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TIL that Finland was the first nation in the world that implemented universal suffrage (in 1906) and allowed all adult citizens to run for office, regardless of sex or race, and thus was the first true democracy in the world. The following year, the first female MPs in world history were elected.

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XEnKk TIL Kotex, the first-ever brand of sanitary napkins for women, was first manufactured as bandages during WWI. Cellucotton, which was made of wood pulp, was five times as absorbent as cotton bandages but much less expensive. The company needed to find a use for the cellucotton after the war.
5YZ0n TIL The US commissioned 500k Purple Hearts manufactured in anticipation of injuries expected during the planned mainland invasion of Japan in WWII, and they still had 130k left over 60 years later in 2003
J1dyl TIL mosquitoes are picky, preferring some humans over others based on things like the amount of CO2 they exhale, body odor, body heat, and even the color of clothes. Apparently, they're also fans of beer drinkers and pregnant women. They might even remember you if you have proved as tasty before.
0wNV1 TIL in 2000 Portugal decriminalized ALL drugs. If police find someone w/a supply larger than 10 days worth of personal use they aren’t arrested but brought before a “dissuasion panel” made up of experts who evaluate the person & prescribe treatment. both HIV infections & deaths by OD have plummeted.
m1ZVy TIL that Patagonia (the clothing brand) also sells food