Russia Is Larger Than Pluto
Yes, you read that right! Russia is so vast that its land area is larger than the entire surface of Pluto. Russia spans over 17 million square kilometers, while Pluto’s surface area is around 16.6 million square kilometers. Talk about a massive country!
There’s a Town in Norway Where the Sun Never Sets
In Tromsø, Norway, the sun doesn’t set for about two months during the summer. From May 20 to July 20, the city experiences the Midnight Sun, where the sun stays visible 24 hours a day!
Canada Has the Longest Coastline in the World
Canada’s coastline stretches for over 202,000 kilometers, making it the longest coastline of any country. That’s almost half the distance around the Earth! So, Canada is a literal coastline paradise.
The Dead Sea Is Shrinking
The famous Dead Sea, which is one of the saltiest bodies of water on Earth, is shrinking at an alarming rate. The water level is dropping by about 1 meter (3 feet) per year due to water diversion from the Jordan River and mineral extraction. This could make the Dead Sea disappear within the next few decades if trends continue.
There’s a Country That Is Literally Made of Islands
The Maldives consists of more than 1,000 islands, but what’s even crazier is that it's so low-lying that 99% of the country is just 1 meter above sea level. The Maldives is at risk of disappearing due to rising sea levels caused by climate change.
Africa Is the Only Continent That’s in All Four Hemispheres
Unlike any other continent, Africa is unique because it lies in all four hemispheres: Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western. It’s a geographical wonder that makes the continent incredibly diverse!
Greenland Isn't as Green as You Think:
Greenland is mostly covered in ice, despite its name. About 80% of the island is covered in glaciers. The name “Greenland” was given by the Viking explorer Erik the Red as a marketing ploy to attract settlers!
The Largest Desert on Earth Isn’t the Sahara
Most people think of the Sahara Desert as the world’s largest, but it's actually the Antarctic Desert that takes the crown. While the Sahara is massive, the Antarctic Desert is technically larger because it includes the entire frozen continent.
Vatican City Is the Smallest Country in the World:
The Vatican City, an independent city-state located entirely within Rome, Italy, is the smallest country in the world, covering just 44 hectares (110 acres). That’s about the size of 57 football fields.