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- Herausgeber: Marcus Jungnickel
- Kategorie: Geisteswissenschaft
- Sprache: Englisch
Dive into the fascinating world of 'Useless Knowledge about America' - an encyclopedia of the most curious and surprising facts about the American continent! Have you ever dreamed of visiting every country in America? Or are you just curious about some of the weirdest and most unexpected aspects of this vast and diverse landmass? Then this book is for you!
From the fascinating fact that the smallest national park in St. Kitts and Nevis is only the size of a soccer field, to the quirky discovery that Trinidad and Tobago is actually home to its own species of hummingbirds found nowhere else in the world, to the astonishing realization that Barbados has a law against walking in camouflage clothing, this book is packed with facts to amaze you!
'Useless Knowledge about America' introduces you to the hidden wonders and curious stories that make up this continent. It's an ode to the diversity and uniqueness of America, packaged in humorous and accessible language that appeals to both teens and adults.
Not only is this book a feast for trivia junkies, it's also an amazing collection of facts to share at your next trivia night, on your next trip, or just while relaxing on the couch.
With 'Useless Knowledge of the Americas' you get more than just a book - it's your ticket to an entertaining and educational adventure that takes you from the North Pole to the southernmost point of South America. Come along on this journey, learn incredible things, laugh at the absurd and discover America as you've never seen it before!
Das E-Book können Sie in Legimi-Apps oder einer beliebigen App lesen, die das folgende Format unterstützen:
Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2023
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Mia Mirillia
Useless knowledge America
Table of contents
Useful knowledge about America
Mia Mirillia
North America
Canada
The heraldic animal of Canada is the beaver. Yes, you heard right - it's not a lion or an eagle, but a small, industrious rodent!
Forget the Eiffel Tower or the Colosseum, the longest beach in the world is in Canada! Long Beach on Vancouver Island is 75 km long.
Field hockey and lacrosse are the official sports of Canada. But don't worry if you can't skate. Canadians are known for being friendly and helpful!
Poutine, a Canadian specialty of fries, cheese and gravy, was first served in Quebec. And who said you can't eat fries with gravy?
The longest road network in the world is located in Canada. The Trans-Canada Highway is around 7800 km long. That's like driving across Europe twice!
Are you ready for an alien visit? Canada has the world's first UFO landing site. It was built in St. Paul, Alberta, in 1967.
Did you know that Canada has an island that is bigger than the Earth? Manicouagan Island in Quebec is the largest island within a lake on Earth.
USA
One city in the USA has more inhabitants than the entire country of Norway. With over 8 million people, New York City is a real metropolis of people.
Unbelievable but true: there are more public libraries in the USA than McDonald's restaurants. Book lovers, rejoice!
The USA is the country with the most tornadoes in the world. On average, there are around 1,000 tornadoes every year. So, hold on to your hats!
The USA is the country with the most airports in the world. With over 13,000 airports, it's safe to say that Americans love to fly!
There is a town in Michigan called "Hell". So you can really say that you've "gone to hell"!
Kansas and Missouri both have a city called "Kansas City". They are right next to each other and are separated by a road. Confused? We are too!
There is a "roadkill cooking competition" in the USA. Yes, you heard that right. In West Virginia, you can try dishes made from roadkill.
The Liberty Bell, a famous historic bell in Philadelphia, has a crack, but no one knows how it happened. That's a pretty unsolved bell story!
Mexico is the country where Chihuahuas originated. These tiny dogs are named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua, where they were discovered.
Mexico is the country with the largest number of Spanish speakers, more than in Spain itself!
The smallest volcano in the world, the "Cuexcomate", is located in Puebla, Mexico. It is only 13 meters high!
Mexico is the world's largest exporter of avocados and beer. The next time you enjoy guacamole or a Corona beer, think of Mexico!
Mexico has the title for the highest number of cabs in a city. Mexico City officially has over 140,000 cabs!
The name of the country "Mexico" means "in the navel of the moon" in the Aztec language Nahuatl.
Mexico has more species of reptiles than any other country in the world, with over 700 known species.
The Mexican drink "pulque" was already produced by the Aztecs and consists of fermented agave juice.
Central America
Belize
Belize is the only country in Central America where English is the official language. So if you are weak in Spanish, this is the place for you!
Belize's currency symbol, the Belizean dollar, has the same symbol as the US dollar ($). But don't worry, they are not the same!
Belize has an area called "Half Moon Caye Natural Monument" where you can admire the endemic red-eyed tree frog species. How cool is that?
Belize is the smallest country in Central and South America. With only around 400,000 inhabitants, it is less populated than many cities!
In Belize there is an area called "Laughing Bird Caye", named after the laughing gull that can be found there.
In Belize you will find the Mayan ruins of Caracol, which at its peak was larger than the current capital Belmopan!
