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

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 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.

Vodka was once so central to Russia's economy that alcohol sales contributed up to 40% of government revenue during Tsarist times and a third during the Soviet era. Today, oil and gas have replaced it, accounting for 40-50% of the federal 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.

Every baby born in Finland gets a government-issued cardboard box. Inside: clothes, diapers, sleeping bag, mattress, and supplies. The box itself is the baby's first bed. Finland started this in 1938 — and its infant mortality rate dropped from one of Europe's worst to one of the world's best.

The US military spent $2.7 billion on a giant missile defense blimp called JLENS. On its second day of active duty, it broke free. It dragged 6,700 feet of cable across Pennsylvania. Knocked out power to 30,000 people. F-16s were scrambled but couldn't stop it. It deflated in a field. State police secured it. The program was quietly shelved.

The Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that a city could seize Susette Kelo's home and give the land to a private developer. The city spent $78 million demolishing the neighborhood. Pfizer left town. The developer couldn't get financing. 20 years later, the land is an empty lot.