Random Geography Facts That Rocked Our World (15 items)

(#4) If Alaska Were Split Into Two States, They Would Be The First And Second Largest In The US

Alaska is the largest state in the United States, but most people don't realize just how big it is. Texas is the second-largest state. But if Alaska were to be divided into two, Texas would be the third largest. Alaska covers 664,988 square miles while Texas has 268,597.
(#9) The Himalayas Are Getting Taller Every Year

The Himalayas are a relatively young mountain range. They were formed between 40 and 50 million years ago at the collision of the Indian Plate and Eurasian Plate. Those plates are still pushing against each other, causing the mountains to rise. Mount Everest is estimated to grow around a millimeter a year while mountains in the north of the range can grow around 10 millimeters a year.
(#8) Australia Moves About 2.7 Inches A Year

All of the Earth's tectonic plates are continually shifting. But some move a little quicker than others. The plate that Australia sits on travels northward and with a slight clockwise rotation at a rate of around 2.7 inches a year, which leads to problems with GPS systems within the country. Every few years, those systems require an update to remain useable.
(#6) France's Longest Border Is With Brazil

French Guiana is located on the northern coast of South America, between Surinam to the north-west and Brazil to the south. Its border with Brazil is 730 kilometers. France's second-longest border is with Belgium at 657 kilometers.

French Guiana is a fully integrated region of France, much like a state in the United States. The language is French, the head of state is the French president, residents are in the European Union, and their money is the euro.
(#13) Ireland Has "Palm Trees"

We typically picture palm trees lining a tropical beach paradise. And while Ireland has its many charms, being a tropical getaway is not exactly one of them. Despite this, there are plants on some Irish coasts that appear so much like palm trees, they add a bit of seemingly tropical flavor.

The cordyline australis, or cabbage palm, looks like a palm tree; however, it is technically not a tree, a palm, or a cabbage. It's a plant that is native to New Zealand and became popular in Irish gardens in the 1800s. They are able to thrive in Ireland's warm ocean currents.
(#14) There Are More People In California Than In Canada

According to data compiled by World Bank, as of 2019, Canada has a population of approximately 37,589,262 people. The 2019 US Census data says that California comes in slightly higher with a population of 39,512,223.