National Flower Day in Belize is celebrated on May 31 to honor the importance of flowers to the country's culture and economy.
Costa Rica
There is no military defense in Costa Rica! The country abolished its military in 1948 and uses the money for education and health instead.
The inhabitants of Costa Rica call themselves "Ticos" and "Ticas", which is an affectionate diminutive form of Spanish.
There is a bridge in Costa Rica known as the "crocodile bridge" because you can often see large crocodiles in the Tarcoles River from there.
There are more teachers than police officers in Costa Rica. Education comes first!
In 2012, Costa Rica set a world record when they turned 25% of their land into national parks and protected areas.
The swallow-tailed bat in Costa Rica builds "tents" out of leaves to protect itself from predators and the weather.
There is a spider in Costa Rica called the "Happy Face Spider", which has a pattern on its back that looks like a smiling face.
The "Corcovado National Park" in Costa Rica is often referred to as the "most biologically intensive place on earth".
The most popular sport in Costa Rica is soccer. It is well known that the whole country comes to a standstill when the national team is playing.
There are more than 20 volcanoes in El Salvador and two of them are still active! One of them is the Santa Ana volcano, which last erupted in 2005.
The currency in El Salvador is the US dollar. Since 2001, the national currency "Colón" has been replaced by the US dollar.
El Salvador has a thriving surf culture. Punta Roca is a popular surf spot and is often referred to as one of the best right-handers in the world.
El Salvador has a "Route of Flowers", a 36-kilometer-long path that comes to life at weekends with markets, festivals and restaurants.
The capital of El Salvador, San Salvador, lies at the foot of the San Salvador volcano. The city even has a volcanic crater lake called "Ilopango".
El Salvador has the highest population density in Central America - with around 300 people per square kilometer!
The national bird of El Salvador is the "Torogoz" or "Turquoise-browed Motmot", known for its bright colors and long tail.
In El Salvador, almost 90% of the native forest has disappeared since the 20th century. This has triggered conservation and reforestation efforts.
El Salvador has no official religion, but guarantees freedom of religion. The majority of the population is Roman Catholic or Protestant.
Guatemala
Guatemala is home to the oldest university in Central America. The University of San Carlos de Guatemala was founded in 1676.
The country is full of volcanoes! There are 37 volcanoes in Guatemala, 3 of which are active.
Guatemala is the largest producer of jade in America and one of the largest in the world.
The quetzal, the national bird of Guatemala and namesake of the currency (Guatemalan quetzal), is known for its bright green and red feathers.
The largest market in Central America takes place twice a week in the city of Chichicastenango.
Despite its small size, Guatemala is home to over 720 bird species, including the magnificent quetzal.
Guatemala has an impressive network of cable cars that connect the most remote parts of the country.
Guatemala is home to the largest contiguous mangrove forest in Central America, the Monterrico mangrove forest.
The flag of Guatemala shows two blue stripes, representing the Pacific and Atlantic coasts, and a white stripe, representing peace and purity.
Honduras
The capital of Honduras is not one, but two cities: Tegucigalpa and Comayagüela.
Honduras is home to the longest cave in Central America, the Taulabé Cave, which is at least 12 kilometers long.
Honduras is home to the Rosalila Temple, one of the best-preserved Mayan sites found almost completely intact in the Copán Valley.
Honduras is home to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second largest barrier reef in the world.
The national bird of Honduras is the macaw, a large, colorful parrot.
The official language of Honduras is Spanish, but there are also various indigenous and Afro-indigenous languages spoken in the country.
The "Isle of the Swans" is a group of islands belonging to Honduras and is located over 160 kilometers from the mainland.
The city of Copán is home to a Mayan ruin known for its impressive stone sculptures and hieroglyphics.
Honduras is the leading producer of palm oil in Central America.
Nicaragua
Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America, but also the least populated.
Lake Nicaragua, the largest lake in Central America, is located in Nicaragua and is home to the only freshwater sharks in the world.
Nicaragua is home to the Bosawás Biosphere Reserve, the second largest rainforest area in America after the Amazon.
Nicaragua is home to the largest geothermal power plant in Central America, the San Jacinto-Tizate geothermal plant.
There are more horses than cars in the country, as many people still use them as their main means of transportation.
There are no street names or house numbers in Nicaragua. People give directions based on prominent landmarks.
The national dish of Nicaragua is "Gallo Pinto", a dish made from rice and beans.
The ruins of León Viejo, one of the oldest Spanish settlements in America, are located in Nicaragua.
Panama
Panama is the only country in the world from where you can see the sun rise in the Pacific and set in the Atlantic.
Panama has the second largest rainforest area in the western hemisphere, just behind the Amazon.
Panama is the largest consumer of beer in Central America.
