World Facts and Geography

Ecological footprint measures the amount of biologically productive land and water required to provide the resources a person consumes and to absorb their waste. Developed nations like Canada typically have much higher footprints than developing nations.

Shichi-go-san is a traditional Japanese festival for children aged 7, 5, and 3, which is observed annually on November 15th. The other festivals listed occur at different times of the year.

The Eiffel Tower is a global cultural icon of France and is located in its capital city, Paris.

Australia is the only continent that does not have any active volcanoes, as it is located in the middle of a tectonic plate.

The tradition of the Christmas tree originated in early modern Germany. It gained popularity in the 16th century when Christians brought decorated trees into their homes.

France has been the guest of honor at India's Republic Day parade more times than any other country.

The grasslands of North America is known as Prairies. The areas are covered with luxuriant grasses. The decayed grasses for thousands of years have added very rich humus to the soil. The soil is thick and very fertile. Today Prairies grasses have cleared and the areas put under cultivation. Wheat is the principal crop in the north and maize and Cotton grown in the southern portion of America. Prairies also famous for jersey cow and superior quality sheep.

The grassland of South America in known as Pampas. This grassland covers an area more than 750,000 sq km. The soil in this area is very fertile. This area has a warm climate and precipitation is well distributed throughout the year. 

The downs are the grasslands of Australia. This area experience mostly humid sub-tropical climate. Agricultural practice is mostly done here. The region is covered with black agricultural soil. With the help of groundwater irrigation chickpeas, soybeans and many other crops are grown here. Livestock farming is also done here.

The grasslands of South Africa is known as Veld. Here Cattle rearing is done by white people. Cattle and sheep are also reared by some indigenous tribes. The famous Marino wool comes from this region. There is no surplus of animal product for trade.

Steppes are the grasslands of Russia. In recent decades, various parts of the steppes have been cleared and brought under cultivation. Wheat is the main crop of the region. Corn, sugar beet and sunflower were also cultivated. In the grassland Cattle and sheep's are reared for milk, meat, skin, and wool. 

King Leopold II of Belgium personally conquered and controlled the Congo Free State, which became notorious for its brutal exploitation.

The Mediterranean region covers a relatively small portion of the Earth's total land area, approximately 1 percent.

Mediterranean forests are found in areas around Mediterranean Sea, Central Chile, South-West USA, Australia, Africa. They have thick barks and wax coated leaves which help them reduce transpiration. Due to these characteristics, Mediterranean trees adapt themselves to dry summers. Mediterranean Forests are known as 'Orchards of the world' for their fruit cultivation. People have removed the natural vegetation here in order to cultivate what they want to. So, Citrus fruits such as oranges, figs, olives and grapes are commonly cultivated here.

It covers an area of about 2,500,000 km2 (970,000 sq mi), representing 0.7% of the global ocean surface.  It is connected to the Atlantic via the Strait of Gibraltar. This narrow strait connecting the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea and separates Spain in Europe from Morocco in Africa—is only 14 km (9 mi).