressive creations of Portuguese Baroque architecture is the Church of Saint Engracia, also called the National Pantheon. This is a magnificent building made of pink marble with a vast dome, at the base of which, at the height of about 80 meters, there is an observation deck overlooking the city and the Tagus River.

 

33. This temple began to be built in the 17th century but was supplemented and rebuilt over the next three centuries. The construction process dragged on so much that the well-known phrase “construction of Santa Engracia” appeared in everyday life of the Portuguese, which meant an endless delay in work. The church has a design that has not previously been used in any Portuguese building - the interior space is distributed according to the scheme of the Greek cross. Above the entrance are niches with statues, and a beautiful baroque portal leads inside, where two angels hold the Portuguese coat of arms.

 

34. The city is considered multinational. At the same time, according to the census, 97% of the Portuguese live in it.

 

35. The Guinness Book of Records writes about a dinner in Lisbon, which 15,000 people attended. This dinner took place on the Vasco da Gama bridge during its opening in 1998.

 

36. In one of Lisbon's classic cafes, Martinho da Arcada, two tables remain empty and are permanently "reserved" for late writers. One for Fernando Pessoa, Portugal's most famous poet, and one for Nobel laureate José Saramago, Portugal's most beloved writer.

 

BASILICA - ESTRELA

 

37. A hill west of Lisbon crowns a majestic building - the Basilica da Estrela, erected by the Queen Mary of Portugal decree. Sometime during the marriage, Mary vowed to build a temple for the nuns of the Order of Barefoot Carmelites if the Lord would grant her a son. After a while, her heir was born, and at the end of the 18th century, the construction of the basilica began.

 

38. So, a unique building with columns, bell towers, and bas-reliefs grew. A tower complements the dome with a cross, which to this day serves as a guide for travelers - it can be seen from almost any part of the city.

 

39. Unfortunately, by the time construction was completed, the queen's son had already died from the smallpox he had suffered. The picturesque architecture of the temple combines the Baroque and Neo-Gothic styles; the facade is decorated with sculptures of angels and six allegories. The central dome is surrounded by a terrace from which you can enjoy beautiful views of the capital.

 

40. Lisbon has the world's only public tie mirror. At least there is no other city with such a mirror in the world. It is located next to door number 115 in Piazza D. Pedro IV. The inscription calls: "Put in order the knot of your tie."

 

MONUMENT TO THE PIONEERS

 

41. In Lisbon, there is a monument to the discoverers. It is located on the Belen embankment of the Tagus River. This large-scale 50-meter sculpture was created in memory of the era of legendary geographical discoveries. According to the project, the monument should personify the exploits of the famous navigators of Portugal. At the top level of the monument is an observation deck.

 

42. Lisbon has one of the smallest bookstores in the world. Bertrand is known as the world's oldest bookstore, a well-known fact. But Livraria do Simao is one of the smallest, with an area of ​​​​only 3.8 square meters. Meters. However, it holds 4,000 books! It is so small that the store owner usually leaves the premises when a customer enters.

 

VASCO DA GAMA BRIDGE

 

43. The Lisbon Vasco da Gama Bridge is the longest bridge in Europe, its length exceeds 17 kilometers. It is also the largest in Europe. Its appearance marked the 500th anniversary of the opening of the route to India by the great navigator. The construction crosses the river in its widest part, connecting one of the districts of Lisbon with the opposite towns of Montijo and Alcuchet.

 

44. The Vasco da Gama Bridge is a powerful support, dozens of cables, a curved line of the roadbed over the waters of the Tagus River. It is known that the design of the Vasco da Gama bridge is able to withstand the elements, 4.5 times more powerful than the famous Lisbon earthquake of the 18th century.

 

PRASA SQUARE - DO - COMERCIU

 

45. Praça do Comercio in Lisbon is one of the most beautiful European squares, from which the active development of the city began in the 15th century, regarding the famous geographical discoveries. It was during these years that the construction of the port and administrative buildings associated with maritime trade began. During the prosperity of Lisbon, ships with treasures from the Portuguese colonies moored in the port, important royal delegations arrived.

 

46. ​​And in our time, in the Praça do Comercio area, evidence of past glory remains - monumental monuments, ancient administrative buildings and various interesting places. Ministries, banks and other state organizations work in historical buildings located along the perimeter of the square. The legendary cafe Martinho da Arcada also operates here, where true aristocrats dined.

 

47. There are many unusual museums in the city: carriages, electricity, ancient art.

 

AT THE GALUST GULBENKYAN MUSEUM

 

48. The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum is a private museum. Usually private museum collections do not attract as much attention as large national museums. The Galouste Gulbenkian Gallery is a special case, with a huge and diverse collection that can outshine any large-scale exhibition.

 

49. The first part of this exposition presents objects of Greek, Egyptian, Persian art, here you can see the rarest jewelry, precious vases, fragments of Egyptian tombs. The second part is dedicated to European art - these are collections of paintings, carvings, sculptures, and various decor. But the most impressive part is the collection of paintings with paintings by Rembrandt, Renoir, Claude Monet and other eminent painters.

