Capitals in Capitals in EuropeEurope

The capital cities of countries are not always The capital cities of countries are not always the biggest ones. But it is certain that they the biggest ones. But it is certain that they are the most interesting, as far as culture, are the most interesting, as far as culture, tradition and toursim are considered. They tradition and toursim are considered. They are special rerepresentatives of particular are special rerepresentatives of particular

nations, so the capitals show what is the best nations, so the capitals show what is the best in them. in them.

We, the authors of this presentation, want to We, the authors of this presentation, want to lead you through the most beautiful and the lead you through the most beautiful and the

most famous European capital cities. We most famous European capital cities. We hope that you will not be bored in any minute hope that you will not be bored in any minute

of this ”journey”.of this ”journey”.

AA

AmsterdamAmsterdam

AmsterdamAmsterdam the official capital of the Netherlands, lies on the official capital of the Netherlands, lies on the banks of two bodies of water, the IJ bay and the the banks of two bodies of water, the IJ bay and the Amstel river. Founded in the late 12th century as a small Amstel river. Founded in the late 12th century as a small fishing village on the banks of the Amstel, it is now the fishing village on the banks of the Amstel, it is now the largest city in the country and is a financial and cultural largest city in the country and is a financial and cultural centre. As of April 1, 2006, the population of the city centre. As of April 1, 2006, the population of the city proper is 743,905; the population of the greater proper is 743,905; the population of the greater Amsterdam area is approximately 1.5 million. Amsterdam Amsterdam area is approximately 1.5 million. Amsterdam is also one of the core urban centres of the greater is also one of the core urban centres of the greater metropolitan area called "Randstad" which encompasses metropolitan area called "Randstad" which encompasses other Dutch cities such as Haarlem, Utrecht, The Hague other Dutch cities such as Haarlem, Utrecht, The Hague and Rotterdam and has a population of over 7,5 million.and Rotterdam and has a population of over 7,5 million.

Amsterdam has one of the largest historic city centres Amsterdam has one of the largest historic city centres in Europe, dating largely from the 17th century. At this in Europe, dating largely from the 17th century. At this time, a series of concentric, semi-circular canals time, a series of concentric, semi-circular canals ("grachten") were dug around the old city centre. Along ("grachten") were dug around the old city centre. Along the canals houses and warehouses were built. The canals the canals houses and warehouses were built. The canals still define Amsterdam's layout and appearance today. still define Amsterdam's layout and appearance today. Many fine houses and mansions are situated along the Many fine houses and mansions are situated along the canals. Some of the narrow brick houses are gradually canals. Some of the narrow brick houses are gradually sinking because they are built on wooden piles to cope sinking because they are built on wooden piles to cope with the marshy subsoil.with the marshy subsoil.

Andorra la Vella Andorra la Vella (2004 Andorra la Vella (2004

est. pop. 22,035) is the est. pop. 22,035) is the capital of the capital of the Principality of Andorra, Principality of Andorra, and is located high in and is located high in the east Pyrenees the east Pyrenees between France and between France and Spain. It is also the Spain. It is also the name of the parish that name of the parish that surrounds it. The town surrounds it. The town of Santa Coloma is of Santa Coloma is located in the province.located in the province.

The principal industry is The principal industry is tourism, although the tourism, although the country also earns country also earns foreign income from foreign income from being a tax-haven. being a tax-haven. Furniture and brandies Furniture and brandies are local products.are local products.

AnkaraAnkara Ankara is the capital of Turkey and Ankara is the capital of Turkey and

the country's second largest city after the country's second largest city after İstanbul. The city has a population (as İstanbul. The city has a population (as of 2005) of 4,319,167 (Province of 2005) of 4,319,167 (Province 5,153,000), and a mean elevation of 5,153,000), and a mean elevation of 850 m (2800 ft). It was formerly known 850 m (2800 ft). It was formerly known as Angora or Engürü. The Hittites gave as Angora or Engürü. The Hittites gave it the name Ankuwash, the Galatians it the name Ankuwash, the Galatians and Romans called it Ancyra, and in and Romans called it Ancyra, and in the classical, Hellenistic, Roman and the classical, Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods it was known as Byzantine periods it was known as Ἄγκυρα Ánkyra. Ankara also serves as Ἄγκυρα Ánkyra. Ankara also serves as the capital of the Province of Ankara.the capital of the Province of Ankara.

