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Backed by centrist and right-wing parties, Christodoulides was foreign minister until early 2022, He won 52% of the vote over his main rival, leftist-backed Andreas Mavroyiannis in the run-off of the February 2023 presidential election.

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Provides an overview of Cyprus, and key dates and facts about this eastern Mediterranean island.

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Can you name these countries based on their shapes?

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Audio file for the article Cyprus: the birthplace of Beauty

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Audio file for the article Cyprus: the birthplace of Beauty

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It's time to test yourself with these tricky countries quiz questions - see if you really know the countries of the world in this quiz now!

How good are you at your travel trivia? Do you think you can name every country in the world? What about all the small Caribbean and Pacific Islands? If you said yes, then you're ready to take on my super tricky countries quiz questions - I've warned you though, this one is very difficult!

For those of you who don't know me, I absolutely love a pub quiz. I would like to think I'm okay at them, but it's always the travel round that I really get to flex my mental muscles.

What can I say, it comes with the territory of being a travel blogger. I'd say my specialist areas are Europe and Asia - unfortunately I'd say I've got a lot of work to do on Africa!

Whenever I travel to a new destination, I am obsessed with stats and facts. I always want to find out what the population is, what's the national animal, who's the current president. One of the reasons I love travelling so much is you really get to expand your world knowledge and learn all about different cultures. That's why I love travelling so much.

Alternatively, if you want to learning something new, take this quiz! This articles even has a countries of the world picture quiz too which is fun. Hopefully you'll find out something you never knew before.

So, if you love travel quizzes as much as I do, see how many of these countries quiz questions and answers you can get right. And if you fancy hosting your own virtual quiz, then hopefully you can use some of these questions.

Also, if you enjoy this quiz, then make sure you take the Ultimate Travel Quiz here. This is one of my most popular quizzes so see how you can do!
If you're looking for some other fun quizzes to do, then make sure you check out my other site Ultimate Quiz Questions. This site is packed with the world's best quizzes on every topic, so enjoy! And if you need a little inspiration or information, check out my other site Fun Facts About. This website is full of interesting facts that'll blow your mind, so take a look now!
50 World Geography Trivia Questions

1. What country has the longest coastline in the world?

2. By size, what is the smallest country in the world?

3. Which two countries in South America are the Iguazu Falls part of? (1 point for each)

4. Which country has a unicorn as its national animal?

5. What country was known as Ceylon until 1972?

6. Which country is home to the world's tallest building?

7. The Dutch Antilles in the Caribbean are made up of 3 countries - name them (1 point for each)

8. What country is Beirut the capital of?

9. Officially, what is the coldest country in the world?

10. What country is the newest in the world to be recognised by the United Nations?

11. In which country would you find Mt Etna?

12. In which country would you find the currency 'baht'?

13. What African country has the largest population?

14. What country is also the largest island in the world?

15. Which two countries share the longest border in the world? (1 point for each)

16. By size, what is the largest county in the world?

17. Which country in the European Union has the biggest population?

18. What country is Phnom Penh the capital of?

19. Where is Nollywood, the second biggest movie industry in the world in terms of number of films made?

20. In total, there are 11 countries what have 4 letters in their name. How many of these can you name? (1 point for each one!)

21. Officially, what is the hottest country in the world?

22. Which country celebrates the first arrival of British ships to their shores in 1788?

23. Name the two land-locked countries in South America? (1 point for each)

24. The first modern Olympic Games were held in which country?

25. Austria is neighbouring 8 countries in Europe - name them all (1 point for each)

26. Which country has the most islands in the world?

27. Where is the sacred River Ganges?

28. Which country is named after the equator?

29. There are two countries within the borders of South Africa - what are they (1 point for each)

30. Where is the Gobi Desert located?

31. Which country is the highest mountain in the world found?

32. The fictional character Dracula originated from Transylvania in which European country?

33. Where would you find the Bay of Pigs?

34. Which country invented gin?

35. Which 3 countries officially make up Scandinavia? (1 point for each)

Countries quiz: Picture round & flags

So, how many of these around the world quiz questions do you think you got right? Did you find it easy or hard?

Right, it's time for the answers. Fingers crossed you got more than 50%!

Plan your own quiz night

These are a few of my favourite quiz books that I use to plan fun trivia nights with friends:

Countries quiz: Questions and answers

1. What country has the longest coastline in the world? Canada. An easy one to get you going there.

2. By size, what is the smallest country in the world? Vatican City is the smallest country in the world measuring just 0.2 square miles. I've been there and it's tiny!

