1) The development of the microprocessor by Intel in 1971 paved the way for the modern computer and led to the exponential growth of computing power.

2) The world's first insurance policy was issued in 1347 in Genoa, Italy. It insured against the risk of maritime trade.

3) The world's largest species of shark, the whale shark, can reach lengths of up to 40 feet (12 meters) and weigh over 20 tons.

4) The world's largest desert is the Antarctic Desert, covering around 5.5 million square miles.