In the wake of the Industrial Revolution, rapidly growing cities faced a newfound problem. Their streets — built wide enough for modest horse and carriage traffic — were now jammed to a standstill with public buses and private carts, trolleys and streetcars, delivery carts, pedestrians, and eventually automobiles. So, tunnels were dug beneath the streets — and subways were born. Wondering which cities were the first to build subways? The following 10 cities are home to the world’s oldest metro systems.

10. New York, New York

Year opened: 1904

Service on the New York City subway began on October 27, 1904. Back then, the city’s subways were privately owned and constructed, and companies raced to dominate the emerging market. The independent lines eventually linked to one another so passengers could transfer between them, and the city finally stepped forward and unified the system in the 1940s. But there remains one lingering difference between the systems: The tunnels and trains that run on the IRT lines (which are the numbered subway lines today) are narrower than those of the rest of the system (the lettered lines).

Today, there are 36 subway lines criss-crossing the Big Apple. They run on 248 miles of track and provide transportation for more than 4 million people each day, making it the largest transit system in North America.

9. Athens, Greece

Year opened: 1904

While Athens’ original metro line dates to 1869, the underground tracks were originally laid for conventional steam locomotive service. The tracks were electrified in September 1904, from which time it was considered a rapid transit system.

As crews continue to dig additional tunnels to modernize and augment the Athens subway system, their shovels strike more here than they do elsewhere — like second-century Roman baths, Byzantine mosaics, ancient obsidian knife blades, burial sites, and massive stone-carved storage urns. The authorities have accepted that the tunneling process takes longer in Athens, so they plan around the antiquities: For a 1992 dig, teams of archaeologists started months before construction crews and then labored alongside the workers, cataloging artifacts as they were unearthed.

8. Berlin, Germany

Year opened: 1902

In the late 1800s, Berlin undertook the construction of a two-pronged mass transit system: an elevated electric train, the Hochbahn, and an underground electric train, the Untergrundbahn (shortened to U-Bahn). The terminal station of the oldest section of the U-Bahn, Warschauer Brücke on the northern side of the Spree River, was closed from 1961 to 1995 because it was beyond the Berlin Wall in East Germany. It was renovated and reopened to passengers in 1995 as the Warschauer Strasse station. The station now also serves as the starting point for the Berlin Wall Trail. The modern U-Bahn carries 530 million passengers each year through its 173 stations.

7. Paris, France

Year opened: 1900

The dawn of the 20th century in Paris brought a chain of exciting events: the Summer Olympics (the first in which women competed and the first held outside of Greece); a world’s fair called the Exposition Universelle, where inventions like the X-ray and the diesel engine were unveiled; and an upgrade to the Eiffel Tower with electric lights. Another auspicious event was the 1900 opening of the first portion of the city’s Metro, between Porte Maillot and Porte de Vincennes.

The extensive and reliable subway system now stretches 140 miles, with upwards of 1.5 billion passengers each year. Eighty-six of the station entrances are still adorned by the curvy Art Nouveau-style cupolas introduced in 1900 and emblazoned with the word “Métropolitain.”

6. Boston, Massachusetts

Year opened: 1897

North America finally got its first subway in 1897. Sure, Chicagoans had been riding the “L” for a few years prior, but the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority decided to excavate a tunnel to divert electric streetcars underground, allowing them to pass under a congested stretch of Tremont Street.

While the tunnel was being dug, workers uncovered the graves of 90 people, who had been buried in a section of the Central Burying Ground that had been blithely paved over by a road project in 1836. The bodies were reinterred in the cemetery, and digging continued. The original four-track tunnel segment on Tremont Street, now registered as a National Historic Landmark, is still one of the busiest sections of the system, which is called the “T.”

5. Glasgow, Scotland

Year opened: 1896

The Glasgow subway system is nicknamed the “Clockwork Orange” (after Anthony Burgess’ 1962 novel) for its vividly painted railstock and single, circular loop under the city. The system’s sole line stretches just 6.5 miles long, but it is intersected by several above-ground commuter rail lines. The 11-station subway opened on December 14, 1896, initially as a steam-powered, cable-hauled system, before electrification in the 1930s. The system, which serves a relatively small area of Glasgow, has been the subject of debate over the years, as several expansions have been proposed but have never materialized.

