Barbie, the iconic doll that has been a symbol of fashion and beauty for over six decades, has captured the hearts of many around the world. However, there are several fascinating facts about Barbie that may surprise you. Here are 20 things you didn't know about the Barbie doll.

1. The original Barbie doll was launched on March 9, 1959 by American toy company Mattel, created by Ruth Handler.

2. Barbie's full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts, and she hails from the fictional town of Willows, Wisconsin.

3. The inspiration for Barbie came from Ruth Handler's observation that her daughter, Barbara, preferred playing with paper dolls who were adults rather than childlike dolls.

4. Barbie's first outfit was a black and white zebra-striped swimsuit, complemented with high heels and curly bangs.

5. The first Barbie dolls were sold for three dollars each, which was a significant price at the time.

6. Barbie's male counterpart, Ken, was introduced in 1961 and named after Ruth Handler's son, Kenneth.

7. The first Barbie commercial aired during the Mickey Mouse Club television show in 1959.

8. Barbie's signature color, Barbie Pink, was created by Pantone and officially named "Aqua."

9. In her lifetime, Barbie has had over 200 careers, including astronaut, doctor, pilot, and even a presidential candidate.

10. The Barbie doll is so popular that three Barbie dolls are sold every second around the world.

11. The best-selling Barbie doll ever is the Totally Hair Barbie, with hair that reached all the way to her toes.

12. In 1997, Barbie made history by traveling to space as an astronaut doll aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour.

13. Barbie's body measurements, if she were a real person, would be an unattainable 36-inch bust, 18-inch waist, and 33-inch hips.

14. The Barbie Dolls of the World collection includes dolls representing over 150 countries, showcasing cultural diversity.

15. Barbie has taken on many famous roles, including Cleopatra, Marilyn Monroe, and even a Bond girl.

16. The most expensive Barbie doll ever sold was a diamond-encrusted Barbie designed by Australian jewelry designer Stefano Canturi, priced at $302,500.

17. Barbie was inducted into the Toy Hall of Fame in 1998, solidifying her place in toy history.

18. Barbie has her own line of clothing, accessories, and even a line of cosmetics.

19. In 2016, Barbie underwent a major transformation by introducing diverse body types, including tall, curvy, and petite.

20. Barbie continues to inspire and empower girls around the world to dream big, teaching them that they can be anything they want to be.

These 20 little-known facts about Barbie shed light on the rich history and cultural impact of this iconic doll. From her first appearance in 1959 to her continued relevance in today's society, Barbie has played a significant role in shaping popular culture and inspiring generations of children.

With her ever-evolving image and empowering message, Barbie embodies the idea that dreams can come true, no matter how big or small.