The Wealthiest European Countries

Although the wealthiest European countries are always changing, there are some that are always in the top five. It is the smaller countries that have the smaller economies that are traditionally the wealthiest European countries and are to this day very successful.

Luxembourg:

It seems as if Luxembourg always makes the top of the list for being one of the wealthiest European countries and has one of the top GDP per capita, around $ 86,000. Luxembourg is also the second largest investment fund center, United States being first, and the most important private banking center in Europe. Luxembourg was founded as a Roman era fortress site and Frankish count’s castle site in the Early Middle Ages. It was the principal European power influencing the whole western hemisphere and beyond in the 16^th and 17^th centuries.

Norway:

Norway is also one of the wealthiest European countries with a GDP per capita of $55,000. It also has one of the nicest, highest standards of living in the world due to the fact that Norway is very rich in natural resources. Resources including petrol, hydro-power, minerals, fish, and much more. Norway is the world’s largest producer of oil and gas outside of the Middle East, and accounts for 25% of the countries petroleum industry. Norway also has had the highest human development index ranking in the world from 2009-2011.

Ireland:

Yes, the recent economic crisis did indeed affect Ireland, but it still remains one of the wealthiest European countries and ............ more

The Search for the Long Lost Da Vinci

The long search for Leonardo Da Vinci’s lost masterpiece may finally be coming to an end. A new camera is being developed that can take pictures through a 5-inch thick wall. This wall that researchers believe the Da Vinci is behind is located inPalazzo Vecchio, a fourteenth century building located in Florence.It is believed that they mystery of Da Vinci’s lost painting could be hidden behind this wall. Some art “detectives” have found certain traces of paint that are the same as the paint used by Da Vinci to paint the Mona Lisa. “This was a type of paint specifically used by Leonardo and not found in the works of other artists” says Maurizio Seracini, the leader of a team of researchers.The discovery of this paint is definite proof that Da Vinci’s work can be found behind artist Giorgio Vasari’s work in Palazzo Vecchio. When looking at the facts of the story, it all seems to make sense.... more

Three Favorite things to do in Florence in the Spring!

See the Easter Cart explode at the Duomo

Every Easter Sunday at 11 a.m. the people of Florence gather in Piazza Duomo to see the Easter carriage explode! Thousands of people come together for this event. There are flag throwers, drums, trumpets, people dressed up, and then 4 white ox bring the cart the front of the Duomo where a rocket is lit and flies into the carriage igniting the fireworks. The fireworks show last for around 20 minutes, and it is a show that you will never forget! Easter is a big holiday for the Florentines, filled with lots of chocolate, candy, and gelato! Which brings me to my second favorite thing to do in the spring….more