Google Fast Facts

CNN Editorial Research

Updated 1528 GMT (2328 HKT) April 6, 2021

The makers of Google Doodles spin up hundreds of illustrations and animations each year to appear on its homepage, most of them for specific countries. Global observances such as International Women's Day get special treatment with Doodles intended to appeal worldwide. Browse the gallery to see popular Doodles designed for specific countries and global audiences.
Photos: Your favorite Google Doodles
The makers of Google Doodles spin up hundreds of illustrations and animations each year to appear on its homepage, most of them for specific countries. Global observances such as International Women's Day get special treatment with Doodles intended to appeal worldwide. Browse the gallery to see popular Doodles designed for specific countries and global audiences.
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Google's 2016 Doodle for Australia Day, January 26, was designed by an Australian high school student. The thought-evoking imagery won praise for highlighting the suffering of the country's indigenous people.
Photos: Your favorite Google Doodles
Google's 2016 Doodle for Australia Day, January 26, was designed by an Australian high school student. The thought-evoking imagery won praise for highlighting the suffering of the country's indigenous people.
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The animated Doodle in the United States on Monday, November 9, celebrated the dual life of the late actress Hedy Lamarr, who also became an acclaimed inventor.
Photos: Your favorite Google Doodles
The animated Doodle in the United States on Monday, November 9, celebrated the dual life of the late actress Hedy Lamarr, who also became an acclaimed inventor.
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The May 5, Doodle in the United States honored pioneering journalist Nellie Bly. It was the first Doodle to feature an original song by Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.
Photos: Your favorite Google Doodles
The May 5, Doodle in the United States honored pioneering journalist Nellie Bly. It was the first Doodle to feature an original song by Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.
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Google made a commitment in 2014 to feature more women and people of color in its Doodles after an independent study showed those groups were underrepresented in the homepage illustrations. A Doodle on February 1, 2014, in the United States featuring Harriet Tubman reflected that pledge.
Photos: Your favorite Google Doodles
Google made a commitment in 2014 to feature more women and people of color in its Doodles after an independent study showed those groups were underrepresented in the homepage illustrations. A Doodle on February 1, 2014, in the United States featuring Harriet Tubman reflected that pledge.
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A Doodle in the United States on April 11, 2014, celebrated organic chemist Percy Julian's 115th birthday.
Photos: Your favorite Google Doodles
A Doodle in the United States on April 11, 2014, celebrated organic chemist Percy Julian's 115th birthday.
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A Doodle on January 7, 2014, in Malaysia celebrated director and writer Yasmin Ahmad's 56th birthday.
Photos: Your favorite Google Doodles
A Doodle on January 7, 2014, in Malaysia celebrated director and writer Yasmin Ahmad's 56th birthday.
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On December 2, 2013, Google marked Guatemalan artist Carlos Merida's 122nd birthday.
Photos: Your favorite Google Doodles
On December 2, 2013, Google marked Guatemalan artist Carlos Merida's 122nd birthday.
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A Doodle on August 15, 2012, celebrated American chef Julia Child's 100th birthday.
Photos: Your favorite Google Doodles
A Doodle on August 15, 2012, celebrated American chef Julia Child's 100th birthday.
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A popular Doodle in France on May 7, 2014, celebrated playwright and political activist Olympe de Gouges' 266th birthday.
Photos: Your favorite Google Doodles
A popular Doodle in France on May 7, 2014, celebrated playwright and political activist Olympe de Gouges' 266th birthday.
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One of the first animated Doodles celebrated marine biologist and conservationist Rachel Louise Carson's 107th birthday on May 27, 2014.
Photos: Your favorite Google Doodles
One of the first animated Doodles celebrated marine biologist and conservationist Rachel Louise Carson's 107th birthday on May 27, 2014.
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(CNN)Here's a look at Google, Inc.

Facts

The name Google is a play on the word "googol," a mathematical term referring to a 1 followed by 100 zeros (represented as 1 x 10100).
Alphabet, Inc., Google's parent company, employed almost 127,500 people as of June 30, 2020.
Statistics from October 2020 show that Google owns about 88% of the world market share of search engines.
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Is one of many sites currently blocked in China.

Timeline

1995 - Founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin meet at Stanford.
1996 - Page and Brin collaborate on a search engine called BackRub. It exists solely on Stanford's servers and eventually outgrows its space.
September 15, 1997 - Google.com is registered as a domain.
August 1998 - Andy Bechtolsteim, co-founder of Sun Microsystems, becomes the first investor in Google, Inc.
September 4, 1998 - Google, Inc. files for incorporation with its headquarters in friend and current YouTube C