New language patterns are particularly visible when looking at the most commonly spoken languages after English across different regions. In the United States, Spanish has become the clear second language in much of the country. In Canada, French continues to play a central role beyond Quebec, maintaining its influence in several provinces and territories.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey , more than one in five Americans aged five or older speak a language other than English at home. Spanish is by far the most widely spoken of these, used by tens of millions of residents nationwide.

The Census Bureau reports that Spanish remains the leading non-English language in American households, particularly across the South, Southwest, and large parts of the East Coast.

These trends reflect both long-established Hispanic communities and more recent immigration patterns, making Spanish a defining feature of the country’s modern linguistic identity.

Canada’s language story differs significantly due to its official bilingual framework. French is not only widely spoken in Quebec but also holds a strong presence in provinces such as New Brunswick and parts of Ontario.

Statistics from the Canadian government show that French continues to shape public life, education, and cultural policy across multiple regions.

The endurance of French reflects Canada’s historical foundations as well as ongoing efforts to support official language communities.

Beyond Spanish and French, smaller language communities remain significant in certain areas. In Alaska, for example, Indigenous languages such as Yupik still play an important role, reflecting the resilience of Native communities and their linguistic heritage.

These patterns highlight that language use is often tied not just to immigration, but to local history and identity. Indigenous languages, though spoken by smaller populations, remain central in specific regions and are increasingly recognised in cultural preservation efforts.

According to the president, Wedding voluntarily presented himself at the United States embassy in Mexico City before being transferred to US authorities. Sheinbaum underlined that Mexico’s constitution and national security laws prohibit joint operations by foreign investigative agencies, allowing only cooperation through the exchange of information between governments.

Sheinbaum added that this position has been clearly communicated to Washington, noting that while Mexico maintains security cooperation with the US, it does so strictly within its legal framework. Her remarks come amid heightened international scrutiny of cross-border security coordination between the two countries, particularly in cases involving organised crime and extradition.

In his speech, Carney said the world was witnessing “the end of a rules-based global order” and cautioned against nations turning trade into leverage. He also suggested that middle powers like Canada could work together to avoid being “victimised by American hegemony.”

Trump’s response

In a post on Truth Social dated January 23, 2026, Trump announced that Canada’s invitation had been withdrawn. “Please let this letter serve to represent that the Board of Peace is withdrawing its invitation to you regarding Canada’s joining what will be the most prestigious Board of Leaders ever assembled,” Trump wrote, addressing Carney directly.

Trump also responded publicly to Carney’s comments while speaking in Davos, saying Canada “lives because of the United States” and should show more appreciation for Washington’s past support. “Remember that, Mark, the next time you make your statements,” Trump said.

Just a week earlier, Carney’s office had confirmed that Canada had been invited to join the board and planned to accept.

What is the Board of Peace?

Trump’s Board of Peace was launched as part of his plan to support a ceasefire and post-war arrangements in Gaza. He has since suggested the body could expand to address other global conflicts.

According to Trump, permanent members of the board are required to contribute $1 billion each to help fund its activities. He has also said the board would work “in conjunction with the United Nations,” though UN officials have stressed that their engagement would be limited strictly to the Gaza framework. Trump has described the board as having wide powers, saying once it is fully formed, it could “do pretty much whatever we want to do.”

Contrary to popular belief, no country actually owns the North Pole. The image above makes this clear. At the very top of the world sits a central zone labelled International Waters, surrounded by five Arctic states: Russia, Canada, Denmark via Greenland, Norway, and the United States via Alaska.

What this really comes down to is the seabed.

Under the Arctic ice are vast reserves of oil , natural gas, and critical minerals. As climate change melts ice and makes the region more accessible, the economic and strategic value of the Arctic has surged. Control over the seabed means control over future energy routes, resources, and influence.

The North Pole itself sits in international waters, meaning it cannot be claimed outright by any single state. However, countries can claim rights to parts of the Arctic seabed if they can prove that the underwater continental shelf is a natural extension of their land territory.

