Since 1959, Mattel’s Barbie doll has been a huge hit with girls around the world. Barbie has certainly seen it over the years. Here are some facts to see if you can remember some of the most important moments in Barbie’s life.

1. For more than 45 years, Barbie doll has been involved in more than 80 different careers. Her first career was actually as a teen fashion model.

2. In 1992, the Barbie doll was a presidential candidate. It is not known if she was a Democrat or a Republican.

3. Barbie first became an astronaut in 1965. She also remained an astronaut in 1986 and 1994.

4. Barbie wasn’t released in Europe until 1961, two years after it debuted in the US.

5. More than 150 countries market the Barbie doll.

6. Mattel estimates that two Barbie dolls are sold somewhere every two seconds.

7. In 1980, Mattel released the first black and Hispanic Barbie dolls.

8. Totally Hair Barbie has the distinction of being the best seller over the years.

9. Barbie has had 5 sisters over the years and also 21 dogs; although her first pet was a horse named Dancer.

10. Only stamp collecting is more popular in the US than doll collecting.

11. Amazingly, more than 105 million yards of material have been used to make clothes for Barbie dolls. This includes her friends as well. In fact, Mattel is a major clothing manufacturer.

12. Mattel’s first Barbie doll sold for $3.00.

13. Do you have an original Barbie doll from 1959? It could be worth up to $10,000 if it’s in good condition.

14. The Barbie market is 1.5 billion dollars a year.

15. Barbie’s longtime boyfriend Ken doll first came out in 1961.

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