Centrally located in Anatolia, Centrally located in Anatolia, Ankara is an important commercial Ankara is an important commercial and industrial city. It is the center of and industrial city. It is the center of the Turkish Government, and houses the Turkish Government, and houses all foreign embassies. It is an all foreign embassies. It is an important crossroads of trade, important crossroads of trade, strategically located at the center of strategically located at the center of Turkey's highway and rail network, and Turkey's highway and rail network, and serves as the marketing center for the serves as the marketing center for the surrounding agricultural area. The city surrounding agricultural area. The city was famous for its long-haired goat was famous for its long-haired goat and its prized wool (mohair), a unique and its prized wool (mohair), a unique breed of cat (Angora cat), white breed of cat (Angora cat), white rabbits and their prized wool (Angora rabbits and their prized wool (Angora wool), pears, honey, and the region's wool), pears, honey, and the region's muscat grapes.muscat grapes.

BB

BakuBaku Baku (Azerbaijani: Baku (Azerbaijani: BakıBakı; Cyrillic ; Cyrillic БакыБакы), ),

sometimes known as Baky or Baki, is the sometimes known as Baky or Baki, is the capital and the largest city of Azerbaijan. It capital and the largest city of Azerbaijan. It is located on the southern shore of the is located on the southern shore of the Apsheron Peninsula, at 40°23′N 49°52′E. Apsheron Peninsula, at 40°23′N 49°52′E. Modern Baku consists of three parts: the Old Modern Baku consists of three parts: the Old Town (İçəri Şəhər), the boomtown and the Town (İçəri Şəhər), the boomtown and the Soviet-built town. Population (January 1, Soviet-built town. Population (January 1, 2003 census): 2,074,300[1]. About 3 million 2003 census): 2,074,300[1]. About 3 million people live in metropolitan area (due to people live in metropolitan area (due to large numbers of refugees and internally large numbers of refugees and internally displaced persons).displaced persons).

The layout of the oil-rich city is rectangular, The layout of the oil-rich city is rectangular, only in the oldest part of the city within the only in the oldest part of the city within the fortress walls the streets are crooked and fortress walls the streets are crooked and narrow. The boomtown, south of the old city, narrow. The boomtown, south of the old city, was built after massive petroleum was built after massive petroleum exploitation began nearly a century ago and exploitation began nearly a century ago and has interesting beaux-arts architecture. Fine has interesting beaux-arts architecture. Fine arts, history and literature museums are arts, history and literature museums are located there, all housed in the mansions of located there, all housed in the mansions of pre-Revolutionary millionaires.pre-Revolutionary millionaires.

BelgradeBelgrade Belgrade (Serbian: Belgrade (Serbian: БеоградБеоград or or BeogradBeograd

listen (help·info)) is the capital and largest listen (help·info)) is the capital and largest city of Serbia. It is one of the oldest cities city of Serbia. It is one of the oldest cities in Europe, first emerging as prehistoric in Europe, first emerging as prehistoric Vinča in 4800 BC, it was settled in the 3rd Vinča in 4800 BC, it was settled in the 3rd century BC by the Celts, before becoming century BC by the Celts, before becoming the Roman settlement of Singidunum.[2]the Roman settlement of Singidunum.[2][3] The Slavic name [3] The Slavic name BeligradBeligrad (a form of (a form of BeogradBeograd) was first recorded in 878 AD. It ) was first recorded in 878 AD. It has been the capital of Serbia since 1403, has been the capital of Serbia since 1403, and was the capital of various South Slav and was the capital of various South Slav states from 1918 until 2003, as well as states from 1918 until 2003, as well as Serbia and Montenegro from 2003 until Serbia and Montenegro from 2003 until 2006.[4]2006.[4]

The city lies at the confluence of the Sava The city lies at the confluence of the Sava and Danube Rivers in north central Serbia, and Danube Rivers in north central Serbia, where the Pannonian Plain meets the where the Pannonian Plain meets the Balkan Peninsula. The population of Balkan Peninsula. The population of Belgrade, according to the Serbian census Belgrade, according to the Serbian census of 2002, is 1,576,124.[1] It is the largest of 2002, is 1,576,124.[1] It is the largest city on the territory of the former city on the territory of the former Yugoslavia, and by population ranks fourth Yugoslavia, and by population ranks fourth in the South Eastern Europe behind in the South Eastern Europe behind Istanbul, Athens and Bucharest.Istanbul, Athens and Bucharest.

BerlinBerlin Berlin is the capital city and a state of Berlin is the capital city and a state of

Germany. It is the country's largest city Germany. It is the country's largest city in area and population, and the second in area and population, and the second most populous city in the European most populous city in the European Union.Union.

Berlin is one of the most influential Berlin is one of the most influential centers in European politics, culture and centers in European politics, culture and science. The city serves as an important science. The city serves as an important junction of continental transportation junction of continental transportation and is home to some of the world's most and is home to some of the world's most prominent universities, research prominent universities, research faculties, and museums.[3] Berlin is a faculties, and museums.[3] Berlin is a major tourist destination and is major tourist destination and is recognized for its diverse range of recognized for its diverse range of convention venues and media outlets.convention venues and media outlets.

