1) Banks play a vital role in the economy by facilitating the flow of funds between savers and borrowers, providing loans, and offering various financial services.

2) The ocean covers about 71% of the Earth's surface and contains roughly 97% of the planet's water.

3) The world's oldest university, Al-Qarawiyyin, was founded in 859 AD and is located in Fez, Morocco.

4) The world's oldest tree is believed to be a bristlecone pine named "Methuselah" in California, estimated to be over 4,800 years old.