Author: Maarten Van Den Driessche
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Australia Is Wider Than the Moon
It sounds impossible at first. The Moon hangs enormous in our night sky. Australia is just one country on Earth. Surely the Moon must be much larger? Yet when you compare them side by side, Australia is actually wider than the Moon. The Moon has a diameter of approximately 3,474 kilometres. Australia, measured from its…
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What If Every Human on Earth Stood Side by Side?
A thought experiment that will change the way you look at the world It started with a conversation in Turkey. My friend Alex Tsaplev, traveller, thinker, the kind of person who asks questions nobody else thinks to ask, turned to me one evening and said: “Do you know that every human being on Earth could…
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Oman and Norway: Two Countries, One Population, Worlds Apart
At first glance, Oman and Norway seem to have little in common. One is a desert kingdom on the Arabian Peninsula, the other a Scandinavian nation famous for its fjords and snowy landscapes. Yet these two countries share a surprising statistic: both have a population of around 5.5 million people. This unexpected similarity often leads…
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Flag Etiquette — The Essential Guide to Displaying a Flag Correctly
A flag is more than just a piece of fabric—it represents history, identity, values, and pride. Whether you’re displaying a national flag, state flag, military flag, or organizational banner, following proper flag etiquette demonstrates respect for what that flag stands for. This essential guide covers the key principles for displaying a flag correctly and respectfully.…
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Japan’s Population Problem: What Happens When a Country Starts to Shrink?
Japan is often seen as a glimpse into the future. The country is famous for its cutting-edge technology, efficient transportation, and some of the world’s safest cities. Yet behind the neon lights of Tokyo and the bullet trains racing across the country lies one of the most significant demographic challenges of the 21st century. Japan’s…
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Exploring the Provinces of Turkey
Turkey is divided into 81 provinces (iller), stretching across two continents and offering an incredible variety of landscapes, cultures, and histories. From the beaches of the Mediterranean to the mountains of Eastern Anatolia, each province has its own unique character. Why Turkey’s Provinces Are So Diverse Turkey’s provinces span seven geographical regions: Provinces Every Traveler…
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Southern Lights vs. Northern Lights: What’s the Difference?
The aurora is one of nature’s most spectacular displays, lighting up the night sky with curtains of green, purple, pink, and red. While the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) are famous worldwide, their southern counterpart, the Southern Lights (Aurora Australis), remains a hidden gem for many travelers. Both phenomena are created when charged particles from the…
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Xiamen Travel Guide: China’s Coastal Gem and Future Aviation Capital
Located on China’s southeast coast in Fujian Province, Xiamen is one of the country’s most attractive and livable cities. Known for its seaside setting, colonial architecture, subtropical climate, and relaxed atmosphere, Xiamen offers a different side of China compared to the bustling megacities of Beijing and Shanghai. Why Visit Xiamen? Xiamen combines modern urban development…
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Divided Islands: One Island, Two Worlds
Most islands are governed by a single country, but a handful of fascinating exceptions are divided between two or more nations. These islands offer a unique glimpse into history, politics, culture, and geography, where international borders cut across landscapes that might otherwise feel like a single destination. Why Are Some Islands Divided? Island borders are…