Euro was introduced as the currency of many European nations in 1999. On January 1, 2002, the Euro became the official currency of these nations, and all national currencies were removed in February of 2002.
Jan 012024
Apr 272024
Flag of Netherlands
Netherlands celebrate King’s Day, a national holiday. King Willem-Alexander became the country’s monarch on April 30, 2013. The country celebrates his birthday on April 27. This European country bordering the North Sea is, according to the CIA World Factbook, about the size of New Jersey. The Dutch experience cool summers and mild winters. Almost 17 million people live there, and farmers grow grains, sugar beets, and potatoes. Amsterdam is the capital. Children can learn more at: Netherlands.
Jun 282024
Early Bird satellite (Intelsat I) in 1965 made telephone calls from the United States to Europe more practical. It also helped television transmissions. Expected to last about eighteen months, it was active for four years four months. It was reactivated briefly in 1990 to celebrate its 25th anniversary, and it remains in orbit. Idea: Children could find out how calls were made before the satellite and how the satellite worked. They could also learn more at: Early Bird.
Jul 132024
Flag of Montenegro
Montenegro celebrates National Day. In 1878 it was recognized as an independent country. Since then it has been a part of several countries. However, it became independent again in 2006. Slightly smaller than Connecticut, Montenegro borders the Adriatic Sea. Over 650,000 people live in Montenegro, and Podgorica is the capital. Older children can learn more at: Montenegro.
Oct 262024
Flag of Austria
Austria celebrates a national day; in 1955 the country adopted a stance of permanent neutrality. A landlocked country in Europe, Austria is slightly smaller than the state of Maine, and Vienna is the capital. Not quite nine million people live in Austria. Machinery production and tourism are major sources of income. Older children can learn more at: Austria.
Oct 292024
Flag of Turkey
Turkey celebrates Republic Day. Following the demise of the Ottoman Empire, Turkey became a republic in 1923. Located in both Europe and Asia, Turkey is slightly smaller than the state of Texas. It exports textiles, apparel, and foodstuffs. Almost 81 million people consider themselves Turks, and Ankara is the capital. Children could learn more at: Turkey.
Oct 302024
Bosphorus Bridge was opened in 1973. The bridge spans the Bosphorus Strait and connects Asia and Europe. Almost a mile long, the suspension bridge was the scene of a brief tennis match between Venus Williams and Ipeko, a Turkish tennis player.
Nov 282024
Flag of Albania
Albania celebrates Liberation Day. The Ottoman Empire gave up control of Albania in 1912. Located in southeastern Europe, the country is a bit smaller than the state of Maryland (according to the CIA World Factbook). Almost three million people live in this mountainous and hilly country. Tirana is the capital. Albania’s major industries are food processing and textiles. Older children can learn more at: Albania.
Dec 012024
Flag of Romania
Romania celebrates Unification Day. In 1918 Romania and Transylvania formed one country. This southeastern European country, bordering the Black Sea, is slightly larger than Utah. Almost 22 million people live in Romania, and Bucharest is the capital. Agricultural products include grains and sugar beets. Romania exports natural gas and metals. Children could learn more at: Romania.