The "Golden Frog", which is considered a national symbol, is native to Panama but is unfortunately threatened with extinction.
Panama has more bird species than the USA and Canada combined.
The official language in Panama is Spanish, but many citizens also speak English, making it the perfect destination for language-loving travelers.
Panama has the highest biodiversity per square kilometer in the world.
The country has the only railroad in the world that connects the Atlantic with the Pacific.
Panama is home to more than 1,000 bird species.
The famous Panama hat actually comes from Ecuador, not Panama.
South America
Argentina
Argentina is the eighth largest country in the world and the second largest in South America after Brazil.
Tango music originally comes from Argentina. That's a good reason to put on your dancing shoes.
Most dinosaur bones have been found in Argentina. Who would have thought that T-Rex might have spoken Spanish?
Argentinians eat more beef per capita than any other country. It seems like every day is a barbecue day.
Argentina has the longest road in the world, Route 40, which stretches over 5000 km.
Argentina is famous for its mate tea, which is often drunk in a hollowed-out calabash with a metal straw.
Argentina has four UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the impressive Iguazú National Park with the largest waterfalls in the world.
Argentina is the only country in South America that has English as a compulsory subject at school.
The legendary revolutionary Ernesto "Che" Guevara was born in Argentina in 1928.
Bolivia
Bolivia has two capitals, Sucre and La Paz. Sucre is the constitutional capital and La Paz is the government capital.
The Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia is the largest salt lake in the world and covers more than 10,000 square kilometers.
Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, lies on the border between Bolivia and Peru.
Bolivia has 37 official languages, including Spanish, Quechua, Aymara and many indigenous languages.
Bolivia is the highest country in the world. La Paz is the highest capital city in the world.
The Bolivian flag has a similar color scheme to the Russian flag, only horizontally.
Bolivia has the largest butterfly park in the world.
The Bolivian Andes region is the cradle of the potato. There are over 200 varieties of potato grown in this country.
Bolivia has the highest golf course in the world. The La Paz Golf Club is 3,342 meters above sea level.
Bolivia is the only country in the world that McDonald's has left due to a lack of demand.
The Madidi National Park in Bolivia is one of the most biologically diverse places in the world.
Brazil is the largest country in South America and the fifth largest country in the world, both in terms of land area and population.
Brazil is the only country in South America that speaks Portuguese. The rest of the continent mainly speaks Spanish.
The Maracanã soccer stadium was once the largest in the world and can hold almost 200,000 spectators.
Brazil's currency is called the real, and the plural is reais.
There are more species of monkeys in Brazil than in any other country.
More coffee is produced in Brazil than in any other country in the world.
Brazil has more than 2,500 rivers, including the second longest river in the world, the Amazon.
The Brazilian teju is the third fastest lizard runner in the world, with top speeds of up to 29 km/h.
Brazil is the largest exporter of orange juice in the world, with around 80% of the global market.
Chile
The Atacama Desert in Chile is the driest place on earth, with some parts having had no recorded rainfall for over 400 years.
Chilean cuisine is known for its empanadas. They are dumplings filled with a variety of ingredients, including meat, cheese or seafood.
Chile is home to five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the historic quarters of Valparaíso and the wooden churches of Chiloé.
Chile produces more than 1.8 billion liters of wine every year and is one of the largest wine exporters in the world.
The Chilean national flower is the Copihue, a hanging flower that grows in the forests of southern Chile.
Chile is the largest producer and exporter of salmon in the southern hemisphere.
Chile has one of the largest collections of ancient rock paintings in South America, which were found in the Atacama Desert.
The Chilean Andes are the highest mountains outside of Asia.
Colombia
Colombia is the world's leading producer of emeralds. In terms of quality, they even beat the emeralds from the Land of Oz!
The Colombian city of Medellín was once the most dangerous city in the world. Today, it is known for its thriving arts and cultural scene.
The famous writer Gabriel García Márquez, author of "One Hundred Years of Solitude", comes from Colombia.
It is the second most populous country in South America (after Brazil) and the fourth largest country in South America.
It is one of the largest producers and exporters of coffee, flowers, emeralds, coal and oil in the world.
It has the second largest black population in South America after Brazil.
The Amazon rainforest covers almost a third of Colombia.
Colombia has 18 National Natural Parks, and about 10% of the country is protected areas.
It is the country with the second highest biodiversity per square kilometer.
Ecuador
The word Ecuador means "equator" in Spanish. The country has this name because it lies directly on the equator line.
Charles Darwin developed his theory of evolution on the Galapagos Islands.
Ecuador was the first country in the world to grant rights to nature in its constitution in 2008.
Quito has one of the best-preserved historic centers in all of Latin America and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ecuador has the first and second UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Galapagos Islands and Quito.
Spanish is spoken in Ecuador, but there are also 13 indigenous languages.
