10 Shocking Statistics That Will Change Your Perspective on the World
We all carry preconceived notions that shape how we see the world. It’s natural to assume something is true because it feels right or fits neatly into our worldview. But sometimes, the truth can be surprising—even shocking. The best way to challenge those assumptions? Look at the cold, hard facts. Numbers don’t lie, and when you see them laid out clearly, they can completely upend what you thought you knew.
Take a moment to think about it. We often rely on gut feelings or popular opinions to form our beliefs. But statistics? They’re a different story. They cut through the noise and give you a raw, unfiltered look at reality. And when you dive into the data, you might find yourself questioning everything you thought was true.
For example, consider how often we assume certain trends or behaviors are universal, only to discover that the numbers tell a completely different tale. It’s these moments—when the data contradicts our instincts—that can truly blow your mind. Whether it’s about technology, society, or even everyday habits, the truth is often stranger—and more fascinating—than we imagine.
10.The Same Number of People Have Hiked the Grand Canyon As Have Walked on the Moon
Quick question: do you know how many people have walked on the moon? Even if you’re not sure of the exact number, you can probably guess it’s not a huge crowd. After all, the moon isn’t exactly a weekend getaway.
Here’s the surprising part: in the more than 50 years since humans first landed on the moon, only 12 people have actually set foot on it. That’s it—just 12. But here’s something even more mind-blowing: the same number of people have hiked the entire Grand Canyon. Yes, you read that right. While millions visit the Grand Canyon each year, almost no one attempts the full trek.
Why? Because hiking the Grand Canyon isn’t just a walk in the park—it’s a grueling, 750-mile journey with barely any trails to follow. You’ll need to climb peaks, rappel down cliffs, and navigate extreme temperatures that can swing from over 100°F to below freezing. And if you’re planning to do it all in one go, you’ll be carrying at least 50 pounds of supplies on your back. There are no towns, no stores, and no shortcuts. It’s just you, the canyon, and your determination.
While the moon might seem like the ultimate remote destination, hiking the Grand Canyon is its own kind of epic adventure. Both feats require an extraordinary level of commitment, preparation, and grit. Whether you’re looking up at the stars or down into the depths of the canyon, one thing’s for sure: some journeys are reserved for the truly daring.
9.More People Have Died From Yellowstone’s Thermal Pools Than Bears
If you’ve spent any time scrolling through social media, you’ve probably stumbled across the age-old debate: what’s more dangerous—a bear or a random man? Bears, after all, are one of North America’s largest predators, and it’s no wonder they strike fear into the hearts of hikers and campers alike. But here’s the twist: while bears are undeniably dangerous, there’s something else in the wild that’s claimed even more lives—thermal pools.
Yes, you read that right. In Yellowstone National Park, the steaming hot springs have proven deadlier than the bears roaming the same terrain. So, if you’re looking to stir up a lively debate online, forget bears versus men—ask people if they’d rather be alone with a stranger or a boiling thermal pool. The answers might surprise you.
Yellowstone’s hot springs are deceptively dangerous. Step off the marked path, and what looks like solid ground could collapse under your weight, plunging you into water heated to a scorching 250°F. Since the late 1800s, around 20 people have died in these thermal pools, often because they ignored warnings and ventured into restricted areas. While that number might not seem huge over such a long period, consider this: Yellowstone is a park, a place meant for enjoyment, not danger. In comparison, only eight people have been killed by bears in the same timeframe.
The park is dotted with signs warning visitors to stay on designated paths, and for good reason. The pools, both visible and hidden, are filled with water that’s not just boiling hot but also highly acidic. One wrong step can lead to severe burns, life-threatening injuries, or worse. And with the rise of social media, where risky behavior is often glorified, these accidents seem to be happening more frequently.
8.There Are More Monthly Facebook Users Than There Were Humans Alive in 1950
Social media as a whole has a grip on humanity the world over. There are a lot of different platforms to choose from, but Facebook remains one of the most well-known. Even if all the kids are on TikTok these days, you can’t count out how influential and important Facebook has been as the grandfather of the social media movement.
Just how big is Facebook? In the second quarter of 2023, Facebook clocked three billion monthly active users. That means, even if you think Facebook is old and out of date, it’s still far and away the most popular social media platform on the internet.
Three billion users is a remarkable number. There weren’t even 3 billion people on the planet in 1950. Back then the population of the Earth was about 2.4 billion. The USA accounts for 179 million of those users. With a population of just over 336 million, that means over 53% of Americans are still regularly using Facebook.