This is where the competition begins.

All Arctic claims are governed by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea , known as UNCLOS. Under this framework, coastal states have an Exclusive Economic Zone extending 200 nautical miles from their shore. Beyond that, they can submit scientific evidence to claim additional seabed rights.

These claims do not grant sovereignty over the water or ice above. They grant rights to resources beneath the seabed.

The image shows how each Arctic nation’s claim fans out toward the pole, creating a patchwork of overlapping ambitions.

Russia’s aggressive push

Russia has been the most assertive player in the Arctic. It has submitted extensive claims arguing that underwater ridges, including the Lomonosov Ridge , connect its continental shelf directly to the North Pole. In 2007, Russia famously planted a titanium flag on the seabed beneath the pole, a symbolic act that drew global attention.

While the flag had no legal standing, it underscored Moscow’s long-term Arctic strategy, which combines scientific research, military expansion, and infrastructure development.

Canada, Denmark, and Norway’s competing claims

Canada and Denmark, through Greenland, have also submitted overlapping claims based on geological evidence linking the seabed to their landmasses. Denmark’s case is particularly notable because Greenland gives it a strategic Arctic footprint far larger than most people realise.

Norway’s claims are more limited geographically, but it remains a key Arctic actor with advanced polar research capabilities and significant offshore energy experience.

Where the United States stands

The United States, via Alaska, is shown in the image as one of the five Arctic states. However, its position is complicated by the fact that it has not formally ratified UNCLOS. Despite this, the US still conducts seabed mapping and asserts its interests through customary international law and diplomatic channels.

Tse was handed a non-parole period of 10 years in the County Court of Victoria after admitting to conspiring to traffic large quantities of illicit drugs within Australia. With credit for time already served, he could walk free in just over five years.

Prosecutors said Tse attempted to move 20 kilograms of methamphetamine — valued at around 4.4 million Australian dollars — between Sydney and Melbourne over a 12-month period from March 2012 to March 2013. 

His conviction followed an Australian Federal Police (AFP) probe that targeted Sam Gor, the transnational crime syndicate he was accused of leading.

Sam Gor, also known as “The Company,” has been linked to industrial-scale production and distribution of meth across the Asia-Pacific region. At its height, Australian authorities believe it was the country’s largest supplier of the drug, pushing tonnes of product through a vast international network of traffickers.

Tse’s fall began in 2021, when Dutch police arrested him at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport at the request of the AFP. He spent months contesting extradition before being sent to Australia in late 2022 to face charges.

His sentencing brings to a close more than a decade of investigative work. AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett said the outcome marked the conclusion of “one of the most high-profile investigations in the AFP’s history ,” describing it as a testament to the force’s global reach.

While Tse did not face charges relating to the full spectrum of Sam Gor’s alleged activities, his conviction represents a symbolic victory for Australian authorities, who have long viewed him as a central figure in the region’s drug trade.

Law enforcement agencies across Asia, Europe and North America have spent years trying to dismantle the syndicate, which they allege operated with a level of sophistication comparable to the world’s most notorious cartels.

For now, the man once regarded as the most influential meth trafficker in the Asia-Pacific is behind bars in Melbourne. But authorities say the wider fight against the networks he helped build is far from finished.

The above map highlights all European countries located entirely or mostly north of this latitude, vividly showing how much of Europe lies farther north than major North American cities.

From the United Kingdom and Ireland to Scandinavia, the Baltics, Poland, Germany, and parts of France, Europe’s northern reach surprises many viewers. Cities such as Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, and Warsaw sit significantly farther north than Toronto, Montreal, and even Vancouver.

According to data from NASA’s latitude reference tables, Paris sits at 48.85° N , just south of the line, while Berlin reaches 52.52° N and Stockholm climbs to 59.33° N .

While the 49th parallel has deep historical roots in North American geopolitics, established through the Treaty of 1818 between the U.S. and the United Kingdom, it carries increasingly relevant implications for Europe in 2025.