4. Budapest, Hungary

Year opened: 1896

The Budapest metro system, which opened in May 1896, is notable for being only 8.8 feet beneath the street. The subway, the oldest electrified system in Europe, was first constructed as part of the city’s millennial celebration. That original 2.3-mile section, Line 1, is still in use today. Building the shallow tunnel was done relatively quickly over 21 months by digging a trench down the street, then bricking up the open channel and paving back over the top.

The Budapest metro has expanded several times over its history, including a project undertaken on Line 2 during the 1950s, which includes a Cold War-era secret bunker with a tunnel leading to the Hungarian Parliament Building.

3. Chicago, Illinois

Year opened: 1892

Unlike the mostly underground trains on this list, the modern public transit system adopted in Chicago was originally a train line running along elevated tracks, which were cheaper and easier to build without disruption. Though it now includes underground portions, the “L” (short for “elevated”) took its first run in June 1892: a ​​steam-powered, 3.6-mile trip along today’s Green Line between 39th Street and Congress Street stations.

Rapid modernization of the city — thanks in part to the successful 1893 Columbian World’s Exposition — led to expansion of the elevated tracks and a project to convert the entire system from steam to electric third-rail power (an invention introduced at the fair). The current “L” system, which still runs on third-rail technology both on elevated tracks and underground, is 224 miles long and carries an average of more than 420,000 passengers per day.

2. Istanbul, Turkey

Year opened: 1875

The world’s second-oldest metro was built as part of Istanbul’s wide-reaching public transportation network, which also included ferries and above-ground trams. The first section of the subway, known as the Tünel, was proposed to the Ottoman government by a visiting French engineer named Eugène-Henri Gavand. He suggested that a tunnel be cut beneath the steep slope between Galata, at the Bosphorus River, and the Beyoğlu district.

That tunnel is a narrow, 1,820-foot long tube containing two sets of tracks. Originally, two wooden two-car trains operated in opposition in the tunnel, one coming and the other going at the same time. The trains were powered by a stationary steam engine that moved them via a single continuous belt, so that the acceleration of the downhill train counterbalanced the effort of the train climbing the hill. The engine was changed over to electricity in 1971, and the Tünel is still in use today.

1. London, England

Year opened: 1863

Today, up to 5 million passengers use the London Underground (affectionately known as “the Tube”) each day, but the system was originally intended as a way to move goods and livestock as much as to transport humans. January 1863 marked the opening of the six original stations that make up the stretch of the Metropolitan line, from Paddington to Farringdon Street.

Additional lines, dug deeper below the surface, didn’t open until after the turn of the 20th century, when the reliability of electric trains and elevators adequately reassured investors to fund the project. The original 1863 stations and tunnels are still in use today, a small but busy part of the 250-mile, 272-station system.

While many of us may know Japan as the “Land of the Rising Sun,” the story behind that nickname is less often discussed. But it’s not just Japan that can claim a fascinating nickname — from the “Land of Poets” to the “Rainbow Nation,” countries all around the world are known by playful monikers that tie into centuries of history, geography, and culture. Here are the backstories behind 12 interesting country nicknames.

Monaco – “The Billionaire’s Playground”

Monaco is the world’s second-smallest country by area, covering a total land area of just over 0.77 square miles. But despite its small size, the country attracts individuals with big pockets. Nicknamed the “Billionaire’s Playground,” Monaco is home to roughly 40,000 residents. Of those people, over 27,000 have a net worth in excess of $1 million USD, according to a 2022 report, and 208 of them have a worth in excess of $30 million. While there are technically only three billionaires living in Monaco, it is still the country with the highest number of billionaires per capita.

Part of Monaco’s wealthy reputation comes from its thriving casino industry, which has operated since the 1860s. Perhaps no casino is more famous than the Monte Carlo Casino, which opened in 1865. Interestingly, Monegasque citizens are actually prohibited from gambling at local casinos, but in exchange, they’re not required to pay any income tax. Monaco is also home to the world’s most expensive real estate — according to a 2023 Knight Frank Wealth Report, $1 million USD only gets you an average of 183 square feet of living space.

