The EUR 2 coin representing Greece features a scene from a mosaic in Sparta depicting Europa being abducted by Zeus, in the form of a bull. Europa is the figure from Greek mythology after whom Europe is named
Each denomination of the coins representing Ireland features an image of a Celtic harp and the word Eire, the Irish word for Ireland.
The 2 cent coin representing Austria depicts the edelweiss, part of a floral theme symbolising duty to the environment.



Did You Know?

Berlin always makes history. It was the site of the 1936 Olympics, the last one held until after World War II. At this Olympics, U.S. runner Jesse Owens won a gold medal, infuriating Adolf Hitler because he could not accept that an African-American man bested the Nazi/Aryan athletes. 



-In reading, German students ranked 21st. The U.S. did somewhat better, coming in 15th. The five top-scoring countries were, in order: 1. Finland, 2. Canada, 3. New Zealand, 4. Australia, and 5. Ireland. The five worst were (from the bottom): 31. Brazil, 30. Mexico, 29. Luxembourg, 28. Latvia, and 27. Russia.






If Luxembourg is such a rich country, how come it has such crappy schools??? Can someone explain this to me???

Sure I can.

In Luxembourg, people typically grow up speaking either French, German, Lëtzebuergesch, or a combination thereof. Upon starting school everything is taught in German. In high school everything is taught in French.

Most of their students who continue on to Universities do so in France, not Germany.

So even if you understand the basics or reading, writing and arithmetic, if you can't read the French directions, you would do poorly on the test.

As a sidenote:
All formal correspondence, including newspapers and everything legal in Luxembourg is done is French.

The PISA test probably did not test these children in German or Lëtzebuergesch (the folks-language of Luxembourg)





Did You Know? 

Frankfurt harbors more than 400 banking institutions earning it the nickname "Bankfurt".