Northern Europe is warming faster than many other parts of the world, an alarming trend confirmed by the European Environment Agency, which notes that the continent is the fastest-warming major region on Earth.

Countries north of the 49th parallel, particularly Norway, Sweden, Finland, and the Baltic states , are experiencing accelerated climate impacts, including shrinking snow seasons, rapid changes in agricultural zones, and ecological disruptions in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions.

The Copernicus Climate Service recently reported that Europe experienced one of its warmest years on record, with Northern and Eastern Europe warming at nearly twice the global average.

According to World’s Top Exports , Nigeria exported about $63.3 billion worth of goods in 2023, with crude oil and petroleum products still making up the majority of the value.

The data in the image highlights Nigeria’s leading export partners by value, as Spain tops the list at $5.6 billion, followed closely by France and the Netherlands, each just under the $5 billion mark.

India, the United States , Indonesia, Canada, Italy, China, and the Ivory Coast also feature prominently, illustrating the extensive reach of Nigeria’s export network, which extends across Europe, Asia, North America, and West Africa.

Since the Russia-Ukraine conflict disrupted long-standing supply routes, European countries have increasingly turned to African producers such as Nigeria for crude oil and natural gas. This shift remains part of a broader EU effort to diversify energy sources and reduce dependency on Russia.

India ’s steady demand is driven by its large refining sector and growing energy needs, while Indonesia’s imports have risen as the country expands its consumption of petroleum products. China’s position, although slightly lower, remains significant, especially since its imports vary depending on industrial activity and shifts in manufacturing demand.

Meanwhile, the Ivory Coast’s position on the list highlights growing intra-African trade, a key aspect of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to strengthen economic links across the continent.

According to the Country Similarity Index , a data-driven ranking that compares nations across five major dimensions, the United States’ closest cultural cousin is its neighbour to the north, Canada, with a striking similarity score of 79.2.

Trailing behind Canada are fellow English-speaking democracies Australia (71.8), New Zealand (70.5), and Great Britain (69.7), with Puerto Rico tying Britain at 69.7, which is unsurprising given its political connection to the U.S.

Ireland (67.3) rounds out the top five before the ranking widens to include European partners like Germany, France, Norway, and Switzerland. These nations share much of the United States’ institutional, infrastructural, and political framework, even if geography and some cultural elements diverge.

Canada and the U.S. not only share the longest undefended border in the world, but their economies are closely integrated under the USMCA trade agreement, their media and entertainment industries cross-pollinate, and both societies are shaped by waves of immigration and shared democratic norms.

The inclusion of Australia and New Zealand reflects a similar pattern, countries built on British colonial legal systems, English language dominance, and comparable political models. Even across the Atlantic, Germany, France, Norway, and Switzerland land on the list thanks to their high standard of living , advanced infrastructure, and liberal democratic traditions, making them natural partners for Washington on global issues.

This cultural and institutional proximity carries weight in today’s geopolitical climate. It explains why the U.S. often finds it easier to coordinate policy and form coalitions with these nations, whether in trade negotiations, climate summits, or military alliances.

Canada and the U.S., for example, are currently negotiating joint energy and security frameworks, while Australia and New Zealand are playing central roles in the U.S.’s Indo-Pacific strategy.

Across the Atlantic, Germany and France continue to collaborate with Washington on everything from NATO’s security posture to AI governance frameworks, even amid occasional tensions over industrial policy.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney hailed the pact as “game-changing,” stressing its role in securing investment in critical minerals, clean technology, and financial services. In 2024, merchandise trade between the two countries totalled US$5.6 billion, with Canadian exports reaching US$2.3 billion, making Indonesia Canada’s largest export market in Southeast Asia (Government of Canada trade data).

The deal comes alongside a new defence cooperation agreement covering maritime security, cyber defence, and peacekeeping, a move Carney called a “critical step” in Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy.