7.More People Die Taking Selfies Than From Shark Attacks
If it’s not bears in the woods that people are afraid of, it’s sharks in the ocean. In recent years sharks have had a bit of PR pushback with people online trying to educate the world that sharks are not as bad as Shark Week wants you to think.
Are some sharks dangerous? Of course. Just like some house cats are dangerous. That doesn’t mean all sharks are dangerous all the time, and you need to appreciate that as intimidating as they look, they’re not necessarily out to get you. So what innocuous thing is actually more dangerous than a shark? Selfies.
A 2022 study showed that, in the previous 13 years, there were 90 recorded cases of fatal shark attacks. In most of those cases, the sharks were provoked. In that same period, a staggering 379 people died trying to take selfies.
Selfie-related deaths are so prominent in India that the city of Mumbai had to set up no selfie zones to try to protect people. Selfie lovers have died taking photos of themselves just before they got hit by moving trains, others have been snapping photos while on a sinking boat. Stateside more than one person has fallen into the Grand Canyon while trying to take a selfie. Some folks have even shot themselves taking selfies with guns.
6.More People in South Africa Rely on Loans to Pay Bills Than Have Jobs
Have you ever borrowed money? Whether it’s for a mortgage, a car, or even just to cover an unexpected expense, most of us have been there at some point. But in South Africa, loans aren’t just a financial tool—they’re a way of life. In fact, back in 2014, a staggering 86% of South Africans had taken out a loan in the previous years. That’s right: more people in the country have loans than jobs.
Now, that’s a statistic that makes you stop and think, doesn’t it?
What’s even more fascinating is how these loans are used. While some are borrowed from friends or family—often with informal agreements—a huge chunk of the population, about 25 million out of 37 million, owe money to banks or other financial institutions. And here’s the kicker: many of these loans aren’t for big-ticket items like houses or cars. Instead, they’re used for everyday expenses, like putting food on the table or buying groceries.
But wait, it gets even more intriguing. In a country where fewer than 10 million people are formally employed, the reliance on loans becomes even more striking. Sure, there are plenty of people working in rural areas, on farms, or in informal jobs that don’t show up in official statistics. Yet, the gap between those who have steady jobs and those who depend on loans to make ends meet is still jaw-dropping.
It’s a situation that raises all sorts of questions. Why are so many people turning to loans for basic needs? What does this say about the economy, or about the challenges people face in their daily lives? And how do they manage to keep up with repayments when income is so uncertain?
This isn’t just a story about numbers or economics—it’s a glimpse into the lives of millions of people navigating a complex reality. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most ordinary things, like taking out a loan, can reveal something extraordinary about a society.
So, the next time you hear about loans, think beyond the paperwork and interest rates. Think about the stories behind them—the struggles, the resilience, and the everyday choices that shape lives. Because in South Africa, loans aren’t just about money; they’re about survival, hope, and the pursuit of a better tomorrow.
Now, isn’t that something worth sharing?
5.In Some Years More People Die on Cape Town’s Table Mountain Than on Everest
Mount Everest is one of the most famous natural wonders of the world. It’s also one of the most daunting peaks in the world that only expert climbers have ever conquered. Many people have tried and failed, and their bodies are still on the mountain to this day.
As many as 300 people have died on Mt Everest and about two-thirds of them are still there. And while you can’t downplay the danger, it’s surprising to learn that there are deadlier peaks out there. Deadlier, smaller, and flatter. Like South Africa’s Table Mountain.
Overlooking Cape Town, Table Mountain is 1085 meters tall, or 3,563 feet. Significantly smaller than Everest’s 29,000 feet. But because it’s smaller and flatter, it attracts many more tourists. People underestimate the size of the mountain and they also lack caution. Some years 10 to 20 people will die from a range of causes. Some die taking selfies, and others get lost and die of dehydration, or slip and falls.
4.San Francisco Has More Dogs than Children
Americans love dogs and that’s a fact. There are as many as 88 million dogs in the US right now. That’s more than double the human population of Canada. And while dogs have proven to be man’s best friend in a big way, they’ve also usurped humans in some places. For instance, there are more dogs than children in San Francisco.
