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".
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.
20 features of life in different countries that surprise visitors and for the local norm
_1679515745.webp "20 features of life in different countries that surprise visitors and for the local norm")
Everything in the world is relative, including the behavior of large masses of people and even nations.
We learned some features of life in different countries
Here, explain why in one town on the night of May 1 people draw a long line from one house to another? Or how can you sit in restaurants for hours without even ordering food, just chatting with friends? This is practiced in Brazil. Yes, in fact, we have accumulated more questions ... we invite you to look at 20 examples of the features of life in different countries.
It all started with a Reddit thread by a user named SackOfPotatoSacks, who posted a message on the platform asking everyone to share something that is considered routine where they live, but is likely to be perceived as something crazy in other places.
So, examples of the features of life in different countries that surprise visitors, which is the norm for locals.
1. Canada
My city is EXTREMELY bilingual, everyone speaks English and French. You will often hear people speaking both languages in conversation, sometimes in the same sentence. In stores, most of the time people greet you in both languages and you respond in one of them, which tells them which language you prefer to speak. They say: "Good afternoon, hello!" And you say "Bonjour" in response if you want to continue in French, or "Hi" if you prefer to speak in English. It's kind of crazy.
I am from Montreal, Canada. — R-E-D-D-l-T
2. Ireland
I live in Dublin and when we tell people in America that we put chips in sandwiches, they laugh at us. Just try it mate. This is very good! — anon
3. Austria
In Austria during Christmas/Saint Nicholas Day we have events called "Krampusläufe" where people, mostly young (already drunk) men, dress up as demonic devil-like creatures called Krampus in fur suits, put on creepy masks and cowbells, and a lot of shows start in the streets, with a sea of fire, smoke, etc., while "Rammstein" plays in the background behind.
And they also like to whip people with cow tails... And hell, we enjoy the show, drinking hot toddy, and we even take our kids with us. - confusions0up
4. Germany
Free Sundays (Germany).
Everything, literally everything, is closed on Sundays, which is amazing, because everyone (except the most important workers, such as doctors, firefighters and police) will have a completely free day, which is great! — Rapperdonut
5. Australia
In Australian rural towns, we all had our back doors unlocked, and friends were allowed to go through the back door and make themselves a cup of tea/coffee while they waited for you to return, whatever you were doing at that moment. — Captain_Coco_Koala
6. Germany
In Eifel, Germany, on the night of May 1, people draw a long line from one house to another. It means that someone in these houses is having an affair. Every year a number of relationships fall apart because of this tradition... I love it. — definetly_not_a_duck
7. Norway
Norwegian graduates attend the traditional Ruess festival, where they wear colored overalls, rent buses or vans, and party for 17 days in a row. The party starts on April 20th and ends on May 17th, Norway's Constitution Day." — reddit
8. Australia
We experience 4 seasons day after day. The jacket is put on, the jacket is taken off, it is sunny, but it is raining, frost and wind, then again the heat ... I like to wear shorts and a down jacket combined with all extremes. Tasmania. — orceingiemsa
9. South Africa
I live near a nature reserve in South Africa. It's not that surprising to hear baboons in your backyard or spot a rhinoceros 10 meters from the fence.
One day a whole flock of baboons ran across our roof. The roof is only covered with corrugated iron, we were scared to death. — Designer_Towel
10. USA
Alligators. Just... everywhere. I live in the swampy area of Florida, and it's not uncommon to find alligators in small ponds, ditches, around pools, or just lounging in a parking lot. I have, in fact, tripped over alligators more times than I care to admit to myself. Luckily, they are quite big nerds and won't bother you unless you pester them or go near their nest. The police are even trained to deal with phony alligator calls. — SugoiBakaMatt
11. USA
I live in New Jersey and it's illegal to fill your car with gas/fuel yourself. All petrol stations are fully serviced by law. I believe that Oregon is the only state in the US that has this law. — joey_r00
12. Norway
It is normal in Norway to release two million sheep (read: ***two*** ***million*** ***sheep***) into the *wild*, with little to no care, where, by some estimates, *100 000* sheep die from injury, disease, or predators, and fe
It is normal in Norway to release two million sheep (read: ***two*** ***million*** ***sheep***) into the *wild*, with little to no care, where, by some estimates, *100 000* sheep die from injury, disease, or predators, and the farmers cry and complain about it all, and then repeat the same process again the next year and do so every subsequent year.
