Blog
Counterintuitive facts, quiz deep dives and knowledge stories.
How Old Is the Oldest Tortoise in the World?
Jonathan the giant tortoise is 194 years old, the oldest known land animal alive. He hatched around 1832, before photographs or telephones existed. Here is how a tortoise reaches nearly 200.
The Shortest War in History Lasted Just 38 Minutes
On August 27, 1896, the shortest war in history began and ended: Britain against Zanzibar, over in about 38 minutes. Here is how it happened and why the exact length is still debated.
How Long Is the Great Wall of China Really?
Officially, the Great Wall of China is 21,196 km long. That is more than the distance from the North Pole to the South Pole. Yet you can't see it from space. Here is what's behind the number.
Which Country Has the Longest Coastline in the World?
Most people guess Russia or Australia. Wrong: Canada has the longest coastline in the world, around 202,080 km, beating the next four countries combined.
Which Planet Is the Hottest in the Solar System?
Almost everyone guesses Mercury because it sits closest to the Sun. But the hottest planet in the solar system is Venus, at roughly 464°C. The reason is a greenhouse effect that completely ran away.
Which Country Has the Most Time Zones?
Not Russia, not the US: France has the most time zones with 12. China, almost as wide as the US, runs on a single one.
Which Country Has the Most Pyramids?
Most people guess Egypt. But Sudan has roughly 230 Nubian pyramids, nearly double Egypt's count. Here's where they stand.
Which Is the Largest Desert in the World? Plot Twist
The largest desert in the world isn't in Africa and has no sand. It's Antarctica. We explain the plot twist and the real top 5 deserts by size.
What Is the Fastest Train in the World? The Numbers Will Surprise You
The fastest train in the world clocked 375 mph. On a test track in Japan. In daily service the top train runs much slower. Here are the real numbers.
How Long Did the Roman Empire Really Last?
How long did the Roman Empire last? School says 500 years. That's wrong. With Byzantium, it ran 1,480 years. With the Republic, almost 2,000. Here's the math.
How Hot Is the Sun Really? The Answer Has a Plot Twist
How hot is the sun? The surface is 9,932 °F. The core is 27 million. But the real plot twist sits in the sun's outer atmosphere.
How Old Is the Oldest Tree in the World?
The oldest tree in the world is over 4,800 years old and was already alive before the Egyptian pyramids were built. Meet Methuselah, Pando, and the saddest tree story of the 20th century.