CYPRUS

HISTORY
 By legend the birthplace of the ancient Greek goddess of love Aphrodite,
Cyprus's modern history has, in contrast, been dominated by enmity
between its Greek and Turkish inhabitants.
 Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded the north in
response to a military coup on the island which was backed by the
Athens government.
 The island was effectively partitioned with the northern third inhabited by
Turkish Cypriots and the southern two-thirds by Greek Cypriots. United
Nations troops patrol the "Green Line" dividing the two parts.
Reunification talks have proceeded slowly.
 Cyprus successfully diversified its largely agrarian economy into one
based on services - including a large tourism sector - and light
manufacturing. More recently it has also developed into an important
financial hub, especially for investors from Russia and Eastern Europe.
 Capital: Nicosia
 Population: 1.1 million
 Area : 9,251 sq km
 Major Languages : Greek, Turkish
 Major Religions: Christianity, Islam
 Life Expectancy: 78 years (men), 82 years
(women)
 Currencies: Euro, Cypriot pound
LANDMARKS
KOURION
Scholars believe that the ancient city of Kourion was founded around the 13th century B.C., but it’s
the 5th-century Greco-Roman ruins that most attract visitors to the archeological site near the city
of Limassol. Perched on a hill overlooking Episkopi Bay, the tumbled homes, temples and public
buildings of the Kourion complex make it easy to imagine what life was like on Cyprus two thousand
years ago. Standout sites include the remains of Roman baths, an open Agoura, a temple to Apollo
and an amphitheater where classical plays are still performed today.
KOLOSSI CASTLE
Situated near the southern tip of Cyprus, Kolossi Castle is a three-story keep built as a military
fortress for the Crusaders of the High Middle Ages. From the 13th to 15th century, the fortress was
controlled by the Hospitallers known as the Knights of St. John and was later taken by their rivals,
the Knights Templar. While not much remains of the original complex beyond the sturdy stone walls
of the keep, a spiral staircase leads visitors to the roof-top battlements for breathtaking views of the
vineyard-covered peninsula and blue Mediterranean Sea.
OMODOS VILLAGE
Located in the Troodos Mountains near the city of Nicosia, Omodos Village is the premier
destination for wine aficionados in Cyprus. Wine-tasting stalls offer samples of local varietals like
Mavro and Xynisteri, and restaurants and bars serve traditional fare. With its cobbled streets, stone
houses and lush gardens, Omodos is well worth visiting for its beauty and charm as well. The
town’s 17th-century monastery is home to several museums, including an icon museum that
features extraordinary wood carvings as well as an extensive collection of icons.
ZENOBIA WRECK DIVING
In 1980, the Swedish ferry Zenobia began listing to port during her maiden voyage off the coast of
Cyprus, eventually capsizing outside Larnaca Harbor. The ship sank slowly, coming to rest on her
port side in one piece. Today, the wreck of the Zenobia is ranked as one of the world’s best diving
sites. Easy accessibility, mild currents and temperate water temperatures bring around 45,000
divers to the wreck each year. Although the ship’s many intact rooms are open for exploration,
inexperienced divers are encouraged to confine their dive to the outside of the ship where they can
view sea life from groupers to barracudas.
TOMBS OF THE KINGS
The Tombs of the Kings near Paphos is a large necropolis dating back to the 4th century BC. The
tombs are carved out of the solid rock and decorated with Doric columns. Despite the name there is
no evidence of any royalty buried here. Instead the site was the final resting place of Ptolemaic
aristocrats and high officials. The tombs are unique in Cyprus, being heavily influenced by ancient
Egyptian tradition, when it was believed that tombs for the dead should resemble houses for the
living. The 7 excavated tombs are scattered over a wide area. The most impressive is No 3, which
has an open atrium below ground level, surrounded by columns.
NISSI BEACH
The most popular of the many beaches that grace the shores of the resort city of Ayia Napa, Nissi is best
known for its lively beach party scene. Young people flock to its powder-white sands to sip libations at the
famous Nissi Bay Beach bar where DJs play music day and night. Like all the beaches in Ayia Napa,
there’s a water sports center in Nissi where visitors can enjoy everything from paragliding and windsurfing
to water-skiing and pedal boating. Shallow crystal-clear water makes Nissi Beach perfect for wading and
swimming as well. The beach takes its name from the small islet located close to the coast. The
uninhabited island can be easily reached on foot through the shallow waters and provides good shelter.