The rapidly changing metropolis at The rapidly changing metropolis at present enjoys an international present enjoys an international reputation for its festivals, vibrant reputation for its festivals, vibrant nightlife, contemporary architecture, nightlife, contemporary architecture, and avant-garde arts. Being home to and avant-garde arts. Being home to people from over 180 nations, Berlin is a people from over 180 nations, Berlin is a magnet for individuals who are attracted magnet for individuals who are attracted by its liberal lifestyle, urban eclecticism, by its liberal lifestyle, urban eclecticism, and artistic freedom.and artistic freedom.

BerneBerne The city of Berne [bɝːn] (German The city of Berne [bɝːn] (German

BernBern (help·info) [b[ɛrn], French  (help·info) [b[ɛrn], French BerneBerne [bɛʀn], Italian [bɛʀn], Italian BernaBerna [ˈbɛrna], [ˈbɛrna], Romansh Romansh BernaBerna [bɛrnə], Bernese [bɛrnə], Bernese German German BärnBärn [b[ærn]), is the [b[ærn]), is the "Bundesstadt" (administrative "Bundesstadt" (administrative capital) of Switzerland and, with capital) of Switzerland and, with 140,000 people, is the fourth most 140,000 people, is the fourth most populous Swiss city (after Zürich, populous Swiss city (after Zürich, Geneva and Basel).Geneva and Basel).

Most of Berne's residents speak Most of Berne's residents speak German, or more specifically, German, or more specifically, Bernese German, which is a high-Bernese German, which is a high-Alemannic dialect. The Canton of Alemannic dialect. The Canton of Bern has a French-speaking part. Bern has a French-speaking part. Very few people still speak the Very few people still speak the MatteänglischMatteänglisch, a secret language , a secret language used in the former workers' quarter used in the former workers' quarter MatteMatte, but several words have , but several words have found their way in the Bernese found their way in the Bernese German.German.

BratislavaBratislava Bratislava (see below for name Bratislava (see below for name

alternatives), is the capital of alternatives), is the capital of Slovakia and the country's largest Slovakia and the country's largest city, with a population of some city, with a population of some 450,000. Bratislava is the political, 450,000. Bratislava is the political, cultural and economic centre of cultural and economic centre of Slovakia. It is the seat of the Slovak Slovakia. It is the seat of the Slovak presidency, parliament and presidency, parliament and government as well as home to government as well as home to several universities, museums, several universities, museums, theatres, galleries and other theatres, galleries and other national economic, cultural and national economic, cultural and educational institutions. Most of educational institutions. Most of Slovakia's large businesses and Slovakia's large businesses and financial institutions have their financial institutions have their headquarters in Bratislava. The headquarters in Bratislava. The city's past has been characterized city's past has been characterized by the strong influence of various by the strong influence of various peoples, including Slovaks, peoples, including Slovaks, Germans, Hungarians, Czechs, Germans, Hungarians, Czechs, Austrians and Jews. Bratislava still Austrians and Jews. Bratislava still retains its cosmopolitan spirit. It retains its cosmopolitan spirit. It hosts many festivals and trade hosts many festivals and trade shows and it is famous for its shows and it is famous for its nightlife and leisure facilities.nightlife and leisure facilities.

BrusselsBrussels Brussels is, first of all, a city Brussels is, first of all, a city

located in the centre of located in the centre of Belgium and is its capital, but Belgium and is its capital, but it sometimes also refers to the it sometimes also refers to the largest municipality of the largest municipality of the Brussels-Capital Region. This Brussels-Capital Region. This municipality inside Brussels is municipality inside Brussels is correctly named The City of correctly named The City of Brussels (French: Brussels (French: Bruxelles-Bruxelles-VilleVille or or Ville de BruxellesVille de Bruxelles, , Dutch: Dutch: Stad BrusselStad Brussel), which is ), which is one of 19 municipalities that one of 19 municipalities that make up the Brussels-Capital make up the Brussels-Capital Region (Region (see alsosee also: : Municipalities of the Brussels-Municipalities of the Brussels-Capital Region). The Capital Region). The municipality has a population municipality has a population of about 140,000 while the of about 140,000 while the Brussels-Capital Region has Brussels-Capital Region has 1,018,804 inhabitants. (01-01-1,018,804 inhabitants. (01-01-2006). The Metropolitan area 2006). The Metropolitan area has about 2,090,000 has about 2,090,000 inhabitants 50°50′37″N, inhabitants 50°50′37″N, 4°21′27″E. 4°21′27″E.

BucharestBucharest Bucharest is the capital city and industrial Bucharest is the capital city and industrial

and commercial centre of Romania. It is and commercial centre of Romania. It is located in the southeast of the country, at located in the southeast of the country, at 44°25′N 26°06′E, and lies on the banks of the 44°25′N 26°06′E, and lies on the banks of the Dâmboviţa River.Dâmboviţa River.