Canada is also backing Indonesia’s sovereign wealth fund, with Export Development Canada pledging up to CAD$825 million (US$594 million) in financing for infrastructure, renewable energy , and agriculture projects.

The agreement positions Canada as a deeper player in Asia’s economic networks, while Indonesia, projected by PwC to be among the world’s five largest economies by 2050, gains a powerful Western partner beyond Washington.

“For years, I have prevented the establishment of this terrorist state in the face of enormous pressure both from home and abroad. We did it with determination, and we did it with political wisdom. Indeed, we doubled Jewish settlement in Judea and Samaria – and we will continue on this path,” he added.

The recognition comes amid mounting domestic and international pressure, as Israel's military campaign in Gaza intensifies.

The growing group of countries formally recognising Palestine as a state includes Canada and Australia .

French President Emmanuel Macron, who also announced yesterday, along with UK’s Keir Starmer, that Palestine would be formally recognised as a state at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York today, said, “This recognition is the beginning of a journey.”

“A path for peace , to save lives and to try together to live up to the human dignity we owe each other," he added.

However, Japan announced it will not recognise Palestinian statehood at the UNGA, Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya announced on Friday, September 19. 

“We are optimistic despite the circumstances”, Sheinbaum said, pointing to the depth of economic integration between the three nations. “This plan of action opens a new stage in which we strengthen even further the economic, social and cultural ties that unite us”. Carney echoed her stance, stressing that the joint initiative would complement the upcoming treaty review and help bolster regional competitiveness.

The timing of the announcement comes amid heightened tensions with Washington. U.S. President Donald Trump has reintroduced tariff measures and questioned whether the trade deal truly benefits his country. In response, Sheinbaum insisted Mexico would defend its sovereignty while keeping a “cool head” in negotiations. Critics at home, however, argue that her government has already given too much ground to the White House, particularly on security cooperation.

Analysts note that Sheinbaum faces a delicate balancing act: maintaining Mexico’s most important commercial partnership with its northern neighbour while avoiding domestic backlash. With the consultation process for the 2026 renegotiation now formally under way, all three governments will soon face the challenge of updating a trade deal that underpins nearly £1.2 trillion in annual regional trade.

In 2024, global gold production reached approximately 3,661 metric tonnes, setting a new record amid surging demand from central banks and investors worldwide. But which nations are driving this output, and how do they rank on the global stage?

China

China remains the world’s largest gold producer, responsible for approximately 380 metric tonnes in 2024, around 10–11% of global production. Much of this comes from state-owned companies that dominate the mining sector, alongside global exploration projects tied to Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative.

Russia

Russia retained its position as the second-largest producer, yielding roughly 310 metric tonnes in 2024. Despite geopolitical challenges and sanctions, the country’s mining sector remains robust, with gold exports forming an important part of its resource-driven economy.

Australia

Australia ranked third globally with 290–300 metric tonnes of gold mined last year. The country’s prolific reserves in Western Australia continue to sustain its role as one of the world’s gold mining hubs, supported by a mature regulatory and industrial environment.

Canada

Canada produced around 200 metric tonnes in 2024, keeping its place among the top five gold producers. Most of its output comes from mining centres in Ontario and Quebec, where leading firms like Agnico Eagle and Newmont operate major projects.

United States

The United States rounds out the top five with about 160 metric tonnes of production in 2024. The majority comes from Nevada, home to Nevada Gold Mines, a joint venture between Barrick Gold and Newmont, alongside additional production from Alaska.

Together, these five countries account for nearly half of all newly mined gold worldwide. Their output not only underpins global jewellery and technology industries but also shapes financial markets, where gold remains a hedge against inflation and instability.

At the corporate level, mining giants like Newmont (6.7 million ounces in 2024) and Barrick Gold (3.9 million ounces) dominate production and investment flows, reinforcing the global concentration of gold supply.

Below is a list of leading diamond economies:

While Russia and Botswana dominate the market, Canada and Angola are tied in third place, each producing $1.5 billion in diamonds annually. Namibia also joins the elite with over a billion dollars in annual output, showcasing southern Africa's continued prominence in the industry.

