Geography is a whole complex of complex sciences, the purpose of which is to study the structure of our Earth. Geographical research was carried out as early as the second millennium, when ancient people equipped expeditions in order to expand their meager knowledge of the world around them.
After all, knowledge of the planet was so small that people had no idea about the usual phenomena. People were looking for resources necessary for life, new lands and salvation from adversity.
With uncertain steps, a man set foot on new lands for himself, discovering and recording the peculiarities of territories, studied, learned the world and his place in it. These first, timid steps laid the foundation for the most interesting and necessary science.
We present you 10 interesting facts about geography: the most modern geographical discoveries on the world map. History of states and changes in the nature of the planet.
10. At the North Pole does not find land
In addition to very low temperatures, there is a huge amount of ice at the North Pole. Rather, it will be said that there is only ice under which there is no land. Century-long deposits of ice go hundreds and hundreds of meters deep, which increase in winter, when the temperature drops to -50, and decrease in summer, when the air warms up to zero.
Global warming causes irreparable harm to this ice kingdom, because with the melting of ice, which is the soil of the North Pole, its territory is decreasing.
Residents of these harsh places suffer as well. Because of this cataclysm, polar bears are in danger and risk being left homeless. Humanity will suffer grave consequences if it does not attempt to preserve this land of permafrost.
9. Africa is at the intersection of 4 hemispheres
Many scientists agree that human civilization originated on the most amazing continent - in Africa. Despite this fact, places remain on the mainland that are not yet familiar with such a phenomenon as a person.
This land is rich in diamonds and gold, but is considered the poorest on Earth. Amazing but Africa is simultaneously located in all four hemispheres, being one of a kind.
8. Vatican - the smallest state in the world
The Vatican is officially recognized as the smallest state in the world.. Its area is only 0.45 km2 inside the Italian capital of Rome. Residents in this state are not more than 2,000 people. Almost all of them are subjects of the Holy See and the Pope.
The territory of the Vatican is well guarded, despite an army of only a hundred soldiers. This place has its own culture and customs. Issue their own newspapers, magazines and even postage stamps. There are police and post offices. Own station and even a helipad instead of an airport.
World works of art are stored here and more than 3 million valuable copies are manuscripts of the Renaissance and the Middle Ages. Despite its size, it is a state with a great history.
7. In Lake Baikal is 20% of all fresh water reserves of the planet
This lake is considered the deepest on the planet. It is located in the southern part of Eastern Siberia. Tourists from all over the world come to Siberia to look at the landscapes with the famous lake. And for good reason. The view here is truly mesmerizing and creates a fabulous atmosphere.
In addition to contributing to natural beauty, the lake has important functions for the entire Earth. It stores 20% of all the freshwater reserves of the planet. In addition, it is a unique place with diverse representatives of flora and fauna.
Most species are not found anywhere else except Lake Baikal. The deepest mark of 1642 meters was set back in 1983 and to date, the indicators have not changed.
6. The Dead Sea annually drops by 1 meter
The Dead Sea is one of the mysterious places of our planet. Water flows from the Jordan River and several small rivers into it. More than 7 million tons of water gets into this sea annually. But it does not flow anywhere, it just evaporates due to the high air temperature.
According to studies conducted in 2012, the level of the Dead Sea was lower by 427 meters than sea level. But this figure is growing rapidly. Each year, the level is reduced by another meter. Thus, it turned into one of the lowest parts of the Earth.
It is also worth noting the huge concentration of salt, which is 30%, while in the ocean this level reaches only 3.5%.
5. Damascus - the oldest city in the world
Damascus - one of the oldest cities built by man. The first written description of the city dates back to 1500 BC. In its age, this Syrian city is even superior to Rome.
The history of Damascus is colorful and colorful. What is the fact that for its existence it belonged to eight different powers. The long-suffering city was even attacked by the Mongols, almost completely destroying it. He even happened to be in the hands of the French and gained freedom only after the defeat of France in World War II.
4. Siberia has 25% of the world's forest reserves
Siberia is a very harsh, but unimaginably beautiful region of our vast. In addition to beauty, Siberia is the largest region of Russia, occupying 77% of its territory. Siberia conceals a huge amount of wealth, such as diamonds, fresh water reserves and, of course, forests.
Siberia contains 25% of the world's forest reserves. Forest is a very important resource, even in our century, the age of metal and plastic. Trees, as we know from school, produce the oxygen we need and serve as durable and environmentally friendly building materials.
3. The Amazon is the longest river
The mighty and mysterious Amazon River is the longest river in the world.. Dozens of tribes living on its shores revered her as a true deity. The length of this river is so huge that its waters are washed by as many as five countries, and it begins in Peru.
And the water that the river brings to the ocean makes the sea water fresh at a distance of more than 150 kilometers. The length of the river exceeds 25 thousand kilometers, and uncountable tributaries of the Amazon reach a length of one and a half thousand kilometers.
2. Shanghai - the most populous city in the world
China is a country that surprises the whole world. The state, with the fastest growing economy in the world, a peculiar understanding of copyright and the largest population.
China has a city that is the most populous city in the world. Shanghai, with an area of 6,340 square kilometers, accommodates as many as 25 million inhabitants.
The city lives in a frantic rhythm, life here is in full swing at night and during the day. To keep up the pace. Shanghai has the longest metro network, which has 365 stations.
1. Antarctica is the only territory that does not have state affiliation
The whole Earth is strictly divided on the territory of states whose borders are strictly guarded around the clock. It is difficult for a modern person who has witnessed fierce battles for territories and guarding these very borders to imagine anyone's land. But it exists and is located in Antarctica.
The existing Antarctic Peace Treaty states that Antarctica does not belong to any country in the world. Despite the agreements, a number of countries nevertheless express territorial claims on this continent.
For example, Australia claims almost half of its territories. But it is unlikely that anyone would want to live where the temperature was recorded at -94 degrees Celsius.