By European standards Bucharest is not an By European standards Bucharest is not an old city, its existence first being referred to old city, its existence first being referred to by scholars as late as 1459.[2] Since then it by scholars as late as 1459.[2] Since then it has gone through a variety of changes, has gone through a variety of changes, becoming the state capital of Romania in becoming the state capital of Romania in 1862 and steadily consolidating its position 1862 and steadily consolidating its position as the centre of the Romanian mass media, as the centre of the Romanian mass media, culture and arts. Its eclectic architecture is a culture and arts. Its eclectic architecture is a mix of historical, interbellum, Communist-mix of historical, interbellum, Communist-era, and modern. In the period between the era, and modern. In the period between the two World Wars, the city's elegant two World Wars, the city's elegant architecture and the sophistication of its architecture and the sophistication of its elite earned Bucharest the nickname of the elite earned Bucharest the nickname of the "Paris of the East" or "Little Paris" ("Paris of the East" or "Little Paris" (Micul Micul ParisParis).[3] Although many buildings and ).[3] Although many buildings and districts in the historic centre were damaged districts in the historic centre were damaged or destroyed by war, earthquakes and or destroyed by war, earthquakes and Nicolae Ceauşescu's program of Nicolae Ceauşescu's program of systematization, much survived. In recent systematization, much survived. In recent years, the city has been experiencing an years, the city has been experiencing an economic and cultural boom.economic and cultural boom.

BudapestBudapest Budapest is the capital Budapest is the capital

city of Hungary and the city of Hungary and the country's principal political, country's principal political, cultural, commercial, cultural, commercial, industrial and transportation industrial and transportation center.center.

Budapest has approximately Budapest has approximately 1.7 million inhabitants, 1.7 million inhabitants, down from a mid-1980s peak down from a mid-1980s peak of 2.1 million. Budapest of 2.1 million. Budapest became a single city became a single city occupying both banks of the occupying both banks of the river Danube with the river Danube with the amalgamation on 17 amalgamation on 17 November 1873 of right-November 1873 of right-bank (west) Buda (bank (west) Buda (OfenOfen in in German) and Óbuda (Old German) and Óbuda (Old Buda or Buda or Alt-OfenAlt-Ofen) together ) together with Pest on the left (east) with Pest on the left (east) bank. It is the seventh bank. It is the seventh largest city in the European largest city in the European Union.Union.

CC

CopenhagenCopenhagen

is the capital of is the capital of Denmark and the Denmark and the country's largest city country's largest city (metropolitan (metropolitan population population 1,211,542 (2006)), at 1,211,542 (2006)), at present made up of present made up of 16 municipalities. It 16 municipalities. It is also the name of is also the name of the adjacent county. the adjacent county. Copenhagen is the Copenhagen is the seat of the national seat of the national parliament, the parliament, the government, and the government, and the monarchy. monarchy.

DD

DublinDublin Dublin is the capital and the Dublin is the capital and the

largest city of the Republic of largest city of the Republic of Ireland, located near the midpoint Ireland, located near the midpoint of Ireland's east coast, at the of Ireland's east coast, at the mouth of the River Liffey and forms mouth of the River Liffey and forms the centre of the Dublin Region. the centre of the Dublin Region. Originally founded as a centre of Originally founded as a centre of Viking settlement, the city has Viking settlement, the city has been Ireland's capital city since been Ireland's capital city since mediæval times.mediæval times.

Dublin City is the entire area Dublin City is the entire area administered by Dublin City administered by Dublin City Council. However, when most Council. However, when most people talk about 'Dublin', they also people talk about 'Dublin', they also refer to the contiguous suburban refer to the contiguous suburban areas that run into the adjacent areas that run into the adjacent counties of Dun Laoghaire-counties of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, Fingal and South Dublin. Rathdown, Fingal and South Dublin. This area is sometimes known as This area is sometimes known as 'Urban Dublin' or the 'Dublin 'Urban Dublin' or the 'Dublin Metropolitan Area'.Metropolitan Area'.

HH

HelsinkiHelsinki Helsinki is the capital and Helsinki is the capital and

largest city of Finland. It is largest city of Finland. It is located in the southern part located in the southern part of Finland on the shore of the of Finland on the shore of the Gulf of Finland, at 60°10′N Gulf of Finland, at 60°10′N 24°56′E by the Baltic Sea. The 24°56′E by the Baltic Sea. The population of the city of population of the city of Helsinki is 562,570 Helsinki is 562,570 (31.06.2006) [2]. The Helsinki (31.06.2006) [2]. The Helsinki urban region contains the urban region contains the neighboring cities of Espoo, neighboring cities of Espoo, Vantaa and Kauniainen, which Vantaa and Kauniainen, which are together called the are together called the Capital Region. This area has Capital Region. This area has a total population of about a total population of about 992,836 [2] citizens. The 992,836 [2] citizens. The Greater Helsinki area contains Greater Helsinki area contains several more neighboring several more neighboring cities and has a population of cities and has a population of about 1,293,093 [2], which about 1,293,093 [2], which means that one out of every means that one out of every four Finns lives in the Greater four Finns lives in the Greater Helsinki area. Helsinki area.

