Government Facts

The U.S. Government spent $277,000 on pickle research in 1993.

The IRS employees tax manual has instructions for collecting taxes after a nuclear war.

The United States does not have an official language.

The Queen of England, who once enjoyed extensive powers and authority over almost the whole world, and despite all her present majesty and glory, is not allowed to enter the House of Commons simply because she is not its member!

The U.S. government spends millions of dollars annually on potato research—recent programs have allocated $1.85 to $4 million per year to develop new potato varieties!

The White House maintains a collection of over 13,000 pieces of flatware, including historic silver dating back to the early 1800s.

The IRS processes more than 2 billion pieces of paper each year.

In the UK Parliament, the Speaker of the House is forbidden from participating in debates or expressing political opinions, maintaining strict neutrality despite presiding over all discussions.

In 2005, the US federal government spent approximately $21,840 for each household in America.

While historically alcohol sales, particularly vodka, were a major source of revenue for the Russian government, contributing up to 40% in Tsarist times and one-third during the Soviet era, their contribution to the federal budget today is significantly less. Modern Russian government income is primarily dominated by oil and gas revenues, which often account for 40-50% of the total budget.

Queen Elizabeth does not hold a passport. Since all British passports are issued in the queen’s name, she herself doesn't need one. She just has to say that she is the queen.

North Korea holds elections every 5 years - and there's only 1 name on the ballot.

North Korea has official guidelines for approved hairstyles, with the government promoting 'proper' haircuts and discouraging Western styles. State media has featured recommended cuts, and citizens can face criticism for non-conforming appearances.

In Cuba, hitchhiking is encouraged and government vehicles are legally required to pick up hitchhikers.

Finland gives every expectant mother a free "baby box" containing clothes, diapers, and supplies — and the box itself doubles as the baby's first bed.