 

PAVILION OF KNOWLEDGE IN THE PARK OF NATIONS

 

50. In Lisbon, in the Park of Nations in the Interactive Museum of Science, a thematic pavilion of Knowledge was opened in 1999. It will be interesting to visit it for a person of any age - both kids from 3 years old and pensioners.

 

51. In the pavilion, divided into separate rooms, you can set up all kinds of experiments, for example, in the field of chemistry or physics, participate in experiments, learn about technological innovations and natural phenomena. Special attention deserves a hall with interactive modules called Escaping Exhibition: here you can ride a rope at a height of 6 meters on a bicycle, or relax at a huge table.

 

52. An unusual Santa Justa street elevator operates in the city, raising tourists to a height of 45 meters.

 

53. Lisbon Oceanarium is the largest in Europe. 450 species of marine inhabitants live here.

 

54. Almost all Lisbon streets look in black and white. Such an unusual coloring is not associated with mourning events, but symbolizes the robes of St. Vincent, who is the patron saint of the city.

 

55. During World War II, spies arrived in Lisbon from all over the world. The richest European refugees have created a small community around the casinos of the city of Estoril near Lisbon. They spent their days on the beach, dancing the night away, hosting banquets and gambling games where the stakes were very high.

 

56. The best spies of all Western countries worked hard in these circles. The most famous is Ian Fleming, the author of the James Bond novels, who was here in the service of British Naval Intelligence.

 

57. The April 25 Bridge across the Tagus River is 2.2 kilometers long. It is the largest in Europe among similar suspended transitional structures.

 

ZOO IN LISBON

 

58. The Lisbon Zoo is a unique menagerie. It stands out from other zoos in that it does not have cages or enclosures. The inhabitants live in recreated "natural" conditions: a house is built for the rhinoceros in the form of an entire African village, macaques and chimpanzees jump on real trees, tigers and lions rest on the grass of the "savannah".

 

59. For comfortable observation of animals and organizing picnics, tables and benches are located on the area of ​​​​the complex. Tourists who come to Lisbon with children should visit this wonderful zoo in the first place.

 

TRAMS IN LISBON

 

60. The narrow, uneven streets of the historic part of Lisbon are lined with tram tracks that have existed here for more than 100 years. They are followed by miniature yellow Remodelado trams that appeared in the early 20th century, and today everything inside them, from controls to wooden benches, seems to transport you to a charming era of the past.

 

61. Tourists who just want to wander around the city, the first thing you should pay attention to is Augusta, the main pedestrian street of Lisbon. It stretches from the central city square of Rossio to the famous triumphal arch and is a pavement lined with ancient mosaics in the form of a fancy pattern. It is a favorite place for walks of locals and visitors, a large shopping area and a popular vacation spot with numerous outdoor cafes, boutiques, exhibitions of local artists and performances by musicians.

 

62. Tourists are everywhere surrounded by colorful facades of old mansions, and the end of the walking route is crowned by the majestic Arc de Triomphe, which in itself is a separate attraction. The grand building is decorated in a mixture of Baroque, Renaissance and Manueline styles. A spiral staircase and an elevator lead to the top of the arch, where the observation deck is located.

 

63. The observation deck of San Pedro de Alcantara is a panoramic observation point, the area of ​​\u200b\u200bwhich is divided into two levels. At each level there are small restaurants, sculptural compositions, shops, fountains and vegetation. It is here that the local intelligentsia and the youth of the capital gather. Moreover, you do not need to pay for access to this observation terrace in the fresh air.

 

64. When exploring the ancient quarters of Lisbon, one should not forget about its surroundings, which are no less rich in historical monuments. For example, you can go outside of Lisbon to explore the sights of Sintra - Moorish castles, palaces, ancient monasteries against the backdrop of landscapes immersed in greenery.

 

65. Tourists say that once they see Lisbon, they cannot forget it or confuse it with another city. And you will definitely want to return there again to wander through its streets and visit its many other attractions.

 

 

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".

If you want to spend your time in Sri Lanka as fun, safe, and exciting as possible, you should get to know the locals better, the features of their way of life, and other things. It is also worthwhile before the trip to figure out what is accepted on the island and what is better not to do.

 

We invite you to discover 50 exciting facts noted by researchers and travelers who have repeatedly visited the tea island.

 

Top facts about Sri Lanka

 

1. Sri Lanka is a hot tropical country located in southern Asia.

 

More precisely, the country of Sri Lanka is located on the island of the same name in the Indian Ocean.

 

2. Previously, the European name of the island on which this state is located was used - Ceylon. This name of the country existed until 1972.

 

3. Sri Lanka is in many ways related to India, but at the same time quite noticeably different from it, this is especially striking if you spend at least a month there and there. There are plenty of similarities, though.

 

4. Translated from the ancient Sanskrit language, “Sri Lanka” means “Blessed Land”.

 

5. Sri Lankans - this is how the inhabitants of Sri Lanka are officially called.

 

Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte

 

6. The actual, but not the official capital of the country is the city of Colombo. The official capital is the city of Sri Jayawardenepuru Kotte.

 

7. The name "Colombo" comes from the Sinhala "kola-amba-thota", which means "mango harbour".

 

8. Sri Lanka was a British colony until 1948. English is very popular on the island.

 

9. Sri Lanka will make anyone believe in heaven on earth. This is a real gem of South Asia. It is impossible not to admit that this tropical island is really beautiful.

