UNESCO designates cultural or natural sites as World Heritage Sites, which are deemed irreplaceable and threatened. These sites face threats from modernization, globalization, and warfare. UNESCO provides funding and expertise to help countries protect and maintain these sites. World Heritage Sites are divided into cultural and natural heritage categories, and funding for UNESCO programs comes […]
The term “Third World” was coined by French demographer Alfred Sauvy in 1952 to describe nations that did not fit into the “West” or “Soviet Bloc.” While it originally referred to social classes, it has come to be associated with economically less developed nations. Some prefer the term “developing nations” to avoid colonialist connotations. The […]
Waterfalls are sudden cascades of water from a height, found on every continent except Antarctica. Norway has the most of the top 15 and 30 largest waterfalls, while Angel Falls in Venezuela is the largest in the world. The largest waterfalls on each continent are listed, with Hawaii having the tallest in the US. A […]
Determining the length of a river can be difficult due to river systems and tributaries. The Nile is the longest river passing through ten countries, while the Amazon carries the most water. Australia’s longest river, the Murray, is in the top 20 when combined with other rivers. Only one of the top 20 longest rivers […]
The Standard Catalog of World Paper Money is a three-volume guide to paper banknotes, organized alphabetically by country of origin and containing photographs, identification codes, and valuation information. It was originally compiled by Alfred Pick and is commonly used by collectors. A CD-ROM version is also available. The Standard Catalog of World Paper Money is […]
The term “New World Order” can refer to global cooperation or a centralized and oppressive government. Some believe it is a conspiracy for a one-world government, with symbols on US currency and organizations like the UN and WTO as evidence. Theories about who is behind it vary, but some see it as a solution to […]
The term “free world” originated during the Cold War to distinguish democracies from communist countries. The US president became known as the “leader of the free world” due to their role in fighting communism. The term is disputed by some countries and concerns have been raised about the use of the word “free”. The term […]
Alexander the Great relied on the linothorax, a laminated linen armor, for protection during his military campaigns. Research shows it was effective against arrows and offered more maneuverability than metal armor. Alexander won battles through speed and surprise, but died at 32 from an unknown illness. He named many cities after himself and one after […]
Rwanda has the highest proportion of female representatives at 56%, with a legal requirement for 30% of its House of Representatives to be women. Some countries have gender-based laws or voluntary quotas, while others have no female legislators. Women hold about 20% of seats in parliaments and legislatures worldwide. Rwanda has the highest proportion of […]
During the 1985 Geneva summit, US President Reagan asked Soviet Premier Gorbachev if the Soviet Union would help the US if it was attacked by aliens. Gorbachev replied that they would. The conversation was kept secret until a 2009 interview with Gorbachev, George P. Shultz, and Charlie Rose. Reagan often cited the hypothetical threat of […]
Singapore Changi Airport is consistently rated the best airport in the world, with five gardens and six rest areas. It is also child-friendly. Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta is the busiest, while Munich Airport in Germany has Europe’s largest covered beer garden. Singapore Changi Airport is often rated the best airport in the world, according […]
Bakken, located in Denmark, is the oldest amusement park in the world, dating back to 1583. Originally a place for artists and entrepreneurs to exhibit and sell their goods, it now boasts 32 traditional rides and over 2.5 million visitors annually. The park’s name, Dyrehavsbakken, translates to “the hill of the deer pasture”, and it […]
Singapore now has the world’s most powerful passport, according to Arton Capital’s Passport Index, with its 3.4 million holders able to visit 159 countries without a visa or with a visa on arrival. Other Asian countries in the top 20 include South Korea, Japan and Malaysia. Western European countries, which used to offer maximum mobility, […]
The world’s largest roller coaster is a subject of debate among enthusiasts and experts, with criteria such as height and track length determining the title. Kingda Ka and Steel Dragon 2000 are contenders for the title, while The Beast and Son of Beast hold records for wooden coasters. New technology may end the reign of […]
Walt Disney’s creativity established a cartoon dynasty and led to the development of Disneyland in California. He later built Disney World in Florida to solve problems with the original park’s design. The two parks share a vision of providing an escape from reality, but Disney World is much larger and has more distinct sections and […]
The fastest roller coasters are split into two categories: wood and steel. The fastest wooden coaster is Son of Beast in Ohio, reaching 78 mph, while the fastest steel coaster is Kingda Ka in New Jersey, reaching 128 mph. Kingda Ka may soon be surpassed by Ring Racer in Germany, with a planned top speed […]
Disney World, located in Florida, is one of many Disney theme parks worldwide. Walt Disney’s dream was to create a live-action adventure where people could forget their worries and feel like they were inside a cartoon. The park is designed to keep the outside world out, with employees called “cast members” and no signs of […]
Roller coasters have a long history, dating back to 15th century Russia. The French coined the term “roller coaster” and introduced wheels to the tracks. The oldest roller coaster still in operation is the Leap-the-Dips in Pennsylvania, built in 1902. It is a figure-of-eight “side drag” coaster and was restored in 1997. Roller coasters have […]
Travelers can explore the world by water, land, or air. Cruise ships offer vacation or world cruises, while cargo cruises are more informal. Trains offer comfortable accommodations and rail passes for hopping on and off. Air travel can be expensive, but worldwide tickets are available. Accommodations include hotels, hostels, and unconventional options like convents or […]
Son Doong Cave on the Laos-Vietnam border has the largest chamber, while Mammoth Cave System in Kentucky is the longest cave. Krubera-Voronja Cave in Georgia is the deepest cave. The winners for the world’s largest caves can be based on several conceptions. If the biggest caves are the ones with the biggest chambers, then there’s […]