Cotopaxi, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, is located in Ecuador.
There are still uncontacted tribes in the Amazon region of Ecuador.
Locals wear Panama hats, which despite their name actually come from Ecuador.
Guyana
Guyana has the largest single waterfall in the world. Kaieteur Falls is five times higher than Niagara Falls and twice as high as Victoria Falls!
There are more rivers in Guyana than you can count. It has the densest river system per square kilometer in the world!
Guyana is the land of six peoples. It has a colorful mix of people, including Indian, African, indigenous, Chinese, European and Portuguese descent.
If you're a cricket fan, you've come to the right place. Cricket is a big thing in Guyana.
Guyana is the largest exporter of bauxite in the world. Bauxite is an ore from which aluminum is extracted.
The longest river in Guyana is the Essequibo, which is more than 1000 kilometers long.
Guyana was originally a Dutch colony before it became a British colony in 1815.
The national tree of Guyana is the Watapana tree, also known as the "tree of life".
The flag of Guyana is also known as "The Golden Arrowhead".
Guyana is home to a number of endangered species, including the jaguar, the giant anteater and the leatherback turtle.
Paraguay is one of only two countries in South America that do not have direct access to the sea. The other landlubbers? Bolivia.
Think you're bilingual? In Paraguay, most inhabitants are bilingual and speak both Spanish and Guarani, an indigenous language.
Don't want to meet anyone? Paraguay is the least populated place in America.
You can travel back in time in Paraguay. Cross the border with Brazil and jump an hour into the future.
Paraguay was the first country in America to have a woman president. Lidia Gueiler Tejada was president from 1979 to 1980.
In Paraguay, Easter is called "Semana Santa" and is a big deal. It comprises a whole week of celebrations.
Paraguay once had the third largest army in the world. But the war of the Triple Alliance ended with almost 90% of the male population being killed.
In Paraguay, it is traditional to drink the traditional tea called "Tereré", which is usually drunk cold and in company.
The "Gran Chaco", a dry lowland in Paraguay, is one of the last large undeveloped areas in the world.
Paraguay has one of the highest percentages of indigenous population in South America, with around 95% of the population being of indigenous descent.
In Paraguay, soccer is not just a game, but a passion. Paraguayans are known for their dedication and enthusiasm for the sport.
The potato originally comes from Peru. There are over 3,000 different varieties there. You could say they are the masters of chips!
The Amazon rainforest covers almost 60% of the country. A real green lung!
Who needs the Bermuda Triangle when there are the Nazca Lines? These huge geoglyphs in the desert are still a mystery.
Peru has the highest sand dune in the world. Cerro Blanco is located in the Sechura Desert and is an impressive 1,176 meters high.
Peru is the sixth largest gold-producing country in the world. No wonder the conquistadors were so keen on it!
Peru is home to the highest navigable lake in the world, Lake Titicaca, which is located at an altitude of 3,812 meters.
The national tree of Peru, the "quina" or cinchona tree, was the original source of the drug quinine, which is used to treat malaria.
Peru has one of the largest canyons in the world, the Cotahuasi Canyon. It is almost twice as deep as the Grand Canyon.
The longest snake in the world, the green anaconda, can be found in Peru. It can grow up to 9 meters long.
Suriname
Suriname is the greenest country in the world - in the truest sense of the word. Over 90% of the country is covered by untouched rainforest.
Suriname's currency is the Surinamese dollar (SRD). So many different currencies were used that you could almost write your own story about it!
The country is named after the river Suriname, which flows through the country.
In Suriname, there is a bridge named after the Dutch Queen Juliana that is almost 1500 meters long.
Suriname is home to the giant leatherback turtle, the largest living turtle in the world.
Suriname is rich in natural resources and produces gold, oil and bauxite.
Although Suriname is located in the tropical climate zone, it has two distinct seasons: a rainy season and a dry season.
The country has the highest number of birds per square kilometer in the world.
Although it is small, Suriname has over 5,000 different plant species, including 350 different orchid species.
Uruguay is the second smallest country in South America - after Suriname. But don't worry, it still has enough space for around 3.5 million people.
There are more sheep than people in Uruguay. In fact, there are almost four times as many sheep as people. Isn't that bearish?
If you love soccer, Uruguay is the place for you. The country hosted and won the first World Cup in 1930. Pretty impressive, isn't it?
Uruguay has the highest literacy rate in Latin America at over 98%. Reading is sexy.
Uruguay was the first country in the world to fully legalize marijuana. This happened in 2013.
The tallest building in Uruguay is the ANTEL Tower in Montevideo with 35 floors and a height of 157.5 meters.
Although Uruguay is small, it has an incredible 660 km of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. Pure beach life!
Uruguay is the only country in Latin America that lies outside the tropical zone.
