There’s a classic saying that the world is “a small place,” but anyone who’s ever stared at a globe knows that’s a myth. In reality, our planet is massive, home to roughly 8.1 billion souls, with India and China alone accounting for more than a third of that total. Yet beyond those headline numbers lies a trove of quirky, eyebrow‑raising facts about how people are spread across the Earth. Below you’ll find ten of the most astonishing, off‑the‑beaten‑path statistics that illustrate just how strange our global population really is.

10 Strange Statistics About Population

Loch Ness stretches 22 miles (about 35.4 km) in length, reaches a width of 1.7 miles (2.7 km) at its broadest point, and plunges to depths exceeding 850 feet (260 m). Its sheer volume means that, if the water were magically removed, the basin could comfortably accommodate the entire world’s population many times over – essentially ten or more copies of every human on Earth could be squeezed inside.

The loch holds an estimated 263 billion cubic feet (roughly 7.5 billion cubic metres) of water. That amount surpasses the combined water volume of all lakes, rivers, and reservoirs across Scotland, England, and Wales. In certain spots, Loch Ness is twice as deep as the deepest section of the North Sea, underscoring just how massive this single body of water truly is.

9 Switzerland’s Abundant Nuclear Shelters

While the United Nations works tirelessly to prevent nuclear conflict, many nations have taken precautionary steps to safeguard their citizens. Switzerland, ever the pragmatist, has mandated that every building – from private homes to schools and hospitals – include a fallout shelter capable of protecting all occupants. The Swiss understand that neutrality alone won’t shield them from radioactive fallout should a nuclear exchange erupt.

What sets Swiss shelters apart is their almost luxurious design: they resemble underground apartments, complete with sophisticated air‑filtration systems, backup power generators, and sizable water tanks. Properly maintained, these shelters can support life for months, even years. They’re not abandoned relics; they’re regularly restocked and kept ready for immediate use.

8 Finland’s Uncompromising Love of Saunas

Sauna culture runs deep in Finland, where a population of about 5.5 million enjoys roughly three million saunas – roughly one sauna for every two people. Originating from post‑Ice‑Age settlements that heated pits covered with animal skins, the Finnish sauna evolved into a cornerstone of daily life, providing both warmth and a ritual of cleansing.

Public saunas are abundant, many of them free of charge and open 24 hours a day, year‑round. Finns have turned sauna‑time into a playful sport: after a steaming session they dash into the snow, or plunge into icy water, then return to the heat – a cycle that boosts mood and contributes to Finland’s reputation as one of the world’s happiest nations.

7 If Manhattan’s Population Density Equaled Alaska’s

Manhattan packs a staggering 72,918 people per square mile (28,154 per square kilometre), translating to roughly 1.69 million residents squeezed into just 22.83 square miles (59.13 km²). This dense island is a global hub for finance, culture, and tourism, home to iconic locations like Broadway, Wall Street, the Empire State Building, and Central Park.

Contrast that with Alaska’s sparse 1.3 people per square mile. If Manhattan were to adopt Alaska’s ultra‑low density, its population would shrink dramatically – only about 32 people would inhabit the entire borough, a stark illustration of how density shapes urban life.

6 China Has 65 Million Empty Houses

China’s rapid urbanisation gave rise to “ghost cities” – entire municipalities built but never populated. While the nation strives to provide housing for its booming populace, real‑estate has also become a favored investment, prompting authorities to construct massive new districts in anticipation of future demand.

One notorious example is Ordos New Town (also known as Kangbashi) in Inner Mongolia. Designed to accommodate a million residents, the futuristic city boasts gleaming skyscrapers, sprawling shopping centres, and modern infrastructure. Yet, when the anticipated coal‑driven growth slowed, the population never materialised, leaving the city eerily empty.

The region’s coal boom in the early 2000s attracted private mining firms, which in turn drove local farmers to sell their land at inflated prices. With new jobs and wealth flowing in, officials embarked on an ambitious building spree – erecting apartments, offices, and commercial spaces at breakneck speed.

However, as global energy shifted toward greener alternatives, the coal surge waned. Construction continued, but without the promised influx of workers, the city’s streets remain largely deserted, a stark reminder of over‑optimistic planning.

Today, Ordos stands as China’s largest ghost town, a concrete skeleton of what could have been – a cautionary tale of speculative development gone awry.

