Category: Geography > Timekeeping
The International Date Line, an imaginary line that runs from the North Pole to the South Pole, serves as the demarcation point for calendar days. Located primarily along the 180th meridian, the Date Line zigzags around certain territories and islands to accommodate local time zones and cultural considerations. This means that two places just a few miles apart can have different dates; for example, the islands of Samoa and American Samoa are only about 2,000 miles apart but are separated by a full day due to the Date Line. This fascinating geographical anomaly not only impacts international travel and communication but also influences how people experience time and celebrate events, making it a vital aspect of global geography.