3. Which two countries in South America are the Iguazu Falls part of? (1 point for each) Argentina and Brazil

4. Which country has a unicorn as its national animal? I love this travel trivia - it's Scotland! It is thought unicorns used to roam the land in Scotland. You can learn all about it here.

5. What country was known as Ceylon until 1972? Sri Lanka became a republic and changed its name from Ceylon in 1972.

6. Which country is home to the world's tallest building? At 830 metres, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai is the tallest building in the world, so the answer is the United Arab Emirates.

7. The Dutch Antilles in the Caribbean are made up of 3 countries - name them (1 point for each) Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao. This is one of those geography quiz questions I always get wrong!

8. What country is Beirut the capital of? Lebanon

9. Officially, what is the coldest country in the world? Russia is the coldest country in the world with temperatures hitting -67.8 °C.

10. What country is the newest in the world to be recognised by the United Nations? South Sudan was accepted into the UN in 2011.

11. In which country would you find Mt Etna? Mt Etna is on Sicily, so the answer is Italy.

12. In which country would you find the currency 'baht'? Thailand

13. What African country has the largest population? Nigeria has a population of 201 million people.

14. What country is also the largest island in the world? Greenland. If you said Australia, you're wrong! Even though it is bigger by size, officially Australia is considered a continent and not an island.

15. Which two countries share the longest border in the world? (1 point for each) - Canada and the USA

16. By size, what is the largest county in the world? Russia is the largest country in the world.

17. Which country in the European Union has the biggest population? Germany has a population of around 83 million people.

18. What country is Phnom Penh the capital of? Cambodia in Southeast Asia.

19. Where is Nollywood, the second biggest movie industry in the world in terms of number of films made? Nigeria! There is a huge film industry there.

20. In total, there are 11 countries what have 4 letters in their name. How many of these can you name? (1 point for each one!) This is by far the hardest one on my countries quiz questions. Right, the answers are: Chad, Cuba, Fiji, Iran, Iraq, Laos, Mali, Niue, Oman, Peru, Togo. 1 point for each!

21. Officially, what is the hottest country in the world? Burkina Faso is the hottest country in the world. The average yearly temperature is 28.25°C. Imagine living there!

22. Which country celebrates the first arrival of British ships to their shores on the 26th January, 1788? Australia does. Australia Day is a celebration of Australia that reflects the nation's diverse people .

23. Name the two land-locked countries in South America? (1 point for each) Bolivia and Paraguay

24. The first modern Olympic Games were held in which country? Greece

25. Austria is neighbouring 8 countries in Europe - name them all (1 point for each) This is another tricky one. They are: Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Liechtenstein, Slovakia, Slovenia and Switzerland

26. Which country has the most islands in the world? According to statistics, Sweden has the most islands in the world with over 221,800. Obviously most of these are pretty small and uninhabited though.

27. Where is the sacred River Ganges? India

28. Which country is named after the equator? It's Ecuador. You'll be kicking yourself if you didn't get that one right. You can also have a point if you put Equatorial Guinea, though technically this country just has the word 'equator' in it as opposed to being directly named after it.

29. There are two countries within the borders of South Africa - what are they? (1 point for each) Lesotho and Eswatini (this was previously called Swaziland). This is another of those world countries quiz questions everyone gets wrong.

30. Where is the Gobi Desert located? Mongolia

31. Which country is the highest mountain in the world found? Mount Everest is found in Nepal.

32. The fictional character Dracula originated from Transylvania in which European country? That would be Romania. You can find out more about it here!

33. Where would you find the Bay of Pigs? The Bay of Pigs is where the Americans attacked in Cuba.

34. Which country invented gin? How many of you said England? It's actually Holland! I bet you didn't know that one!

35. Which 3 countries officially make up Scandinavia? (1 point for each) Denmark, Norway and Sweden.

Countries quiz: Picture round answers
(Name the country = 1 point)

1. Machu Picchu, Peru

2. Sagrada Famalia, Spain

3. Moai (Easter Island Statues), Chile

4. Petra, Jordan

5. Mount Fuji, Japan

Countries quiz: Flag answers
(Flag= 1 point)

1. Malaysia

2. Mexico

3. Chile

4. Brazil

5. Norway

6. Pakistan

7. Barbados

8. South Korea

9. Portugal

10. Kenya

In total there are 75 points up for grabs. The question is, how many did you get? You can let me know in the comments below!