K

Kiev is the capital and the largest city

of Ukraine, located in the north central part of the country on the Dnieper river. Since 2001, Kiev has officially had 2,660,401 inhabitants, though this figure has likely grown to more than 3.5 million since then.[1] Administratively, Kiev is a national-level subordinated municipality, independent from surrounding Kiev Oblast. Kiev is an important industrial, scientific, educational and cultural center of Eastern Europe. It is home to many high-tech industries, higher education institutions, world-famous historical landmarks. The city has an extensive infrastructure and highly developed system of public transport, including a Kiev Metro system.

L

Lisbon is the capital and largest city

of Portugal. It is the seat of the district of Lisbon and capital of Lisboa region. Lisbon has a population of 564 477 (2001), and the Lisbon Metropolitan Area has around 2,700,000 inhabitants (2005). Lisbon region is the wealthiest region in Portugal and it is well above the European Union's per capita GDP average.

Lisbon hosts two important European Union agencies namely, the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) and the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA). The CPLP (Community of Portuguese Language Countries), is also headquartered in Lisbon.

Ljubljana is the capital and largest

city in Slovenia. The city of Ljubljana is the cultural, scientific, economic, political and administrative center of Slovenia. It is situated in central Slovenia, between the Alps and the Mediterranean.

Its transport connections, concentration of industry, scientific and research institutions and industrial tradition underlie its leading economic position. Ljubljana is the seat of the central government, administrative bodies and all government ministries. It is also the seat of Parliament and the Office of the President of Slovenia.

London is the capital city of

England and the United Kingdom. An important settlement for around two millennia, London is today one of the world's most important business and financial centres, [1] and its involvement in politics, culture, education, entertainment, media, fashion, sport and the arts all contribute to its status as one of the key global cities.

Luxembourg (city) The city of Luxembourg is a commune

with city status, and the capital of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. It is located at the confluence of the Alzette and Pétrusse rivers in southern Luxembourg

As of 2005, the commune of Luxembourg City has a population of 76,420, which is almost three times the population of the second most populous commune. The city's metropolitan population, including that of surrounding communes of Hesperange, Sandweiler, Strassen, and Walferdange, is 103,973. Luxembourg City lies at the heart of Western Europe, situated 188 km (117 miles) from Brussels, 289 km (179 miles) from Paris, 190 km (118 miles) from Cologne.

MM

MadriMadridd Madrid is the capital of Madrid is the capital of

Spain and the third most Spain and the third most populous city in the populous city in the European Union. Madrid is European Union. Madrid is also the largest city in also the largest city in Spain, as well as in the Spain, as well as in the province and the province and the autonomous community of autonomous community of the same name. It is located the same name. It is located on the river Manzanares in on the river Manzanares in the center of the country, the center of the country, between the autonomous between the autonomous communities of Castilla-communities of Castilla-León and Castilla-La León and Castilla-La Mancha. Due to its Mancha. Due to its geographical location, geographical location, wealth and history, Madrid wealth and history, Madrid is considered one of the is considered one of the financial centers of the financial centers of the Iberian Peninsula, together Iberian Peninsula, together with Lisbon, and the with Lisbon, and the political center of Spain.political center of Spain.

MinskMinsk is the capital and largest city is the capital and largest city

in Belarus, situated on the in Belarus, situated on the Svislach and Niamiha rivers. Svislach and Niamiha rivers. Minsk is also a headquarters of Minsk is also a headquarters of the Commonwealth of the Commonwealth of Independent States. As the Independent States. As the national capital, Minsk has a national capital, Minsk has a special administrative status in special administrative status in Belarus and is also the capital of Belarus and is also the capital of Minsk voblast (province) and Minsk voblast (province) and Minsk raion.Minsk raion.

The earliest references to Minsk The earliest references to Minsk date to the 11th century (1067). date to the 11th century (1067). In 1242, Minsk became a part of In 1242, Minsk became a part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, and it received its town and it received its town privileges in 1499. From 1569, it privileges in 1499. From 1569, it was a capital of the Minsk was a capital of the Minsk Voivodship in the Polish-Voivodship in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. It Lithuanian Commonwealth. It was annexed by Russia in 1793, was annexed by Russia in 1793, as a consequence of the Second as a consequence of the Second Partition of Poland. From 1919–Partition of Poland. From 1919–1991, Minsk was the capital of 1991, Minsk was the capital of the Byelorussian SSR.the Byelorussian SSR.

