World Amazing Stuff

The top 10 coffee-consuming countries

Around the world, coffee is more than an average beverage. It's a ritual, a comfort, and for many, a necessity. This beloved drink unites coffee enthusiasts worldwide, who consume it in astounding quantities. Curious to know which countries lead the pack in coffee consumption? With data sourced from World Atlas, let’s explore the top ten coffee-consuming nations.

1) Canada: 14.33 lbs (6.5 kg) per capita
Rounding out the top ten, Canada is the only non-European country on the list, with an annual consumption of 14.33 lbs per person. Canadian coffee culture is robust, with a mix of popular international chains, Tim Horton's, and cherished local coffee shops that keep the urban centers buzzing and the rural areas warmly caffeinated.

2) Luxembourg: 14.33 lbs (6.5 kg) per capita
Despite its small size, Luxembourg packs a big punch in coffee consumption, averaging 14.33 lbs per capita each year. The country’s cosmopolitan nature is reflected in its diverse coffee scene, where traditional European coffee meets modern, third-wave brewing techniques.

3) Belgium: 15 lbs (6.8 kg) per capita
Belgium might be famous for its chocolate and beer, but it also has a profound coffee culture with an annual consumption of 15 lbs per capita. Belgian coffee is often enjoyed alongside rich pastries or chocolates, making every coffee break a luxurious experience.

4) Switzerland: 17.42 lbs (7.9 kg) per capita
In Switzerland, where 17.42 lbs of coffee are consumed per person annually, coffee is both a personal pleasure and a public passion. Swiss cafes are renowned for their quality and innovation, especially in the use of espresso machines. The popular "caffè crema" is a testament to Swiss precision in coffee brewing.

5) Sweden: 18 lbs (8.2 kg) per capita©
Sweden’s tradition of "fika" — taking a coffee break — is a testament to the country’s love for coffee, with Swedes consuming 18 lbs per person per year. Coffee in Sweden, like in other countries, is a reason to pause and enjoy life's little moments, which can be made even better by pastries known locally as "fika bread."

6) Netherlands: 18.52 lbs (8.4 kg) per capita
The Netherlands has a rich coffee history, consuming 18.52 lbs of coffee per capita annually. Dutch coffee culture includes the unique 'Koffietijd' or coffee time, which involves savoring coffee with cookies or cakes. Historically, the Dutch played a crucial role in spreading coffee across the world through their colonial activities, particularly in Java and Suriname.

7) Denmark: 19.18 lbs (8.7 kg) per capita
With an average consumption of 19.18 lbs per person annually, Denmark knows its coffee well. The Danish coffee scene is characterized by its "hygge" (coziness) particularly in the way coffee is enjoyed slowly with friends and family. The country's historic coffee houses and modern cafes continue to be favored spots for socializing over a warm cup.

8) Iceland: 19.84 lbs (9 kg) per capita
Icelanders are passionate about their coffee, consuming 19.84 lbs per capita each year. In Iceland, independent coffee shops thrive, particularly in Reykjavik, where coffee drinking is considered a crucial part of daily social interactions. The lack of international coffee chain stores speaks volumes about the local commitment to unique and high-quality coffee experiences.

9) Norway: 21.82 lbs (9.9 kg) per capita
Norway's coffee culture is deeply ingrained, with 21.82 lbs consumed per person each year. The traditional Norwegian coffee, often served black, is a staple at breakfast and during "kaffepause," a break that centers around coffee. In Norway, coffee is also a way to welcome guests and treat oneself during the cold, dark winters.

10) Finland: 26.45 lbs (12 kg) per capita
The average Finn consumes about 26.45 lbs of coffee annually, mostly through a traditional brewing method that emphasizes a very light roast. Finnish coffee culture includes the famous "kahvila" or coffee break, which is an essential part of daily life and often accompanied by a sweet treat or sandwich.

Top 10 largest landlocked countries in the world

A landlocked country is one that does not have any coastline or direct access to an ocean. This geographical trait often brings political and economic challenges, such as limited access to vital maritime resources like fishing, oil, and gas. It also restricts opportunities for international trade, which are essential for growth and development. However, being landlocked can also provide some benefits. It can act as a natural barrier against cheap imports, helping to strengthen local industries and food systems.