Southern Africa is especially significant in the global diamond economy. The region is home to five of the world’s top producers , with Botswana, Angola, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe contributing billions in combined value.

Botswana’s economic stability and infrastructure are closely tied to the diamond trade, accounting for over 80% of its export revenue . Similarly, Namibia’s off-shore diamond mining efforts and Angola’s post-conflict industry revival reflect how deeply embedded diamonds are in regional development.

Though Africa leads in volume and value, Canada stands out as the only top producer outside of the Eastern Hemisphere, leveraging arctic mining operations in territories like Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Meanwhile, Brazil and Australia also contribute to the global diamond market but at significantly lower levels—$25 million and $65 million, respectively.

Mexico has officially surpassed the United States as its largest import partner, accounting for 15.2% of total imports, which translates to $509.98 billion. This milestone highlights the deepening of regional trade ties under the USMCA and Mexico’s increasing dominance in automotive and electronics manufacturing despite tariffs instituted by the Trump administration.

Following closely behind are:

Emerging players like Vietnam (4.2%) and India (2.7%) are also gaining traction as sourcing destinations.

On the export side, Canada leads the pack , receiving $348.5 billion in goods, representing 16.9% of total U.S. exports. Mexico is a close second at $334.04 billion (16.2%), reinforcing the critical role of North American trade partnerships.

Other notable destinations include:

Russia covers an astounding 17.10 million square kilometres. According to the World Atlas , Russia’s vast territory stretches across Europe and Asia, encompassing 11 time zones. This immense landmass includes a mix of tundra, taiga, mountains, and volcanic ridges. Notably, Russia boasts the world’s largest forest carbon reserve, a key player in climate regulation.

In second place is Canada, spanning 9.98 million square kilometres. Its landscape is marked by expansive boreal forests, the rugged Rocky Mountains, and the Arctic tundra. According to World Atlas, Canada’s unique position at the top of North America also means it has the world’s longest coastline and abundant freshwater resources—a vital asset in a world facing water scarcity.

China, at 9.60 million square kilometres, follows closely. As highlighted by Britannica, China’s territory encompasses deserts like the Gobi, vast river systems such as the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers, and mountain ranges like the Himalayas. This geographical diversity underpins its agricultural wealth, strategic trade routes, and ecological importance.

Rounding out the top five are the United States (9.52 million sq. km) and Brazil (8.51 million sq. km). The US’s varied landscapes—from Alaska’s glaciers to the deserts of Nevada—showcase its environmental diversity. Brazil, meanwhile, is famed for the Amazon Rainforest, the world’s largest tropical rainforest, which is critical to global carbon cycling and biodiversity.

The top ten also include:

According to the Kimberley Process , a global certification scheme established to prevent the trade of conflict diamonds, over 99% of the world’s rough diamond production now flows through conflict-free, regulated supply chains.

The latest production data reflects the economic scale and significance of these resources to the top-producing nations.

Global diamond production leaders (in million USD)

According to the Armenian National Institute , more than 30 nations, primarily in Europe and the Americas, have passed resolutions through either national or regional parliaments acknowledging the 1915 mass killings of Armenians by the Ottoman Empire (Turkish Empire) as genocide.

Widespread recognition across the West

Countries including France, Germany, Italy, Canada, Russia, and much of South America—from Argentina to Chile—have adopted national-level declarations. These recognitions reflect not only a historical judgment but also a contemporary call for human rights, justice, and remembrance. In the United States , recognition was formalised in 2019 through congressional resolutions after decades of advocacy from Armenian diaspora communities.

Regional support and symbolic actions

The map also highlights areas where regional parliaments, such as those in Australia , parts of Spain, and Switzerland, have adopted similar positions, often ahead of their national governments. These subnational recognitions carry moral and educational significance, amplifying awareness at the grassroots and local legislative levels.