MoscowMoscow is the capital of Russia and the is the capital of Russia and the

country's principal political, country's principal political, economic, financial, economic, financial, educational, and transportation educational, and transportation center, located on the Moskva center, located on the Moskva River in the Central Federal River in the Central Federal District, located in the European District, located in the European part of Russia. The city's part of Russia. The city's population of 10.4 million population of 10.4 million permanent inhabitants within permanent inhabitants within the city boundaries [1] the city boundaries [1] constitutes about 7% of the constitutes about 7% of the total Russian population. total Russian population. Likewise, it is the most Likewise, it is the most populous city in Europe. populous city in Europe. Historically, its position was Historically, its position was central in the Russian central in the Russian homeland. It was the capital of homeland. It was the capital of the former Soviet Union and the former Soviet Union and Muscovite Russia, the pre-Muscovite Russia, the pre-Imperial Russian state. It is the Imperial Russian state. It is the site of the famous Kremlin, site of the famous Kremlin, which now serves as the which now serves as the ceremonial residence of the ceremonial residence of the President. President.

N

Nicosia is a city of the province of

Enna in Sicily, southern Italy. In its neighborhood are salt mines and arable lands. The modern town was founded by Byzantine colonists in 6th century CE. It expanded under the Arab domination and later under that of the Normans, who settled numerous immigrants from Lombardy and Piedmont. King William II made Nicosia a royal city. It played an important strategi role, favoured by its position halfway between Palermo and Messina. It often gave hospitality to important figures, including Emperor Charles.

OO

OsloOslo Oslo (called Christiania 1624-Oslo (called Christiania 1624-

1878, Kristiania 1878-1924) is 1878, Kristiania 1878-1924) is the capital and largest city of the capital and largest city of Norway. The population of the Norway. The population of the city proper is 544 073 (as of July city proper is 544 073 (as of July 1, 2006). [1] The city area 1, 2006). [1] The city area extends into the surrounding extends into the surrounding county of Akershus, with a total county of Akershus, with a total population of 825,105[2] in the population of 825,105[2] in the conurbation (as of January 1, conurbation (as of January 1, 2006). The city has a current 2006). The city has a current annual growth exceeding annual growth exceeding 15,000. The city centre of Oslo is 15,000. The city centre of Oslo is situated at the end of the situated at the end of the Oslofjord from where the city Oslofjord from where the city sprawls out both to the north sprawls out both to the north and to the south on both sides of and to the south on both sides of the fjord giving the city area the fjord giving the city area more or less the shape of a U. more or less the shape of a U. Oslo's metropolitan area, also Oslo's metropolitan area, also referred to as Greater Oslo referred to as Greater Oslo region, which extends beyond region, which extends beyond the city boundaries, has an the city boundaries, has an estimated population of 1 300 estimated population of 1 300 000 citizens. In the entire Oslo 000 citizens. In the entire Oslo Fjord Region there is a total Fjord Region there is a total population of about 1,7 million. population of about 1,7 million.

PP

PraguePrague is the capital and largest is the capital and largest

city of the Czech Republic. city of the Czech Republic. Situated on the Vltava river Situated on the Vltava river in central Bohemia, it is in central Bohemia, it is home to approximately 1.2 home to approximately 1.2 million people. (It can be million people. (It can be derived from jobs statistics, derived from jobs statistics, however, that an additional however, that an additional 300,000 work there without 300,000 work there without having registered as having registered as residents.)residents.)

Nicknames for Prague have Nicknames for Prague have included "city of a hundred included "city of a hundred spires" and "the golden city". spires" and "the golden city". Since 1992, the historic Since 1992, the historic center of Prague has been center of Prague has been included in the UNESCO list included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. of World Heritage Sites. According to Guinness World According to Guinness World Records, Prague Castle is the Records, Prague Castle is the largest ancient castle in the largest ancient castle in the world.world.

RR

ReykjavíkReykjavík is the capital of is the capital of

Iceland, its largest Iceland, its largest city and the world's city and the world's most northern most northern national capital, its national capital, its latitude being 64°08' latitude being 64°08' N, not far from the N, not far from the Arctic Circle. It Arctic Circle. It receives only four receives only four hours of daylight per hours of daylight per day in the depth of day in the depth of winter, and during the winter, and during the summer the nights summer the nights are almost as bright are almost as bright as the days. as the days.

