Happy Birthday to National Geographic Society!

Today is the 122th Birthday of the National Geographic Society, one of the largest non-profit educational and scientific institutions in the world. It has been inspiring people to care about the planet since 1888. Its interests include geography, archeology and natural science, the promotion of environmental and historical conservation.

The National Geographic Society began as a club for an elite group of academics and wealthy patrons interested in travel. On January 13, 122 years ago, 33 explorers and scientists gathered at the Cosmos Club, a private club that was located on Lafayette Square in Washington, D.C., to organize “a society for the increase and diffusion of geographical knowledge”. After preparing a constitution and a plan of organization, the National Geographic Society was incorporated two weeks later on January 27.

The organization funds and sponsors scientific research and exploration. Its educational foundation gives grants to education organizations and individuals to improve geography education. The Society publishes an official journal, National Geographic Magazine, in 34 languages. It also publishes books, other magazines, maps, school products etc, produces movies and web products in numerous languages and countries. Its various media properties reach about 360 million people monthly!