 

Galle Lighthouse

 

10. As in all Asian countries, there is a high population density - 308 people per square kilometer. The population of Sri Lanka is approximately equal to the population of Beijing.

 

11. Two languages ​​​​here have the status of state - Tamil and Sinhalese. English, on the other hand, has a special status and serves for communication between representatives of different ethnic groups living in Sri Lanka.

 

12. The main religion of Sri Lanka is Buddhism, it is followed by 70% of the population here. The remaining 20% ​​are Hindus and 10% are Muslims, Sikhs and Christians.

 

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum

 

13. The Tooth of the Buddha - one of the most revered Buddhist shrines is located in the city of Kandy and is kept in the Temple of the Tooth Relic.

 

14. The leadership issued a wise law to avoid conflicts between believers. All religious holidays of all religions practiced by residents are days off for everyone. Therefore, there are more than half of the holidays in the year.

 

15. Alcohol is strictly prohibited on such days. On weekdays, alcoholic beverages can only be bought at specially designated places.

 

Sigirya Mountain

 

16. One of the most popular places for tourists here is Mount Sigiriya, on the way to the top of which you need to climb a staircase of 1001 steps.

 

17. The most popular dessert treat in Sri Lanka is ice cream. They are sold literally on every corner.

 

18. Buffalo milk is popular here along with cow milk. On the palate, if you are not a professional taster, there is no noticeable difference.

 

19. Smoking in public places in Sri Lanka is subject to a decent, and by local standards even a huge fine - about $ 37, or 5 thousand local rupees.

 

20. The national flower of Sri Lanka is the Star Lotus.

 

Fruits in Sri Lanka

 

21. Due to the warm and humid equatorial climate, Sri Lanka has an abundance of a variety of exotic fruits and vegetables. Bananas are harvested up to six times a year.

 

22. Bananas are not the same as on the shelves of our stores (large, feed varieties), and small bananas are baby. They have a thin skin, yellow flesh and are very sweet, with a high content of trace elements and vitamins.

 

23. Sri Lanka is thoroughly saturated with the smell of spices and incense. The main spice is cinnamon, and it is considered the highest quality in the world. Scientists believe that Sri Lanka is the birthplace of cinnamon.

 

24. There are also dangers awaiting tourists in Sri Lanka. These are monkeys. Among the inhabitants, they are considered a sacred animal, but they often behave very aggressively. It is better to keep the windows closed and things under supervision.

 

25. There is also an abundance of insects here, it is imperative to use special creams and ointments. And walking in the evening, you need to wear closed clothes and closed shoes from snakes.

 

Elephants in Sri Lanka

 

26. Here, the inhabitants treat elephants with love. The elephant is the symbol of the country. The punishment for killing an elephant is life imprisonment.

 

27. Divorces in Sri Lanka are very rare - 1%. Maybe the reason is that after the divorce, the husband is obliged to pay the ex-wife 50% of his salary throughout his life.

 

28. Here, when a daughter is married, she should be given a house and a car as a dowry. Therefore, as soon as a girl is born, parents begin to earn and save for a dowry.

 

29. The youth of Sri Lanka study at 11 universities, in terms of the quality of education they are not inferior to other universities in South Asia.

 

30. Here the literacy of the population is 92%. This is higher than in any other country in Southeast Asia, with the exception of Hong Kong and Singapore.

 

31. Schools in the country are free, however, for 300 rupees per month ($ 2.5) you can allow your child to study at an international school with the study of English.

 

Tangalla city beach

 

32. The beach in Tangalle, located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, is popular because you can watch both sunset and sunrise from it.

 

33. The biggest danger in this country is swimming in the waves of the ocean. The strength of the ocean surf and waves is significantly different from the sea. It can carry a person into the ocean like a grain of sand. Therefore, it is necessary to relax on the beaches here in places specially equipped for this. No need to try to conquer the waves on wild beaches.

 

34. All working women in the country are required to wear national clothes - saris. Many men here wear skirts.

 

35. Numbers 9 and 12 are considered the luckiest here.

 

36. Tea, which Sri Lanka is so famous for, was brought here by the British. Before that, there were no tea bushes here.

 

Tea Plantations in Sri Lanka

 

37. Now Sri Lanka ranks third in the world in tea production, second only to India and China. The famous Ceylon tea is grown here.

 

38. In total, about 10% of all tea in the world is produced here, which is more than 300 thousand tons annually.

 

39. One of the most visited places on the island by tourists is tea plantations. There you can see the process of making tea, as well as taste it.

 

Ramboda waterfall

 

40. Alut Avurudu - the Sri Lankan New Year, associated with the lunar cycles. It begins in accordance with the calculations of astrologers and is celebrated in April.

 

41. Sri Lankans do not use toilet paper, but it is sold for tourists and costs 2 times more than in India and 4 times more than in Russia.

 

42. Instead of toilet paper, Sri Lankans use a hygienic shower, or even a ladle and a bucket of water, just like in Thailand.