Is there some idiotic, stupid sheep breeding practice in Norway? Yes, yes, we follow it! — Katherine9009
13. Canada
Where I lived in Manitoba, Canada, no one had fences, mainly because when dividing the property, the city planners left the space that belonged to the city to everyone, it was just a strip of forest and the so-called Canadian shield. So almost no one put up fences because it cut off their view and access to what was basically a super cool network of nature trails all over the city. Everyone knew that once you touched the cut grass, it belongs to someone. We kids almost never walked on roads or sidewalks, we always walked on trails (although we cycled on roads, there were too many rocks on the trails for a normal kid's bike).
Of course, living in the forest had some unintended consequences. We often had bears, so I remember when I was under five, I was taught what to do if I saw a bear. And in two different years we had a mountain lion, which was much worse. The city hired someone to trap and relocate these animals, but it always took time. I remember watching the bear lie under the apple tree in our front yard and eat all the wind-blown apples for ages. — JoanOfArctic
14. Finland
Going to college, meeting your class the first week, then an introductory sauna the following week, boys and girls, all drunk and naked. Finland :3 — tasankovasara
15. Ireland
Children aged 12-14 drive tractors on the roads of rural Ireland. The legal minimum age is 16, but most farmers don't care.
EDIT: I didn't realize it was a rural thing. However, this shocks the city dwellers. — computerfan0
16. Australia
Driving 3 hours at 100 km/h and still in the middle of nowhere (Australia). In some parts of Europe, you would have crossed 3 borders in that time. — ihavefourgirlfriends
17. Wales
Moving through the mountains, they shout "mint sauce" * at the window to the sheep ...
(And fellow Welsh... Don't lie... you know you did it). — vad2004
*mint sauce served with roast lamb
18. Luxembourg
Free public transport throughout the country: buses, trains, trams. — Bipi7
19. Netherlands
The birthday party looks like this:
your living room is transformed, and a large circle of chairs with a coffee table appears in the center.
If it's an afternoon party, guests will come from 14:00 to 17:00 or from 18:00 to 21:00, but not both! There is 1 time slot for friends and 1 for family.
As a guest, you come, congratulate the birthday man, present your gift. Then you introduce yourself to the group if you are not already familiar with them. Then you walk around in a circle, shake everyone's hands and ALSO wish them happy birthday to so-and-so.
After passing through the circle, you sit on your empty chair, and now this is your place for the rest of the party.
After everyone has arrived, the birthday boy will bring you a piece of cake and a drink (usually coffee or tea). Everyone eats their own cake and talks to the person sitting next to them.
After everyone is done, they will give you a tour of the house and you will be pointed out all the new things. Now is your moment to ask some questions like "Oh, was it expensive?" and also compliment the host on how great it is.
After the tour, there will be another portion of food and drinks, snacks will be laid out on the coffee table, but you should not eat much. This is the only food that will be brought and everyone should share it.
After the guests have been there for about 3 hours, they begin to disperse. Everyone knows they have to leave but you have to act like you really want to stay longer but you just can't because the dog needs to go for a walk or something, come up with any excuse that sounds plausible.
Then repeat the cycle again in the evening with another group. On the weekend after that, invite your close friends and have a real party. — briefnuts
20. Germany
You first drink alcohol when you are about 14 years old (the editors of 1GAI.ru condemn this!). In Germany it is legal to buy beer and wine at the age of 16. Therefore, most parents do not see the problem when the first experience with alcohol occurs several years earlier. It's really hard to find a teenager here who has never tasted alcohol before. — myrjxm
The official name of this state is the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. The country is located in South America, its territory is 916,000 square kilometers, and its population is just over 30 million. Most live in the coastal area of the country. Europeans are believed to have first landed on the coast of modern Venezuela in 1499; they were members of a Spanish expedition led by Alonso de Ojeda. And Venezuela got its name thanks to the Italian Amerigo Vespucci; the Indian houses on stilts reminded him of his native Venice.
