Some Facts and Figures from around the World :

The most widely spoken language in the world is Chinese Mandarin.

The fastest bird from our earth is the Spine-Tailed Swift recording speeds of up to 171 km/hr!

It has been estimated that in order to ensure our basic needs, every individual needs 20 to 50 litres of water free from harmful contaminants each and every day.

An Elephant is the only type of animal that cannot jump.

It is impossible to lick your elbow. You probably just tried it?

Dolphins sleep with one eye open.

Did you know that you have a 1 in 649,739 chance of being dealt a Royal Straight Flush when you play poker? Your chances of getting struck by lightning is actually higher.

Canada has more lakes that any other country in the world.

Using satellite-surveying techniques, scientists have determined that Los Angeles, California is moving east. At a rate estimated to be about one-fifth on an inch per year, the city is moving closer to the San Gabriel Mountains.

The Vatican city, as well as being the smallest city in the world, is also one of the only countries within another country (it is inside Italy) The other is San Marino, also inside Italy.

The fastest human swimmer can swim at 6 miles per hour. The fastest mammal - the dolphin - can swim up to 35 miles per hour.

In a study of 200,000 ostriches over a period of 80 years, no one reported a single case where an ostrich buried its head in the sand.

If you sneeze too hard, you can fracture a rib. If you try to suppress a sneeze, you can rupture a blood vessel in your head or neck and die. If you keep your eyes open by force, they can pop out.

The most powerful electric eel is found in the rivers of Brazil, Columbia, Venezuela, and Peru, and produces a shock of 400-650 volts.

When a giraffe's baby is born it falls from a height of six feet, normally without being hurt.

Kangaroos can not walk backwards.

If you have some interesting facts and figures to add here, please email us at info@picturesofthewrold.ca