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TIL that Urdu was made the national language of Pakistan at independence even though only 5% of Pakistanis spoke the language. Even today, while Urdu is widely spoken and understood, it is only the native tongue of around 5% of the population.

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dDyNE TIL that Rudolf Nureyev's grave in a Paris cemetery is draped with a beautiful, realistic mosaic of an oriental Kilim rug, in order to reflect the ballet dancer's life-long love of textiles and antiques.
P6YE TIL the tiny island of Nauru became the world’s richest country per capita in the 60s by mining its phosphate reserves. The country blew it on spending & bad investments (e.g.“Leonardo the musical”). It’s now the ~135th richest country, with 40% diabetes rate and a wrecked environment due to mining.
xVDyb TIL psychiatrist Avicenna had a malnourished patient who believed he was a cow ready to be slaughtered. Avicenna, impersonating a butcher, came to kill him but said the cow was too lean and had to eat more. The patient ate more food which restored his health and cured the delusion.
LkARp TIL that James Monroe is the only person in US history to serve in two cabinet positions simultaneously. He served as both Secretary of State and Secretary of War during the War of 1812.
gMQk4 TIL "Chef Boy-Ar-Dee" was a real Italian chef named Ettore Boiardi who came to America and opened a restaurant. His spaghetti sauce was so popular people would buy by the jug which lead him to start his own company.