ST. HILARION CASTLE
Spread over the top of a rocky crag near the city of Girne off the northern coast of Cyprus, St.
Hilarion Castle is the best preserved of the island’s 11th-century fortifications. Originally a
monastery, the fortress gets its name from a local ascetic and hermit known as Hilarion, who
attracted a group of devout followers during the 4th century. A 20-minute hike from Girne takes
visitors up past the castle’s stables and soldiers’ quarters to the royal residence and church. A
restored staircase leads to a hilltop guard tower where visitors can enjoy a panoramic vista of the
mountains, valleys and shoreline.
AGIOS LAZAROS CHURCH
Situated in the town center of the southern city of Larnaca, the Church of Saint Lazarus is a 9th-
century monument to the man that Christians believe Jesus raised from the dead. According to
tradition, Lazarus fled to Cyprus to escape persecution and served as the city’s first bishop for thirty
years. Built over Lazarus’ second tomb, the Byzantine church was refurbished in the Baroque style
during the 1800s with Greek Orthodox ornamentation. Although the tomb now stands empty,
renovations made after a fire occurred in 1970 found relics of the saint in a marble sarcophagus
located under the altar.
KYKKOS MONASTERY
Nestled in the hills west of the inland city of Pedoulas stands the Kykkos Monastery, a gorgeous
Byzantine complex founded in the late 11th century. While all of the original structures were
destroyed by fire, a no-expense-spared renovation begun in 1831 restoring the monastery to its
original glory. Each building, particularly the chapel, is heavily ornamented in the Greek Orthodox
style with murals lining the walls, indoors and out. The most prized artifact in the wealthiest
monastery in Cyprus is a portrait of the Virgin Mary believed to have been painted by St. Luke.
PAPHOS ARCHAELOGICAL PARK
With artifacts dating back to the Prehistoric Era, the Kato Paphos Archaeological Park located in the
southwestern city of Paphos is an archeological treasure trove of ancient monuments, villas and
underground tombs. The most impressive sites include Roman villas built around the 3rd century
A.D. The ancient homes are named after their preserved mosaic floors, which feature pictorial
narratives of Greek and Roman mythology. Nearby in the Agora is the Odeion, a recently restored
2nd-century theater. With its granite columns, thick walls and corner towers, the SarantaKolones
fortress constructed in the 7th century is worth a visit as well.
INTERESTING FACTS
GERMANY
HISTORY
 Germany is Europe's most industrialized and populous country.
Famed for its technological achievements, it has also produced
some of Europe's most celebrated composers, philosophers and
poets.
 Achieving national unity later than other European nations,
Germany quickly caught up economically and militarily, before
defeats in the two World Wars left it shattered, facing the difficult
legacy of Nazism, and divided between Europe's Cold War blocs.
 Germany rebounded to become the continent's economic giant,
and a prime mover of European cooperation. With the end of the
Cold War, the two parts of the country were once again united,
although the economy of the former east continues to lag behind
the rest of the country.
 Capital: Berlin
 Population: 82 million
 Area: 357,027 sq km
 Major Language: German
 Major Religion: Christianity
 Life Expectancy: 78 years (men), 83 years
(women)
 Currency: Euro
LANDMARKS
TRIER
Close to the border with Luxembourg, and in the heart of the Moselle Wine Region, is the city of
Trier. Dating all the way back to Roman times, Trier is often considered to be the oldest city in all of
Germany. A major reason to visit Trier is to see some the city’s ancient Roman Ruins. You might
want to check out the Kaiserthermen, or Roman baths, as well as the Roman amphitheater and the
ancient PortaNigra Gate. Sample the local wines made in the region, and be sure to try the unique
apple wine known as Viez.
WEIMAR
If you love culture and literature, then the town of Weimar may be a kind of mecca in the heart of
Germany. Weimar is known for being the home to Goethe and Schiller, two of the most significant
and respected authors in the world. In centuries past, Germany was known as the Land der Dichter
und Denker, or the country of thinkers and poets. In Weimar, that still rings true. You can tour
Bauhaus architecture at the Bauhaus-University Weimar, see the Goethe and Schiller Memorial in
the Theaterplatz, or visit the Stadtschloss, a castle that is also home to a remarkable art gallery.