The impact of being landlocked varies depending on a country's level of development, available trade routes, language, ease of business, and other factors. While some European landlocked nations are wealthy, many in Africa, Asia, and South America are still developing.

There are currently 44 landlocked countries worldwide, and this gallery highlights top ten largest by land area. Please find below;

1) Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is the largest landlocked country in the world. The Central Asian country spans over a massive area of approximately 2.7 million square kilometers. It is surrounded by five countries: Russia in the north and west, China in the east, Kyrgyzstan in the southeast, Uzbekistan in the south, and Turkmenistan to the southwest. It is also the ninth-largest country in the world. Sources: (World Atlas) (World Population Review) (ThoughtCo)

2) Mongolia
Mongolia is the second-largest landlocked country in the world. It has a total area of approximately 1.6 million square kilometers. It is surrounded by Russia to the north and China to the south. Though it has a population of 3.5 million, it is the world’s most sparsely populated sovereign state, with almost half of the population living in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar.

3) Chad
Chad is the third-largest landlocked country in the world, and the fifth-largest country in Africa. It has a total area of approximately 1.3 million square kilometers. It has six neighboring countries: Libya in the north, Sudan in the east, Central African Republic in the south, Cameroon and Nigeria in the southwest, and Niger to the west. It has an exceptionally diverse culture with over 200 ethnic and linguistic groups.

4) Niger
Niger is a landlocked country in the Western part of Africa. It covers an area of approximately 1.27 million square kilometers, and is the second-largest landlocked country in Africa. It is bordered by Algeria in the northwest, Libya in the northeast, Chad in the east, Nigeria to the south, Benin and Burkina Faso to the southwest, and Mali to the west. The Sahara region covers almost 80% of the country.

5) Mali
A landlocked country in Africa, Mali is the eighth-largest country in Africa. It covers an area of approximately 1.2 million square kilometers. It is surrounded by a total of seven countries. To the north is Algeria, to the east is Niger, to the northwest is Mauritania, to the south are Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast, and Guinea and Senegal in the west.

6) Ethiopia
Ethiopia is located in the Horn of Africa region of East Africa. It covers a land area of approximately 1.1 million square kilometers. Ethiopia shares its borders with Eritrea in the north, Djibouti in the northeast, Somalia in the east, Kenya in the south, South Sudan in the west, and Sudan in the northwest. With a population of 132 million, it is the second-most populous African country, after Nigeria.

7) Bolivia
The landlocked country is located in the central region of South America. Covering an area of approximately 1.05 million square kilometers, it is the fifth largest country in South America.

It is surrounded by Brazil in the north and east, Paraguay in the southeast, Argentina in the south, Chile in the southwest, and Peru in the west. It has diverse geography with Andean plateaus, Amazonian plains, tropical lowlands, and mountain ranges.

8) Zambia
Zambia is located in the Southern part of Africa. A diverse country with abundant wildlife, arable land, wildlife, and freshwater, it covers a total area of approximately 752,600 square kilometers. It shares its borders with eight countries. These are the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the north, Tanzania in the northeast, Malawi in the east, Mozambique in the southeast, Zimbabwe and Botswana in the south, Namibia in the southwest, and Angola in the west.

9) Afghanistan
Afghanistan is located at the intersection of Central and South Asia. The country occupies a total area of approximately 652,864 square kilometers. It shares its borders with six countries. These are Pakistan in the east and south, Iran in the west, Turkmenistan in the northwest, Uzbekistan in the north, Tajikistan in the northeast, and China in the northeast and east.

10) Central African Republic
The Central African Republic is a landlocked country located in Central Africa. It covers an area of about approximately 620,000 square kilometers. It is home to more than 80 ethnic groups and is rich in natural resources such as uranium reserves, gold, diamonds, crude oil, and cobalt. It is surrounded by Chad to the north, Sudan to the northeast, South Sudan to the east, the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the south, the Republic of the Congo to the southwest, and Cameroon to the west.

