The European Union and its Members

• The texts provides a overview of the European Union and short profile of each member state

The European Union

• A group of 27 European countries
• Six countries joined together after WWII to prevent any one country from building weapons
• Was called the "European Economic Community" (EEC)
• Over time more countries joined the EEC to create common economic and political structures
• Passports are not required when travelling between most EU countries
• 20 EU countries use the Euro

Common Symbols

• The EU flag has 12 golden stars on a blue background
• The EU hymn is Beethoven's “Ode to Joy"
• EU Motto is "United in diversity”

Austria

• A mountainous country in central Europe, popular for outdoor sports like skiing and hiking
• Has many national parks which cover a combined area of 2376 km²
• The capital city is Vienna and the national language is German
• The population of Austria is 8.8 million
• Austria's currency is the Euro, the one euro coin features Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
• Famous for cakes and desserts such as 'Sachertorte', and savoury dishes such as Wiener Schnitzel' and 'Tafelspitz'
• Austria joined the EU in 1995
• Vienna is one of the four headquarters of the United Nations
• The "Waltz" is dance that originated in Austria

Belgium

• Brussels is home to the headquarters of the European Union and NATO
• Has a population of nearly 11.5 million people
• The capital city is Brussels and speaks Dutch, French and German
• Belgium's currency is the Euro, the euro coins feature the Belgian King.
• Fries are a famous food and were added to the UNESCO list of cultural treasures in 2017
• "Moules-frites" (mussels and chips) is the national dish
• Famous for chocolate
• Belgium was one of the founding members of the EU in 1957
• Antwerp is the world’s diamond center
• Known for its beer, has over 200 active breweries
• The design for the 'heads' side of the euro came from Belgian Luc Luycx
• The 'Manneken Pis' statue, rich in history and tradition, is one of the main landmarks of Brussels
• Belgian waffles are very popular

Bulgaria

• Located in eastern Europe
• Bulgaria's border with Romania is the Danube River, and the Balkan Mountains
• Has hot springs
• The Central Balkan National Park
• The capital city is Sofia and population of nearly 7 million
• Bulgaria's currency is the Lev
• Yogurt is a staple used in many dishes such as tarator
• Bulgaria joined the European Union in 2007
• Bulgarians celebrate their ‘name day’
• Bulgarians nod to say ‘no’ and shake their heads to say ‘yes’
• Bulgaria has increased Imperial Eagles populations with the EU’s support
• Bulgarians wear Martenitsi to celebrate winter leaving
• Famous for the Rose Valley, used for rose oil (perfume)

Croatia

• Located at the crossroads of central Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Balkans
• Has a warm climate and over 1,000 islands
• The capital city is Zagreb with population of 4.1 million
• Its currency is the Euro, all coins feature the Croatian chequerboard pattern in the background and the European flag
• The food mixes many cultural influences; a few dishes are turkey served with flatbread ‘purica s mlincima’ and black risotto ‘crni rižot’
• Joined the EU in 2013
• Zlatni rat also known as the Golden Cape, is a famous beach
• InventorFaust Vrančić created the first parachute in 1617
• Licitar is a heart-shaped biscuit, tradition of Zagreb
• The Dalmatian dog breed comes from Croatia
• The necktie is a Croatian invention

Cyprus

• An island in the eastern Mediterranean
• Has a Mediterranean climate making it a popular tourist destination
• Two main communities: Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots
• Armenians, Maronites, and Latins represent 5% of population
• Cyprus is rich in history, culture, and tradition
• Governed by many different civilizations
• Nicosia is the capital city and has a population of 860,000, and the two official languages are Greek and Turkish
• Joined the EU in 2004
• Cyprus uses the Euro and features the Idol of Pomos
• 'Mezze', a selection of different small dishes, is as popular in Cyprus as it is in Greece
• Third smallest EU country after Malta and Luxembourg
• One of the best-preserved fortifications in Europe, the Venetian Walls that surround Nicosia
• One of the few places in the world where green turtles and loggerhead turtles nest and breed on the beaches
• The Cyprus 'mouflon' is represented on the euro cent coins