5 A Huge Island with Little Population

Greenland holds the distinction of being the world’s biggest island. Its earliest inhabitants were Paleo‑Inuit peoples who trekked from North America across the frozen Thule Strait, later joined by Viking explorers around the year 1000. After the Vikings abandoned the island, successive waves of Inuit migrants settled, shaping the culture we see today.

Although Greenland was a Danish colony until 1953, when it became an integral district of Denmark, its sheer size belies a minuscule population density – roughly 0.36 people per square mile (0.14 per km²). This sparse settlement pattern makes it one of the least populated large landmasses on Earth.

To put that into perspective, Hong Kong boasts a density of 17,485 people per square mile (6,751 per km²), yet it occupies a land area nearly 2,000 times smaller than Greenland. The contrast highlights how an enormous territory can be almost empty, while a tiny city can be bustling with life.

4 A Japanese Town Has More Scarecrows Than Humans

Nagoro, a tranquil village nestled in Tokushima Prefecture on Shikoku island, is home to a dwindling, aging population. In response to the steady decline, resident Ayano Tsukimi took a creative approach: he hand‑crafted over 350 scarecrows, each dressed in colourful clothing and positioned throughout the community.

These aren’t the typical straw‑filled figures meant to deter birds. Instead, they resemble miniature townsfolk, complete with hats, jackets, and even newspaper‑clad accessories. Tsukimi’s project was born out of a desire to fill the void left by departing neighbours, giving the village a whimsical, human‑like presence.

Remarkably, the ratio of scarecrows to actual residents stands at ten‑to‑one, meaning for every living person in Nagoro there are ten of these charming, stationary companions keeping the streets lively.

3 Where Men Really Outnumber the Woman

Globally, the gender balance hovers close to parity, with an average of 1.02 males per female at birth, tapering to 0.78 males per female among those over 65. However, Qatar breaks this pattern dramatically.

Rich in hydrocarbon resources, Qatar boasts the world’s third‑largest energy reserves. Its thriving economy has attracted a massive influx of male labour migrants from neighbouring countries, drawn by high‑paying construction and service jobs.

Because the immigration system prioritises skill and employment over gender balance, men now outnumber women in Qatar by a striking 2.87 to 1. This skewed ratio makes Qatar one of the most male‑dominated nations on the planet.

2 Monaco’s Millionaires

Imagine walking down a street where every third passerby could afford a private jet. That’s everyday life in Monaco, a sovereign city‑state perched on the French Riviera. With a resident count of just 38,682, the principality is renowned for its opulent lifestyle and sky‑high cost of living.

Astoundingly, one in three Monaco residents is a millionaire. This extraordinary concentration of wealth means even service workers – janitors, handymen, and the like – often possess personal fortunes that would be enviable elsewhere.

1 Everyone Living in One Space

Whittier, a modest Alaskan town perched at the head of Passage Canal, sits about 58 miles (93 km) southeast of Anchorage. While Alaska spans a massive 663,268 square miles (1.7 million km²) with a sparse overall density of 1.3 people per square mile, Whittier presents a unique living arrangement.

The community is accessed by a single, 2.5‑mile (4 km) dual‑purpose tunnel – the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel – which serves both vehicles and trains. This tunnel, often closed after 10:30 p.m. and sometimes blocked by up to 22 feet (6.7 m) of snow in winter, is the only road in and out of town.

All 272 residents share one building: the 14‑story Begich Towers. This high‑rise houses every family, business, and public service under one roof, earning Whittier the nickname “town under one roof.” It’s a rare example of an entire community coexisting within a single structure.

It’s human nature to crave the top spot—more, better, bigger. Numbers give us that bragging right, whether it’s a personal best or a national record. When we zoom out and look at whole populations, per‑capita figures paint a vivid picture of a country’s quirks, strengths, and occasional embarrassments. Below are ten eye‑opening per‑capita stats that showcase just how diverse the world can be.

10 Vatican City Has the Highest Per Capita Wine Consumption

While many around the globe pop a cold beer or sip a glass of port, the tiny enclave of Vatican City beats the traditional wine powerhouses hands down. According to the California Wine Institute, a typical resident of the Vatican guzzled an impressive 74 liters of wine each year back in 2012. By contrast, Italy and France hover around half that amount, and the United States lags far behind with just 3.18 gallons (a little over 12 liters) per person.