The town of Fray Bentos is home to an old meat processing plant that is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. How cool is that?
Uruguay has more than 10 national parks that protect the country's natural wealth.
Uruguay has one of the lowest crime rates in Latin America and is considered one of the safest countries in the region.
Venezuela has the world's highest waterfalls - the Angel Falls. They are a breathtaking 979 meters high.
Did you know that the country got its name "Venezuela" from the city of Venice in Italy? It means "Little Venice" in Spanish.
Venezuela has the largest oil reserves in the world. Better than Saudi Arabia, who would have thought?
Arepa, a type of cornbread, is a staple food in Venezuela. It is often filled with meat, cheese or beans and eaten with every meal of the day.
The South American country has one of the largest bird species diversity in the world. Over 1,400 species are native here.
In Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, there is an ice rink. That's pretty amazing when you consider that the city is tropically warm all year round!
Venezuela is known for its beauty pageants and has won the most Miss World and Miss Universe titles.
Venezuela has the largest baseball stadium in South America, the Estadio Universitario in Caracas.
The climate in Venezuela varies from tropical temperatures on the coast to freezing temperatures in the Andes.
There is a mountain in Venezuela that has a natural stone tower known as "The Monk". This mountain is called "El Autana".
Although it has a population of only around 300,000 people, it covers an area larger than Austria.
French Guiana does not have its own official flag or coat of arms. Instead, it uses the tricolor of the French flag.
The country has no train or railroad system. Imagine that!
The country is the third smallest country in South America after Guyana and Suriname.
The longest river in French Guiana is the Maroni River, which has a length of 520 km.
At 851 meters, Mont Bellevue de l'Inini is the highest point in French Guiana.
French Guiana has four different species of sea turtles, all of which come here to lay their eggs.
The official currency is the euro. Pretty confusing, isn't it?
The capital, Cayenne, is named after one of the hottest chili peppers in the world.
Falkland Islands
They were discovered in 1592 by the British captain John Davis, but no one is known to have lived there until 1764. Amazing, isn't it?
Stanley, the capital of the Falkland Islands, has around 2,000 inhabitants, making it one of the smallest capitals in the world.
The islands are famous for their wildlife. In fact, there are more penguins here than people.
They are home to the southernmost cathedral in the world, Christ Church Cathedral in Stanley.
In 1982, a dispute over sovereignty led to a 74-day war between Argentina and Great Britain, known as the Falklands War.
The Falkland Islands are one of the few places in the world that have no native trees.
There is only one prison cell in the entire Falkland Islands.
The flag of the Falkland Islands shows a sheep, which represents an important part of the islands' economy.
The islands are named after Anthony Cary, 5th Viscount of Falkland. Interestingly, the Viscount never set foot on the islands.
Island states of the Caribbean
Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda is an island nation in the Caribbean and is known for its 365 beaches - one for every day of the year!
The islands have one of the highest literacy rates in the world, with over 90% of the population able to read and write.
There are no rivers or lakes in Antigua. The entire water supply comes from wells and rainwater cisterns.
There is a traditional event called "Sea Egg Season" where locals go in search of sea urchins to collect and eat their eggs.
The country's currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar, but the US dollar is often used just as frequently.
Antigua has its own special kind of music, known as "Benna", based on local stories and rumors.
Antigua and Barbuda has its own rainforest, which you can explore on a zip line.
The island of Barbuda is almost completely surrounded by a reef, making it a paradise for divers.
The islands were originally inhabited by the Arawak and Carib tribes before they were colonized by the Spanish.
Barbuda is famous for its huge colony of frigate birds, the largest in the western hemisphere.
Bahamas
The Bahamas is an island chain consisting of over 700 islands and cays. But only about 30 of them are inhabited!
The Bahamas has the third largest barrier reef in the world, stretching over 190 miles.
It is the only country in the western hemisphere that drives on the left, but almost all cars are left-hand drive, as in the USA.
There is an island known as Big Major Cay, but better known as "Pig Island". Wild pigs live here and love to swim and greet tourists.
The Bahamas was the first landing site of Christopher Columbus in 1492.
The capital Nassau was once a haven for pirates and served as the backdrop for several "Pirates of the Caribbean" films.
There is an underground cave in the Bahamas called Dean's Blue Hole, which at 202 meters deep is the deepest known "blue hole" in the world.
The Bahamas is home to the largest population of bonefish in the world, a popular destination for sport anglers.
The islands are home to a number of unique animals, including the Bahama parrot and the Bahama anole.
The Bahamas has its own space program, the Bahamas National Geographic Information Systems.
Barbados
Barbados is known as the birthplace of rum! Mount Gay Rum, founded in 1703, claims to be the oldest existing rum company in the world.
There are more churches per square kilometer in Barbados than anywhere else on earth.