Czechia

• Country located in central Europe
• Prague is the capital and one of the oldest cities in Europe
• Its currency is the Koruna
• Joined the EU in 2004
• Traditional Czech dishes often consist of meat stews served with potato or bread dumplings
• Charles University is the oldest university in central Europe
• The sugar cube was invented there
• Prague Castle is the largest ancient castle in the world
• The word 'robot' comes from the Czech word 'robota'

Denmark

• A low-lying country located in northern Europe
• Composed of a peninsula called Jutland and more than 400 islands and Greenland and the Faroe Islands
• National sport is football but other sports such as handball, badminton and tennis are also popular
• Copenhagen is the capital city with population of 5.8 million
• Its currency is the Krone
• Joined the EU in 1973
• Is a leading producer of wind energy
• Rye bread open sandwiches smørrebrød is a typical food.
• The Danish monarchy is the oldest continuing monarchy in the world
• The Lego brick was invented in Denmark

Estonia

• The most northern country of the three Baltic States, which are situated in northern Europe
• Composed of lush forests and numerous islands with lots of wildlife
• The first capital city to offer free public transport
• Has a population of 1.3 million
• Its currency is the Euro
• Known for the capital Tallinn, one of the most connected cities in EU, also known for being the home to Skype
• Enjoys eating fish, pork, sausages and soups
• Joined the EU in 2004
• They are the champions of Wife Carrying sport
• Singing is very important and choir festivals are held every five years, gathering tens of thousands of singers together
• Cross-country Skiing is one of the most popular winter sports
• Lynx roams freely in Estonia

Finland

• Most northerly country in the EU
• Continuous daylight in midsummer/no sunlight in midwinter
• Their national sport is Finnish baseball
• Has a population of 5.5 million
• Its currency is the Euro
• Joined the EU in 1995
• Known for being a forested country and having many lakes
• Known for being the creators of the Moomin children's stories or the 'Angry Birds' video game
• City capital Helsinki, and their languages are Finnish and Swedish
• Celebrate National Sleepy Head Day: the laziest person in the family is thrown into the nearest body of water.
• Water tunnel is one of the second largest in the world
• Finland Organises 'crazy sport' Championships such as wife carrying
• Lapland said to be the Home of Santa Clause
• Birthplace of the Sauna

France

• Largest country in the EU - located in western Europe
• Bordered by Atlantic Ocean to the west, the Alps mountain range to its east, and the Mediterranean Sea to its south
• The capital city is Paris with population of 67 million
• Currency is the Euro
• Joined the EU in 1957
• Great Cuisine and Known Chefs
• French breakfast consists of coffee/hot chocolate and croissants
• The jeans you wear are made of denim - originally comes from the French city of Nîmes
• Mont Blanc is the highest peak in Europe
• Writer Charles Perrault wrote fairy tales such as 'Cinderella' and 'Sleeping Beauty
• The French baguette is a long, thin white stick of bread
• The all-steel Eiffel Tower

Germany

• One of the largest and wealthiest countries in the EU, located in western Europe
• Much of northern Germany consists of low-lying farming lands as well as mountains
• The capital city is Berlin and has a population of 83 million
• Currency is the Euro
• Joined the EU in 1957
• They traditionally eat hearty food; potatoes, sausages are some of those foods that they eat
• Education is free even for International Students
• Germany is famous for traditional Christmas markets
• Germany is the first to print known known magazine

Greece

• Located in southern Europe
• Has a spectacular coastline and many islands
• Sunny climate, beaches, and historical ruins attract thousands of tourists every year
• Athens hosts home to 10.7 million citizens as well as being the capital.
• Joined the EU in 1981
• Home great mathematicians, Euclid and Pythagoras, and philosophers, Plato, Socrates and Aristotle.
• Their currency is the Euro, their 1 euro coin portrays an owl, reproduced from the design of an ancient Athenian coin.
• Inhabit traditional dishes such as Greek salad, made with olives and feta cheese and pita
• Athens believed to be its first democracy
• Mount Olympus according to Greek mythology was its home of Gods