MONSCHAU
Right on the border with Belgium, you’ll find the charming and historic town of Monschau. The town
looks very similar to how it did 300 years ago, and its half-timbered buildings and cobblestone
streets are a big part of the area’s appeal. Most visitors come to stroll through the Old Town and
spot landmarks like the 18th century Red House or the famed 19th century Mustard Mill. Monschau
is also a gateway to the nearby Eifel National Park, which is an amazing spot for hiking as well as
mountain biking.
FRANKFURT
Frankfurt am Main is a bustling city that also serves as a major financial hub in Europe. It’s where
you’ll find the German Stock Exchange as well as the European Central Bank, and countless trade
shows are held in the city each year. Business aside, Frankfurt boasts some amazing diversity,
culture and architecture. In the old city center of Römerberg, you can admire buildings dating back
to the 14th and 15th centuries. In the district known as Museumsufer, pick and choose from over a
dozen world-class museums.
HOHENZOLLERN CASTLE
Though Neuschwanstein is by far the country’s most visited castle, there are plenty of other impressive
castles in Germany, and one of the most famous is the Hohenzollern Castle. Located just outside the town
of Tübingen, the present castle dates back to the 19th century. This ancestral seat served as the home to
Kaiser Wilhelm II, and today it is a major tourism attraction. On a visit to Hohenzollern Castle, you can
admire the enormous and detailed family tree taking up the walls of an entire room, and you can stroll
through perfectly refinished bedrooms. Don’t miss the royal jewels, arguably one of the most breathtaking
collections in Europe. The guided tours are available in English and well worth your time.
AUGSBURG
One of the oldest and most interesting cities in Bavaria is Augsburg. Since it just an hour’s drive or
train ride from Munich, Augsburg is a great destination for a day trip or a longer stay. This is
definitely a university town, so expect plenty of history, lots of fantastic nightlife and a youthful and
well-educated population. Start your sightseeing at the Mozarthaus, home to Wolfgang A. Mozart’s
father. Then, head to the 16th century housing estate called the Fuggerei, which still offers low-
income housing for the staggering low rate of just one Euro per year.
HAMBURG
Hamburg is nicknamed Germany’s Gateway to the World, which is largely because it is such a
large port city. However, Hamburg is often overlooked when it comes to planning a vacation. In
reality, Hamburg has a lot to offer visitors. Walk to the Rathaus, or city hall, via the
Mönckebergstraße. Lined with shops, this is one of the busiest walkways in Hamburg. If you’re
interested in the harbor itself, opt for a boat tour along the Elbe, which will provide the best views.
You might be surprised to discover that Hamburg is home to several beaches, many of which get
quite busy on warm summer days.
QUEDLINBURG
In the prime of the German Empire, Quedlinburg was a major hub. Today, it is a small town that is
best known for its remarkable collection of preserved Renaissance buildings. Many of the town’s
timber-framed structures date back to the 16th century, and they are in truly amazing condition. The
FachwerkmuseumStandebau, for example, is a museum located within a home built all the way
back in 1310. In addition to the museums and architecture of Quedlinburg, the town is notable for
its railway. The Harz Narrow Gauge Railway passes through the town and boasts spectacular views
of the landscape.
ULM
If you’re spending time in Southern Germany, be sure to check out the town of Ulm. Situated on the
Danube River, Ulm is within view of Bavaria. It is also the birthplace of Albert Einstein as well as the
town where you can find the highest church steeple in the world. Construction of the Ulmer Münster
began in the 15th century, although work was only completed in the 19th century. Climb to the very
top of the steeple, a whopping 768 steps, and you’ll be rewarded with breathing views and even a
glimpse of the Alps. Walk along the river to find the Fischerviertel, or the Fisherman’s Quarter, for a
historic view at life in the past.
NUREMBERG
Bavaria’s second largest city is Nuremberg, a city that many people are familiar with. Nuremberg is
associated with Hitler’s rallies in World War II but also with gingerbread and Christmas markets. This
destination in Germany has a lot to offer, and you could easily spend several days just hitting the highlights
of the city. Over a mile of the Nuremberg city walls still stand, as does the impressive castle. You’ll also find
a variety of medieval churches, cathedrals and administrative buildings. The Tiergarten, or zoo, is a big hit
with visiting families. Round out your trip by dining on some authentic grilled NürnbergerRostbratwürste
and the sweet gingerbread cookies called Lebkuchen.
