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Geographical Facts You Probably Didn't Know Geography is more than just a subject that teaches you about countries, continents and landscapes. It is a diverse field that encompasses a wide range of information, from the physical features of the earth to the human activities that take place on it. And just like any other subject, geography is full of interesting facts that you probably didn't know. Here are 10 geographical facts that will broaden your knowledge.
1. Mount Everest is not the tallest mountain in the world. While it is the highest peak above sea level, the tallest mountain in the world is actually Mauna Kea in Hawaii. Although much of the mountain is under water, its total height from base to summit is over 33,000 feet, making it the tallest mountain in the world.
2. The lowest point on earth is the Dead Sea, located between Jordan and Israel. At almost 430 meters below sea level, the Dead Sea is one of the saltiest bodies of water in the world.
3. More people live in Bangladesh than in Russia. Despite being the largest country in the world by area, Russia is home to only 144 million people, while Bangladesh, a country the size of Iowa, has a population of over 160 million.
4. The Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia is the largest living structure on earth. Spanning over 1,400 miles, the reef is made up of thousands of individual coral polyps that have formed a complex and diverse ecosystem.
5. The Nile River is the longest river in the world. Spanning over 4,000 miles, this mighty river winds its way through eleven different countries in Africa.
6. Mount Thor in Canada has the world's tallest vertical drop of 4,101 feet. This makes it a popular spot for extreme sports enthusiasts and experienced climbers.
7. The Mariana Trench, located in the Pacific Ocean, is the deepest part of the ocean, reaching a depth of almost 36,000 feet.
8. The Sahara desert is not the largest desert in the world. The title actually belongs to the Antarctic Desert, which covers over 13 million square kilometers.
9. Approximately 90% of the world's earthquakes occur along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a horseshoe-shaped area of the Pacific Ocean that is home to over 450 active volcanoes.
10 There is a lake on the border of Kazakhstan and Russia that is so salty that it is often referred to as the "Dead Sea of Kazakhstan". The high levels of salt in the lake make it impossible for most fish to live in it, but it has become a popular tourist attraction for its therapeutic properties. In conclusion, geography is full of fascinating facts that can broaden our knowledge and appreciation of the world around us. While these facts may seem trivial, they can also inspire us to learn more about our planet and the natural wonders that make it so unique.