Put that into perspective: a standard wine bottle is 0.75 liters, so the average Vaticanite downs nearly 100 bottles annually. Remember, however, that the city‑state’s population is a minuscule 800‑odd souls, most of whom are clergy, Swiss guards, or other officials—none of whom have children. This tiny denominator inflates the per‑capita figure, making the Vatican seem wine‑obsessed compared to its larger neighbors.

9 Estonia Has the Most Models Per Capita

Ever wondered which nation boasts the most runway talent relative to its size? Estonia takes the crown, producing a striking 74 models for every million citizens. The country proudly touts this statistic to boost tourism, even highlighting its rank as the third‑tallest nation in Europe.

While Estonia shines per‑capita, the United States still churns out the highest absolute number of models worldwide. Estonia’s modest overall count underscores how a small nation can excel in a niche industry when measured against its population.

8 Uruguay Has the Most Cows Per Capita

Beef lovers, take note: Uruguay outpaces the United States when we look at cattle per person. With roughly 12 million cows roaming its fields and only 3.45 million inhabitants, Uruguay enjoys about 3.5 cows per resident. By comparison, the U.S. averages a modest 0.28 cows per person.

Cattle have been Uruguay’s leading export since 2006, hauling in over a billion dollars annually. The country’s agricultural focus explains why livestock dominates its per‑capita rankings, despite its relatively small population.

7 Canadians Produce the Most Trash Per Capita

Canada may be famed for maple syrup and polite strangers, but it also tops the world in waste generation per person. Each year, Canadians discard an astonishing 36.1 metric tons of trash per capita, outpacing the United States (25.9 tons) and Bulgaria (26.7 tons).

That figure doesn’t mean the average Canadian hoards piles of garbage at home. Most of the waste stems from industrial activity, highlighting inefficiencies in business practices rather than personal habits. Although Canada is ramping up recycling and waste‑reduction initiatives, it still trails behind many nations in sustainable waste management.

6 New Hampshire Holds The Title of State With Most Beer Consumption

When it comes to booze, New Hampshire residents lead the pack in the United States. The state’s per‑capita alcohol intake sits at 4.43 gallons (about 17 liters) per person, a figure that consistently places it at the summit of national rankings.

Breaking the numbers down for 2017, New Hampshirites consumed 1.96 gallons of spirits, 1.88 gallons of beer, and 0.88 gallons of wine. If you filter the data to only those over 21, the beer consumption skyrockets to 41.5 gallons (157 liters) per adult. Compared with global heavy‑drinking nations like the Czech Republic—where the average citizen ingests 14.26 liters of pure alcohol annually—New Hampshire’s figures remain modest, but they still earn the state the top U.S. spot.

5 The Netherlands Eat Far More Mushrooms Than Anyone Else

Mushroom aficionados, the Dutch are your dream destination. The Netherlands consumes a whopping 11.62 kg of mushrooms per person each year—just shy of 26 pounds. Ireland trails in second place, while the United States averages only 3.65 pounds per capita.

Globally, China leads in total mushroom production and consumption, yet its per‑capita intake lags far behind at just 1.16 kg. The Dutch mushroom industry, cultivated since the 1950s, now boasts over 120 companies and ranks among the world’s biggest exporters.

4 Finland Produces the Most Heavy Metal Bands

If you love pounding riffs and soaring solos, Finland is the place to look. Per‑capita, the Nordic nation churns out 53.2 heavy‑metal groups for every 100,000 residents—far eclipsing Sweden’s 37.14 bands.

Finland’s love affair with metal may tie into its status as the world’s happiest country, offering an outlet for darker emotions in a culture known for its reserved demeanor. Some scholars even suggest that the nation’s Viking heritage fuels the intense, aggressive sound that defines its metal scene.

3 Argentina Has the Most Pets Per Capita

Dog lovers, rejoice—Argentina out‑pets the United States. While roughly 66 % of American households own a pet, Argentinians edge ahead, with 66 % claiming dog ownership and 32 % reporting cat ownership. This makes Argentina the nation with the highest pets‑per‑person ratio worldwide.

Even though the United States houses more dogs in total than Argentina’s entire population, the Argentine per‑capita figure remains unrivaled, underscoring a deep cultural affection for animal companions.

2 Samoa Produces More NFL Players Than Anywhere Else

When NFL scouts venture into the Pacific, they often find a goldmine in Samoa. The island nation supplies more NFL athletes per capita than any other country. In 2019, Samoans made up 3 % of the league, meaning they’re 40 times more likely to be NFL players than the global average, and a Samoan male is 56 times more likely than a non‑Samoan counterpart.

