The Guinness World Records, originally known as the Guinness World Records, has been capturing extraordinary achievements since it was first published in 1955. Over the decades, it has documented remarkable feats and fascinating oddities from around the globe. Here’s a look at ten of the most intriguing records featured in the Guinness World Records:
1. Tallest Building
As of 2024, the tallest building in the world is the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Standing at a staggering 828 meters (2,717 feet) with 163 floors, this architectural marvel redefined the skyline of Dubai when it was completed in 2010. Its design incorporates a unique triple-lobed footprint inspired by the Hymenocallis flower and demonstrates an unparalleled feat of engineering and construction.
2. Fastest Land Animal
The cheetah holds the record for the fastest land animal, capable of reaching speeds up to 60 to 70 miles per hour (97 to 113 kilometers per hour) in short bursts covering distances up to 500 meters (1,640 feet). This remarkable speed is due to its unique adaptations, including a lightweight frame, long legs, and large nasal passages that allow for efficient oxygen intake.
3. Largest Mammal
The blue whale is the largest mammal and, indeed, the largest animal ever known to have existed. These colossal creatures can reach lengths of up to 100 feet (30 meters) and weigh as much as 200 tons (181 metric tonnes). Their heart alone can weigh as much as an automobile, and their tongues can weigh as much as an elephant.
4. Longest Bridge
The Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge in China is the longest bridge in the world, stretching over 164.8 kilometers (102.4 miles). This viaduct, part of the Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway, was completed in 2010. It is a testament to modern engineering and the scale of infrastructure projects in China, designed to support high-speed trains traveling at up to 300 kilometers per hour (186 miles per hour).
5. Deepest Ocean Trench
The Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench is the deepest known point in the Earth’s oceans. Located in the western Pacific Ocean near Baku, it reaches a depth of approximately 36,070 feet (10,994 meters). The trench represents one of the most mysterious and least explored areas of the planet, with extreme conditions that challenge both human exploration and technological capabilities.
6. Most Expensive Painting
Leonardo da Vinci’s “Salvator Mundi” holds the record for the most expensive painting ever sold at auction. In November 2017, it was sold for $450.3 million. The painting, depicting Christ holding a crystal orb, is one of fewer than 20 known surviving works by Leonardo, adding to its immense value and historical significance.
7. Longest Time Between Two Twins’ Births
The record for the longest time between the births of two twins was set by Amy and Katie of the UK, who were born 87 days apart. The first twin was born prematurely in June 2012, and her sister was delivered later in September 2012. This remarkable occurrence is a testament to advancements in neonatal care and medical technology.
8. Largest Collection of Barbie Dolls
The largest collection of Barbie dolls belongs to Bettina Dorfmann of Germany. Her collection, which she has been curating since the early 1990s, includes more than 18,000 dolls. This vast assortment showcases Barbie’s evolution over decades, reflecting changes in fashion, culture, and design.
9. Fastest 100 Meters on Skates
The fastest 100 meters on skates is achieved by Italian skater Mikhail Rikharev. He completed the distance in 9.13 seconds during a race in 2015. Speed skating, with its focus on agility and power, allows athletes to achieve impressive velocities, and Rikharev’s record is a testament to the skill and training required for such feats.
10. Largest Pizza
The record for the largest pizza was set by a team in Rome, Italy, in December 2012. Named “Ottavia” in honor of the first Roman emperor, Octavian Augustus, the pizza measured 1261.65 square meters (13,580.28 square feet). The massive pizza was made with a variety of toppings and required an extensive team effort to prepare and cook.
Each of these records reflects a different aspect of human achievement, natural wonder, or cultural fascination. From the heights of architectural marvels to the depths of oceanic exploration, and from the fastest creatures to the largest man-made objects, the Guinness World Records continue to document and celebrate the extraordinary accomplishments and curiosities that define our world.