Did you enjoy my countries quiz questions and answers? If so, make sure you share it with your friends and family! Test them and see how they do. I bet you can beat them though!

And don't forget you can take the Ultimate Travel Quiz and test yourself on these tricky USA trivia questions too. If you enjoyed these questions from around the world, then you'll love these quizzes too!

Also, make sure you check out our quizzes about Great Britain and England over on the Great British Bucket List. They're really enjoyable too!

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50+ FUN Countries Quiz Questions and Answers

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It's time to test yourself with these tricky countries quiz questions - see if you really know the countries of the world in this quiz now!

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Cyprus travel guide: all you need to know - Times Travel

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Discover everything you need for a holiday in Cyprus, from the best beaches and archaeological sites to hiking trails and high-end hotels.

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Travel roared back in 2022. The pandemic receded, there was an end to frustrating quarantines and testing, and it finally seemed possible to plan holidays that had been on ice since March 2020. But that roar turned into a whimper when the surge in traveller numbers came as a complete surprise to airlines and airports, who were seriously understaffed; cancellations and chaos followed. Lengthy Passport Office processing delays caused thousands of people to miss their holidays and border control problems at Dover caused tailbacks that jeopardised summer getaways. It's been another turbulent year and thousands of readers have written to me trying to get redress for flight refund nightmares, rip-off car hire, sub-standard hotels and appalling customer service. Don't want to join the aggrieved throng? Here are some pitfalls to avoid in 2023.

1. Think carefully about cross-Channel travel in May

You don't have to be Mystic Meg to predict there's likely to be a repeat of last summer's mayhem in Dover when the EU's heavily delayed entry/exit system (EES) finally comes into force in May. It will mean non-EU travellers have to get photos and fingerprints registered, and these will be submitted in the form of biometric data. It will also register the name, travel documents and date and place of entry and exit (so passports will no longer be stamped). It's almost guaranteed to be a horrifically slow process (Austria is one of several EU states that has already said processing times will be doubled) and could also result in British travellers who have unwittingly breached the 90 days in 180 rule for stays in Europe being denied entry. So if you're planning a spring road trip to see Dutch tulips or the Manet/Degas show in Paris, pencil in April rather than May to swerve the queues. Or keep your fingers crossed that the launch of the new system is pushed back again.

2. Check your insurance policy for Covid cover

Travel restrictions may have eased but Covid hasn't disappeared. If you catch it while you're abroad and you're on a tour or cruise it could spell disaster. Penny Mitchell and Brenda Cowood booked a Danube river cruise and both fell ill; they were then banned from taking the coach back from Austria to the UK with the other passengers and had to take a £400 taxi ride to Vienna and pay for new flights home. If you've booked a package, it's essential to quiz your tour operator about what assistance they would offer if you do catch Covid and to drill down into the detail of your insurance policy to check what will be covered. Remember that insurance providers will usually demand that you present proof of a medically approved test before they'll consider a claim.

3. Avoid car-hire rip-offs

Car-hire prices soared in the spring because supply couldn't match demand (rental companies slashed their fleets during the pandemic then couldn't find new vehicles) but while rates are unlikely to be so crazy in 2023, it's still important to book as early as you possibly can; if the price of your hire does drop closer to your departure date you can always cancel and rebook. Be careful too that you don't give the hire firm any opportunity to refuse your reservation when you reach the desk and then hold on to your money. The grace period for collecting cars is ridiculously short - as little as an hour in some cases - and it's essential to supply flight details so that if your plane is delayed you won't be turned away (and lose your money, as happened to some readers). It's also vital to stick to the length of your contract. It may sound ridiculous but several rental companies, including Hertz, will impose an eye-watering penalty if you return the car early because they insist lower daily rates for longer rentals only apply when customers keep the vehicle for the rental length they signed up for.

4. Ensure your insurance starts the day you buy it

Travel insurance companies make it hard enough to get a payout so don't let them refuse you on a technicality. Too many readers made the mistake of booking holidays and then buying a policy with cover starting shortly before the date of the trip rather than the day of purchase. Barry Wallis did just this and lost more than £2,000 when his wife was injured before the trip, their holiday had to be cancelled and they couldn't make a claim. Remember that although the policy start date for single-trip insurance will be the day you travel, cancellation cover starts the day you buy it, whereas annual multi-trip insurance starts on a day of your choice. This is rarely highlighted when you buy policies online.