INTERESTING FACTS
 Germany has the largest  Over 100 Germans have
economy in Europe. been awarded the Nobel
 Large German companies prize in their field, including
include BMW, Adidas, Albert Einstein, who was
SAP, Mercedes-Benz, born in Germany.
Nivea, Audi, Bayer,  Football (soccer) is the
Volkswagen and Siemens. most popular sport in
 Germany is in the process Germany.
of phasing out nuclear
power plants.
MONTENEGRO
HISTORY
 Montenegro emerged as a sovereign state after just over 55% of the
population opted for independence in a May 2006 referendum.
 The vote heralded the end of the former Union of Serbia and Montenegro -
itself created only three years earlier out of the remnant of the former
Yugoslavia.
 The EU-brokered deal forming it was intended to stabilize the region by
settling Montenegrin demands for independence from Serbia and
preventing further changes to Balkan borders.
 The same deal also contained the seeds of the union's dissolution. It
stipulated that after three years the two republics could hold referendums on
whether to keep or scrap it. Montenegro opted for the latter.
 Montenegro, which means "Black Mountain", borders Croatia, Bosnia,
Serbia, Serbia's breakaway province of Kosovo and Albania. About half of it
is covered in thick forest.
 The tiny republic encompasses an Adriatic coastline, lowlands and high
mountain ranges. The Tara River canyon is the deepest and longest in
Europe.
 Capital: Podgorica
 Population: 633,000
 Area: 13,812 sq km
 Major Languages: Serbian, Montenegrin
 Major Religions: Christianity, Islam
 Life Expectancy 73 years (men), 77 years
(women)
 Currency: Euro
LANDMARKS
ULCINJ
Located at the southern tip of Montenegro near the Albanian border, Ulcinj is an ancient seaport once
known as the pirate capital of the Adriatic Sea. Today, the city is most famous for its many beautiful
beaches, of which the sandy stretch of Plazhe e Mahed, or Long Beach, is one of the most popular. The
offshore island of Ad Bojana features several scenic beaches as well. Minarets rising from mosques in this
largely Muslim city add to Ulcinj’s unique appeal, and a stroll along the seaside promenade to enjoy a tasty
kebab or rich cup of coffee is just one of the experiences that makes a visit to Ulcinj so memorable.
BIOGRADSKA GORA NATIONAL PARK
Wedged between the Tara and Lim rivers in central Montenegro, the Biogradska Gora National
Park features shimmering lakes, swift-running streams, lush green meadows and one of the few
remaining primeval forests in Europe. Although it’s one of the smallest of Montenegro’s national
parks, Biogradska Gora offers the greatest diversity when it comes to flora and fauna, including
500-year-old trees. Most visitors head to Lake Biograd, a large glacial located in the heart of the
park. The recent development of the nearby town of Kolašin makes it a popular base for tours of the
park.
SVETI STEFAN
Sveti Stefan is a unique place along the Budva Riviera. It stands on a rocky island crammed full of terracotta-
roofed houses. A narrow isthmus connects it with the mainland. From the 15th century Sveti Stefan housed a
simply fishing community. In the 1950s someone had the idea to nationalize the tiny village. The residents were
evicted and Sveti Stefan was transformed into a luxury town-hotel. Among its guests were Marilyn Monroe, Sophia
Loren and Kirk Douglas. It fell into decline during the breakup of the former Yugoslav federation. In 2010, Sveti
Stefan Hotel reopened its doors once again as a member of the Aman Resorts. As beautiful and unique as Stevi
Stefan is, there’s one major drawback: You can’t actually go into the village unless you stay there as a hotel guest.
Luckily visitors and guest alike can enjoy the two pebble beaches on either side of the isthmus.
MOUNT LOVCEN
One of the most striking natural features in Montenegro, soaring Mount Lovcen is capped by two
mammoth peaks of granite. Part of the Mount Loven National Park, the mountain inspired
Montenegro’s name and is a symbol of national pride. Climbs to the top of Mount Lovcen offer
panoramic vistas of the fortified city of Kotor, the surrounding hills and the Bay of Kotor. With its
circular viewing platform, the nearby Njegoš Mausoleum is a destination for sightseers as well as
for those who want to pay their respects to the poet and philosopher buried there. Petar II Petrović-
Njegoš is beloved for writing “The Mountain Wreath,” Montenegro’s national epic poem.