Why recognition matters

Labelling the 1915 atrocities as genocide is not merely a symbolic act. It serves as a bulwark against denialism, sets legal and moral precedents, and contributes to international norms on genocide prevention. Scholars estimate that between 1 million and 1.5 million Armenians were systematically exterminated. Turkey, the successor state to the Ottoman Empire, continues to reject the genocide label, framing the deaths as part of broader wartime casualties.

A divided world

Despite increasing recognition, several countries in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East remain absent from the list, often citing geopolitical alliances with Turkey or fears of disrupting regional stability. In the Middle East, where historical tensions remain sensitive, diplomatic caution often overrides humanitarian acknowledgement.

Canada's population is, however, relatively small—around 40 million people as of 2025. That gives it one of the lowest population densities in the world : about 4 people per square kilometre.

Despite the vastness of the country, more than 70% of Canada's population resides in three densely populated regions: the Quebec-Windsor Corridor, Greater Vancouver, and the Calgary-Edmonton Corridor.

The three key urban clusters

Why the concentration?

Experts point to a mix of geographic, economic, and climatic factors that explain this intense clustering:

Over the years, several countries have consistently excelled, amassing impressive gold medal counts.

Here are the top 10 countries with the most all-time gold medals at the Summer Paralympics:

Sudan launches case against United Arab Emirates at World Court

Sudan has filed a case against the United Arab Emirates at the International Court of Justice, accusing it of violating its obligations under the Genocide Convention by supplying arms to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, the court announced on Thursday, March 6. Read more here .

Scores of Nigerian Muslims arrested for eating during Ramadan

Islamic authorities in northern Nigeria have arrested several Muslims for eating and selling food publicly during Ramadan, enforcing mandatory fasting in Kano. Reading more here .

South Sudan situation deteriorating at alarming pace - U.N. rights body

Rising violence and political tensions in South Sudan endanger its fragile peace, the UN warned after officials linked to the vice president were arrested. Read more here .

Asia

Israeli tourist and local woman gang-raped in India, police say

A man was killed, and an Israeli tourist and an Indian woman were gang-raped by three men near India's Hampi UNESCO site on Thursday, police said Saturday. The attack followed a dispute over money while the victims were stargazing with others. Read more here .

China hits back at Canada with fresh agriculture tariffs

China imposed tariffs on $2.6 billion in Canadian food and agriculture products, retaliating against Ottawa’s October levies. The duties, set for March 20, match Canada’s tariffs on Chinese EVs, steel, and aluminum. Read more here .

Myanmar junta chief announces election for December or January

Myanmar's junta will hold elections in December 2025 or January 2026, state media reported, marking the first set timeframe since the 2021 coup that sparked nationwide unrest. Read more here .

Latin America

Majority of Brazil Supreme Court chamber upholds Rumble suspension

A majority of Brazil's Supreme Court backed suspending U.S. video platform Rumble for defying court orders, with two justices joining Alexandre de Moraes. Read more here .

At least 31 die in Bolivia after truck rams into bus

A truck collided with a bus in southern Bolivia on Monday, killing at least 31 people and injuring 22, police said. Read more here .

Mexico vows retaliation as Trump trade war erupts

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Tuesday condemned U.S. President Donald Trump's 25% tariffs on Mexican imports and vowed retaliatory measures, though details were not provided. Read more here .

Released in January 2025, the report found that more than 50,000 international students across Canada were missing from their schools.

Most were from India, with nearly 20,000 unaccounted for. China, Nigeria, and Ghana also had high numbers of missing students.

Canadian universities and colleges are required to report to immigration officials twice a year on whether international students are actually studying. These reports help the government track if students are following the rules of their study permits.

While thousands of Ghanaian students have disappeared, many others are still attending school.

The report confirmed that 5,881 Ghanaian students, or about 67% of those enrolled, are actively taking classes.

The situation has raised concerns that some people may be using student visas to enter Canada for other reasons.

According to local reports , experts are now suggesting that international students should pay their tuition fees in full before arriving.

