INVENTIONS FROM COUNTRIES YOU WOULDN'T EXPECT

0 (INDIA)

Yes, we’re talking about the number 0. Although it existed in

ancient Egypt as a symbol or placeholder, it wasn’t used in

calculations until the Indians got a hold of it.

WORLD WIDE WEB (UK, BELGIUM, SWITZERLAND)

While the internet was the result of research done by the US government

(ARPANET) in the 1960s, the world wide web (what you are using right now)

was actually invented by British and Belgian scientists at CERN, the

European Organization for Nuclear Research.

VELCRO (SWITZERLAND)

Invented in 1948 by Swiss electrical engineer George de Mestral, its

name is a portmanteau of the French words “velours” (velvet), and

“crochet” (hook).

IMAX (CANADA)

Next time you enjoy your favourite movie on an unnecessarily large

screen you can thank the Canadian company IMAX Corporation.

MILITARY BANDS (TURKEY)

While this probably doesn’t impact your life too much, Ottoman

military bands from the 13th century are thought to be the source

of this tradition.

BUTTONS (PAKISTAN)

Ok, since we gave India the “0” we’re going to give Pakistan the button.

Yes, we know it wasn’t a country until 1947 but the Indus Valley Civilization

was there long before the concept of countries even existed. And

they invented buttons. Beat that.

TRANQUILIZER GUN (NEW ZEALAND)

New Zealander Colin Murdoch invented the modern tranquilizer gun

in the 1950s. Disclaimer: we’re not talking about blow darts or ancient

indigenous tranquilization techniques…we’re talking about a

gun…that tranquilizes.

SUBMARINES (IRELAND)

Irish engineer John Philip Holland built the first submarine to be

commissioned by the US Navy and the Royal Navy. He is widely

considered the father of modern submarine designs.

UGG BOOTS (AUSTRALIA)

There are two types of Uggs in the world. There is the original, generic

term used in Australia for sheepskin boots and then there is UGG,

manufactured by Deckers Brands and sold to sorority girls all over

the world. Credit goes to Australia.