10 Intriguing Facts About Wikipedia That You Probably Didn't Know
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Wikipedia is one of the most visited websites in the world and has been a go-to source of information for millions of people for more than two decades. As an open-source encyclopedia, it contains millions of articles on a wide range of topics, from history and science to pop culture and technology. While most people use Wikipedia for research and fact-checking, there are many interesting facts about the site itself that are worth exploring. In this article, we will delve into some of the most intriguing Wikipedia facts.
- Wikipedia was founded in 2001
Wikipedia was launched on January 15, 2001, by Jimmy Wales and Larry Sanger. The two founders started Wikipedia as a free, online encyclopedia that anyone could edit. Since then, the site has grown to become the largest and most popular online encyclopedia in the world.
- Wikipedia is available in more than 300 languages
Wikipedia is available in over 300 languages, with more than 6 million articles in the English version alone. The site's goal is to provide free, unbiased information to anyone, anywhere in the world, regardless of language or location.
- Anyone can edit Wikipedia
One of the most unique aspects of Wikipedia is that anyone can edit its articles. While this has led to concerns about accuracy and bias, the site's community of volunteer editors work tirelessly to ensure that the information on the site is as accurate and unbiased as possible.
- Wikipedia is a non-profit organization
Wikipedia is run by the Wikimedia Foundation, a non-profit organization that relies on donations from individuals and organizations to keep the site running. The site is completely ad-free, which helps to maintain its reputation as an impartial source of information.
- The most popular article on Wikipedia is about the US
The most viewed article on Wikipedia is currently the one about the United States, with more than 53 million page views per month. Other popular articles include those about Facebook, Donald Trump, and the Indian Premier League.
- The longest article on Wikipedia is about a fictional character
The longest article on Wikipedia is about the fictional character, "List of characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe." The article currently contains over 27,000 words and is still growing.
- Wikipedia has faced criticism over its accuracy
Despite its reputation as a reliable source of information, Wikipedia has faced criticism over its accuracy, particularly when it comes to controversial or sensitive topics. While the site's volunteer editors work hard to maintain accuracy, mistakes and biases can still occur.
- Wikipedia has been blocked in some countries
Wikipedia has been blocked in several countries, including China, Iran, and Turkey. In some cases, this is due to government censorship or concerns about the site's content.
- Wikipedia has its own language and culture
Wikipedia has its own unique language and culture, with its own set of rules, customs, and social norms. For example, the site's community of editors has its own jargon and abbreviations, and it is customary to sign posts on discussion pages with one's username.
- Wikipedia has been used for academic research
Despite concerns about its accuracy, Wikipedia has been used as a source of information for academic research. Several studies have found that, while the site's accuracy may not be perfect, it is often comparable to that of traditional encyclopedias.
In conclusion, Wikipedia is a fascinating website that has revolutionized the way we access information. While it may have its flaws and critics, the site remains one of the most valuable and comprehensive sources of information available today. Whether you're a student, researcher, or just a curious individual, there's something for everyone on Wikipedia.
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