 

43. There are practically no fat people in this state.

 

Royal Botanical Garden

 

44. The Royal Botanical Garden with an orchid greenhouse in Sri Lanka is considered the largest in Southeast Asia.

 

45. The export of currency (Sri Lankan rupee) outside the country is strictly prohibited.

 

46. ​​Sri Lanka is a major exporter of precious stones. Sapphire, emerald or ruby ​​can be bought here inexpensively.

 

Sinhalite stone

 

47. The most expensive gem here is sinhalite(more expensive than a diamond). It got its name in honor of the indigenous people of Sri Lanka.

 

48. The inhabitants of this island-state are very respectful of the people of the white race. They are very hospitable and friendly to tourists. Instead of a handshake, it is better to use the greeting of the locals: - fold your palms on your chest with a “house” and bring them to your forehead. In return, you will receive a radiant smile!

 

Bentota beach

49. Among local residents, it is considered prestigious to know the Russian language. It brings in a good income from tourists.

 

50. Russian tourists are found in Sri Lanka, but not very often, while this country is not yet strongly covered by compatriots, although Sri Lanka is one of the best places for a winter holiday.

 

Africa is the continent of extremes; although it has abundant natural resources, Africa remains the poorest and least developed continent in the world; on its territory are the hottest and driest areas on Earth and, at the same time, some of the wettest and rainiest, so but we present to you a list of curiosities about Africa, they are only some of the vast number of exciting things and data that this considerable continent possesses.

 

Top facts about Africa

 

There are 54 countries in Africa (and nine territories), with a total of over 1.1 billion people living on the continent, representing 15% of the world population.

 

GHANA

 

1. There are 196 independent states in the world. There are 54 countries in Africa. More than a quarter of the total number of existing conditions on the planet is in Africa.

 

2. Before the colonization of Africa, there were more than 10,000 independent states and tribes on its territory, each of which had its own unique language.

 

3. Africa is the hottest continent on the planet. The reason is that most of the territory lies between the tropics. On the continent there are many countries with different levels of development, breathtaking landscapes, heritage of ancient civilizations.

 

4. In the past, most African countries were colonies that belonged to England, Belgium, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Portugal.

 

5. After the Second World War, African countries began to gradually free themselves from oppression and gained their independence.

 

NATURE OF ETHIOPIA

 

6. Of all the countries in Africa, only Liberia and Ethiopia could not be colonized by Europeans, these countries could always defend their independence.

 

7. More than 2,000 different languages ​​are spoken on the African mainland, but the most common language is Arabic. Over 100 million people speak Swahili.

 

8. Most of the states of North Africa are very underdeveloped, although Algeria and Libya are considered an exception, where there are considerable deposits of oil and gas.

 

9. And Morocco is known as a place where phosphorites are mined, which are necessary for the manufacture of fertilizer. Almost the entire population of North Africa is engaged in the cultivation and cultivation of agriculture: olives, dates, sugar cane and so on.

 

10. Libya is a state located in the very center of North Africa, it has access to the Mediterranean Sea. Basically, a large area of ​​this area is a plain. In addition, the Western part of the state is separated from the Eastern by a chain of ridges and mountains.

 

LIBYA, TRIPOLI

11. Mostly, Libya is a desert country, because 90% of Libya's area is occupied by deserts. In the past, this territory was an Italian colony, but in 1951 it gained independence. It has the richest culture, which it inherited from the Byzantine Empire.

 

12. Morocco is an amazingly beautiful state with its contrasts and immense wealth. It was here that a small part of European traditions gave Arab culture a modern breath.

 

13. Morocco is the only country on the entire African continent that does not belong to a single African Union. She suspended her membership in 1984. This state is one of the main allies of America, which is not a member of NATO. In addition, it ranks 12th among the richest countries on the continent.

 

14. In Africa, 10 oil producers in terms of exports: Nigeria, Algeria, Angola, Libya, Egypt, Sudan, Equatorial Guinea, Republic of the Congo, Gabon, South Africa.

 

15. The only volcano with alkaline lava is located in Tanzania. Millions of pink flamingos live on the shores of the soda lake. Against the backdrop of a black lake, flamingos look especially bright and exotic.

 

CAPE TOWN

16. South Africa speaks 11 languages, among them: Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans and English. Most of the population knows more than three languages, and the most popular language among Africans is English.

 

17. South Africa is the largest supplier of fruits in the world.

 

18. More than 1.5 million tourists come to South Africa every year to see with their own eyes all the uniqueness of this continent.

 

19. There are more Portuguese in Angola than in Portugal.

 

20. In Senegal there is Pink Lake - Retba.

 

21. The University of Timbuktu in Mali is one of the oldest universities in the world. It was founded in the 12th century.

 

22. Translated from Portuguese, the name "Cameroon" means "river of shrimp." About 250 different peoples live on the territory of Cameroon, each of which has its own language and dialect. Because of this, it is difficult for locals to understand each other. However, there is still a language that most residents understand - this is the language of football.

 

23. Cameroonians are ardent fans. Their national team, the Indomitable Lions, won the African Cup several times, and in 1990 reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup.

 

24. The largest frog in the world called Goliath lives in Cameroon.

 

MOROCCO, CITY OF FES

 

25. The African city of Fes has the oldest university in the world. It was founded in 859, not only Muslims, but also Christians studied here.