Top facts about Venezuela
The capital of Venezuela is the city of Caracas, home to over 2 million people. In the old days, Indians of the Karaka tribe lived in this place, hence the name of the city. It was founded on July 25, 1567, on the day of St. Iago Leonski. The full name of the capital of Venezuela is Santiago de Leon de Caracas. The crime rate in the capital of Venezuela is very high.
1. Venezuela is a country located in the very north of South America.
2. The full name and official country are the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
3. The name of this state means "little Venice."
4. Christopher Columbus was the first European to set foot on the territory of modern Venezuela.
5. Venezuela gained independence from Great Britain in 1830.
6. More than 28 million people live in this South American country.
CITY OF CARACAS - THE CAPITAL OF VENEZUELA
7. In the capital of Venezuela, the city of Caracas, there are a lot of cars, and there are even more traffic jams than in Moscow.
8. Venezuela, like many other Latin American countries, has a high percentage of poverty, a huge external debt and a terrible record of corruption. All these social problems are exacerbated by a number of natural disasters, in particular floods.
9. The population of this state mainly consists of four groups: mestizos (mixed Europeans and Indians), they account for about 67% of the population; whites (citizens of European origin, mainly Spaniards, Italians and Portuguese) - about 21%; blacks (persons of African and Caribbean origin) - about 10%; Indians (these are Native Americans) - 2%.
RESIDENTS OF VENEZUELA
10. These groups are mostly localized: mestizos and whites mostly live in cities; the Indians live in the hinterland of the Guianan and Amazonas; blacks live along the Caribbean coast.
11. All whites in Venezuela are a priori considered Americans. And most Venezuelans do not like Americans.
12. The official language in the country is Spanish. It appeared on the territory of Venezuela in the 16th century.
13. In addition to Spanish, there are 25 other indigenous languages spoken in Venezuela that belong to three language families: Caribbean, Arawakan and Chibcha.
14. Venezuelans consider it important to learn English, as it opens up new perspectives for them.
15. The vast majority of Venezuelans (about 90%) are Catholics. There are also significant Jewish communities in Caracas and Maracaibo. The country also has a small number of Muslims.
GENERAL SIMON BOLIVAR
16. The main national symbol in this state is the image of the famous fighter for the independence of Venezuela, General Simon Bolivar. He led the movement that liberated Venezuela and the neighboring countries of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia from Spanish rule.
17. The walls of almost all houses in Venezuelan cities are painted with graffiti, and most of these graffiti are drawn very professionally.
18. In general, the climate in Venezuela is hot, but at an altitude of one and a half kilometers above sea level it can be called moderate. That is why most of the major cities here were built on high ground.
19. Thermometers in this country show the temperature in degrees Celsius, and air conditioners in degrees Fahrenheit.
20. Venezuela is dominated by a patriarchal society. Men always hold important political positions and are more successful at work, while women are more housewives.
21. Patriarchy is more pronounced in the city, while in the countryside it is not so pronounced. Although, based on the constitution, men and women have equal rights.
22. The country has the largest oil reserves on the planet. Now they are more than 48 billion tons.
23. The Venezuelan economy is 95% based on the production and export of petroleum products.
24. Petrol is very cheap in Venezuela. It's practically free.
25. Thanks to subsidized policies, gasoline costs only $0.01 per liter (64 kopecks per liter). This is incredibly cheap, given the average cost of gasoline in the world - 0.97.
NATURE OF VENEZUELA
26. The country has many beautiful landscapes, there is magnificent tropical weather.
27. The government takes care of the preservation of flora and fauna. Venezuela occupies a leading position in the world in terms of environmental protection. More than 53.9% of its territories are under state protection.
28. In this regard, other countries are far behind Venezuela. For example, in the UK, only 28.4% of the territories are protected, while the global average is 14.8%.
29.Venezuela belongs to a small list of countries with a huge number of endemic animals.
30. About 23% of reptiles and 50% of amphibian species living in the territory of this country are endemic to it.
ANGEL WATERFALL
31. On the territory of this country is the highest waterfall on the planet. It's called Angel. Its height is 979 meters (and according to some sources 1054 meters). The height of continuous free fall is 807 meters.
32. This waterfall is located in the tropical forests of the Venezuelan state of Bolivar, in the Canaim National Park. Canaim Park was included in the list of UNESCO national heritage sites in 1994.