Finland – “Land of a Thousand Lakes”

Minnesota may be known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” but across the Atlantic, Finland has earned a similar distinction. The nickname “Land of a Thousand Lakes” is actually selling Finland short, as there are around 187,000 lakes in the country, responsible for around 10% of the country’s total area. These lakes likely formed about 10,000 years ago due to glacial melt throughout the region.

The largest lake in Finland is Lake Saimaa, with an area of 443 square miles. This size also makes it the fourth-largest freshwater lake on the European continent. It’s part of the larger region of Saimaa, often known as the Finnish lake district, made up of 120 lakes and totaling an area of 1,690 square miles. Local salmon call the lakes home, as does an endangered species of ringed seal. The lakes are also used by the Finnish people as essential transportation routes, and several large hydroelectric stations provide power to the whole country.

Japan – “Land of the Rising Sun”

The nickname “Land of the Rising Sun” primarily refers to Japan’s geographic location, as it’s among the first countries to see sunlight on any given day. Prior to the seventh century, Japan was known as Wa, a name that, when written, implied “insignificance” in nearby China. In an effort to send a message to Chinese rulers during the seventh century, Japan adopted the new name Nippon, a word that translates to “the sun’s origin” in Japanese. 

Japan’s association with the sun only grew throughout the following centuries. When Marco Polo visited China in the 13th century, Chinese locals informed Polo of a land called Ji-pang — meaning “sun’s origin” in regional dialect — located to the east in the direction that the sun rose. These terms were westernized in the years that followed, ultimately resulting in Japan’s “Land of the Rising Sun” nickname that we know today. Japan’s national flag even features a depiction of the sun.

South Africa – “Rainbow Nation”

Archbishop Desmond Tutu first used the term “Rainbow Nation” to describe South Africa in 1994. It was in that same year that the country held its first multiracial national elections, resulting in the presidency of anti-apartheid candidate Nelson Mandela. While apartheid-era South Africa was deeply segregated, Tutu coined “Rainbow Nation” to describe his future vision for the country as a whole — he hoped that people of all ethnicities would thrive together and work to support one another’s best interests in the post-apartheid era. 

Upon taking office, Mandela embraced the “Rainbow Nation” nickname, stating in his inaugural address, “We enter into a covenant that we shall build the society in which all South Africans, both black and white, will be able to walk tall, without any fear in their hearts, assured of their inalienable right to human dignity — a rainbow nation at peace with itself and the world.” This hopeful nickname persists today as a call for racial unity not just in South Africa, but around the globe.

Singapore – “Lion City”

Singapore’s nickname is derived from the Malay words singa pura, which translate to “lion city.” It dates to an ancient legend in which Prince Sang Nila Utama landed on the shores of what is now Singapore in 1299. The prince thought he saw a lion when he arrived, so he decided to name his new kingdom Singapura.

The lion’s head was proclaimed an official national symbol of this city-state in 1986 to represent leading principles of Singapore: courage, excellence, and strength. The mythical “merlion” — with the head of a lion and the body of a fish — is also considered to be the national mascot of Singapore. A merlion statue was unveiled in the city in 1972 along the Singapore River.

Chile – “Land of Poets”

Despite its comparatively small population of around 19.5 million residents, around half that of California alone, Chile has produced a disproportionately large number of legendary poets. In fact, two such individuals won the Nobel Prize for Literature: Gabriela Mistral in 1945 and Pablo Neruda in 1971. Mistral — the first Latin American to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature — was known for her inspiring poetry collections including Desolación (“Despair”) and Ternura (“Tenderness”), while Neruda earned the Nobel Prize “for a poetry that with the action of an elemental force brings alive a continent’s destiny and dreams.” 

However, it’s not just Nobel laureates who make up Chile’s rich poetry tradition — individuals such as Nicanor Parra perfected the literary art form as well, solidifying this South American nation as the true “Land of Poets.”

Ireland – “Emerald Isle”

As you might expect, Ireland’s “Emerald Isle” nickname refers to the lush green landscape that the island nation is known for. The moniker was coined in a 1795 poem by William Drennan titled “When Erin First Rose,” in which Ireland was referred to as “the em’rald of Europe.” Drennan also wrote, “Let no feeling of vengeance presume to defile / The cause of, or men of, the Emerald Isle,” thus forever immortalizing the nickname in conjunction with Ireland.