5. Know your flight cancellation rights

The swathe of flight cancellations this summer caused great concern and airlines yet again left far too many passengers in the dark about their rights. While you may not be entitled to compensation if your flight is cancelled due to "extraordinary circumstances" (including weather and strikes unrelated to the airline), airlines are required, under the EU's denied boarding regulation, to refund or offer an alternative flight (even on another carrier), preferably on the same day. This rerouting happened far too rarely this summer because seats just weren't available, so passengers were forced to make their own arrangements and then attempt to claim the money back. If you end up in this situation, don't cancel your flight yourself; this will make it easier to claim back the cost of the alternative. If you do cancel, the airline no longer has a duty of care in terms of further expenses. If the airline is slow in issuing a refund (which is supposed to happen within seven days of the flight), try a section 75 claim through your credit card company or threaten to take them to the small claims court, now known as Money Claim Online.

6. Don't rely on a cruise to reach your dream destination

Cruising was finally back this year but a common gripe was that long-awaited, much-postponed trips were ruined because one (or more) of the ports that passengers were so keen to visit was lopped off the itinerary. Anyone expecting a refund discovered that cruise lines have this eventuality covered in their small print, because there are so many reasons that routes have to change, both before and after the ship sails. You might be given cruise credit or a discount on another trip and would get a refund for any excursions you'd booked through the cruise line, but unless you can prove there's been a "significant" change to the itinerary - which would essentially mean a completely different routing or a large percentage of ports missed out - you won't get your money back. Taking out missed port insurance cover is one solution.

7. Ignore the online travel agents and book flights direct

Surely it's no secret by now that booking flights or hotels through an intermediary can easily end in tears. But this was still the most common gripe in the Travel Doctor postbag this year, with so many readers seduced by what appear to be hot deals and then, when things went wrong, discovering that getting a refund was almost impossible. Their main gripe was that online agencies have a business model that seems to rely on customers giving up if they're ignored for long enough. Even if all goes to plan, by the time all the service fees and random extras are added to that oh-so-tempting price, you might as well have booked directly. So make 2023 the year you resolve to use lastminute.com, Opodo and the like for research and to compare prices, but then buy from the supplier. It's worth signing up for airline or hotel-chain newsletters and loyalty schemes too because they're invariably free, you'll get early notice of sales, and you'll qualify for discounted rates and perks.
If you have a gripe, suggestion or question relating to your holidays, please email traveldoctor@thetimes.co.uk Follow Times Travel on Instagram and Twitter

Travel roared back in 2022. The pandemic receded, there was an end to frustrating quarantines and testing, and it finally seemed possible to plan holidays that had been on ice since March 2020. But that roar turned into a whimper when the surge in traveller numbers came as a complete surprise to airlines and airports, who were seriously understaffed; cancellations and chaos followed. Lengthy Passport Office processing delays caused thousands of people to miss their holidays and border control problems at Dover caused tailbacks that jeopardised summer getaways. It's been another turbulent year and thousands of readers have written to me trying to get redress for flight refund nightmares, rip-off car hire, sub-standard hotels and appalling customer service. Don't want to join the aggrieved throng? Here are some pitfalls to avoid in 2023.

1. Think carefully about cross-Channel travel in May

You don't have to be Mystic Meg to predict there's likely to be a repeat of last summer's mayhem in Dover when the EU's heavily delayed entry/exit system (EES) finally comes into force in May. It will mean non-EU travellers have to get photos and fingerprints registered, and these will be submitted in the form of biometric data. It will also register the name, travel documents and date and place of entry and exit (so passports will no longer be stamped). It's almost guaranteed to be a horrifically slow process (Austria is one of several EU states that has already said processing times will be doubled) and could also result in British travellers who have unwittingly breached the 90 days in 180 rule for stays in Europe being denied entry. So if you're planning a spring road trip to see Dutch tulips or the Manet/Degas show in Paris, pencil in April rather than May to swerve the queues. Or keep your fingers crossed that the launch of the new system is pushed back again.