33. The Venezuelan health care system includes a large number of public and private hospitals and clinics. However, despite the fact that medical care in this state is better than in other South American countries, it is far from ideal.
34. There are still long queues of patients in public hospitals, there is a shortage of qualified personnel, who, by the way, have rather low wages.
35. This state has rather low defense spending, approximately 1.5% of the country's GDP. The Venezuelan army has about 80,000 soldiers who serve in the navy, ground forces and aviation.
LAKE MARACAIBO
36. Local Lake Maracaibo is the largest in South America.
37. In every city here you can see the square of Simon Bolivar - the man thanks to whom Venezuela gained independence.
38. The Venezuelan currency, the sovereign bolivar, was named after Bolivar.
39.Also, the airport in Venezuela is named after Simon Bolivar.
40. Statues of Simon Bolivar are found in almost all cities of the country.
41.The State provides every citizen of the country with free primary education. As for higher education, only 20-30% of the population study at universities. Higher education takes four to five years, after which you can get the degree of licenciado (Licentiate).
42. Venezuelans are famous for their sociable and cheerful nature. This is noticeable in their behavior. When meeting even strangers, Venezuelans will kiss him twice, on the right and left cheeks. Women greet both men and women in this way, while men only kiss women. A firm handshake is accepted between men, the same as we have in Russia.
43. Printed newspapers are still very popular among the citizens of Venezuela.
44. The Internet sector in Venezuela is underdeveloped. Only large companies have their own websites. Home internet here is expensive and very slow.
45. Asteroid 9357 is named after Venezuela.
46. The most popular sport in Venezuela is baseball, not football, as in all other Latin American countries.
47. At night, the movement on the streets of the cities of this country becomes extremely dangerous due to the high level of crime. In all of Venezuela, it is unlikely that you will be able to find at least one person who has never been robbed.
48. In provincial towns and villages, local residents usually deal with criminals on their own, rarely resorting to the help of the police.
49. Venezuelan girls have won more beauty pageants than girls from any other country.
50. The nature of Venezuela is amazingly beautiful, but the lack of a normal service in the European sense and the dangers that await tourists scare away most fans of eco-tourism.
40 photos (and facts) from Japan that will tell you more about this country than encyclopedias
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
London is the capital of Great Britain and one of the largest cities in Europe, which is the world center of culture, music, education, fashion, politics, finance and trade. It is a vibrant and bustling metropolis with a dynamic life and a wonderful cosmopolitan atmosphere. London is one of the oldest cities in Europe, which has an amazing concentration of a variety of sights, historical and cultural monuments: luxurious palaces, historical buildings, towers, bridges, ancient churches, attractions and world-class museums.
London was founded during the Roman Empire and throughout its rich history has been one of the most important cities in Europe. All the wealth of the United Kingdom flocked here, so its capital has magnificent sights from various historical eras. London is one of the most multifaceted cities in the world, which has absorbed not only the traditions of Britain, but also the cultures of many nationalities and peoples. It is a place of amazing diversity to be discovered and explored endlessly.
London can be visited all year round, so the best time to visit it depends entirely on your preferences. There are fewer tourists in the capital of the United Kingdom during the off-season, so it's easier to book a good hotel and you can comfortably explore the city. There are many festivals and cultural events in London in the summer, but there are also many more tourists.
London is one of the world's shopping capitals. Here is the largest department store in Europe - Harrods, where you can find almost everything. Also in the capital of Great Britain is a huge shopping center - Westfield, which includes 300 stores. The main shopping area is the West End (Oxford Street, Regent Street, Bond Street, Piccadilly and Covent Garden). Near London Bridge is the Borough food market, although it is relatively expensive. Brushfield is home to an old fruit market that now sells up-and-coming designers, housewares and food.
Food in London caters to all tastes. Here you can find everything from fast food and inexpensive pubs to exclusive restaurants. In London, a standard tourist rule applies - food near popular attractions and in the central part of the city is more expensive. Many locals go to restaurants in residential and working areas, where the quality of food and service is higher and prices are lower.
Below you can read more interesting facts.
1. The English capital is about two thousand years old. No one knows the exact date of foundation.
2. In the past, London was known as Londinium, Augusta, Lundenwick and Lundenburch.
3. Native Englishmen make up about 50% of the population of the capital of Great Britain. The rest are mostly from Africa and Asia.
