The History of Perfume in this Country is Older Than that of France!

The country in question may lie geographically within Asia, but in reality, it's a member of the European Union. Its culture and politics are deeply intertwined with Europe, and interestingly, it boasts the world's longest national anthem. Yet, what truly sets it apart is its perfume history, which predates even that of France. Can you guess which country this is?

The answer is Cyprus, an island nation located in the eastern Mediterranean, serving as a meeting point between Asia and Europe. While its total land area is 9,251 square kilometers, placing it within Asia geographically, culturally and politically, it aligns more closely with Europe. In 2004, Cyprus became the only EU member state situated in Asia.

The national anthem of Cyprus, titled "Hymn to Liberty," is shared with Greece and was composed during the 1920s amid a local struggle for independence. Notably, the anthem's lyrics are exceptionally lengthy, adapted from a 158-verse poem. However, it's important to clarify that only the first two verses are used as the national anthem, dispelling the misconception that the entire poem is sung.

Furthermore, Cyprus boasts another remarkable distinction: it harbors the world's oldest perfumes. While France may be synonymous with perfume, Cyprus boasts a fragrance legacy even older. Local scientists have successfully recreated perfumes dating back 4,000 years. What are your thoughts on this fascinating country?