2. Check your insurance policy for Covid cover

Travel restrictions may have eased but Covid hasn't disappeared. If you catch it while you're abroad and you're on a tour or cruise it could spell disaster. Penny Mitchell and Brenda Cowood booked a Danube river cruise and both fell ill; they were then banned from taking the coach back from Austria to the UK with the other passengers and had to take a £400 taxi ride to Vienna and pay for new flights home. If you've booked a package, it's essential to quiz your tour operator about what assistance they would offer if you do catch Covid and to drill down into the detail of your insurance policy to check what will be covered. Remember that insurance providers will usually demand that you present proof of a medically approved test before they'll consider a claim.

3. Avoid car-hire rip-offs

Car-hire prices soared in the spring because supply couldn't match demand (rental companies slashed their fleets during the pandemic then couldn't find new vehicles) but while rates are unlikely to be so crazy in 2023, it's still important to book as early as you possibly can; if the price of your hire does drop closer to your departure date you can always cancel and rebook. Be careful too that you don't give the hire firm any opportunity to refuse your reservation when you reach the desk and then hold on to your money. The grace period for collecting cars is ridiculously short - as little as an hour in some cases - and it's essential to supply flight details so that if your plane is delayed you won't be turned away (and lose your money, as happened to some readers). It's also vital to stick to the length of your contract. It may sound ridiculous but several rental companies, including Hertz, will impose an eye-watering penalty if you return the car early because they insist lower daily rates for longer rentals only apply when customers keep the vehicle for the rental length they signed up for.

4. Ensure your insurance starts the day you buy it

Travel insurance companies make it hard enough to get a payout so don't let them refuse you on a technicality. Too many readers made the mistake of booking holidays and then buying a policy with cover starting shortly before the date of the trip rather than the day of purchase. Barry Wallis did just this and lost more than £2,000 when his wife was injured before the trip, their holiday had to be cancelled and they couldn't make a claim. Remember that although the policy start date for single-trip insurance will be the day you travel, cancellation cover starts the day you buy it, whereas annual multi-trip insurance starts on a day of your choice. This is rarely highlighted when you buy policies online.

5. Know your flight cancellation rights

The swathe of flight cancellations this summer caused great concern and airlines yet again left far too many passengers in the dark about their rights. While you may not be entitled to compensation if your flight is cancelled due to "extraordinary circumstances" (including weather and strikes unrelated to the airline), airlines are required, under the EU's denied boarding regulation, to refund or offer an alternative flight (even on another carrier), preferably on the same day. This rerouting happened far too rarely this summer because seats just weren't available, so passengers were forced to make their own arrangements and then attempt to claim the money back. If you end up in this situation, don't cancel your flight yourself; this will make it easier to claim back the cost of the alternative. If you do cancel, the airline no longer has a duty of care in terms of further expenses. If the airline is slow in issuing a refund (which is supposed to happen within seven days of the flight), try a section 75 claim through your credit card company or threaten to take them to the small claims court, now known as Money Claim Online.

6. Don't rely on a cruise to reach your dream destination

Cruising was finally back this year but a common gripe was that long-awaited, much-postponed trips were ruined because one (or more) of the ports that passengers were so keen to visit was lopped off the itinerary. Anyone expecting a refund discovered that cruise lines have this eventuality covered in their small print, because there are so many reasons that routes have to change, both before and after the ship sails. You might be given cruise credit or a discount on another trip and would get a refund for any excursions you'd booked through the cruise line, but unless you can prove there's been a "significant" change to the itinerary - which would essentially mean a completely different routing or a large percentage of ports missed out - you won't get your money back. Taking out missed port insurance cover is one solution.

7. Ignore the online travel agents and book flights direct

Surely it's no secret by now that booking flights or hotels through an intermediary can easily end in tears. But this was still the most common gripe in the Travel Doctor postbag this year, with so many readers seduced by what appear to be hot deals and then, when things went wrong, discovering that getting a refund was almost impossible. Their main gripe was that online agencies have a business model that seems to rely on customers giving up if they're ignored for long enough. Even if all goes to plan, by the time all the service fees and random extras are added to that oh-so-tempting price, you might as well have booked directly. So make 2023 the year you resolve to use lastminute.com, Opodo and the like for research and to compare prices, but then buy from the supplier. It's worth signing up for airline or hotel-chain newsletters and loyalty schemes too because they're invariably free, you'll get early notice of sales, and you'll qualify for discounted rates and perks.
If you have a gripe, suggestion or question relating to your holidays, please email traveldoctor@thetimes.co.uk Follow Times Travel on Instagram and Twitter

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Seven of the most common travel mistakes to avoid in 2023

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From cancelled flights to car-hire chaos, Julia Brookes navigates the most common pitfalls

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Travel blog

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Here's why you should consider visiting Romania

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Explore the Saxon splendour of Transylvania, admire Bran Castle, or take it easy in rural Maramureş. Here's our guide to the best things to do in Romania.