4. The first Londinium was burned by the Britons during their revolt against the Romans.
5. In the 9th century, a huge army of pagan Vikings captured half of England, avenging the death of their king Ragnar. It controlled the territories of London and its environs for 15 years.
6. Judging by archaeological finds, primitive people lived on the site of modern London long before the foundation of the city.
7. Indigenous people in different parts of London have different accents. Foreigners do not notice this, but the locals determine it accurately.
8. Because of the monstrous prices for real estate, most citizens in London rent a house all their lives, and do not buy it.
9. Every Friday every London pub is packed to capacity. Most locals book tables well in advance.
It is impossible to see a stray cat or dog on the streets of London.
10. Residents of London can easily walk around in a T-shirt and jeans, for example, in November. Like their Irish neighbors, they are not afraid of the cold.
11. The apartments here, with rare exceptions, are very cramped. Many also live in old houses with communication problems.
12. London is in the top 10 most expensive cities in the world every year.
13. Drivers of traditional cabs in London know the whole city from memory down to the small lanes.
14. Navigators are not allowed to use them. This rule does not apply to ordinary yellow taxis.
15. You can find at least one bike rental on any major London street.
16. The most popular fast food in London is Indian cuisine.
17. London police officers do not carry firearms.
18. There are usually no washing machines for London apartments, so there is a laundry service on every corner.
19. Every year, people forget about 80,000 umbrellas on the London Underground.
20. Contrary to popular myth, it doesn't rain as often in London as you might think. For example, even in Rome or Milan there is more rainfall than here.
21. According to ancient law, London has the right to refuse the reigning English monarch entry into the capital.
22. Londoners never go out without taking an umbrella with them. Yes, just in case.
23. On one of the branches of the London Underground, trains are fully automated, and they travel without the help of drivers.
24. And here it is customary to leave to read newspapers right in the subway so that someone else can read them. By the way, they are still very popular in London, despite the development of modern technology.
25. The most popular pet in London is a dog, despite the fact that many landlords forbid tenants from keeping pets.
26. Every year, a Christmas tree sent from Norway is set up in London's Trafalgar Square. This is a token of appreciation from the people of Oslo for helping Britain during World War II.
27. Driving into central London costs money.
28. Big Ben is not called the famous London clock tower, but the bell installed in it.
29. Some retail outlets in London only accept credit cards.
30. Most of London's cinemas are specialized - one shows comedies, another shows Hollywood blockbusters, and a third shows retro movies.
31. There are about 5,000 pubs in London. This is more than even in Dublin.
32. Most of London's museums are free to enter, but donations are welcome.
33. About 20 underground rivers flow under London.
34. The multinationality of London society is evidenced by the fact that the locals speak about 300 different languages.
35. Among all the cities in the world, London occupies one of the first places in terms of the number of billionaires living in it.
36. The famous movable Tower Bridge in London weighs 2000 tons, while it takes just one minute to open.
37. It was here that the world's first subway was built.
38. The foggy London stereotype arose from the fact that during the era of the development of local industry, the city was constantly wrapped in thick smog. In fact, fogs are rare here, and mostly in the cold season.
39. In summer it is rarely warmer than +20, but in winter the temperature rarely drops below 0 degrees.
40. In terms of population, London ranks second in Europe, second only to Moscow.
41. Many streets, especially in older areas, are confusing and very winding, so many Londoners carry a map of the city with them.
42. Lines are everywhere here - in museums, pubs and restaurants. Even in the USSR there were not so many queues.
43. London is the only city in the world to have hosted the Olympic Games three times.
44. Less than 50% of Londoners are Christians.
45. The famous Westminster Abbey in London was built over almost 700 years.
46. One of the ancient laws obliges London hotels to accept not only guests, but also their horses.
Buckingham Palace in London consists of 600 rooms.
47. In the USA, as many as 8 cities are called London (interesting facts about the USA).
48. From the center of London to the center of Paris can be reached by high-speed train in just 2 hours.
49. The exact age of London is unknown, but, judging by the chronicles found, it is about two thousand years old.
50. In the Tower of London, the ravens that live there are looked after by a special caretaker. There is a legend that Great Britain will fall when these birds leave the Tower (see interesting facts about birds).