Hungary

• Is mostly a flat country that's located in central Europe
• Fertile land used for farming
• Castles and palaces attract many tourists
• Budapest is the capital city with almost 10. million Hungarians
• Joined the EU in 2004
• Has a strong musical tradition, especially in classical and folk music
• Their currency is the Forint
• Hungary loves sports and lake Balaton that has cold winters, that allows them to skate and sledge
• Lake Balaton country, is the largest lake in central Europe
• Their Underground metro system, is of the oldest
• Enjoys their Chess player Julit plgar
• Likes bathing thermal Spa

Ireland

• Located in western Europe, is an island in the Atlantic Ocean, with high cliffs, Celtic culture, and green pastures
• Dublin is the capital with the with the population of 4.9 Million
• Joined the EU in 1973
• High in traditional music,dance, and storytelling
• Their currency is the Euro
• Traditional Cuisines is based in meat and roots vegetables
• Ireland has been suffering through Starvation and Disease

Italy

• Located in southern Europe, has a boot-like shape, and peninsula
• Home to 60 million citizens with the capital city Rome
• Known for its mountains, such as the Alps, the coast line and countryside
• Home to those of winter skiing as well as their beautiful summer coasts
• Joined the EU In 1957
• Italian renaissance produced many great artist
• Their currency is the Euro
• Known for pizzas Pastas Risotto lasagnas and ice cream

Latvia

• One of the three Baltic States in northern Europe
• Counts over 12 000 rivers and 3 000 lakes and 20% of its territory is protected
• It's a hub for high-tech industry
• Riga holds its place for 2 million people
• Joined the EU 2004
• National sport is ice hockey
• Walter Zapp invented the first Mini Camera
• Home of the fastest internet

Lithuania

• Is the largest of the three Baltic States in northern Europe
• Has lush forests, many lakes, and rivers and several natural reserves
• Lithuania is the first Soviet republic to declare indepedence
• In the city Vilnius, Lithuania they also have a lot of Hot Air Balloon Rides
• It's a popular sport they enjoy Basketball
• Numbered 2.8 million folks with their capital city Lithuania
• Joined the EU in 2004
• Currency in Euro
• Tradition of their hand shakes

Luxembourg

• The second-smallest EU country, located in western Europe.
• The capital city is Luxembourg home to +600k locals
• Their currency is euro
• Joined the EU in 1957
• It’s a "Grand Duchy
• The richest European Country
• Largest TV and radio station and it's name
• ranks as one of the safest

Malta

• Is a group of islands in southern Europe
• Capital of Malta is Valetta home 470k locals-
• Use the Euro
• Joined 2004
• The most densely populated country in Europe
• Home 52 reserves
• Spain's traditional dance: Flamenco

Netherlands

• Flat country in western Europe with a long coastline the North Sea
• Most tallest people in the world
• Has around one out every four of trips done by bike
• Home to the most talented painter Van Gosh as well as having a lot of wind
• Dutch people like to dress in orange

Poland

• Is in central Europe by the Baltic Sea
• Known for athletes and gold metalist with Warsaw as its Capital City
• Joined the EU in 2004
• Most famous traditional cuisine for dinner
• The Pol'and'Rock Festival is one of Europe's largest festivals
• Birth place of Maria Skłodowska

Portugal

• Is in southern Europe, the country's landscape includes pastures, cliffs, rocky plains, fields, and sandy beaches
• Lisbon portugal is the capital
• Joined the EU in 1986
• Known for Vasco de Gama , the famous explorer
• World Oldest Restaurant
• Home of Portuguese azulejos decorations

Romania

• Is in south-eastern Europe and its capital is Bucharest
• Joined the EU in 2007
• Inspired the famous Dracula story
• Has large population of brown bears in Europe

Slovakia

• Is central Europe
• Bratislava is the capital city of Slovakia
• Joined the EU in 2004
• Their currency is the Euro
• Has most castle per capita in the world

Slovenia

• Is central Europe
• Ljubljana Slovenia Is the capital city
• Joined the EU in 2004
• Allot of bees so their country can be very sweet

Spain

• is in southern Europe
• the capital of Spain is Madrid
• Joined the EU in 1986
• Spain has a strong artistic and cultural tradition