Mental Floss
geography mental floss

Geography

The Latest

Some parts of the U.S. are way more into the iconic autumnal drink than others.

These Atomic Age sites—some of which are still dangerously radioactive—are a somber reminder of the dark shadow the threat of nuclear war cast on the world.
Lorna Wallace|
Two factors explain why Seattle, Portland, and surrounding areas get all that precipitation.
Dennis Mersereau|
From a Yosemite icon to a Grand Canyon hidden gem, there are epic waterfall hikes to be found across the country.
Jessica Young|

Cities

See the U.S. metro areas where inflation is making life expensive, based on fresh Consumer Price Index data.
CaLea Johnson|
If you suffer from allergies, here are the worst—and the best—places to be.
Ellen Gutoskey|
Time Out surveyed 18,500 people around the world to find the greenest cities—here’s who topped the list.
CaLea Johnson|
One man’s dream was a city planner’s nightmare.
Jake Rossen|
You’re going to be very hungry after reading this.
Paul Anthony Jones|
Drivers are pretty safe in Boise, but they might find themselves getting whiplash in Boston.
Jake Rossen|
If you’re in one of these cities, know what you’re in for before you head to the local DMV. (Plus, the cities with the best and most-improved DMVs.)
Paul Anthony Jones|
Once a risky proposition, food trucks have become gourmet pit stops that can rival the fanciest eateries.
Jake Rossen|

Maps

There’s a good reason your parents probably freaked out when they found out you took a little joy ride on someone’s Harley.
Sam Hindman|
A major survey is spelling out trouble for the country's literacy rates.
Jake Rossen|
Americans have a strong preference for what they want to eat before they shuffle off this mortal coil.
Paul Anthony Jones|

National Parks

Cutting down on syllables is just one reason ‘cop’ became synonymous with ‘police officer.’

States

Looking for the ultimate off-the-grid lifestyle? Find out which states offer the best self-sufficiency, renewable energy options, and low cost of living.
CaLea Johnson|
Midwestern and northeastern states were most likely to have positive workplace cultures.
CaLea Johnson|
Find out which brands have states fired up this year.
CaLea Johnson|
Find out where your state falls on the list.
CaLea Johnson|

Geology

From the mysterious human-made structures at Bolivia’s Tiwanaku Archaeological Site to the prehistoric megaliths at Carnac in France, these rock formations inspire awe and curiosity.
Editorial Staff|
Every second counts when it comes to earthquakes, and Android‘s AEA system is changing how people prepare for one of nature’s most unpredictable disasters.
CaLea Johnson|
These stunning U.S. canyons drew massive crowds in 2024. Find out which natural wonders topped the list, based on National Park Service data.
CaLea Johnson|
Visitors stuffing coins into Northern Ireland’s famed basalt columns are unintentionally damaging this natural wonder and costing the country thousands.
CaLea Johnson|

Wanderlust

Looking for the perfect picnic spot? Reviewers say these state parks are top-tier.
CaLea Johnson|
If you want a hike that will test your limits, maybe you should visit (or relocate to) one of these states.
Jake Rossen|
See the ratios of tourists to residents in countries across globe and every U.S. state.
Ellen Gutoskey|
Mf yellow geography

Learn More About Geography

GeographyCitiesMapsNational ParksStatesWanderlustGeology