Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is a measurement of the total size of a country’s economy. It tracks the total value of goods and services produced within a nation. Bigger countries usually have bigger GDPs. For rich countries, GDP shows global influence and trade power. However,…
In the animal kingdom, being big offers advantages. Larger animals are less vulnerable to predation. They are stronger and can more easily defend themselves. Larger animals have more capacity to store energy in the form of fat and retain body heat. Finally, larger bodies…
The Global Peace Index (GPI) is a measurement of how peaceful a country is across three primary areas: ongoing conflict, societal safety, and militarization. Analysts study crime levels, political stability, incarceration rates, and military spending to produce a numerical score. Lower scores indicate higher levels…
I recently participated in a seven-day, 155-mile (250 km) ultramarathon called the Atacama Crossing (organized by RacingThePlanet). The race took place in the Atacama Desert of Chile, the driest non-polar desert in the world, located between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes…
Doug Hansen was a postal worker and amateur climber from Washington state who died high on Mount Everest during the 1996 disaster. This article discusses who he was and his final expedition. WARNING: This article contains graphic content. Reader discretion is advised….
Where is Aconcagua Located? Aconcagua is located in the Andes Mountains of Argentina, near the border with Chile. It sits within Aconcagua Provincial Park in Mendoza Province. The nearest major city is Mendoza, about 70 miles (113 km) southeast of the mountain….
Yes. Humans belong to the order Primates, a group defined by shared anatomy, genetics, and behavior. This group includes lemurs, monkeys, apes, and us. Within it we sit in the family Hominidae, also called the great apes. Taxonomic Classification & Shared Traits…
Orangutans are the largest arboreal mammals. They are native to the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra in Southeast Asia. They share approximately 97% of their DNA with humans but have much greater strength. Orangutan vs. Human: Size and Strength Comparison Adult orangutans…
Africa has the most named deserts of any continent, containing at least ten distinct deserts. These deserts cover about one third of the continent’s land area and come in many forms. From scorching sand seas to salt flats, they define much of…
The Global Peace Index (GPI) ranks countries by safety using three core areas: ongoing conflict, societal security, and militarization. Analysts consider crime, political instability, violent unrest, and military activity to calculate a peace score. Higher scores mean lower levels of peace. Below…
Equatorial Guinea stands out on the African continent for one unusual reason—Spanish is its official language. It’s the only country in mainland Africa where Spanish is widely used in government, education, and daily life. Where is Equatorial Guinea? Equatorial Guinea is a…
Where Are the Carpathian Mountains? The Carpathian Mountains are located across Central and Eastern Europe. They act as a natural boundary between Central Europe and the Balkans. The shape gives the range a distinct geographic footprint, curving like a horseshoe. How Long…
Size matters. A country’s total area affects how people live, where they settle, what they eat, and how they govern. Some nations are all terrain and no people. Others cram enormous populations into tight spaces, pushing infrastructure and resources to the limit….
Lakes are inland bodies of standing water surrounded by land. They form in natural depressions where water collects and remains. The most common source is glacial activity. When glaciers advance and retreat, they carve out basins that later fill with meltwater. Basins…
A country’s size has a profound impact on its identity, economy, and global role. Smaller territories often develop uniform cultures. Living in shared spaces creates strong, tight-knit communities with similar customs and values. In contrast, larger nations foster regional identities that emerge…
In 1965, researchers found the largest spider ever recorded—a male Goliath birdeater (Theraphosa blondi) with a leg span of 11 inches (28 centimeters). The discovery was made by the Pablo San Martin Expedition that took place in the rainforests of northern South…