CETINJE
Founded in the 15th century, Cetinje is best known for the many European embassies built when
the city served as Montenegro’s capital. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the town’s
inland valley location at the edge of Ottoman Empire made it a strategic spot for diplomacy. Today,
the elegant mansions constructed in the Continental architectural style have been converted into to
museums, academies and administrative buildings. Other interesting sights include the 15th century
Vlah Church with its fence made from Ottoman rifles and the Cetinje Monastery with its collection of
Early Christian Era relics.
OSTROG MONASTERY
Situated high up in the large rock of OstroškaGreda, the Ostrog Monastery is the country’s most
unusual architectural site and a major Christian pilgrimage destination. The entire monastery was
carved out of a cave in a nearly vertical mountain cliff with only the whitewashed façade left visible.
Built in the 17th century as a refuge against the Ottoman Empire, it houses the remains of its
founder, SvetiVasilje, who was sainted after his death in 1671. The monastery includes two inner
cave churches ornamented by frescoes, some of which were painted directly on the rock walls.
PERAST
Located to the northwest of Kotor and sharing the same gorgeous fjord-like bay, pretty Perast is a
small town notable for it stone-crafted villas and historic churches. Two of the city’s picturesque
chapels are situated on tiny islets, Our Lady of the Rocks and St. George. Back onshore, the
Church of St. Nikola is worth a visit for the pleasant views that a climb up to the belfry offers of the
town and bay. While there’s no beach in this bay-front city, the stone jetties along the waterfront are
popular places for sunbathing and relaxing.
DURMITOR NATIONAL PARK
Centered around the mountain village of Žabljak, the thickly forested Durmitor National Park is a
paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Situated in the Dinaric Alps, the park includes
the high-altitude peaks of the Durmitor Massif, 18 glacial lakes and the Tara River, home to the
world’s second deepest gorge. Skiing and snowboarding are the main activities in winter while
whitewater rafting, camping and hiking attract visitors in the warm-weather season. The park’s
wildlife includes 163 bird species, mammals ranging from wild boars to brown bears, and the most
varieties of butterflies found anywhere in Europe.
BUDVA
Located in the center point of Montenegro’s coastline, Budva boasts a picturesque Old Town, an
abundance of beaches and several important cultural institutions, including the childhood home of
Serbian writer and politician Stefan MitrovLjubiša. It’s the city’s vibrant nightlife, however, that
makes Budva the most popular place to visit in Montenegro. By night, revelers crowd the city’s
many bars, clubs and restaurants, and then spend the day relaxing at one of the region’s 35
beaches. Those looking for a more relaxed place on the Budva Riviera head to nearby Bečići,
which offers a laid back location and a beautiful sandy beach.
KOTOR
Considered one of the best preserved medieval towns on the Adriatic coast, the fortified town of
Kotor is tucked against the steep mountains surrounding the deep channels of the Bay of Kotor.
While Kotor’s architecture reflects the various empires that ruled over the region, it is best known
for its Venetian-flavored Old Town, which is dominated by the 12th-century Cathedral of Saint
Tryphon. The cathedral’s carved stone altar is an exquisite example of the stonemasonry skills
Kotor was known for in the Middle Ages. Treks up the upper town walls to Kotor’s hilltop fortress
reward hardy hikers with breathtaking views of the city and deep-water bay.
INTERESTING FACTS
ANDORRA
HISTORY
 The tiny principality of Andorra is located in the high mountains of the
Pyrenees between France and Spain.
 The mainstay of the highly-prosperous economy is tourism, accounting
for about 80% of GDP. An estimated 10 million people visit each year,
drawn by winter sports, a warm summer climate and duty-free goods.
 The country's banking sector enjoys partial tax-haven status.
 For more than 700 years Andorra was ruled jointly by the leader of
France and the Spanish Bishop of Urgell.
 The first Andorran Constitution was passed in 1993, establishing
parliamentary government. It then joined the United Nations and Council
of Europe.
 The co-princes remain Andorra's heads of state, but the roles are
honorary.