51. There are two types of taxis in London - ordinary and traditional London cabs. To get a cab driver's license, you have to pass the most difficult test on the knowledge of absolutely all London streets, because traditionally cab drivers do not use maps or navigators.
52. London is the largest city in the European Union, and concurrently the second largest in Europe as a whole.
53. Founded by the Romans, London was originally called in the Roman manner - Londinium.
54. For a hundred years, from 1985 to 1925, London was the largest city in the world.
55. Every year at Christmas in Trafalgar Square in London, a Christmas tree is sent from Oslo. This is a token of gratitude for the help provided to Norway during the Second World War (see interesting facts about Oslo).
56. Driving into the center of London during the daytime is paid, and, by the way, costs a lot - ten pounds sterling.
57. There is a statue of George Washington in London, but it was installed on land brought from the United States, because Washington declared during his lifetime that "do not set foot on English soil again."
58. London's famous Big Ben is not a tower, contrary to popular myth. "Big Ben" is the name of the bell tower installed there, and the tower itself is called "Elizabeth"
.
59. Twenty hidden rivers flow under London (see interesting facts about rivers).
60. The code of rules for ships entering London harbor still allows the constable of the Tower to demand a barrel of rum from each ship as a duty.
61. The inhabitants of London speak more than three hundred languages, which makes London the most multilingual city in the world. However, in English here anyway, of course, everyone speaks.
62. Local law forbids you from hailing a taxi on the streets of London if you are infected with the plague.
63. All London buses became red in 1907. Before that, they were painted in different colors.
64. London is the largest city in the UK. About a third less people live here than in Moscow, and almost fifty times more than in Paris.
65. One of London's museums houses a collection of items left behind by passengers on the London Underground. It includes such extravagant items as a human skull, a samurai sword, a coffin and a puffer fish.
66. London Heathrow Airport receives and sends more international flights than any other airport in the world.
67. During the fire of 1666 in London, about 70 thousand people were left without a roof over their heads, despite the fact that then the population of this city was only 80 thousand.
68. The world's first zoo opened in London. This significant event took place back in 1828.
69. There are over a thousand streets in London.
70. Contrary to popular belief, London is not a rainy city at all. On the contrary, it is one of the driest in Europe. But there are really many cloudy days here.
71. Buses in London run around the clock.
72. The cheapest transport in London is a bicycle. You can rent it on almost every street, and a daily rental will cost half the price of the shortest metro ride.
73. In 2012, the city hosted the Olympics for the third time, no other city has received such an honor.
74. Many museums in London are free to visit, although you can make a voluntary donation if you wish.
75. Eternal rain in London is a common myth. In fact, there is no more precipitation here than, for example, in Rome, but it can start to rain suddenly and end just as suddenly, so it is customary for locals to always carry an umbrella with them.
76. The London Eye Ferris wheel is one of the largest in the world. There are 32 booths fixed on the circle (according to the number of districts of the city), each of which can accommodate 25 people. A full turn of the wheel takes half an hour. The "Eye" is an important element of the pyrotechnic shows that are held on New Year's Eve and other holidays; fireworks are also launched from it.
77. If Japanese restaurants and pizzerias are widespread in Russia, then in London the championship belongs to Indian cuisine.
78. There are as many as 6 airports in London and its environs. Heathrow is the most famous of them, and also the busiest in Europe.
79. There are almost no traffic jams in the central part of the city. The secret is simple - since 2003, on weekdays, entry here is paid and is more than 12 pounds. Moreover, entry in an old car that does not meet environmental standards will cost twice as much.
80. The London Underground is one of the largest in the world with 270 stations. It is also the oldest in the world, its first branch was opened in 1863. The people call the subway Underground (“subway”) or Tube (“pipe”). The fare varies depending on the metro area. The stations have special places for musicians to perform, and it is customary to leave the newspapers in the car, where someone else can read them.
81. London has a Tramlink tram system, but it operates only in south London in the Croydon area and has only 4 routes. The fact is that there is no subway in this part of the city.