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Clare
Posted on 31 May 2019

Scotland's national animal is not a conventional choice. In fact it's entirely fictional, yet incredibly popular - it's the unicorn. Traditionally, national animals are representations of the spirit of a country, and Scotland is no different. America has the eagle, a symbol of freedom. England has the lion, an illustration of strength. And Italy has the wolf, an emblem of pack-like solidarity. So why is Scotland's national animal the unicorn? You may associate unicorns with sparkly children's parties and rainbow backpacks. But the unicorn has been around for a very long time. They were once revered above any other animal, especially in Scottish history.

Read through our guide to discover the answers to some of your burning questions. You can even find out where you can see unicorns on a Rabbie's tour.

Why Did Scotland Choose the Unicorn as its National Animal?

Scotland chose the unicorn as its national animal as they're associated with purity, strength and power. Pretty admirable qualities, don't you think?

They're also proud and untamable - two words many people would use to describe Scots throughout history.

Since the 15th century, many monarchs of Scotland have used the unicorn in their coat of arms. Kings favoured the mythical beast because they considered it to be the best representation of power.

In fact, unicorns were believed to be so strong that only Kings and virgin maidens could keep them captive. Kings were able to do this due to their divine right to rule. Virgins were considered as pure and innocent as the unicorns themselves.

What's the Significance of the Scottish National Animal in the British Coat of Arms?

The British coat of arms depicts a unicorn and a lion flanking a shield. The lion is the national animal of England, and the unicorn represents Scotland's national animal; both of which are part of the British empire. It's said that the lion is the unicorn's arch-nemesis. Moreover, the unicorn is undefeatable.

Did Scotland coincidently choose one of the only animals able to defeat England's national animal? Considering the centuries-old feuding between the two countries, we think not.

Did Unicorns Ever Exist?

No one has proven the existence of the Scottish national animal. But recent fossil discoveries may indicate that a form of unicorn may have lived hundreds of thousands of years ago. However, they were not the pearly white horses with wings and horns that you may be used to imagining.

Popular beliefs, among the general public in a time gone by, was perpetuated by rhinoceros and narwhal horns showing up in strange places. People were better with their imagination than scientific inquiry back then. But this was enough to convince them that these horned beasts roamed the land.

We still think if you were to ask any of your nieces or nephews, their answer to 'did unicorns ever exist?' would be a firm 'yes!'

How Long Have People Believed in Unicorns?

The Scottish national animal has awed people for over 3,000 years. In today's society, there's continued enjoyment and popularity with no sign of the mythical creature falling out of favour. In fact, the unicorn has been mentioned in two of the world's oldest and most prominent religious books: The Bible and the Quran. For a while, the unicorn was even used as a symbol for Jesus Christ.

When's National Unicorn Day?

Yes, National Unicorn Day is a thing - it's celebrated on 9th April in a variety of ways.
While many people are happy to simply don their favourite sparkly horned headband, Scotland has been known to take a more reverent approach. It's their national animal after all. On Unicorn Day in 2017, artist Woody Fox created a seven-foot sculpture of a unicorn made from willow for Crawick Multiverse in Dumfries and Galloway.

But don't worry, there's still an element of whimsy to the day. In 2019, the folk at Stirling Castle even tracked down a unicorn for the children to pet. This made the day extra special and reaffirmed the strength of having this magical creature as the national animal of Scotland.

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Where Can I Find Unicorns in Scotland?

Finding Scotland's national animal may be easier than you think. To get an up-close view of the unicorn in all its glory, you may want to consider visiting the following locations:

- Stirling Castle, Stirling - Statues, tapestries and coats of arms throughout the castle
- Delgatie Castle, Aberdeenshire - Statues flanking the entrance
- The Stables at Cromarty on The Black Isle - A life-sized model unicorn can be found within the stables of this Highland peninsula.
- St Andrews University, St Andrews - Stonemasonry flanking doorways
- Springburn Park, Glasgow - The Doulton Unicorn pillar
- Shilling Brewing Co, Glasgow - There is a unicorn mural
- 62 Union Row, Aberdeen - There is a Bordalo II Unicorn mural
- Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh - On the gates outside of Holyrood

It's also rumoured that the notorious Duke of Wellington Statue in Glasgow, often spotted with a single traffic cone on its head, is sometimes adorned with a second traffic cone to transform his humble horse into Scotland's national animal.