This phenomenon stems from a cultural reverence for football, where the sport is a primary pathway to education, scholarships, and upward mobility. The community’s passion and dedication turn the island into a prolific talent pipeline for professional football.

1 Iceland Has More Writers Per Capita Than Anywhere in the World

Literary lovers, look northward— Iceland punches well above its weight in publishing. Roughly 10 % of the island’s 300,000 inhabitants will see a book in print at some point in their lives, the highest proportion of published authors per person on Earth.

The nation’s commitment to the written word includes state subsidies for writers, a modest salary for those who publish, and even QR‑coded benches that let passersby download audiobooks. Iceland’s vibrant reading culture ensures that storytelling thrives in every corner of the country.

When we talk about mortality, most of us instinctively steer clear of the grim details. Yet the numbers behind death can be startlingly bleak—and oddly fascinating. Below, we’ve gathered ten surprisingly dark facts about mortality that will make you pause, shiver, and maybe even chuckle a little. Brace yourself for the unexpected.

10 Unexpectedly Dark Insights Into Mortality

10 Soldiers Are Four Times As Likely To Die By Suicide Than In Combat

Serving in the armed forces is inherently perilous. Whether you’re deployed overseas or training at home, the chance of facing life‑or‑death situations is baked into the job description. No one enlists hoping to meet a grim end, yet the reality can be far more tragic than the battlefield itself.

When researchers examined death data for U.S. service members since the September 11 attacks, a shocking pattern surfaced: troops were four times more likely to end their own lives than to be killed in combat. In other words, suicide eclipsed battlefield fatalities by a wide margin.

A 2021 study revealed that, over the two‑decade span following 9/11, a total of 30,177 active‑duty personnel and veterans—each of whom had served after that date—took their own lives. By contrast, only 7,057 service members died in combat during the same period.

These figures pushed the suicide rate for soldiers and veterans above that of the general population, a reversal of previous trends and a stark reminder that the hidden wounds of warfare can be deadlier than the visible ones.

9 Americans Are Three Times As Likely To Die In Car Crashes Than The French

Statistics can feel abstract until you compare them across borders. Imagine 100 Americans per year succumbing to rabbit attacks—hardly a useful gauge. However, juxtaposing traffic‑related deaths between nations paints a clearer picture of risk.

In 2021, a staggering 42,915 people lost their lives in U.S. road accidents, marking a 16‑year high. While some wondered whether COVID‑19‑related changes spiked the numbers worldwide, the United States stood out in a troubling way.

Back in the 1970s, both France and the United States recorded similar fatality rates—about 225 deaths per million citizens. Through the 1990s, each nation managed a roughly 31 % decline thanks to safety initiatives.

After that decade, French road‑death rates kept falling, but the U.S. trend reversed, climbing dramatically. By 2021, Americans were three times more likely to die in a traffic incident than the French, with French drivers enjoying a 40 % lower per‑mile death risk.

8 People Who Attempt Suicide Are Seven Times More Likely To Die Of A Heart Condition Before Age 40

When someone reaches a point of attempting suicide, the stakes are already high. Mental‑health awareness is improving, but the ripple effects of severe distress extend beyond the immediate crisis.

A long‑standing link exists between depression and chronic heart disease. Recent investigations focusing on younger patients have uncovered an alarming correlation: individuals who have tried to end their lives face a seven‑fold increase in the risk of ischemic heart disease before turning 40. Those grappling with depression alone see a four‑fold rise.

These findings signal that the physiological impact of severe mental anguish can manifest as serious cardiac conditions much earlier than previously thought, underscoring the intertwined nature of mind and body health.

7 Funny People Seem To Die Younger

If you’ve ever wondered whether the class clown pays a price for his jokes, the data might have an answer. Researchers have discovered that comedians tend to die earlier than their dramatic‑acting peers.

The funnier a comic is perceived to be, the sooner they seem to meet their end. In duos where one member is the straight man and the other the comic, the latter usually passes away first. On average, the most humorous comedians died at 63.3 years old, whereas their less‑funny counterparts lived nearly a decade longer.

While no definitive cause has been pinpointed, many comedians report struggles with depression or mania, hinting that the pressures of constant performance and public scrutiny may play a role in their shortened lifespans.