82. London is the only place where you need to study to become a taxi driver, and the training takes several years and involves passing the most difficult exams. The fact is that it is not customary for local taxi drivers to use maps, and even more so navigators, they must remember all the streets and even houses by heart! Not surprisingly, about 70% of applicants do not stand up to training. Naturally, we are talking about black taxi cabs that have become the hallmark of the city. It is they who have the right to play the streets and put passengers anywhere, but the prices in them bite. There are also simpler taxis in the city, but they only work on specific calls. If you need to use a transfer to the airport, we recommend that you order a Russian taxi in London. Reasonable price and quality service guaranteed.
83. Famous red double decker buses are called double deckers. The first buses of this type appeared on the streets in 1956.
84. In many places of the city there are parking lots with bicycles that can be rented with a bank card.
85. The Greenwich meridian passes through London, which in 1884 was decided to be considered zero (until that moment, different countries counted longitude from their national meridians). It used to pass through the observatory in the town of Greenwich, but now the town has become one of the districts of the sprawling capital.
86. Under London there are many underground rivers and streams. In the Victorian era, they were hidden underground - in the sewer system. At that time, it was the right decision, because Londoners threw garbage at them and poured sewage.
87. The Tower of London on the banks of the Thames is considered one of the oldest buildings in the UK. Its construction is attributed to William I, the legendary Norman conqueror who radically changed the whole way of Great Britain. Construction began in 1066 and ended in 1078. Later, Richard the Lionheart ordered to build several more towers and dig a moat around the fortress, and from 1190 the fortress gradually began to turn into a prison and a place of executions, and representatives of the nobility and even unsuccessful monarchs often became prisoners. King Henry VIII and his descendants were especially zealous in this matter in the 16th-17th centuries. It was only after World War II that they stopped keeping prisoners. Part of the fortress was occupied for a long time by the mint and the menagerie, later transferred to the London Zoo. Today, the Tower has become a museum and repository of the treasures of the British crown. Among the staff of the modern Tower there is a ravenmaster - an employee who monitors the well-being of the local flock of crows. There is a belief that when they leave the fortress, many misfortunes await the country. To prevent this from happening, crows have their wings clipped.
88. Big Ben is another well-known landmark that is actually not called that. The clock tower of the Palace of Westminster bears the name of Elizabeth, and "Big Ben" is not even the name of the clock, but the largest of the six bells inside the tower.
89. The London Zoo has been operating since 1828 and is the oldest in the world. Interestingly, it does not receive government funding and exists on proceeds from ticket sales, charitable fees and donations.
90. Like other major cities, London has not been spared by great tragedies. In 1952, the Great Smog hung over the city for several days - a toxic fog that led to the death of several thousand people. Immediately after this environmental disaster, the Clean Air Act was passed, but London is still considered one of the most polluted European cities today.
91. In 1666, during the Great Fire of London, most of the city burned out in just three days. The exact number of victims is unknown, the fact remains that more than 80% of the population was left homeless, and the restoration of the city took more than a dozen years. Although everything can be found pluses. For example, the fire helped to cope with the Great Plague Epidemic, which at that time had been raging in the capital for a year.
92. The Great Stench is another environmental disaster in London's history. In 1858, there was no sewerage in the largest city in Europe. And during the hot summer, the Thames overflowed with sewage and poisoned the surrounding areas. Cholera began to spread (they did not yet know that it was transmitted through water), there was a disgusting stench, residents fled to the suburbs, and the British Parliament resigned. The disaster ended by itself with the advent of rainy weather, but the government realized that the problem had to be dealt with somehow, and a year later a sewer system appeared in London.
93. The city is the main political, cultural and economic center of Britain.
94. In the Tower, a local fortress, a special person watches over the ravens living in its territories. According to one legend, Great Britain will fall immediately after the birds leave the fortress.
95. An interesting fact is that in London, anyone can, instead of a traditional taxi, call a cab - a horse-drawn carriage.
96. There are 20 piped rivers flowing under the surface of London.
97. Did you know that over 300 languages are spoken in this capital, making London the most multilingual city on earth. But there is no doubt that everyone here knows English.
98. The British take their culture and traditions very seriously. As a result, the tower constable has the right to demand from the ships entering the harbor - a barrel of rum.
99. By law, a person suffering from the plague is not allowed to call a taxi.
100. Since 1907, all London buses have been painted red, although before that they were of a wide variety of colors and shades.