Top 10 Longest Rivers in the World

Rivers have been pivotal to the birth and success of human civilization. Thousands of years ago, early settlements formed along their banks due to the fresh water, fertile soil, and easy travel routes. Many cultures came to see rivers as sacred, worshipping them as life-giving deities.

These waterways do far more than support communities. They traverse through mountains, deserts, and icy plains, carrying nutrients that nourish forests and wildlife. From small villages to large cities, rivers have shaped trade, farming, and entire economies. here you can find the world’s longest rivers in the world.

1. Nile River
The Longest River in the world is Nile River, 4,132 miles Approximately 6,650km. The river has supported human civilization for thousands of years, especially in ancient Egypt. Millions of people still depend on it for water, farming, and transportation, with its fertile soil used for growing crops even in desert areas.
Source: (Encyclopedia Britannica) (Visual Capitalist) (The Weather Channel)

2. Amazon-Ucayali-Apurímac River
The 2nd longest river is 4,000 miles Approximately 6,400 km. The river supports the world’s largest rainforest and the richest variety of plants and animals on Earth. Thousands of species of fish live in its waters, with many still being discovered.

3. Yangtze River
Approximately 3,915 miles, 6,300 km long. The Large cities such as Chongqing, Wuhan, and Shanghai sit along its banks. The river also has the world’s largest hydroelectric dam, the Three Gorges Dam.

4. Mississippi-Missouri-Red Rock River
Approximately 3,710 miles (5,971 km) long, the river system supports cities, farmlands, and wildlife across the central United States. Its waters create rich wetlands, marshes, and forests that support thousands of species.

5. Yenisey-Baikal-Selenga River
Approximately 3,442 miles (5,540 km) long, the river passes through forests, mountains, and frozen plains, with many people relying on it for power, transportation, and fishing. It is home to dozens of native fish species, including several found nowhere else.

6. Yellow River (Huang He)
Approximately 3,395 miles (5,464 km), the river carries a large amount of yellow silt, which gives it its name. This silt creates fertile farmland but can also cause dangerous flooding.

7. Ob-Irtysh River
Approximately 3,362 miles (5,410 km) long. The river is born out of the merger of the Biya and the Katun rivers and empties into the Arctic Ocean. It provides water for farming, drinking, and power production across Siberia.

8. Paraná River
Approximately 3,032 miles (4,880 km) long, the river gives rise to the Paraná River Basin, providing water to major cities, including São Paulo, Asunción, and Buenos Aires, among others. It also helps sustain the Pantanal, the largest wetland in the world.

9. Congo River
Approximately 2,900 miles (4,700 km) long, many countries depend on the Congo for transportation. The river is home to hundreds of fish species, many found nowhere else on Earth.

10. Amur-Argun River
Approximately 2,761 miles (4,444 km) long, the Amur is the longest undammed river in the Eastern Hemisphere, flowing freely through grasslands, forests, and even areas of tundra. The river supports many species, including rare fish found only in this region.

Top Countries with Most Data Centers in the World

The Data centers are secure, specialized physical facilities that house IT infrastructure (servers, storage systems, and networking equipment) to store, manage, and process vast amounts of digital data. They are critical to modern digital operations, including cloud computing, AI, and internet services. They require high-capacity power, cooling systems, and strict security to operate efficiently.

1. United States
The US hosts the world’s largest concentration of data centers around 4,165 Data Centers, driven by major cloud providers such as Amazon, Microsoft, and Google. Many facilities are clustered in Northern Virginia, Silicon Valley, Dallas, and Chicago, regions that offer strong connectivity and large energy supplies. Source: Visual Capitalist, Statista, Quartz

2. United Kingdom
The UK’s data center network is centered around London and the surrounding Southeast region around 499 Data Centers, where financial and cloud services dominate. Strong connectivity and established tech infrastructure make it a hub for European operations.

3. Germany
Germany’s facilities are mainly located in Frankfurt around 487 Data Centers, which serves as Europe’s largest internet exchange point. The country’s central location, economic policies, and reliable power supplies have encouraged continued investment.

4. China
China’s data center growth supports its expanding e-commerce, social media, and cloud computing sectors. Major hubs include Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen, around 381 Data Centers, along with emerging centers supported by government initiatives.