Exact numbers of dogs can be hard to pin down because not everyone registers their dogs, strays keep breeding, and people outside city limits don’t need to buy tags usually. So there’s a good range for how many could be around but it’s estimated San Francisco is home to between 120,000 and 500,000 with around 232,000 fitting the city based on the national average. As of 2018, there were just over 118,000 children in the city.
3.More Americans Immigrate to Australia than the Reverse
Let’s talk about immigration—a topic that can spark endless debates and strong opinions. For decades, the United States has been seen as the ultimate destination for people chasing the so-called “American Dream.” It’s a land of opportunity, a place where anyone can start fresh and build a better life. But here’s the twist: not everyone is buying into that dream anymore. In fact, there’s one group of people who seem to be heading in the opposite direction: Australians.
Wait, what? Australians?
Yes, you read that right. Australia is the only country in the world with a net positive immigration rate from the US. Translation: more Americans are packing their bags and moving to Australia than Aussies are moving to the US. Forget the American Dream—apparently, the Australian Dream is where it’s at.
Let’s break it down with some numbers. In 2023, Australia welcomed around 110,000 US-born citizens, while the US only managed to attract about 97,800 Australians. That’s a pretty clear win for the land Down Under. But why? What’s pulling Americans across the Pacific?
Well, Australia has a lot to offer. Think about it: stunning beaches, a laid-back lifestyle, universal healthcare, and cities that consistently rank among the most livable in the world. Plus, let’s not forget the wildlife (even if kangaroos and spiders might freak some people out). For many Americans, Australia represents a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of US life and embrace a slower, more balanced way of living.
On the flip side, Australians don’t seem as eager to trade their sunny shores for the US. Maybe it’s the allure of their own backyard, or perhaps they’re just not sold on the American Dream anymore. Either way, it’s a fascinating shift in the global migration story.
2.There Are More Slaves Today Than Any Period in History
Slavery is always a touchy subject and a shameful one for most when we reflect on our history. Something worth considering however is that you don’t need to look at history. Right now there are more slaves in the world than there have ever been in the past.
In 2022, the International Labor Organization determined that 50 million people were subject to modern-day slavery. America enslaved 12.5 million Africans during the Slave Trade.
According to the ILO’s numbers, 28 million people today are being forced into labor and another 22 million are trapped in forced marriages which the organization considers to be the same thing. Sexual exploitation only accounts for 23% of those numbers.
The group concluded that there was no region of the world immune from these acts. Some countries obviously have more instances than others but none are free. Forced labor, while different from our preconceptions of pre-Civil War slavery, still involves forcing people to work. The workers often cannot quit, have money withheld, are in debt to employers, or are threatened with deportation if they do not endure poor conditions.
1.More People Have Phones than Toilets
Let’s face it—most of us in the Western world are glued to our phones. Whether we’re texting, scrolling, snapping photos, or binge-watching videos, it’s hard to imagine life without that little device in our hands. But here’s a thought experiment: what if you had to choose between your phone and your toilet? Sounds ridiculous, right? Yet, for billions of people around the world, this isn’t just a hypothetical question—it’s their reality.
Here’s the shocking truth: more people on this planet own a phone than have access to a toilet. Let that sink in for a moment.
According to a UN report from 2013, about 4.5 billion people had access to a toilet. At the same time, a staggering 6 billion people owned a phone. Fast forward to today, and those numbers have likely shifted even further. With the global population growing by over a billion since then, it’s safe to assume that phone ownership has skyrocketed. But toilets? Not so much.
Now, if you’re wondering about the 2.5 billion people who didn’t have toilets back in 2013, here’s the kicker: over a billion of them had no access at all. That means they had to resort to going outside, often in unsanitary and unsafe conditions. It’s a stark reminder of the inequalities that still exist in our world.
So, why does this matter? It’s not just about the numbers—it’s about what they represent. Phones have become a universal tool for communication, education, and even financial services. They connect people in ways that were unimaginable just a few decades ago. But at the same time, the lack of basic sanitation highlights a glaring gap in global development.
This bizarre contrast between phones and toilets raises some big questions. How did we get to a point where technology outpaces something as fundamental as sanitation? What does this say about our priorities as a global society? And what can we do to bridge this gap?
It’s a strange, thought-provoking reality that makes you pause and reflect. So, the next time you reach for your phone or flush your toilet, take a moment to appreciate how lucky you are—and maybe share this mind-blowing fact with someone else. After all, it’s one of those “wait, really?” stories that’s both fascinating and a little unsettling.
