What is the World Expo?
The World Expo — one of the world's oldest and largest international events — takes place every five years and lasts for six months. Participants include states, international organisations, civil society groups, corporations, and people.
The size of the site is unlimited and participants may build their own pavilions.
A World Expo is further characterised by the broad scope of the chosen theme, which must be of concern to all of humanity.
How did it evolve?
The first expo, as we know it today, took place in London in 1851.
The expos have provided unique opportunities for people from across the globe to appreciate the world's cultural diversity and marvel at its technological wonders.
The first World Expo took place in London, in the Crystal Palace in Hyde Park. Under the title ‘Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations,' the event was an idea of Prince Albert, Queen Victoria's husband.
Highlights of other World Expos include the construction of the Eiffel Tower, which was built to serve as the entrance arch for the 1889 Expo in Paris.
The first World Expo in the United States, in 1876, is famous for introducing the public to the first telephone, the first commercial typewriter and Heinz Tomato Ketchup.
The 1967 World Expo in Montreal, Canada, was the most successful event of its kind in the 20th century, attracting over 50 million visitors, including Queen Elizabeth II, Jacqueline Kennedy and Charles de Gaulle.
Most recently, the 2010 World Expo was held in Shanghai, China, with the theme ‘Better City — Better Life.' More than 73 million people visited, with over one million on just one day.
Is there any kind of limit on the area dedicated to commercial activities?
The public areas which a participant may dedicate to commercial activities, including the aggregate area of shops and restaurants, may not exceed 20 per cent of the area constructed by the participant for the purposes of exhibition and attention to the public; in no case may it exceed 600 square metres.
Kitchen offices, storage, areas, refrigeration areas, rest rooms, etc. are not considered to be areas of commercial or restaurant activities or of public use.
Which city will host the next expo?
The next World Expo will take place in Milan, Italy, in 2015 with the focus on ‘Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life.'