5. France
France’s largest concentration of data centers is in the Paris region around 321 Data Centers, supporting finance, telecom, and government institutions. Some regions have raised concerns about water use, especially during hot spells in summer.

6. Canada
Canadian data centers are spread across Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, around 293 Data Centers, with colder climates helping reduce cooling costs. The country’s renewable energy resources make it attractive for operators who are after lower carbon footprints.

7. Australia
Australia’s facilities are mainly concentrated around Sydney and Melbourne, around 274 Data Centers, supporting finance, government, and cloud services. Power availability and heat management are becoming major concerns, with several states urging operators to adopt greener energy strategies.

8. India
India’s rapid growth is tied to rising internet access, digital payments, and cloud adoption around 271 Data Centers. Cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad have become major hubs due to government incentives, growing research centers, and foreign investment.

9. Japan
Japan’s data centers are concentrated in Tokyo and Osaka around 242 Data Centers, serving a dense urban population and advanced tech sector. Earthquake-resistant construction and strict safety standards influence how facilities are built.

10. Italy
Italy’s data center footprint is centered in Milan around 209 Data Centers, which benefits from strong connectivity and access to financial institutions. Demand is rising as businesses adopt cloud services and digital tools.

The world's longest walkable route

The world's longest walkable route is a 22,387km (Approximately 14,000 mile) path from Cape Town, South Africa, to Magadan, Russia, crossing 16-17 countries without needing boats or planes, though it's considered a theoretical route never completed due to extreme logistics, visa hurdles, and dangers. This epic journey involves crossing 6 time zones and every season, potentially taking over 560 days of walking 8 hours daily, and highlights challenges like harsh climates and political instability. You could follow it entirely on foot, you can see the landscapes you would encounter on the world's longest hiking trail.

The World’s Most Breathtaking Walled Cities

Since ancient times, humans have built walls to safeguard their homes and communities from attack. While many famous fortified cities such as Jericho and Troy have crumbled over time, plenty of characterful towns and cities remain with their age-old walls intact. From hilltop citadels to fortified coastal enclaves, scoured the world to find the most captivating walled cities, ranked them for their beauty.

1. Dubrovnik, Croatia

Towering above the dazzlingly blue waters of the Adriatic, the sturdy medieval walls of Dubrovnik are a truly astounding sight. These magnificent walls were built in the 13th century, with some reinforcements added in the 15th century, to protect it from the Ottoman Turks.

Now world-famous for its starring role as King’s Landing in HBO’s Game of Thrones, the near-perfectly preserved walled town ranks as one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. It’s possible to do a circuit of the arresting battlements, which offer amazing views of the old town’s terracotta rooftops, passageways, Baroque churches and out to sea. It was a close-run thing but, for us, this place had to rank number one.

2. Carcassonne, France

This handsome hilltop city on the banks of the River Aude in France’s Languedoc region is the largest walled medieval city in Europe. Built on Roman remains, the Cite de Carcassonne (old town) is encircled by two outer walls that loom over the narrow alleyways and hidden corners within.

With 52 towers and barbicans, the walls were highly innovative at the time and designed to prevent attack by siege engines. They were restored in the 19th century by architect Eugene Viollet-le-Duc so look remarkably pristine. A circuit walk now loops around the battlements.

3. Pingyao, China

Pingyao in Shanxi province is one of China’s most remarkable ancient cities and now a UNESCO World Heritage site. The wealthy trading center and once powerful financial center (as the home to China's first banks), is famed for its commanding and intact walls, old courtyard houses and temples.

The walls were first built during the reign of King Xuan (827–782 BC) of the Western Zhou Dynasty and later rebuilt in the 14th century. There are 72 observation towers and more than 300 battlements, although only one of the four original corner grand watchtowers, the Great Scholar Tower, remains.

4. Taroudant, Morocco

With its majestic ramparts and towers that have stood for more than five centuries, Taroudant – short-lived capital of the Saadian dynasty – is one of North Africa's most beautiful spots. Sometimes known as 'Little Marrakech', due to its distinctive blend of Berber and Islamic influences, the small city's stunning red-mud walls hide a labyrinth of historic streets, squares and souks that sizzle with shopping opportunities.

