Fun Fact: By area, Dover is bigger than five countries.

At 29 square miles (75.2 square kilometers), the Garrison City is larger than the five smallest countries in the world: Vatican City (.44 square kilometers), Monaco (2 square kilometers), Nauru (21 square kilometers), Tuvalu (26 square kilometers) and San Marino (61 square kilometers).

The sixth largest country by area, Liechtenstein, is 160 square kilometers.

As advertised last week, my practice of starting each column with a greeting from a different language has finally come to an end after one year of “Around Town.” I’ve lost way too much sleep trying to think of untapped languages and made up tongues to continue the unhealthy practice.

But, this week marks the beginning of a new tradition: Dover Fun Facts. Hopefully it won’t be as difficult, but if you have any ideas about interesting Garrison City facts, be sure to send them my way! I’ve already received a helpful list from Library Director Cathy Beaudoin.

Let’s take a look at what’s going on in Dover:

Exit 6N closed

The northbound off-ramp on the Spaulding Turnpike is closed to allow for the construction of new bridge and highway components at the existing ramp location. Motorists who would normally use Exit 6N will be rerouted 1,500 feet north to the newly-constructed Exit 6 (formerly Exit 6W).

Severino Trucking Company is the general contractor for the $67 million project, which is scheduled to be completed in October 2020. The project will widen the Spaulding Turnpike from Woodbury Avenue 3.2 miles north past the Dover Toll Plaza. There will be eight lanes between Exit 3 and Exit 6 upon completion.

Changing Policies panel

The Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce is hosting an “expert panel and members of the business community for a non-ideological look at the potential impact of the new U.S. administration on the economy and various business sectors,” according to its website.

“Changing U.S. Policies: Impact on the Economy & Business” will be Wednesday, Jan. 25, from 7:30-9:30 a.m. in Huddleston Hall at the University of New Hampshire. Panelists include Brian Gottlob of PolEcon Research, Jeff Feingold of the New Hampshire Business review and Jeff Rose of the Department of Resources and Economic Development.

Tickets cost $25 for Chamber members and $35 for non-members and are available at dovernh.org. As always with these Chamber events, a hot breakfast will be served.

New Children’s Museum exhibit

The Children’s Museum will unveil a new exhibit on Thursday, Jan. 12, from 4-6 p.m. The Thinkering Lab uses Imagination Playground pieces that allow kids to shape their environment with blocks, gears, ramps and more.

During the grand opening, museum admission will be free for all, and the entire museum will be open.

The opening will begin with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4 featuring Dover Mayor Karen Weston.

I’ll end this week’s column with a personal milestone. Friday, Jan. 6, marks my one-year anniversary at Foster’s Daily Democrat. It’s been a fun, interesting year in the Foster’s office and in the Dover. I’m looking forward to see what 2017 brings for the Garrison City.

As always, send any news tips to nbeimler@seacoastonline.com.