6 Economic Depressions Are Better For Mortality

Economic downturns rarely inspire excitement, yet they can produce an unexpected silver lining: a modest dip in overall mortality. When the economy contracts, several risk factors for death appear to recede.

Fewer people on the road means fewer traffic accidents, while reduced industrial activity improves air quality, lowering deaths from respiratory illnesses. Likewise, diminished workplace exposure decreases work‑related injuries.

With tighter wallets, many cut back on harmful habits such as heavy drinking, fast‑food consumption, and smoking. The extra free time often translates into healthier home‑cooked meals and more physical activity.

Although mental‑health challenges may rise during a recession, the net effect appears to be a modest reduction in deaths, suggesting that economic gloom can paradoxically spare more lives than it claims.

5 You Are 6% More Likely To Die In The Hospital On Black Wednesday

In the United Kingdom, the first Wednesday of August is dubbed “Black Wednesday.” It marks the day when newly qualified doctors finally begin practicing independently, sparking rumors of higher patient mortality.

A thorough analysis of hospital data confirmed the myth: patients admitted on Black Wednesday faced a 6 % higher chance of dying than on any other day. Some argue that the surge of inexperienced physicians, combined with senior staff taking summer vacations, may strain resources and affect outcomes.

The statistical increase translates to roughly 13 additional deaths on that single day. While not catastrophic, the finding highlights how staffing patterns and seasonal changes can subtly influence patient survival.

4 You May Be 14% More Likely To Die On Your Birthday

One might assume that each of the 365 days in a year offers an equal chance of death. Yet Swiss researchers discovered a curious anomaly: people are 14 % more likely to die on the very day they were born.

The study examined 2.5 million deaths spanning 1969‑2008, revealing a consistent spike on birthdays. Initial theories—such as individuals holding on until their birthday or engaging in riskier behavior that day—didn’t hold up under scrutiny.

A more mundane explanation points to clerical errors: death certificates occasionally list the birth date in place of the death date, or vice‑versa. Even a tiny 0.04 % mistake rate could generate the observed pattern.

While the exact cause remains debated, the data suggests that birthdays may carry a subtle, eerie increase in mortality risk.

3 Neurosurgeons May Be More Than Twice As Likely To Die Of Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s disease claimed 121,499 lives in 2019 alone, affecting over six million Americans aged 65 and older. Despite massive research investments, the exact cause remains elusive.

A lesser‑known hypothesis proposes that a microbial or protein agent might trigger the disease. Supporting this notion, studies indicate that neurosurgeons who operate on Alzheimer’s patients are roughly two and a half times more likely to develop the illness themselves—some reports even suggest a six‑fold increase.

The “germ theory” of Alzheimer’s has yet to gain mainstream traction, leaving a substantial knowledge gap and highlighting a potential occupational hazard for those on the front lines of brain surgery.

2 Pro Wrestlers Have A Higher Mortality Than Any Other Athletes

Fans of professional wrestling may not be shocked to learn that the sport carries serious health risks. Compared with the average male, wrestlers are 15 times more prone to die from cardiovascular disease, 6.4 times more likely to succumb to cancer, and a staggering 122.7 times more susceptible to fatal drug overdoses.

When stacked against other athletes—particularly NFL players—wrestlers still fare worse. Data from 2014 shows that about 16 % of wrestlers died between ages 40 and 45, climbing to 20 % before they hit 50. In contrast, NFL players only reached a 6 % mortality rate around ages 55‑60.

1 That’s An Increased Risk Of Dying If You Get Surgery On Your Surgeon’s Birthday

When scheduling a procedure, you probably never consider the surgeon’s birthday. Yet a massive study of nearly one million surgeries uncovered a startling trend: elderly patients faced a 23 % higher 30‑day mortality rate when their surgeon operated on his or her birthday.

The increased risk mirrors what’s observed on major holidays or any day that might distract a surgeon’s focus. While the absolute numbers remain modest, the finding underscores how seemingly trivial timing factors can influence surgical outcomes.

They say that there are only two things guaranteed in life: death and taxes. And you can at least commit tax fraud for a while if you try. But that death thing has so far managed to catch up with literally everyone. If it were only as simple as one day being alive and another day being dead maybe it’d be less stressful and less anxiety inducing, but no such luck. When you start to look into it, there are so many ways to die, so many contributing factors and so many unexpected and unpleasant statistics about mortality that it might make you want to just hide indoors for the rest of your life. 