This, according to them, could stop people from using study permits as a way to move to Canada without actually going to school.

In this piece, we'll take a look at the strongest passports in each continent, based on the 2025 Passport Index , a global ranking of passports according to their total mobility score.

The Mobility Score (MS) represents the total number of countries that can be easily accessed with a particular passport. It is calculated based on the number of destinations offering Visa-free, Visa-on-arrival, eTA, and eVisa options available within a 3-day timeframe.

Asia: UAE

With a score of 179, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) takes the top spot in Asia and globally. UAE citizens can travel to an impressive 179 countries without needing a visa, including popular destinations like France, Austria, and Mexico.

Europe: Spain

Spain's passport is one of the strongest in the world, with a visa-free score of 178. This means Spanish citizens can travel to 178 countries without needing a visa, including most European countries, Argentina, and Canada.

Oceania: New Zealand

New Zealand's passport is one of the strongest in the world, with a visa-free score of 174. New Zealand citizens can travel to 174 countries including Belarus, China and Denmark without a visa.

North America: Canada

With a mobility score of 173, Canadian passport holders can travel visa-free to 173 countries, including the Bahamas, Belgium, and Germany.

South America: Brazil

Brazi's passport is the strongest in South America, with a 165 visa-free score. Brazilian citizens can travel to countries like Uruguay, Bolivia and Argentina.

Africa: Seychelles

The Seychelles, an archipelago off the coast of East Africa, boasts the strongest passport in Africa. With a visa-free score of 148, Seychelles citizens can travel without a visa to countries such as Dominica, Estonia, and Denmark.

The country's Cigar Lake mine boasts the highest-grade uranium deposit globally, having yielded an impressive 105 million pounds of uranium since 2014.

Historically, uranium production experienced a significant surge between the 1960s and 1980s, driven by the construction of the first generation of nuclear power plants.

Today, 436 operational nuclear reactors worldwide supply approximately 10% of global electricity.

Germany's total uranium production is 219,685 tonnes, although the country's uranium mining industry has declined significantly since the 1990s.

In recent years, geopolitical tensions have led to shifts in uranium supply chains. Ukraine, formerly reliant on Russian uranium, has rapidly transitioned to Canadian suppliers following the conflict. Similarly, Finland's nuclear sector has faced operational risks due to its dependence on Russian-built reactors.

It's worth noting that, until 1991, uranium production in Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, and other former Soviet republics was consolidated under the USSR. This historical context highlights the complex and evolving nature of the global uranium market.

Premier Ford debuted the hat ahead of a meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other provincial premiers to discuss the looming threat of U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods.

The hat, designed by Ottawa entrepreneurs Liam Mooney and Emma Cochrane of Jackpine Dynamic Branding, features the slogan "Canada is not for sale" on the front and the year of Confederation, 1867, on the side.

According to Liam Mooney, founder of Jackpine Dynamic Branding: "Canada is not for sale. It's that simple. This whole idea of just buying a nation and forcing it into annexation is absolutely absurd. We're a proud country. We love our country. People here work so hard. And to be disrespected like that, it was time to make a really strong statement and say that Canada is not for sale.

This design is a clear rebuttal to Trump's iconic "Make America Great Again" hats and his annexation rhetoric.

The hat has quickly gained popularity, with many Canadians embracing it as a symbol of resistance against Trump's proposal. Mooney and Cochrane reported a surge in orders and inquiries from across the country after Ford's public appearance.

In November, Trump pledged to significantly increase tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China, effective from the first day of his administration.

“On January 20th, as one of my many first Executive Orders, I will sign all necessary documents to charge Mexico and Canada a 25% Tariff on ALL products coming into the United States and its ridiculous Open Borders,” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform. “This Tariff will remain in effect until such time as Drugs, in particular Fentanyl and all Illegal Aliens stop this Invasion of our Country!”

According to the OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook 2022-2031, cheese consumption, however, varies significantly across the globe.

