Facts About Geography That You Didn't Know

Contrary to popular belief, Kansas City isn't a single city straddling the borders of Missouri and Kansas. It actually comprises two separate municipalities: Kansas City, Missouri, and Kansas City, Kansas. This often confuses folks, especially since major sports teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals are based in Missouri, not Kansas.

The terms "Great Britain" and "the United Kingdom" are not interchangeable. The United Kingdom is a country that includes England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Great Britain, on the other hand, refers specifically to the island that comprises England, Scotland, and Wales, along with their associated smaller islands. Ireland is separate and not part of the UK or Great Britain, just to set the record straight.

Many people use "Holland" and "the Netherlands" interchangeably when referring to the Dutch nation. However, Holland actually refers only to two provinces within the Netherlands: North Holland and South Holland. The Netherlands consists of 12 provinces in total. Thus, using "Holland" to refer to the entire country is like calling the Canadian province of Quebec the whole of Canada.

The Statue of Liberty, an iconic symbol of New York City, is actually located within the territorial waters of New Jersey. Though it stands proudly in New York Harbor, its official registration on the National Register of Historic Places lists it under New Jersey, making it a top attraction in the Garden State.

It's a common misconception that Egypt is solely in Africa. The Suez Canal divides the country, placing a small part of its landmass in Asia. Thus, Egypt is a transcontinental country, geographically spanning both Africa and Asia.

Many believe the Nile to be the longest river in the world. However, by some measurements, the Amazon River surpasses the Nile. The Nile extends about 4,123 miles, while the Amazon stretches approximately 4,188 miles, making it essential to double-check your itinerary if you're planning to visit the world’s longest river.

Outside of Canada, many assume Toronto is the national capital due to its size and prominence. However, Toronto is actually the capital of Ontario, the province. Canada’s capital city is Ottawa, located near Montreal along the Ottawa River.

Visitors to the Florida Keys often think they are at the southernmost point of the United States. In reality, the southernmost point is located in Hawaii, specifically at Ka Lae, known in Hawaiian as "the point." This spot truly marks the most southern tip of the U.S.

Many people mistakenly think of Geneva or Zurich as the capital of Switzerland. However, the official capital is Bern. Interestingly, Switzerland does not emphasize having a capital in its legal documents, maintaining a unique stance on national symbolism.

Puerto Rico, rich in its own culture and primarily Spanish-speaking, is often thought to be a separate country. In fact, Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory. This means you don’t need a passport to travel there from other parts of the U.S., unlike traveling to other Caribbean islands.

The name "Iceland" might suggest a land covered in ice, but that’s far from accurate. The climate is milder than many places known for their cold, such as Alaska or northern Ohio during winter. In southern Iceland, January temperatures average around 36 degrees Fahrenheit, and in July, about 57 degrees Fahrenheit. The country's volcanic activity also supports numerous geysers and hot springs, adding to its geothermal riches.

Many believe Sydney is Australia’s capital because of its fame and size. However, the actual capital of Australia is Canberra, located inland and designated as the capital in the early 20th century to resolve rivalry between Sydney and Melbourne.

While many Americans think of Canada as the largest country by land area, Russia actually holds this title. Russia’s land area surpasses Canada's by about 10 million square miles, placing Canada in second.

Maine is often thought to be the easternmost state in the U.S. However, parts of Alaska, specifically the Aleutian Islands, extend into the Eastern Hemisphere, making Alaska the true easternmost state.

It is actually possible to see mainland Siberia from certain parts of Alaska. From specific spots on Cape Prince of Wales, the westernmost point of the North American continent, you can glimpse Siberia, debunking the myth that it’s impossible to see Russia from the U.S.