10. Brazilian Butt Lifts Are the Deadliest Cosmetic Surgery Procedure

We accept that some things in life are deadlier than others. Trying to pet a tiger is going to be more dangerous than trying to pet a house cat. You’re at greater risk from open heart surgery than you are from having a bunion removed. But there are some truly staggering statistics when it comes to one unlikely procedure that you may not be aware of. A Brazilian butt life is the deadliest plastic surgery procedure going. 

The procedure, meant to make your butt look rounder, perkier and fuller by injecting fat from places in your body where it isn’t wanted into your butt, has the highest mortality rate of any cosmetic procedure that is around one in 3,000. 

The procedure can cost as much as $15,000 to get done. In 2020 alone, over 40,000 butt procedures were done despite the risks. In the UK, surgeons have been advised to not perform the procedure at all, though it’s not banned. 

In a survey, three percent of doctors responded that they’d had a patient die from the procedure. Most deaths can be attributed to pulmonary fat emboli which is when fat ends up in your pulmonary system. Some occur and are not fatal, but others are not so lucky. 

9. Munchausen by Proxy Mortality Rates are About 9% to 10%

Factitious disorder imposed on another is the current name for the condition better known as Munchausen syndrome by proxy. It’s a mental disorder in which a caregiver makes as though the person they are caring for is sick with something they do not actually have. The condition often seems to be a way for the caregiver to get attention and sympathy, perhaps to be seen as brave or strong for trying to help someone else overcome their illness, when in fact they are the cause of that illness. This may be as simple as gaslighting the alleged patient, especially if they are a child, by convincing them they are sick, but often may also go as far as the caregiver harming the victim in some way by medicating or even poisoning them to make them fit the symptoms. 

Because the entire syndrome is based around a fake illness, it seems like the victim may not be in all that much danger, but the opposite is true. The would-be caregivers often go to great lengths to make the victim fit their false narrative to the extent that the mortality rate for the condition is around 9%.

8. Catch and Release Fishing Mortality is About 18% But Up to 40%

It’s not just human mortality rates that can be depressing. Our unfortunate fish friends in rivers, lakes and streams around the country that we thought were benefiting from catch and release practices are not doing nearly as well as you’d think. 

The idea behind catch and release fishing seems noble enough. You catch a fish, take it off the hook and let it go again so you get the enjoyment of fishing and the fish gets to live another day. Unfortunately, the mortality rate for the fish is between 18% and 40% according to various studies.

A number of factors contribute to what may cause the fish to die even after it’s released, with the location of the hook when the fish is caught being the greatest contributing factor,  but it’s safe to say that they’re not all going to swim off and tell the story to a friend. 

7. Pro Wrestler Mortality is Far Higher Than The Wider Population

If you’re a lifelong fan of professional wrestling, then you no doubt have had to watch a number of your favorites from the past die young. It’s no secret in the industry that wrestlers die young. Many succumb to addiction or health issues related to past drug use. But there are also a number of accidents or other violent deaths that occur as well. In the end, it’s very rare for a pro wrestler to live to a ripe, old age.

For wrestlers between 45 and 54, their mortality rate is nearly three times greater than that of the wider population. When it comes to deaths related to cardiovascular conditions, wrestler deaths occur at a rate 15.1 times greater than the population at large. Cancer deaths among wrestlers are 6.4 times higher. And drug overdose deaths are astronomically higher at 122.7 times more than the wider population. 

As has been noted, some of this can perhaps be attributed to the lifestyle of pro wrestlers, especially in the past. In the 80s, many wrestlers were widely known to and have admitted to using cocaine, steroids and other drugs. And because, unlike most sports, wrestling has no off season, these athletes were pushing their bodies non-stop for years. 

6. People Who Read Have a 20% Lower Mortality Rate

Good news for those of you who like to curl up with a good book, you’re statistically more likely to have extra time to read those books than someone who doesn’t. People who read have a 20% lower mortality rate than those who don’t. 

Specifically, you need to read books to achieve the statistically significant benefits of reading, and magazines or newspapers won’t cut it. The speculated reason is that a book engages your mind in a way magazines and newspapers can’t, which translates into greater mental engagement and a tangible benefit to your overall lifespan.