 

26. Lagos is the largest city on the continent. The government claims that the city has a population of about 17.5 million, but other estimates of residents put it at 21 million.

 

27. The Republic of the Congo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are two completely different states. More than 80 tribes live on the territory of the Republic of the Congo. Many of the inhabitants here believe in reincarnation. They are convinced that all bad people after death become animals that run away from hunters all their lives. Good people become white Europeans.

 

28.The local population of the Congo has a rich and distinctive folklore, but written literature appeared only after the Second World War.

 

29. The western region of the mainland includes 16 states. In this part is the most populous country in Africa - Nigeria. It is home to about 200 million people.

 

TUNISIA

 

30. Tunisia is considered the smallest state among those that belong to North Africa. In 1957, this territory gained its independence from France.

 

31. Tunisia leads in the number of students among African countries and, as a result, holds the record for the percentage of people with higher education.

 

32. Tunisia is a country whose territory is located along the Mediterranean Sea. This state attracts here those people who love adventures, wonderful holidays, especially in the cold season. Thanks to the local landscapes, paragliding, various sea and mountain sports are developed here.

 

33. Equatorial Guinea is the only Spanish-speaking country in Africa.

 

34. Algiers has the most poisonous lake in the world. The thing is that instead of water in the lake there is ink, which is formed as a result of the decomposition of various organic compounds.

 

35. Algeria claims to be the largest African country in terms of area. Its area is 2,381,741 km². In second place is the Democratic Republic of the Congo with an area of ​​2,344,858 km².

 

IN THE SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK

 

36. Tarangire National Park (Tanzania) is home to unique albino lions.

 

37. A must-see place in Tanzania is the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater, one of the 7 natural wonders of Africa.

 

38. It is believed that in Eritrea, Egypt and Libya are the most dangerous roads in the world.

 

39. The most aggressive ethnic group are the Mursi living in Ethiopia. For this tribe, fights and murders are considered commonplace, men here do not go without machine guns, and women wear necklaces made of human fingers around their necks. The Mursi tribe can be recognized by the deformed lip, which they stretch to an incredible size.

 

40. Benin has the largest terrestrial structure in the world, which is under the protection of UNESCO. This is a wall of moats and ramparts, the construction of which began in 800 BC. The length of this structure exceeds even the Great Wall of China.

 

UGANDA, KAMPALA

 

41. Niger, Mali and Uganda rank among the highest birth rates in the world.

 

42. Nigeria is the most populous country with over 145 million people.

 

43. South Africa has the most Grammy winners. Nollywood in Nigeria releases about 50 films every week.

 

44. Algeria has the highest cost of living in North Africa. And the inflation rate of 4% is the lowest among the countries of North Africa. There are more than 780 research laboratories in the country and more than 20,000 research professors reside in Algeria.

 

45. Sudanese people practice "ghost marriages" where a brother marries his deceased brother's wife to provide him with an heir. All children born are considered descendants of the deceased.

 

46. ​​And annual grass fires in Sudan can cover more than half of the entire country.

 

BOTSWANA

 

47. Botswana has the largest population of elephants on the continent.

 

48. Botswana produces about 17.7% of the world's diamonds and is the world's largest producer of the most valuable diamonds.

 

49. Zimbabwe has the highest literacy rate in Africa.

 

ZIMBABWE, HARARE

 

50. In Zimbabwe, men with a big belly are considered rich. A large belly indicates that a person is financially stable and can afford to eat meat every day.

 

51. The flag of Mozambique is the only one in the world with the image of a Kalashnikov assault rifle.

 

52. In Mozambique, photographs of any armed forces, airports, bridges or government buildings are not allowed.

 

53. Namibia is the first country to include environmental protection in its constitution. About 90% of Namibia remains a natural habitat.

 

BENIN, PORTO NOVA

 

54. Benin is one of the most politically stable countries in West Africa.

 

55. It also has one of the highest birth rates in the world - 5 children per woman.

 

56. The Global Peace Index named Ghana the most peaceful country in Africa.

 

57. In 1991, Ghanaian Ferdy Ato Adobe set a world record by running 100 meters backwards in 13.6 seconds.

 

58. There are no railways in Cape Verde, but there are seven operating airports, one of which is over 3,047 meters long.

 

59. Côte d'Ivoire boasts the largest church in the world - Notre Dame de la Paix with an area of ​​​​30,000 m².

 

MALI

 

60. Mali has one of the highest child and maternal mortality rates in Africa.

 

61. Also, this country is famous for dancing in ritual masks, of which there are more than 75 types.

 

62. Niger has the youngest population in the world. In 2013, over half of the population of Niger (50.09%) were under the age of 14.

 

63. Senegal is the only country in West Africa where there have been no military coups.

 

SENEGAL

 

64. The most popular TV show in Senegal about sheep.

 

65. Christianity is the main religion in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and is practiced by about 95% of the country's population.

 

66. Luanda, the capital of Angola is known as the "Paris of Africa". This name, apparently, is associated with the sophisticated culture and atmosphere of the city.

 

67. In Morocco, the national drink is green tea with mint leaves and sugar. This drink is served as a symbol of hospitality and it is considered an insult to refuse it.