If you're after an authentic Moroccan trading town experience in the fertile Souss Valley, without the hassle of dodging tourists, this lesser-known gem is a wonderful place to spend some time. The views of the Atlas Mountains aren't bad either.

5. York, England, UK

Heaving with historic nooks and crannies, York has the longest medieval town walls in England at 2.1 miles long. They mainly date from the 13th century but were built on far older defences. The Romans first built walls here, which the Vikings later covered in earth and topped with a palisade (fence of pointed wooden stakes).

It's possible to walk all around the walls, passing fascinating details such as arrow slits, musket loops, sculptures and masons' marks. Four main ‘bars’ (or fortified gateways) allowed entry into the old city, as well as two lesser bars and a postern (a small gateway defended by a tower).

6. Mdina, Malta

Another fine example of a walled city lies in Malta, in the country's Western Region. Former capital Mdina sits perched on a plateau and is hidden behind thick fortifications.

Known as the Silent City, it was founded by the Phoenicians and there's evidence that walls circled the settlement as far back as 1000 BC. Today it's a place of great beauty and culture with a mix of medieval and baroque architecture, tangle of narrow alleys and grand palaces that remain home to wealthy Maltese families.

7. Obidos, Portugal

Hugged by castellated medieval walls, hilltop Obidos is one of Portugal’s prettiest towns. Given as a wedding present by King Dinis to Isabel of Aragon in 1282, the citadel is filled with little churches, white-washed homes (adorned with flower-filled window boxes) and a maze of narrow cobbled alleys.

Dating from the 14th century, much of the original walls remain and can be walked along via a narrow walkway. The town is dominated by the 12th-century castle, which is the setting for a delightful pousada (inn).

8. Xi’an, China

Built in 1370, the mighty 39-foot-high Ming Dynasty walls of Xi'an – capital of several ruling dynasties and powerful trade center – still exude defensive might. Running for 8.5 miles, the walls feature 98 flanking towers (where soldiers stood watch for enemies scaling the walls) and a watchtower at each of its four corners.

There was once a moat and drawbridge which made the old city completely impenetrable. Today walking or cycling along the wide path on top of the walls is one of Xi'an's most popular things to do.

9. Rothenburg-ob-der-Tauber, Germany

Walking the walls that wrap around Rothenburg-ob-der-Tauber is a top attraction of this picture-perfect town in Bavaria, with its half-timbered houses and grand medieval town hall. Situated on the scenic ‘Romantic Road’, the town developed around its fortress and became a powerful city – it had the coveted status of being an autonomous imperial city, or Reichsstadt, from 1274 until 1803.

The town’s intact walls, with their many towers and fortified gates, are among the finest in Germany.

10. Tallinn, Estonia

The tiny old town of Tallinn, protected for centuries by its practical yet pretty fortifications with fairytale towers, remains almost perfectly preserved. Inside the walls (much of which are still standing) lies a labyrinthine network of narrow cobbled passages, squares and timbered merchant houses dating back to the 13th century.

Set on the Baltic coast, Estonia’s capital was a thriving Hanseatic trading center during the Middle Ages.

FIFA to broadcast World Cup match schedule on Saturday.

FIFA will unveil the full, updated match schedule for the 2026 World Cup in a live global broadcast on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 12:00 EST (17:00 GMT). The announcement will take place the day after the Final Draw.

The broadcast will confirm the venues and kick-off times for all 104 matches of the expanded 48-team tournament, which will be held across 16 cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Key Details:
Final Draw Date: Friday, December 5, 2025, at 12:00 local time (17:00 GMT).

Match Schedule Announcement Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 12:00 EST (17:00 GMT).

Location: Both events will be held in Washington, D.C.

Broadcast: The announcement will be available to stream live on FIFA.com and other official FIFA channels.

The original match schedule, which determined host city allocations and the final/opening match locations, was previously announced in February 2024. The full, detailed schedule for specific team matchups will be confirmed after the draw and announced on December 6. The final version of the schedule will be available in March 2026 once the remaining six play-off slots have been filled.