It wasn’t always the case, however, that Ireland was associated with the color emerald or green. In fact, Ireland was originally more closely intertwined with shades of blue. This correlation dates to the time of St. Patrick, who is considered the patron saint of the island. Early depictions of St. Patrick from a 13th-century French manuscript show him clad in a blue robe. In 1541, King Henry VIII declared himself to be king of Ireland and presented the Irish Kingdom with a new coat of arms featuring a dark blue background. And, in 1783, King George III established the Order of St. Patrick in Ireland, whose members wore blue outfits. It was only during the Irish Rebellion of 1798 that the Irish adopted the color green as a symbol of national pride, replacing the blue emblems that had been imposed on the country by the British.

Iceland – “Land of Fire and Ice”

The story behind Iceland’s nickname is tied to the unique geological terrain of this Nordic nation. Iceland is known as the “Land of Fire and Ice” due to its combination of violent volcanoes and glistening glaciers that can be found throughout the country. This reputation as a meeting point of fire and ice dates back to when Iceland was first explored, as early 16th-century maps included elements such as polar bears floating on icebergs depicted alongside erupting fires elsewhere. 

Today, around 269 glaciers cover approximately 11% of Iceland. Those glaciers are accompanied by over 100 Icelandic volcanoes, many of which are still active. All told, the Icelandic terrain exemplifies the extremes of hot and cold, making its “Land of Fire and Ice” nickname extremely appropriate.

Comoros – “Perfume Isles”

Comoros, located off the coast of Mozambique in East Africa, is an archipelagic nation made of four islands. When visiting, you’ll probably notice a delightful scent emanating through the air, earning Comoros the nickname “the Perfume Isles.” These welcoming odors are due to the abundance of flowers on the islands.

One of the most prominent flowers grown in Comoros is the ylang ylang flower. The scent of this flower is so highly regarded that it’s become an important ingredient in the Chanel No. 5 perfume. Comoros is also the second-largest producer of vanilla in the world, after nearby Madagascar. So, home bakers can likely Comoros for the delicious smell wafting through their kitchens, too.

Afghanistan – “Graveyard of Empires”

The nickname “Graveyard of Empires” refers to the historic difficulty that many nations have endured in attempting to conquer the area that makes up modern-day Afghanistan. While the historic region was successfully conquered by powerful rulers such as the Mongol Empire, many others have struggled to lay siege to Afghanistan. Great empires such as the Mughals came up short against the local Safavids in the 17th century, and even the British failed in their attempt to conquer Afghanistan during the First Anglo-Afghan War in 1842. 

From 1979 to 1988, the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan proved to be a disastrous waste of resources for the U.S.S.R., with some claiming that the failed war contributed to the Soviet Union’s downfall shortly thereafter. Even the United States struggled to achieve their diplomatic goals in their 21st-century occupation of Afghanistan, as the “Graveyard of Empires” nickname remains relevant in modern times.

Bhutan – “Land of the Thunder Dragon”

“Land of the Thunder Dragon” sounds like a mythical place from Game of Thrones, but it’s also the very real nickname of Bhutan. One of the world’s highest countries, Bhutan is situated in the Himalayas mountain range, north of eastern India. For years, Bhutan remained isolated, before opening itself up to tourism in the 1970s. Locals refer to the country as “Druk Yul,” which is Bhutanese for “Land of the Thunder Dragon.”

There are several aspects of Bhutanese culture that contribute to this nickname. First, the region is known for its powerful thunderstorms, which legend once said to be fire coming from a dragon. The “Druk,” or dragon, is also an important figure in Bhutanese mythology, and is now regarded as a national symbol and the focal point of Bhutan’s national flag.

Malta – “Land of Honey”

The Mediterranean is known for its indulgent and desirable food products, and Malta is no exception. This tiny island nation is heralded for its rich history of beekeeping, which dates back to the time of the ancient Greeks. The region was referred to in Greek as Melitē, a term translating to “honey sweet.” 

As sea levels rose and segmented Malta from nearby Sicily, this “Land of Honey” became home to an endemic species of honey bee known as Apis mellifera ruttneri. These Maltese honey bees produced incredibly pure and delicious honey, though their population was decimated in 1992, thus necessitating the importation of non-Maltese bees. However, the Maltese honey bee remains the dominant bee species found on the island of Malta — and so the “Land of Honey” nickname remains relevant as ever.