1. Europe stands as the second smallest continent in the world, by area. Yet, it has a cultural diversity which can hardly be found in any part of the world. Besides, it also controls a large amount of the world’s political and financial decisions. It is also the 3rd most populous continent in the world
2. Europe is also home to the world’s smallest country- the Vatican and also the world’s largest- Russia- one of the most astounding facts about Europe
3. Another point in this list of facts about Europe is that in the 17th and the 18th century, Europe had controlled most of the world. The saying that ‘Sun never sets in the British rule’ was a correct epitome.
4. The borders of Europe are not very clear, even today. They just refer to socio cultural boundaries.
5. The Greek civilization, which is said to be the forerunner of the modern western culture, had its home in Europe only. Famous scientists and thinkers such as Archimedes, Pythagoras and Euclid were a part of this very civilization.
6. One of the most unknown facts about Europe remains that there was a period in the history of Europe, known as the ‘age of migrations’, which led to the diversity in the present European culture that we see today. This period was seen after the fall of the Roman Empire and there was a large scale movement of the German, Roman, Saxon and Celtic tribes to various parts of Europe. This has led to a conglomeration of the cultures of Europe, as we see it today.
7. Renaissance was another period in the history of Europe which has led to the uprising of the new humanism and knowledge- definitely one of the most renowned facts about Europe.
8. The First World War is supposed to have started in Europe, with the assassination of the archduke of Austria and involved almost the whole of Europe in it. This war had left more than 40 million people dead.
9. Although most of Europe’s forests have been lost during the ages of deforestation, almost one quarter is still forest area in Europe, with the Taiga forests dominating the vegetation. Some rainforests in parts of the Caucasus and Oak forests in the Mediterranean regions still remain untouched- an unbelievable fact, considering the rapid deforestation that Europe has seen over the years.
10. The formation of the EU has been the only one of its kind in the world. This body of integrated economics among member countries has led to rapid development of free economy in Europe and is projected to be one of the most decisive organizations in the coming years.