RigaRiga is is the capital of the capital of

Latvia, is situated on the Latvia, is situated on the Baltic Sea coast on the Baltic Sea coast on the mouth of the River mouth of the River Daugava, at 56°58′N Daugava, at 56°58′N 24°8′E. Riga is the largest 24°8′E. Riga is the largest city in the Baltic states. city in the Baltic states. The Historic Centre of The Historic Centre of Riga has been declared a Riga has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the city is Site, and the city is particularly notable for its particularly notable for its extensive Art Nouveau extensive Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) architecture, (Jugendstil) architecture, comparable in comparable in significance only with significance only with Vienna, Saint Petersburg Vienna, Saint Petersburg and Barcelona. and Barcelona.

RomeRome is the capital city of Italy, is the capital city of Italy,

and the country's largest and and the country's largest and most populous most populous comunecomune, with , with about 2,5 millions residents about 2,5 millions residents (3,8 millions considering the (3,8 millions considering the whole urbanised area, as whole urbanised area, as represented by the Province represented by the Province of Rome). Capital of the Lazio of Rome). Capital of the Lazio region of central-eastern region of central-eastern Italy, Rome is located across Italy, Rome is located across the confluence of the river the confluence of the river Aniene into the Tiber. With a Aniene into the Tiber. With a gross domestic product of gross domestic product of €97 billion in the year 2005, €97 billion in the year 2005, the the comunecomune of Rome of Rome produced 6.7% of Italy's GDP, produced 6.7% of Italy's GDP, which is the highest which is the highest proportion of GDP produced proportion of GDP produced by any single Italian by any single Italian comunecomune. . The current Mayor of Rome is The current Mayor of Rome is Walter Veltroni. Walter Veltroni.

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Sarajevo is the capital city and largest urban

center of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with an estimated population of 308,558 (as of 2005). It is also the capital of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina entity, and the de jure capital of the Republika Srpska entity, as well as the center of the Sarajevo Canton. Sarajevo is located in the Sarajevo valley of Bosnia proper, surrounded by the Dinaric Alps and situated around the Miljacka river. The city is famous for its traditional religious diversity, with adherents of Islam, Catholicism, Orthodoxy, and Judaism peacefully coexisting there for centuries.[Although settlement in the area stretches back to prehistoric times, the modern city arose as an Ottoman stronghold in the 15th century. Sarajevo has attracted international attention several times throughout its history: In 1914 it was the site of the assassination that sparked World War I, while seventy years later it became the host city of the 1984 Winter Olympics.

Skopje is the capital and by far the largest city of

the Republic of Macedonia, with more than a quarter of the population of the country, as well as the political, cultural, economical and academic centre of the country. It was known from the Roman period on under the name Scupi. The city developed rapidly after the Second World War, but this trend was interrupted in 1963 when it was hit by a disastrous earthquake. Today Skopje is a modern city with a range of cultural monuments.

Skopje is located at 42°0′N 21°26′E, on the upper course of the Vardar River and is located on a major north-south Balkan route between Central Europe and Athens. It has 506,926 inhabitants (2002 census). It is a major centre for the metal-processing, chemical, timber, textile, leather, and printing industries but has suffered many closures since 1991. Industrial development of the city has been accompanied by developments of the trade and banking sectors, as well as an emphasis on the fields of culture and sport.

Sofia is the capital and largest city

of the Republic of Bulgaria, with a population of 1,246,791, and some 1,377,761 in the metropolitan area, the Capital Municipality. It is located in western Bulgaria, at the foot of the mountain massif Vitosha, and is the administrative, cultural, and industrial centre of the country.

One of the oldest capital cities in Europe, the history of Sofia dates back to the 8th century BC, when Thracians established a settlement there. Sofia has had several names in the different periods of its existence, and remnants of the city's millenary history can still be seen today alongside modern landmarks.

Stockholm is the capital of Sweden, and

consequently the site of its Government and Parliament as well as the residence of the Swedish head of state, King Carl XVI Gustaf.

Stockholm has been Sweden's political and economic center since the 13th century [1] and is currently the largest municipality of Sweden, with a population of 776,000. The populations of the Stockholm urban area and Metropolitan Stockholm are roughly 1.2 and 1.7 million, respectively. This makes Stockholm the largest city in the Nordic countries.

Stockholm is located on the east coast of Sweden at the mouth of Lake Mälaren and the adjacent Stockholm archipelago, a site renowned for its natural beauty. Stockholm is often referred to as "the Venice of Scandinavia" because of its many water channels.

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TiranaTirana is the capital and is the capital and

largest city of the largest city of the Republic of Albania. It Republic of Albania. It was founded in 1614 was founded in 1614 by Sulejman Pasha and by Sulejman Pasha and became Albania's became Albania's capital city in 1920.capital city in 1920.

Tirana is located at Tirana is located at 41°19′48″N, 19°49′12″E 41°19′48″N, 19°49′12″E (41.33°N, 19.82°E) in (41.33°N, 19.82°E) in the eponymous district the eponymous district and county. Its average and county. Its average altitude is 90 metres altitude is 90 metres above sea level. It is above sea level. It is on the Ishm River, on the Ishm River, about 20 miles inland.about 20 miles inland.