The country has its own version of polo, known as "road tennis". It is played on the street with wooden mallets and a rubber ball.
The national dish of Barbados is "Cou-Cou and Flying Fish". Cou-cou is similar to polenta and the flying fish is a symbol of the country.
The people of Barbados call themselves "Bajans", pronounced "Bay-jans".
The highest point on Barbados is Mount Hillaby and reaches a height of only 336 meters.
The island has the oldest Jewish cemetery in the western hemisphere, the Jewish Cemetery in Bridgetown, which dates back to 1654.
The island has an underground lake, called Harrison's Cave, which is covered by glittering stalactites and stalagmites.
Barbados has a rare species of deer that only exists on this island, known as the Barbados deer.
Barbados has a horse racing event called the "Sandy Lane Gold Cup", which is one of the most prestigious in the Caribbean.
The only place outside the USA that George Washington visited was Barbados. There is even a George Washington House, a museum dedicated to his visit.
Cuba is home to the smallest bird in the world: the Cuban hummingbird is only about 5 cm tall.
Cuba has the highest density of doctors in the world. There are more doctors per capita in Cuba than in any other country.
The capital Havana has the largest colonial architecture district in Latin America.
Cuba has its own operating system, called Nova, which is based on Linux.
Cuba is the largest exporter of doctors in the world. More than 50,000 Cuban doctors work in 66 countries.
The island has its own style of music, the Son Cubano, which is a mixture of Spanish guitar and African rhythms.
The head of state of Cuba, Fidel Castro, ruled the country for 49 years, one of the longest terms of office of a non-royal leader in the 20th century.
Cuba has a literacy rate of almost 100 percent, one of the highest in the world.
The national dish of Cuba is Ropa Vieja, which means "old clothes" in Spanish. It is a dish made from shredded beef in a tomato sauce.
The Cuban coin, the peso, has two versions: One for locals (CUP) and one for tourists (CUC).
Ernest Hemingway, the famous writer, lived in Cuba for many years and wrote some of his most famous works there, including "The Old Man and the Sea".
Despite the similar name, Dominica should not be confused with the Dominican Republic. They are two different countries!
Dominica is known as "The Nature Island of the Caribbean" because of its lush mountain forests, rivers, waterfalls and thermal springs.
There are more than 365 rivers in Dominica - that's more than days in a year!
Dominica is the only country in the world with a Catholic national holiday for an African cult, the Carnival of Mas Domnik.
The capital of Dominica, Roseau, has fewer than 20,000 inhabitants, making it one of the smallest capitals in the world.
The island country has no international airport, which makes it one of the less touristy destinations in the Caribbean.
The national language is English, but many locals also speak Creole, a mixture of African, French, English and Spanish.
The official currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD), which is also used in some other Caribbean countries.
The government of Dominica offers citizenship in exchange for investment, a practice known as "citizenship by investment".
The island is home to two of the oldest people in the world: Ma Pampo and Elizabeth Israel, who both died at the age of 128.
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is the most visited destination in the Caribbean, with over 6 million tourists a year. Who would have thought it?
The Dominican Republic shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, making it the only place in the Caribbean that is shared by two nations.
There is a "village of dolls" here. Artist Leandro Soto has created an entire village of dolls in his house in Bonao. Creepy or cool? You decide!
The highest mountain in the Caribbean, Pico Duarte, is located in the Dominican Republic and is an impressive 3,098 meters high.
The country is the world's largest producer of organic cocoa. Chocolate lovers, watch out!
In the Dominican Republic, it is illegal to take photos of naked people, including your own reflection in the mirror. No naked selfies, people!
The country has the lowest point in the Caribbean, the "Lago Enriquillo", a saltwater lake that lies 45 meters below sea level.
The country has a rare species of dolphin, the "round-headed dolphin", which can only be found here and in New Zealand.
"El Carnaval de la Vega", one of the oldest carnivals in the world, has been celebrated in the Dominican Republic since the 16th century.
It has a chocolate factory that runs solely on solar energy. Who said that chocolate and sustainability can't go hand in hand?
The capital of Grenada, St. George's, is considered one of the most beautiful port cities in the Caribbean.
Grenada has a crater lake called Grand Etang. It is said to have no bottom. Spooky, isn't it?
Grenada's airport is named after the revolutionary Maurice Bishop, who was the country's prime minister from 1979 to 1983.
Morne Gazo Nature Reserve is a great place to see the endemic Mona monkeys. No, they are not called Mona because they like to imitate "Mona Lisa"!
Grenada hosted the first Cricket World Cup in the Caribbean in 2004.
The official language of Grenada is English, but many people also speak a Creole language called "Grenadian Creole".
There is a species of reptile that is only found in Grenada - the "Grenada Tree Anole".
There are several abandoned airplane wrecks in Grenada that are popular dive sites.
