Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is a key measure of economic health. It tracks the total value of goods and services produced within a nation. GDP captures the scale of production, investment in infrastructure, and consumer spending habits. Because it is tracked using…
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…
If you’ve ever seen photos of climbers on glaciers or high ridges, you’ve probably noticed the rope. They’re often tied to each other, spaced out across the terrain. To many, this might look strange—even dangerous. So why do mountaineers tie themselves together?…
Why Do Spiders Have Venom? Venom is a biological weapon designed for hunting, defense, and survival. In spiders, its primary purpose is to help kill or paralyze prey. Spiders produce venom in specialized glands located in the spider’s cephalothorax, just behind the…
Chantal Mauduit was a French mountaineer who climbed many of the world’s highest peaks without supplemental oxygen. She was known for her bold solo ascents and her tragic death on Dhaulagiri in 1998. This article explores who she was, what made her…
Mount Kilimanjaro and the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu are two of the most famous hikes in the world. They comprise bucket list treks for many people. Here’s how they compare. Trip Overview Mount Kilimanjaro is located in Tanzania, East Africa. It…
Where is the Inca Trail Located? The Inca Trail is located in Peru, South America, in the Andes Mountains. How Long is the Trail? The classic Inca Trail is 26 miles (42 kilometers) long. The trek begins at a marker known as…
Gorillas and chimpanzees are two of our closest living relatives. But, they differ profoundly in size, behavior, and ecology. Common Ancestry Gorillas and chimpanzees both descended from an ancient African ape. This common ancestor lived around 8 to 10 million years ago….
Where is Snake Island? Ilha da Queimada Grande, better known as Snake Island, is part of Brazil. It is a rocky outcrop in the South Atlantic about 90 miles (145 km) off the coast of São Paulo. It is infamous for its…
Where Are the Caucasus Mountains? The Caucasus Mountains lie between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, spanning southeastern Europe and southwestern Asia. How Long Are the Caucasus Mountains? The Caucasus Mountains run about 750 miles (1,200 kilometers) from west to east….
No, Mount Kilimanjaro does not have a death zone. Kilimanjaro is 19,341 ft (5,895 m) tall, which is far below the 26,000 ft (8,000 m) threshold for the death zone. While the summit is classified as extreme altitude, it is not high…
There are about 3,900 recognized snake species in the world. They all have one thing in common when it comes to their diet. They live solely by eating meat. In other words, snakes are strict carnivores. Their unique biology enables them to…
On May 13, 1999, Michael Matthews became the youngest British climber to stand on Mount Everest. He was only 22 years old. Three hours later, on the descent, he simply vanished. Michael was the 162nd person to die on Everest. High Aspirations…
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. Higher scores…
Africa is the second-largest continent on Earth. Over 1,100 mammal species thrive here. Evolutionary pressures shaped these animals into some of the most diverse on the planet. Scientific studies link Africa’s unique biodiversity to constant shifts in temperature, rainfall, and terrain. 1….
Are crows and ravens the same? Though crows and ravens look alike, they are different birds. Both belong to the genus Corvus in the Corvidae family, which includes magpies and jays. They are not only one of the most intelligent birds, but…