 

68. Zambia is known for Victoria Falls, twice the size of Niagara Falls. Because of its spray, it rains 24 hours a day, seven days a week in the forest next to the waterfall.

 

69. South Africa is the only country in the world that has voluntarily abandoned its own nuclear weapons program. And also the only country in the world to host the World Cup in football, cricket and rugby.

 

70. In Burkina Faso, the symbol of the country is a white stallion.

 

71. In this country, only 1% of rural areas are electrified.

 

BURKINA FASO

 

72. Lake Lac Assal in the center of Djibouti is 10 times saltier than the Dead Sea. It is the second saltiest body of water in the world after Don Juan in Antarctica.

 

73. It is also the lowest point on land on the entire African continent and the second lowest on Earth after the Dead Sea.

 

74. Uganda is home to 11% of the country's global bird population and 50% of the world's mountain gorillas.

 

75. In Uganda, motorcycles are used as taxis to transport people, which are known as "Boda Boda".

 

76. Up to 85% of the territory of Gabon is covered with tropical forests, 11% of which are national parks. These are one of the largest natural parks in the world.

 

77. Ethiopia is the only African country with its own alphabet and it is called Ge'ez (geez). The alphabet has 345 letters.

 

MAURITIUS

 

78. Dodo birds once lived in Mauritius. It was they who inspired Lewis Carroll to write the book Alice in Wonderland.

 

79. Guinea-Bissau is the sixth largest cashew producer in the world. This is one of the poorest countries in the world.

 

80. Chad has the second fastest growing economy in the world.

 

81. In June 2016, South Sudan experienced an inflation rate of 309%, one of the highest in the world. In a country, wealth is measured by the number of livestock each family owns.

 

82. Mauritania was the last country to abolish slavery in 2007. The traditional standards of female beauty here are obese women who are considered beautiful, while thin women are considered sickly.

 

83. In the country of Eswatini (Swaziland), the last absolute monarchy in Africa and one of the few remaining in the world. King Mswati III now has 15 wives. His predecessor had 125.

 

GAMBIA, BANJUL

 

84. The official title of the President of the Gambia is Sheikh Professor Doctor President. People vote in elections in the Gambia by throwing stones into pits.

 

85. The ancient Egyptians were the first to have a calendar of 365 days divided into 12 months.

 

86. Nigeria has the highest twin birth rate in the world. It has more species of butterflies than any other country.

 

87. Kenyan men can have multiple wives. Hunting is prohibited in Kenya. In 2015, Kenya was ranked as the world's leading safari country.

 

88. The six driest places in the world are in Africa. These are: Al-Kufra in Libya, Aswan and Luxor in Egypt, Wadi Halfa in Sudan, Pelican Point in Namibia and Aoelef in Algiers.

 

89. Traditionally, Ethiopian parents and children do not have a family name. Most children take their father's first name as their last name.

 

90. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is the eleventh largest country in the world and the fourth most populous in Africa. Nyiragongo Volcano is one of eight active volcanoes in the country and one of the most active volcanic areas in the world.

 

CHAD

 

91. It is better for tourists to avoid the CAR country. Staying here is dangerous, the CAR is one of the most troubled African republics. The local population is already accustomed to constant civil wars and coup d'état.

 

92. Also, cases of cannibalism here also do not surprise anyone. Jean Bedel Bokassa, the president of the Central African Republic from 1966 to 1976, was a real cannibal.

 

93. Liberia is in the top 20 most non-smoking countries in the world - 104 cigarettes per adult per year. The largest cruise ships are also registered in Liberia.

 

94. Among all the countries of Central Africa, Gabon is considered the richest. This is one of the oldest oil-producing states, there are more than a hundred oil fields.

 

95.Most of the territory of this country is covered with tropical forests with unique flora and fauna. It’s just that it’s unlikely that you will be able to capture this beauty - photography is prohibited in most places in the country.

 

96. Translated from Portuguese, the name "Gabon" means "Coat with a hood."

 

ERITREA

 

97. The country of Eritrea, after Egypt, ranks second in archaeological discoveries in Africa with 80,000 archaeological sites.

 

98. Eighteen people from Africa have been awarded the Nobel Prize. They are from Algeria, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa.

 

99. Despite being the second largest continent in the world, Africa has the shortest coastline. In Africa, 16 countries are landlocked.

 

100. Cameroon is often referred to as "Africa in Miniature" as it represents all the landscapes of the continent, including tropical forests, desert, swamp and savannah.

 

101.Egypt is best known for its pyramids, but the Republic of the Sudan has 223 pyramids of its own, twice the number of Egyptian pyramids.

 

LESOTHO

 

102. The traditional clothing of the country of Lesotho is the Basotho blanket with colorful patterns. The blanket is used not only for protection from the cold, but also as a status and cultural accessory. By the way, Lesotho has one of the scariest airstrips in the world.

 

103. In Togo, men and boys are allowed to walk holding hands. The Togolese wear everything on their heads and love to haggle. Here you can bargain for everything you buy in the market.

