We’re back with another rendition of Fun Fact Tuesday here at Statesman Ties. This week our featured country is India, which inspired our India tie.

Fun Fact 1:  The Taj Mahal is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world – which makes its name, ‘crown of palaces’, especially appropriate. It draws in 2 to 4 million visitors from around the world every year.

Fun Fact 2: While Southeast and East Asia have been in the news due to pollution concerns, India is home to some of the worst offenders. New Delhi is the most polluted city in the world while breathing in the air in Mumbai for a day is the equivalent of smoking 100 cigarettes.

My favorite fun fact: India sets up a polling station for a single man for every election. The man in question, Mahant Bharatdas Darshandas, is a temple priest lives in Banjec Tirthdham inside the Gir sanctuary where he looks after an ancient Shiva temple. The election commission has mandated that no voter should have to travel further than 2km to reach a polling booth. Gujarat’s Gir forest is remote and home to the Asiatic lion so officials bring forest guards with them.

Let us know what your favorite fun fact is about India in the comments. Then stop by to check out our India tie. See you next week!