 Andorra is not a member of the EU, but enjoys a special relationship
with it and uses the euro.
 Capital: Andorra la Vella
 Population:79,300
 Area: 468 sq km
 Major Languages : Catalan (official language),
Spanish, French
 Major Religion: Christianity
 Life Expectancy: 81 years (men), 87 years
(women)
 Currency: Euro
LANDMARKS
LAKE ENGOLASTERS
Lake Engolasters, in the Encamp parish of Andorra, is an oblong shaped
lake at an elevation of 1,616 m (5,302 ft) formed in a glacial depression. It
is located close to Andorra La Vella, the capital of Andorra.
CALDEA
Caldea is a spa resort in Escaldes-Engordany, Andorra. Finished in 1994,
it has 18 floors. At 6000 sq m it is Europe’s largest spa, and at 80 meters
in height, it is Andorra’s tallest building.
PAL-ARINSAL
Pal has escaped much of the development that other resorts in Andorra have
succumbed to. Pal is quiet and picturesque mountain village over the ridge from
Arinsal (about 5 km by road), with a small, reasonably varied, wooded ski area a
couple of kilometers further up the hill. It is remarkably different from its nearby
neighbor, and the link between the ski areas is a great enhancement for both
resort.
SANTA COLOMA CHURCH
The Church of Santa Coloma d’Andorra is a church located in Santa
Coloma, Andorra la Vella Parish, Andorra and is Andorra’s oldest church. It
is a heritage property registered in Cultural heritage of Andorra.
PONT DE LA MARGINEDA
Port de la Margineda is a bridge located in Santa Coloma, Andorra la Vella
Parish, Andorra. It is a heritage property registered in the Cultural Heritage
of Andorra. It was built in the 14-15th century.
INTERESTING FACT
Andorra produces a lot of Tobacco
It takes up a lot of what little farming space exists here.
There used to be a cigarette factory in Andorra and because
of its status as a tax haven, you can purchase cigarettes
here much cheaper that you can in Spain or France.
Cigarette smuggling has been a long problem (tradition) in
Andorra where people would head up to the mountain tops
to take smokes into Spain or France. Andorra is also one of
the few places in Europe where you can still smoke indoors
in public places.
LIECHTENSTEIN
HISTORY
 The Principality of Liechtenstein is a tiny, doubly-landlocked country
tucked away between Switzerland and Austria and with mountain slopes
rising above the Rhine valley.
 It owes much of its wealth to its traditional status as a tax haven, though
it has in recent years taken steps to shake off its image as a tax haven
and to reposition itself as a legitimate financial centre.
 The country has come through a lengthy political wrangle over the role
and power of the hereditary monarchy.
 After an often bitter campaign, the people voted in March 2003 in a
constitutional referendum to give Prince Hans-Adam sweeping new
political powers. The following year he handed over practical power to
his son, Crown Prince Alois.
 Capital: Vaduz
 Population: 37,666
 Area: 160 sq km
 Major Language: German
 Major Religion: Roman Catholicism
 Life Expectancy: 81 years (men), 85 years
(women
 Currency: Swiss franc
LANDMARKS
VADUZ CASTLE
Vaduz Castle is the palace and official residence of the Prince of
Liechtenstein. The castle gave its name to the town of Vaduz, the capital of
Liechtenstein, which it overlooks from an adjacent hilltop.
RAPPENSTEIN
Rappenstein is a mountain in Liechtenstein in the Ratikon range of the
Eastern Alps with a height of 2,222 meters (7,290 ft).
DREI SCHWESTERN
Drei Schwestern (The Three Sisters) is a mountain located on the border
of Austria and Liechtenstein. It forms a natural boundary between
Liechtenstein and the Austrian state of Voralberg.
INTERESTING FACTS
SAN MARINO
HISTORY
 Landlocked San Marino is one of the world's smallest countries.
Surrounded by Italy, it is an echo from an era when city-states
proliferated across Europe.
 Mount Titano, part of the Appennine range, dominates San Marino's
landscape. Three defensive fortresses perch on Titano's slopes, looking
out to the Adriatic coast.
 San Marino is said to be the world's oldest surviving republic.
 Tourism dominates the economy of the 61 square kilometre (23.6 square
miles) republic, which plays host to more than three million visitors every
year.