 

104. Somali women are not allowed to communicate publicly with men. This country is also known for its maritime piracy.

 

105. In the Central African Republic, one can meet local forest tribes living in low huts made of vines and covered with leaves. Education in the CAR is free and compulsory, but about half of the country's adult population is illiterate.

 

106. Fish River Canyon in Namibia is the second largest canyon in the world.

 

SUDAN

 

107. Sudan is located in northeastern Africa. The state has access to the Red Sea. Currently, the country is considered one of the poorest territories.

 

108. South Africa has three capitals (Cape Town, Pretoria, Bloemfontein).

 

109.SADR is the least densely populated country not only in Africa but throughout the world. Its density is approximately 1.3 people per square kilometer.

 

110. Tunisia has 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In the Matmata area, people still live in underground houses. Women can pass on their names and nationalities to their children.

 

111. The literacy rate in Guinea is one of the lowest in the world. In this country, men can use their wealth to take another wife.

 

112. In Sierra Leone, rice is the staple food consumed at almost every meal. Bones, especially chicken bones, are considered a delicacy.

 

113. The inhabitants of the Republic of the Congo are known throughout the world for their love of fashionable clothes. Fashion for them is art, a way to entertain people, passion and individuality. The country even has a society La Sape ("Society of creators of the atmosphere and elegant people").

 

CONGO

 

114. The country of Chad is also called the "Dead Heart of Africa" ​​because of its proximity to deserts. Nile perch is one of the largest freshwater fish, it lives in Lake Chad and can reach up to 2 meters with a weight of up to 200 kilograms.

 

115. The most important meal for Libyan families is lunch, and it has great symbolic significance. Businesses, shops and schools in Libya are closed for several hours so families can get together for lunch.

 

116.Rwanda is considered one of the best countries with high internet connectivity in Africa. Since 2000, it has been among the five most developed countries. Registration of a business in Rwanda takes 48 hours.

 

117. Equatorial Guinea is the smallest African country that is a Member of the United Nations and one of the richest countries in Africa. However, the vast majority of its inhabitants live in poverty.

 

TANZANIA

 

118. In Tanzania, greeting with the left hand is considered impolite and rude. In Tanzania, the most expensive wood in the world is produced from the Mpingo tree. It is the birthplace of Mount Kilimanjaro.

 

119. Money of Angola (kwanza) cannot be taken out of the country.

 

120. Egypt is considered one of the most unusual and mysterious states, thanks to which tourists from all over the world come here. And what is most surprising, the people of the local desert were able to build not only the greatest pyramids, but also give the world toothpaste, paper, the first understanding of surgery.

 

EGYPT

 

121. Egypt - a country of ancient pyramids on the shores of the Red and Mediterranean Seas. It also has its own reserves of gas and oil.

 

122. Coming here, many tourists are surprised that men wear white clothes and women wear black. And all then that, dark clothes heat up faster, which makes the representatives of the weaker sex return home faster.

 

123.Sudan ranks 10th in terms of the number of illiterates.

 

124.Once upon a time, Sudan was regularly engulfed in ethnic, including religious conflicts. Such wars were facilitated by neighboring territories. Tourism is practically not developed here, so there are no hotels. But having arrived here, you can ask the locals for an overnight stay.

 

125. The area of ​​modern Sudan occupies a huge part of Nubia, which was previously ruled by Ancient Egypt. And closer to the North, in the country there is a huge number of monuments dating back to those times.

 

Japan is a non-standard country, an archipelago of thousands of islands, with an unusual way of life, where people live who are not always fully understood by residents of other countries, even of the same Asian region ... let alone Europeans ... Japan is literally different for them planet!

 

Learned what surprises the Land of the Rising Sun

 

In Japan, everything is wonderful, as is nature itself with its stunning landscapes full of intricate temple gardens, bamboo groves and, of course, mountains. And that's not to mention ramen, sushi, udon, yakiniku, okonomiyaki, takoyaki and many other dishes that will delight any foodie, no matter where they come from!

 

But Japan and many of its inhabitants are in no hurry to reveal the secrets of their being and their history. We will try to open a few of them right now. What is pure truth, and what is already half-truth - it's up to you, dear readers! So here it is:

 

1. Kyu-Shirataki Hokkaido Station

A train station in Japan was scheduled to close, but it was noticed that only a female student used it. For her, they kept the station running until she graduated from high school.

 

2. Team Japan left their locker room immaculately clean after their historic victory over Germany at the World Cup

 

3. When you sharpen a pencil, it turns into a frilled lizard.

 

4. After winning the match, Japanese fans began to clean up the stadium.

 

5. Kano Jigoro, the legendary founder of judo

Kano Jigoro, the legendary founder of judo. Even though he was smaller in stature, he could throw large men with ease, but only after hard study and practice. On his deathbed he

asked to be buried with a white sash instead of a black one. He wanted to be remembered as a student, not as a master.

 

6. Totoro San

The Japanese young actress "Mana Ashida" (little Mako) was embarrassed that she couldn't pronounce Guillermo Del Toro's name, so he gave her the go-ahead to call him "Totoro san" instead of his name.

 

7. Stylized vending machine in the forest

Japanese vending machine, adapted to the old and the environment.

 

8. Japanese fan at the World Cup

Caption: "My dear boss, thank you for my 2 weeks vacation!"