The inhabitants of Grenada are referred to as "Grenadians" or "Grenadines".
Haiti is the second largest country in the Caribbean. Only Cuba is bigger!
Haiti is the world's first independent black republic and carried out the first successful slave revolution. In your face, colonialism!
The name "Haiti" comes from the language of the Taíno Indians and means "land of high mountains". And the country lives up to its name!
Voodoo is a recognized religion in Haiti. It is not a horror movie trope, but a deep and complex faith.
Haiti is home to the rare but beautiful parrot species "Hispaniola Amazon".
In 1804, Haiti became independent and created its own flag by removing the white from the French tricolor.
The Haitian Carnival is one of the largest carnivals in the Caribbean and a true feast for the senses.
Haiti's cuisine is a tasty mixture of French, African and Taino cuisines.
Haiti has the highest mountain in the Caribbean, Pico Duarte.
There is a rare species of frog that only lives in Haiti - the "Haitian brown frog".
Jamaica is the third largest country in the Caribbean. Only Cuba and Hispaniola are bigger. What a huge place on such a small island!
Did you know that Jamaica is home to the fastest man and the fastest woman in the world? Usain Bolt and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce learned to run here.
Jamaica has a type of firefly that only exists here. They are particularly visible at night and create a spectacular play of light.
There is a bobsleigh team in Jamaica. Yes, you heard right. A Bobsleigh team... on a tropical island!
Jamaica has one of the highest twin rates in the world. Two for the price of one!
The only spider found in Jamaica is the harmless "Daddy Long Legs". So don't be afraid of spiders here!
Jamaica is famous for its reggae music. But did you know that the island is also home to other styles of music such as ska and dancehall?
Jamaica's official Twitter account has more followers than the entire population of the island!
Jamaica's national drink is rum. There is even an annual rum festival. Cheers!
The capital of St. Kitts and Nevis, Basseterre, means "low land" in French. But don't be fooled, the landscape is anything but flat!
The locals affectionately call St. Kitts "Sugar City", due to its rich history as a sugar cane producer. Sweet!
The islands were once a haven for pirates. Even the infamous Captain William Kidd is said to have been here!
Nevis is home to hot springs known as the "Baths of Aphrodite". They were once valued by the local population for their healing properties.
The island of Nevis is known as the "Queen of the Caribees" because of its popularity and wealth during the sugar cane boom in the 18th century.
The St. Kitts Scenic Railway is the last remaining railroad in the Caribbean that is still in operation.
St. Kitts is home to the deepest valley in the Caribbean, called Bloody River. It was so named after a battle between Europeans and indigenous Caribs.
The national bird of St. Kitts and Nevis is the brown pelican. They are ubiquitous and a common sight on the coasts of the islands.
St. Lucia
The island has two famous mountains, the Great and Small Pitons, which start below sea level and end more than 700 meters above sea level.
It is one of the few countries to have won the title of "World's Best Honey Moon Destination" twice. Romantic, isn't it?
St. Lucia has its own whiptail lizard, which cannot be found on any other island in the world. You could say they're pretty exclusive!
Every October, St. Lucia celebrates Creole Heritage Month, a tribute to its rich Creole culture and tradition.
The national bird of St. Lucia is the Amazona versicolor, a colorful parrot that can only be found on St. Lucia.
St. Lucia is known for its "Fish Fry" nights, a local tradition where street stalls serve freshly caught fish and seafood.
St. Lucia is home to the St. Lucia Anole, a small lizard that has the ability to change color.
St. Lucia has a fruit tree called the "Death Apple". But don't worry, the fruits are not poisonous. They are, however, very bitter!
There are more than 20 species of orchids on St. Lucia. Now that's an island in bloom!
St. Vincent and the Grenadines is actually a country of 32 islands and reefs. St. Vincent is the largest and most populous island.
A scene from the movie "Pirates of the Caribbean" was filmed in Wallilabou Bay, St. Vincent. St. Vincent as a pirate island? Aye, aye, Captain!
The botanical garden in Kingstown, the capital of St. Vincent, is one of the oldest in the western hemisphere and was founded in 1765.
St. Vincent is home to a small group of Caribs, the indigenous people of the island, who live in the village of Sandy Bay.
There are black sand beaches on St. Vincent that were created by volcanic activity.
The economy of St. Vincent is heavily dependent on banana production. In fact, bananas are the island's most important export.
The capital, Kingstown, is often referred to as "the city of arches" due to the many arched bridges in the city.
St. Vincent used to be a place of refuge for slaves who escaped from nearby island plantations.
The Scottish doctor and botanist Alexander Anderson, known for his work in botany, was born in St. Vincent.
The island has a very low crime rate compared to other Caribbean countries.