Can I See the Scottish National Animal on a Rabbie's tour?

Yes, you can see statues of Scotland's national animal, the unicorn, on several of our 1 day tours from Edinburgh, where we explore charming villages such as Jedburgh, Melrose and Falkland. You may also notice that the Mercat Cross in many Scottish villages and cities depicts a regal unicorn, which you may spot on a tour too.

Scotland's castles also liberally use the unicorn in stonemasonry, tapestries and furniture. It's splashed about so often in Stirling Castle, it's hard to walk ten paces without spotting the Scottish national animal. Embark on our 1-day tour to Loch Lomond National Park, Kelpies and Stirling Castle and you can enter the royal palace to view the beautiful tapestry inspired by the Mystic Hunt of the Unicorn.

What's the HMS Unicorn?

The HMS Unicorn is a ship which resides in the Port of Dundee, on the east coast of Scotland. It was launched in 1824 and is one of the six oldest ships in existence in the world. What makes this ship magical? The majestic unicorn figurehead at its prow, of course! It's a symbol of the Scots' navy. Since then many Scottish naval ships have used the same name over the years.

What're the Alleged Healing Capabilities of the Unicorn Horn?

The unicorn's horn, also known as an alicorn, was believed to have many healing properties. This was particularly true in the 17th century. Many apothecaries would claim to stock powdered unicorn horn (which was usually walrus ivory or rhino horn). Recipes that included the Scottish national animal's horns were said to cure a range of illnesses such as boils and the plague. Only the wealthy could afford alicorn; as unicorns were so 'rare,' even a pinch of its powder was incredibly expensive to purchase.

Is There a Unicorn Theme Park?

Yes, there is a unicorn theme park. It's located in the Philippines.

Unicorns tend to inspire unbridled enthusiasm and even slightly obsessive adoration... to the point where unicorn fans in the Philippines dedicated an entire coastal theme park to these beautiful beasts. Inflatable Island in Subic features its very own unicornzilla; a massive inflatable unicorn which carries 20 people. So if you're after magic and sunshine, it's a pretty sweet deal.

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What's the Difference Between a Unicorn and a Kelpie?

The unicorn and the kelpie are integral to Scottish folklore. They both are horse-like, with subtle differences. A unicorn is land-based with a single horn upon its head. A kelpie is an evil water spirit which haunts Scotland's lochs. While it usually takes on the shape of a horse, the kelpie can also pose as a human.

The best place to see kelpies is in Falkirk, where Andy Scott's giant metal sculptures meet Scotland's dramatic skyline. The Rabbie's 1-day tour to Loch Lomond National Park, Kelpies and Stirling Castle (departing from Edinburgh) stops in at this incredible monument.

Where are the Most Instagrammable Unicorns in Edinburgh?

The most instagrammable locations in Edinburgh to spot the Scottish national animal include:

- The Thistle Chapel, St Giles Cathedral.

- Mercat Cross, Edinburgh Old Town.

- Above the fireplace in the royal palace at Edinburgh Castle.

- Holyrood Palace Gates & the entrance to the Queen's Gallery.

- Mason's Pillars, The Meadows.

- Mural on the corner of Leith Walk and Albert Street.

If you're more of a foodie instagrammer, head to Cuckoo's Bakery or Bibi's Bakery in Edinburgh. Both amazing bakeries sometimes have colourful window displays of unicorn cakes and cupcakes - yum!

Connecting Scotland's National Animal With Wider Scottish Tours

Are you an Fan? Both our Outlander 1-day and 4-day tours stop at an abundance of sites featuring Scotland's national animal. At Linlithgow Palace you'll find the unicorn woven into the ornate, ancient fountain in the central courtyard. In the quaint villages of Falkland and Culross you can pose with the iconic unicorn statue in the centre of both towns.

Want to know more about other iconic animals? Highland Cows are both adorable and incredibly hardy. But how do they see through all that hair? Find out more with our handy guide.. You can also stay in the know with all things Scotland, our new tours and departure destinations by signing up to our newsletter. What are you waiting for?
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The Unicorn: Everything You Need to Know About Scotland's National Animal

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Unicorns are a centuries old legend which have been passed down for generations. Learn why they are the national animal of Scotland & more with our guide.

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