Fun facts about Europe

While I've been on hiatus, the world has kept its eyes focused on the slow-motion trainwreck that is Europe. This is essentially rubbernecking writ large, and I have to admit that I'm as hopelessly intrigued as anyone else (even if I am worried about the future financial well-being of the world, and also the potential for political bickering to turn violent).

So, once again, it's time for that old favorite Crimson Cavalier game, "Fun Facts About...". Our first installment of this game covered Greece, and the second round focused on Italy. Now, in our third attempt at "Fun Facts", we cover the entire Eurozone, with a little help from this New York Times infographic.

Did you know that only 28% of working age Portuguese have graduated from high school? Or that Finland has only reported a budget deficit in two of the last 10 years (no wonder they have very little interest in bailing out Italy and Greece)?

The major disparities between these countries underscores the difficulty in coming up with a one-size-fits-all agreement that suits all parties. And lest we in the United States think we're immune from this kind of divisiveness and bickering, I think I'll set to work on a USA version of this map--I think I'll be able to come up with some pretty amazing fun facts for many of our states.

[NY Times]