Switzerland, famous for its fondue and raclette, leads the world in cheese consumption, with an average of 22.48 kg per person annually. Swiss cheese varieties like Emmental and Gruyère are popular both domestically and internationally.

Israel follows closely, with an average consumption of 18.49 kg per person per year. Cheese is a staple in the Israeli diet, often enjoyed with bread and as part of various traditional dishes.

Norwegians consume around 18.18 kg of cheese per person each year. The United States also has an average cheese consumption of 17.92 kg per person annually.

Canada consumes about 14.10 kg of cheese per person per year. Australians enjoy approximately 13.04 kg of cheese per person annually.

Despite the popularity of this card, some countries use it for almost everything including the most basic things.

According to the World Bank , Canada is the world's biggest user of credit cards, with 82.74% of the population owning one.

With 79.05% of its population having a credit card, Israel is second on the global list.

For Iceland, only 74% of its population uses credit cards to pay for goods and services.

Hong Kong, Japan and Switzerland's populations of 71.63%, 69.66% and 69.21% respectively own and use credit cards.

These trends are driven by advanced financial systems, changing consumer habits, and the increasing dependence on digital payments, particularly in e-commerce.

"It's time for some new, good, real people to put into office. Okay, we gave you ten years; you let us down. Step down as prime minister and step down as liberal leader. Thank you,” said Jonathan Machado, an Ottawa resident, in an interview with AFP.

For others, Trudeau’s departure raised worries about the country’s future leadership. “It scares me a little for the upcoming elections, especially with the opposition parties, the Conservative opposition party. It scares me a bit. I'm afraid we're going to rush to them as an alternative. But is it really the best alternative for Canadians and Canada? I don't know," said Alexis Langevin, a 28-year-old student.

Jamie Schmidt, a 24-year-old student cartoonist, emphasised the need for change. "I think there was a general loss of confidence within the party, but also within Canadians, within the Canadian population. So I'd say it's a good thing, and it would be a good idea to start again and see how we can improve things for Canadians, but also within the government," Schmidt said.

Trudeau announced his intent to step down but plans to remain in office until the Liberal Party selects a new leader. In the interim, parliament will be prorogued—or suspended—until March 24, 2025.

Freeland’s sudden resignation has shocked Trudeau’s government. She was scheduled to give an update on Canada’s finances but quit hours before.

Trudeau admitted, “It’s not been an easy day,” but urged Liberal Party members to “pull together” during difficult times.

Her resignation comes as Trump plans to impose a 25% tariff on imports from Canada. Freeland warned this could lead to a “tariff war” with the United States, Canada’s largest trading partner. Her exit has raised concerns about Trudeau’s leadership, with critics calling it a “crisis of confidence.”

Dominic LeBlanc, Canada’s public safety minister, has since been sworn in as the new finance minister. He now faces the task of negotiating with Trump’s team to avoid a trade crisis. Despite the tensions, Freeland said she will run for re-election in the next parliamentary vote.

During a press conference on Parliament Hill, Trudeau acknowledged that his government's previous immigration targets, which aimed to welcome 500,000 new permanent residents annually, had not achieved the desired balance between population growth and resource management.

"In the tumultuous times as we emerged from the pandemic, between addressing labour needs and maintaining population growth, we didn't get the balance right," Trudeau stated. "Today, we're announcing that we will reduce the number of immigrants we bring in over the next three years, which will result in a pause in the population growth over the next two years."

Trudeau's government has faced mounting criticism over its immigration policies, particularly regarding the impact on housing affordability. The rapid population growth has been cited as a contributing factor to the housing crisis in many Canadian cities.

Immigration Minister Marc Miller emphasised that the lower immigration numbers would help address the housing shortage and reflect the changing public opinion on immigration.

The revised targets will see a reduction in the number of new permanent residents to 395,000 in 2025, 380,000 in 2026, and 365,000 in 2027.

This marks a significant decrease from the previous goals and aims to stabilise population growth, allowing the government to make necessary adjustments to healthcare, housing, and social services.