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The world is divided into 195 different countries. So, no one can fault another for not knowing everything about each one of them(Strange Myths). It isn’t easy to even wrap one’s head around coexisting with over 8 billion people on the planet. However, if you’d like to learn more about countries other than your own, debunking some false yet commonly known rumors is one way to start. Read onDebunking 16 Strange Myths Attached to These Countries, as told by message board users.
Malta Doesn’t Exist
Europe is a very diverse continent, containing 50 unique countries. In a place where some of the world’s most famous countries exist, such as France, Germany, and Italy, it’s easy to overlook the lesser-known ones. However, these less prominent countries are sometimes as beautiful, if not more so, than the usual tourist destinations. This includes the often-overlooked country of Malta. Although Malta is tiny, this sunny country is a great place to visit! It is rich in adventure, architecture, and culture and is one of Europe’s safest countries.
All People in Ethiopia Are Hungry
Though Africa has seen its share of tragedy, this doesn’t mean we can lump all its countries together and assume everyone here is living the same way. Africa contains 54 countries, and Ethiopia is one of the fastest-progressing ones in East Africa, with a 6.4% growth in recent years. It has made significant strides from being one of the poorest countries on Earth, and though much work is left to be done, statistics are hopeful that they are well on their way to upward economic growth.
Czechoslovakia and Czechia Are the Same
“From Czechia: some people still think we are still Czechoslovakia, we split in 1993.” Czech, your facts! Czechoslovakia and Czechia (also referred to as the Czech Republic) are actually not the same. It might be an easy mistake to make because of the history behind the land and how similar the two names are. As you know, Czechoslovakia peacefully split into two countries in 1993, namely Slovakia and Czechia, officially the Czech Republic. Though Czechia was previously in Czechoslovakia, it is now a country of its own, hence the difference.
Tunisia Is All Desert
Tunisia is the northernmost country on the continent of Africa, and there’s a common misconception that the country is all desert. This is probably due to the media’s portrayal of the country (much of Star Wars’ desert scenes are filmed there) and people generally being uninformed about the country. While deserts cover a fraction of the country, Tunisia has a diverse geography. It has the accessible coasts of the Mediterranean Sea, mountainous regions from the Dorsal, and thriving flora and fauna.
Bali Is a Country
Bali is a popular tourist destination known for its lovely beaches, crystal-clear waters, laid-back vibe, and friendly people. Because of its popularity, many travelers probably assume it is its own country. However, this is inaccurate. Bali is part of Indonesia in Southeast Asia. Like Bali, Indonesia is filled with natural and man-made landmarks to visit!
Physical Punishment for Chewing Gum in Singapore
For as long as some of us can remember, one of the most famous things attributed to Singapore is their law surrounding chewing gum. Many versions of the rule have been passed around, ranging from paying thousands of dollars to getting physically punished. The former is more accurate since the punishment for those caught chewing gum is jail time or a penalty of up to 1,000 USD for first offenders. Definitely no caning, though!
Portugal Is in Spain
There’s a common misconception that Portugal is in Spain, but this couldn’t be farther from the truth. The misunderstanding might have stemmed from the fact that the two are neighboring countries on the Iberian Peninsula, and people can actually easily cross the border from one country to another. However, Portugal and Spain are entirely different countries with different languages, cultures, and capitals.
Everyone in Austria Can Yodel
Yodeling is a vocal technique primarily recognized in the Central Alps and popular in Austria. Created by herders to communicate across vast areas and villages, it requires training, a specific skill set, and a passion or interest to master. It eventually evolved into a musical technique, evident in songs by the rapid change from low to high. While there are individuals in Austria who have learned and practiced yodeling, the complexity of this technique makes it impossible for everyone in the country to know how to do it flawlessly.
Malaysia Is Only Known for Flight 370
The disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 shook the world back in 2014, and rightfully so. With a plane with over 200 people on board suddenly vanishing from all tracking radars, the event racked the country for a long time. However, it’s about time the world remembered that Malaysia is more than just this one event. The country has many cultures, iconic landmarks such as the Petronas Twin Towers, beautiful beaches and mosques, and delicious food.
People in Ireland Are Always Drinking
“… we’re not drunk all of the time. Most of the time, yeah. But not all of the time,” joked one Irish commenter. There’s a myth that the people of Ireland have some kind of alcohol in their systems at all times, and it’s understandable considering the portrayal of the Irish in popular films and TV shows. However, it’s important to understand that, despite the drinking myths surrounding Ireland, this is a hasty generalization to make about a whole country. The Irish are, in fact, not always drinking.
Bahrain Is a Mini Uae
Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have a lot in common, from being countries in the Arabian Gulf to having modern infrastructures that attract tourists worldwide. Despite these similarities, Bahrain is entirely its own country and not just a mini UAE, as some think. Bahrain’s unique history, culture, and societal characteristics make it a great country in its own right.
Slovakia Is a Dystopian European Country
Some people might think that Slovakia isn’t ideal because of its perceived negative aspects; however, all countries have pros and cons. For Slovakia, some negatives that could have led to this perception could be its economic disparity or corruption by its leaders. But Slovakia is also a beautiful country that is home to natural landscapes, medieval castles, a rich culture, and delicious cuisine. Don’t let the myth fool you!
Romania Has Vampires
As much as we’d all love to find a real-life Edward Cullens from the Twilight movies, the existence of vampires is still a mystery. Yes, even in Romania. Contrary to popular belief, Romania is not home to vampires, and this is merely a myth popularized through folklore, legends, and popular culture. Bram Stoker’s novel Dracula is one famous fictional work that contributed to this myth. Vlad III, or Vlad the Impaler, a ruler in Wallachia (now Romania), inspired the infamous Count Dracula, which probably led to people connecting Romania with vampires. Sadly, there are no bloodsuckers here!
Everyone in Scotland Wears Kilts
Kilts are a popular Scottish garment, and many films and TV shows have depicted the Scottish donning them no matter the occasion. However, while kilts are a traditional clothing worn by people in Scotland, they usually save them for special events, especially when showcasing the Scottish culture and heritage. The Scottish do not, in fact, wear kilts daily and actually wear modern clothes day-to-day.
Sweden and Switzerland Are the Same
“In English, the confusion is due to the [demonyms]. Swiss and Swedish sound similar when you say them quickly and aren’t thinking,” comments one message board user, who succinctly explains the common confusion between Sweden and Switzerland. While this might seem self-explanatory, as both countries are well known, some people still confuse the two due to their similarities in prefixes and pronunciation. The similarity in flags and their location on the same continent—Europe—definitely doesn’t help either!
Nepal Is Just Mountain Peaks and Snow
You’ll be hard-pressed to find someone who hasn’t heard of Mount Everest. This mountain is the most famous one on Earth, and it’s located right in the part of the Himalayas region that is nestled in Nepal. Because of this, it might be easy to equate the country with mountain peaks and snow; however, there is more to it than just that. Nepal is also home to rivers and plains teeming with biodiversity, valleys, and even flourishing forests.
Source: Reddit
From Boom to Bust: 18 States on the Brink of Financial Ruin—What Went Wrong?
We’re embarking on a financial roller coaster ride through 18 states, and it isn’t the fun kind. We’re talking about states having to check under the mattress and behind the couch cushions for extra change. These states are trying to balance their budgets, but the numbers aren’t increasing. Why are they skimming through their wallets like they lost a 20-dollar bill? Let’s find out!
From Boom to Bust: 18 States on the Brink of Financial Ruin—What Went Wrong?
