Pins — Bite-Sized Travel Facts

Did you know the spot on Earth closest to outer space is a volcano in Ecuador, not Mount Everest? Because the planet bulges at the equator, the summit of Chimborazo sits farther from Earth's center than Everest's peak — by more than a mile. Everest is still the tallest above sea level, but Chimborazo wins the race to the stars.

Did you know Nepal has the world's only non-rectangular national flag? Its two stacked crimson pennants represent the Himalayas, with the sun and moon symbolizing the hope that Nepal lasts as long as they do. Fitting for a country whose mountains are still growing — Everest gains a few millimeters (less than a half of a centimeter) every year.