There are no McDonald's restaurants in St. Vincent and the Grenadines! So you'll have to satisfy your Big Mac cravings elsewhere.
The Grenadines consist of 32 islands and reefs, of which only about a dozen are inhabited.
The Tobago Cays, a group of small, uninhabited islands in the Grenadines, are a well-known snorkeling and diving area.
On Union Island there is a 1000-foot high volcano called Mount Taboi, the highest point in the Grenadines.
On the island of Bequia, the second largest island in the Grenadines, whale hunting is still legal and part of the local culture.
Canouan, another island in the Grenadines, is home to one of the longest coral reefs in the Caribbean.
Petit Tabac, one of the Tobago Cays, became famous in "Pirates of the Caribbean" as the place where Jack Sparrow and Elizabeth Swann were abandoned.
There are over 225 different species of fish in the waters around the islands of the Grenadines.
There are no airports on most of the islands in the Grenadines, which means that access is usually only possible by boat or ferry.
The island of Mopion is so small that it only has one parasol.
There are over five different species of sea turtle in the waters of the Grenadines.
Trinidad
The country has the world's largest round-trip interchange, Queen's Park Savannah in Port of Spain.
The island is known for its 'doubles', a popular street food consisting of two flatbreads (hence the name 'doubles') and curried chickpeas.
There is a bridge in Trinidad that was designed by a German prisoner during the Second World War, the San Fernando-Pointe-à-Pierre Bridge.
The temple in the sea, a Hindu temple and pilgrimage site, was actually built in the middle of a mangrove swamp!
Trinidad and Tobago is the smallest country ever to reach a World Cup (2006).
The island has one of its own types of cocoa - Trinitario - which is considered one of the best in the world.
The "Blue Food Festival", which is dedicated to the blue taro root, takes place every year in Trinidad.
The island is the only country in the world whose independence was won by a woman, namely Queen Elizabeth II.
Tobago is considered to be the island that inspired Robert Louis Stevenson's famous story "Treasure Island". Pirate treasures, ahoy!
Tobago is home to the largest brain coral in the world, which has a diameter of 5.3 meters. That's bigger than an average small car!
There is no McDonald's, no Burger King and no KFC on Tobago. Instead, local food and snacks dominate.
Tobago is known for its annual "Blue Food Festival", where local chefs prepare dishes with the blue-purple taro, a root tuber.
Tobago is home to a number of historic forts, including Fort James, Fort King George and Fort Bennett, which offer breathtaking views of the sea.
The island has a variety of beaches with different colored sand, from golden to white to black.
The island is known for its large variety of colorful butterflies, including the native Tobago Postman.
The island is famous for its "cocrico", the national bird of Tobago, which cannot fly despite its size.
Tobago has several bioluminescent bays where the water glows at night due to the presence of phosphorescent microorganisms.
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Useful knowledge about America
Amazing facts and interesting details about the USA, Canada, Brazil and many more - Discover all the countries of North, Central and South America and the Caribbean
Mia Mirillia
Table of contents
North America
Canada
In terms of area, Canada is the second largest country in the world. But don't worry, you won't be outnumbered there. In fact, it has fewer inhabitants than Tokyo!
There are more lakes in Canada than in the rest of the world combined. With over 2 million lakes, you could visit a new one every day and it would take you almost 5500 years to see them all.
The heraldic animal of Canada is the beaver. Yes, you heard right - it's not a lion or an eagle, but a small, industrious rodent!
Speaking of animals: There are so many polar bears in Churchill, Manitoba, that the city calls itself the "Polar Bear Capital of the World". So act bearish if you venture into this area!
Christmas is always white in Canada! The place with the most snow in Canada is Mt. Fidelity, British Columbia, where an average of 1385 cm of snow falls each year. That's more than the height of a four-story building!
Imagine going to a place where you can not only meet Santa Claus, but also write him a letter. In Canada, there is a real postal code for Santa Claus: H0H 0H0.
If you thought only superheroes wore capes, you'd be wrong. In Nanaimo, British Columbia, there is an annual underwear race where all participants wear capes!
Forget the Eiffel Tower or the Colosseum, the longest beach in the world is in Canada! Long Beach on Vancouver Island is 75 km long.
"Eh" is not a sound you make when you don't know what to say. In Canada, it is an official word in the Oxford dictionary and is often used at the end of statements or questions.
Field hockey and lacrosse are the official sports of Canada. But don't worry if you can't skate. Canadians are known for being friendly and helpful!
Canada has the largest freshwater iceberg producer in the world, Iceberg Alley. Icebergs here can be up to 10,000 years old!
Poutine, a Canadian specialty of fries, cheese and gravy, was first served in Quebec. And who said you can't eat fries with gravy?
Canada has the only settlement founded by Vikings in North America. L'Anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland was built around the year 1000 AD.