5. Ford Fiestas Have the Highest Mortality Rate of Any Car

Have you ever heard that you have to pay higher insurance on red cars because they get stolen more often? It’s true that certain types of cars present unique risks for car owners but if you want to really get into which car is best or worst to be driving, you may want to think seriously about certain vehicles like the Ford Fiesta. 

In 2017, data showed the Fiesta as the deadliest car on the road with a death rate of 141 per 1 million registered cars. Compare that to something like a Chevy Corvette at 54 or a Porsche Cayenne with 0. 

Luxury SUVs actually have the lowest death rates overall while small cars have proven to be the least safe.

4. Human Mortality Goes Up in Areas Where Trees Die

Some things in life are inexorably linked together. If there are no bees, for instance, then flowers would suffer from a lack of pollinators. So what happens when trees start to die? People die, too. 

Research has shown that, as the emerald ash borer devastated tree populations, there was a marked increase in diseases in human populations. Cases of heart disease and pneumonia began to rise. Over a 10 year period, 100 million trees died as a result. In the states where the trees died, 15,000 more people died from cardiovascular disease and 6,000 more succumbed to respiratory disease when compared to areas without the tree infections.

The data spanned 1,296 different counties and tried to factor in other variables as well. In the end it became clear that fewer trees equals higher mortality.

3. Too Much (or Too Intense) Exercise May Increase Mortality Rates 

Surely if you want to live longer, then part of the key is to maintain a healthy lifestyle which includes plenty of exercise. Well, yes and no on that one. There’s plenty of evidence that living an active lifestyle is good for you but there’s also that “everything in moderation” saying.

The World Health Organization suggests that, every week, you get 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous intensity. And no, most people don’t get that much at all. But there is some limited data now that too much exercise at too great an intensity can start having the opposite effect of that desired. This stems from a study of joggers in which a couple of participants who went extremely vigorous in their exercise routine died. 

Other studies have also shown that you may be at risk of cardiovascular problems if you frequently engage in serious endurance exercise like running marathons. These results are all still being debated, but there is also limited evidence that you get any benefit from pushing your workout to extremes, so the safest bet is probably to stay in the middle somewhere. 

2. Taller People Have a Higher Mortality Rate 

Some traits are seen as more desirable in modern, Western society than others. A lot of these traits are physical and we only have so much control over them on an individual basis. There’s little you can do, for instance, if you want to be tall but you aren’t. And yet it’s hard to deny that many people see being tall as desirable and attractive. So good news for the vertically challenged, there’s some evidence that being tall isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Taller people, in general, have a higher mortality rate. 

In one study, every four inches of height increased the risk of all types of cancer in postmenopausal women by 13%. Each additional inch in height for men turns into a 2.2% increased chance of death from literally any cause compared to shorter people.

1. Robert Liston Performed a Surgery with a 300% Mortality Rate

We touched on some of the dangers of surgery either but even among the deadliest of surgeries the mortality rate is often a number that makes sense, at least mathematically. But there is at least one case when that didn’t happen and a single surgery managed to end with a 300% mortality rate. If you’re doing the math yourself, that means one person got surgery and three people died as a result.

You have to take some gentle liberties with this tale but it’s been documented well enough to hold some water. To start, the procedure was performed by doctor Robert Liston, a surgeon in the early 1800s before the invention of anesthesia.

Liston was apparently known to be fairly competent but, most importantly for the time, fast. If surgery had to be done with no anesthesia, then you can imagine why speed would be of the essence. And for this surgery Liston Was to be performing an amputation. He accomplished his intended goal as well, removing a patient’s leg in just two and a half minutes. We know the time because Liston, apparently somewhat arrogant in regards to his skill, asked to be timed. 

In two and a half minutes, Liston had condemned three people to death. His first victim was an observing doctor who was there to watch the procedure. As Liston was sawing the patient’s leg off at the hip, he switched from one cutting implement to another. In his haste, he slashed through the coat of the observing doctor and though he never cut the man, apparently the fellow was overwhelmed by the fact he saw spurting blood and felt the pull on his coat as Liston tore through it. He died of a heart attack.

Meanwhile, Liston needed the patient to be restrained for obvious reasons, so an assistant had to hold the poor man down. Liston cut the assistant’s fingers off as he removed the patient’s legs.

Both surgical assistant and patient went on to develop gangrenous infections and die a short time later, this cementing Liston as the only doctor ever to kill three people in a single surgery.