 

9. Kuchisabishii 口寂しい

"Kuchisabishii" 口寂しい ("lonely mouth") - that irresistible desire to put something in your mouth, to chew, even when you are not hungry.

 

10. Japanese Bullet Train System

In the more than 50-year history of Japan's bullet train system, which has carried more than 5.3 billion passengers, not a single passenger has been killed or injured in a rail accident.

 

11. Doctors In Japan Prescribe 'Forest Therapy' To Treat Depression And Anxiety

In Japan, doctors prescribe "forest therapy" to treat depression and anxiety. The aroma of trees increases the activity of natural killer cells, which strengthens the immune system, which increases resistance to stress.

 

12. Keeping the same price for 25 years

Japanese ice cream maker Akagi Nyugyo once filmed a 60-second commercial publicly apologizing for being forced to raise the price of its popsicle from 60 yen to 70 yen for the first time in 25 years. The commercial, in which the president of the company as well as employees bowed to the audience and expressed their remorse, was broadcast on national television.

 

13. Hanako is the oldest recorded koi.

Born in Japan in 1751 and died on July 7, 1977 at the respectable age of 226, the Hanako koi was the oldest koi fish ever seen.

 

14. A Japanese diver was assigned to watch one of Japan's Shinto shrines, which is located below the surface of Tateyama Bay.

Over the decades, he befriended one sea creature that lives near the shrine, an Asian reticulated toothed wrasse named Yoriko.

 

15. Here are just some of the flavors of KitKat in Japan

 

16. Japanese lantern, also known as Chinese lantern or winter cherry, is a popular symbol of "life within death."

The "Chinese or Japanese lantern" is a popular symbol for "life within death". It blooms in winter, but when it dries up in spring, the "rind" falls off, revealing red or orange fruits that grow inside its "skeleton".

 

17. Mirror Selfie

This mirror selfie was taken in Japan a century ago.

 

18. Takeko Nakano, the last female samurai warrior, was born in 1847. She fought and died during the Boshin War in 1868 (Japanese Civil War)

Age 21 years.

 

19. The Japanese team left a thank you note in Japanese and Arabic.

 

20. Shiba Bat Curry..

 

21. Fukui City Temporary Road Construction

Temporary road around the landslide.

 

22. Nishikigawa-Seiryu Railway

In Japan, in the middle of nowhere, there is a train station that has no entrance or exit. The station is called Seiryu-Miharashi, and it is only accessible to passengers who pass through it by train. It exists only so that passengers can get off and admire the

 

In Japan, in the middle of nowhere, there is a train station that has no entrance or exit. The station is called Seiryu-Miharashi, and it is only accessible to passengers who pass through it by train. It exists only so that passengers can get off and enjoy the view of the Nishiki River and the surrounding forest of Honshu.

 

23. Deer of the city of Nara in Japan

 

24. Meeting Neko Kandre

 

25. Some of the Hosen-In, Yogen-In, Shoden-ji, Genko-an and Kosho-ji temples share the same bloody secret

In Kyoto, Japan, there are 5 temples with blood-stained ceilings. The ceilings are made from the floorboards of Fushimi Castle, where Torii Mototada and his remaining 380 samurai warriors committed suicide in 1600 after 11 days of confrontation with an army of 40,000.

 

26. You realize you've lived in Tokyo too long when a giant Gandumesque robot drives by on the back of a large truck.

 

27. Japanese Airlines employees in Vietnam bow to passengers due to flight delay due to storm

 

28. These roads are in the regions of Hokkaido, Wakayama, Shizuoka, Okinawa, and Gunma in Japan, and they all play different tunes.

 

29. Flight over Mount Fuji

 

30. Shii-go-san - traditional Japanese initiation ceremony on November 15

Shichi-go-san (Jap. 七五三, lit. "seven-five-three") is a traditional holiday and festival in Japan, timed every year to November 15 (in cold Hokkaido - a month earlier, to October 15). On this day, five-year-old and three-year-old boys, as well as seven-year-old and three-year-old girls, are dressed in festive clothes and taken to Shinto shrines.

 

31. Ice Cream Kyoto

 

32. Hachioji, Tokyo

Higashimachi Interchange in Hachioji, Japan.

 

33. Sword of Kohoki

This 12th century Japanese Koki sword, made during the Heian period, was discovered in the Kasuga taisha attic storage.

 

Sanctuary in Nara. This is one of the oldest samurai swords in existence, probably a family heirloom of a samurai family, passed down from generation to generation.

 

34. Early 1900s. "Real geisha hair" before styling

The longer the hair, the better. After World War II, geisha began to wear wigs (known as katsura) instead of styling their own hair, a trend that continues to this day. Geisha usually wear shimada-style wigs known as geigi.

 

35. Winter is Coming

 

36. Japanese athlete

Yes, she is the same person. Yui Sasaki, Japanese freestyle wrestler.

 

37. Ramen Noodle Serving Expert

 

38. In Tokyo, cycling is faster than driving on most trips under 50 minutes.

In Tokyo, a bicycle is faster than a car for most trips under 50 minutes.

 

39. Such a beautiful island and deer

 

40. Pikachu has gone to work... He's a very busy mascot in Japan