 Postage stamps and coins - keenly sought by collectors - are important
sources of revenue.
 Capital: San Marino
 Population: 33,400
 Area 61.2 sq kM
 Major Language: Italian
 Major Religion Christianity
 Life Expectancy: 78 years (men), 85 years
(women)
 Currency: Euro
LANDMARKS
FORTRESS OF GUAITA
The Guaita fortress is the oldest of the three towers constructed on Monte
Titano, and the most famous. It was built in the 11th century and served
briefly as a prison. It is one of the three towers depicted on both the
national flag and coat of arms. It was registered as one of the World
Heritage Sites in 2008.
DE LA FRATTA
De La Fratta or Cesta is one of the three peaks which overlook the city of
San Marino, the capital of San Marino. The other two are Guaita and
Montale.
INTERESTING FACTS
 San Marino claims to be the  With no border
world’s oldest republic.
formalities, passage
 San Marino encompasses 24
sq miles, making it the fifth from Italy to San Marino
smallest country on the is seamless. Foreign
planet. visitors may enter
 There are no universities or without showing a
colleges in San Marino and passport. If you’d like
those students who decide to
pursue higher education your passport stamped
usually attend university in as a souvenir, there’s a
Italy where San Marino’s high 5-euro charge.
school diplomas are
recognized.
UKRAINE
HISTORY
 Ukraine gained independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union in
1991 and has since veered between seeking closer integration with
Western Europe and being drawn into the orbit of Russia, which sees its
interests as threatened by a Western-leaning Ukraine.
 Europe's second largest country, Ukraine is a land of wide, fertile
agricultural plains, with large pockets of heavy industry in the east.
 While Ukraine and Russia share common historical origins, the west of
the country has closer ties with its European neighbours, particularly
Poland, and nationalist sentiment is strongest there.
 A significant minority of the population uses Russian as its first
language, particularly in the cities and the industrialised east. In Crimea,
an autonomous republic on the Black Sea that was part of Russia until
1954, ethnic Russians make up about 60% of the population.
 Russia once again seized and annexed Crimea in March 2014, amid the
chaos following the fall of President Viktor Yanukovych.
 Capital: Kiev
 Population: 44.9 million

 Area: 603,700 sq km

 Major Languages: Ukrainian (official), Russian

 Major Religion: Christianity

 Life Expectancy: 64 years (men), 75 years

(women)
 Currency: Hryvnya
LANDMARKS
ST. MICHAEL’S GOLDEN-DOMED MONASTERY
St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery is a functioning monastery in Kiev,
the Capital of Ukraine. The monastery is located on the right bank of the
Dnieper River on the edge of a bluff northeast of the Saint Sophia
Cathedral.
KHOTYN
Khotyn is a city in Chernivtsi Oblast of western Ukraine, and is the
administrative center of Khotyn Raion within the oblast, and is located
south-west of Kamianets-Podilskyi. According to the 2001 Ukrainian
census, it has a population of 11,124.
KYIV SCULPTURE ALLEY
The place that is now called Landscape Alley was built in early 1980’s. In 2009
activists began to improve this place, and the sculptor Constantin Skretutsky
started decorating Landscape Alley with fairy-tale characters: cats-centipedes,
elephants-fountains, giant sparrows settled on the street. The collection is
constantly updated with new, interesting and original sculptures.
ODESSA
Odessa is a port city on the Black Sea in southern Ukraine. It’s known for its
beaches and 19th century architecture, including the Odessa Opera and Ballet
Theater. The monumental Potemkin Stairs, immortalized in “The Battleship
Potemkin,” lead down to the Waterfront with its Vorontsov Lighthouse. Running
parallel to the water, the grand Primorsky Boulevard is a popular promenade lined
with mansions and monuments.
TUNNEL OF LOVE
The Tunnel of Love is a section of industrial railway located near Klevan,
Ukraine, that links it with Orzhiv. It is a railway surrounded by green arches
and is three to five kilometers in length. It is known for being a favorite
place for couples to take walks.
ST. ANDREW CHURCH
The St. Andrew’s Church is a major Baroque church located in Kiev, the
capital of Ukraine. The church was constructed in 1747-1754, to a design
by the Italian architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli. It is sometimes incorrectly
referred to as a cathedral.