Independence Day, commonly known as the fourth of July, is a national holiday in the U.S., celebrating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. But, there is much more to July 4th than meets the eye.

July 4th is the day the Earth is the farthest point from the sun, which is also coincidently our warmest holiday.

The fourth of July has come to represent the first bikini, notable births and deaths, famous battles and war victories, classic literary works, and business scandals.

July 4th is also a time to acknowledge the Philippines' independence from the U.S. (July 4, 1946) and on July 5, Venezuela's from Spain (1811), Algeria's from France (1962), and Cape Verde's from Portugal (1975).