TórshavnTórshavn is the capital of the Faroe Islands. The is the capital of the Faroe Islands. The

city is located in Tórshavn municipality city is located in Tórshavn municipality on southern Streymoy island and has on southern Streymoy island and has 19,000 inhabitants. The name of the city 19,000 inhabitants. The name of the city means "Thor's Harbour", named after means "Thor's Harbour", named after the god of thunder and lightning in the god of thunder and lightning in Norse mythology.Norse mythology.

The Faroese government is located The Faroese government is located in the historic Tinganes peninsula of in the historic Tinganes peninsula of Tórshavn. The parliament, the Løgting, Tórshavn. The parliament, the Løgting, was originally located on Tinganes, but was originally located on Tinganes, but since 1856 it has been located on the since 1856 it has been located on the town square, Vaglið. To the northwest of town square, Vaglið. To the northwest of the town lies the 347 metre high the town lies the 347 metre high mountain Húsareyn, and to the mountain Húsareyn, and to the southwest, the 350 meter high southwest, the 350 meter high Kirkjubøreyn.Kirkjubøreyn.

Tórshavn Cathedral was first built in Tórshavn Cathedral was first built in 1788 and partly rebuilt in 1865. Since 1788 and partly rebuilt in 1865. Since 1990 it has been the seat of the Bishop 1990 it has been the seat of the Bishop of the Faroe Islands (in the national of the Faroe Islands (in the national Evangelical-Lutheran Church).Evangelical-Lutheran Church).

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Vatican City is a landlocked sovereign city-state

whose territory consists of an almost completely walled enclave within the city of Rome, Italy. At approximately 44 hectares (108.7 acres) it is a microstate and the smallest independent nation in the world.

It was created in 1929 by the Lateran Treaty as a vestige of the much larger former Papal States (756 AD to 1870). Although governed by the Bishop of Rome (the Pope), the Vatican City State is not the Holy See and its government is a monarchy even though it is sometimes described as ecclesiastical and the highest state functionaries are indeed clergymen. It is the sovereign territory of the Holy See (Latin:Sancta Sedes) and the location of the Apostolic Palace – the Pope's official residence – and the Roman Curia. Thus, although the principal ecclesiastical seat of the Holy See (Basilica of St. John Lateran, which is the pope's cathedral) is located in Rome itself, the Vatican City can be said to be the governmental capital of the Catholic Church.

Vienna is the capital of Austria, and also one of

the nine States of Austria. Vienna is Austria's primate city; with a population of about 1.6 million (2.2 million within the metro area), Vienna is by far the largest city in Austria as well as its cultural, economic and political centre. Vienna lies in the south-eastern corner of Central Europe and is close to the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary.

Vienna is the seat of a number of United Nations offices and various international institutions and companies, including the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). Furthermore, the 1980 Diplomatic Conference was held in Vienna that led to the adoption of the United Nations Convention of Contracts for the International Sale of Goods. Additionally, Vienna is the seat of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law's secretariat

Vilnius is the capital and

largest city of Lithuania, with a population of 553,904 as of December 2005[1]. It is the capital of the Vilnius city municipality and of the Vilnius district municipality. It is also the county seat of Vilnius County.

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Yerevan is the largest city

and capital of Armenia. It is situated on the Hrazdan River, at 40°10′N 44°31′E, and is the administrative, cultural, and industrial center of the country. The history of Yerevan dates back to the 8th century BC, with the founding of the Urartian fortress of Erebuni in 782 BC.

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ZagrebZagreb is the largest and capital is the largest and capital

city of Croatia. Zagreb is city of Croatia. Zagreb is the cultural, scientific, the cultural, scientific, economic, political and economic, political and administrative center of administrative center of the Republic of Croatia the Republic of Croatia with the houses of with the houses of Parliament, President and Parliament, President and Government of the Government of the country. The city's country. The city's population in 2001 was population in 2001 was 779,145 [1]. (1 088 841 in 779,145 [1]. (1 088 841 in the metro area)).[2]. It is the metro area)).[2]. It is situated between the situated between the southern slopes of the southern slopes of the Medvednica mountains Medvednica mountains and the northern bank of and the northern bank of the Sava river at an the Sava river at an elevation of 120m above elevation of 120m above sea level, located at sea level, located at 45°48′N 15°58′E. 45°48′N 15°58′E.

The authors of this presentation are:The authors of this presentation are:

Urszula CiapciakUrszula Ciapciak

Wioletta GajosWioletta Gajos

Agata KrężałekAgata Krężałek

Patrycja MaciejewskaPatrycja Maciejewska

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