According to Reuters , the countries opposing the motion were the United States, Israel, Ukraine, Hungary, Paraguay, Argentina, and North Macedonia, a small group standing against near-universal consensus.

This year’s vote reflects a slight uptick in support for Washington, compared with last year’s 187-2 outcome, but the global message remains unmistakable: the world rejects the embargo.

The embargo, first imposed in 1960 and expanded in the early 1960s, restricts nearly all trade, financial transactions, and travel between the United States and Cuba.

The map accompanying the vote — dominated by green for “in favour” — shows how isolated Washington’s position is. Nearly every nation across Latin America , Africa, Asia, and Europe supported ending the embargo.

Even U.S. allies like Japan, Canada, and the United Kingdom voted for the resolution. Only a handful of countries, including Argentina this year, broke ranks.

The United States last abstained on the resolution in 2016 during the Obama administration, but since then, successive governments have reinstated their opposition.

This year’s slight shift, with five more nations joining the “against” camp, reflects evolving geopolitical alignments. Ukraine’s vote , for instance, was influenced by its growing tensions with Havana after reports emerged of Cuban nationals allegedly fighting for Russia in the ongoing war. Meanwhile, Argentina’s decision marks a notable departure from Latin America’s traditionally unified stance against the embargo.

Still, the resolution is non-binding, which means it carries moral and political weight but no legal force. The embargo can only be lifted by the U.S. Congress, where opposition remains strong.

A map shared by The World in Maps visually captures the moment: a sea of green stretches across much of the globe, with nations in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America largely backing the resolution. Only a handful of countries, including the United States, Israel, and Argentina, voted against.

A small cluster abstained or did not vote, underscoring how isolated the opposition has become.

The resolution is ambitious. Drafted by France and Saudi Arabia, it calls for “timebound, tangible, irreversible steps” toward Palestinian statehood alongside Israel.

It condemns the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, demands the release of hostages, and urges an end to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The text also envisions reforms to strengthen the Palestinian Authority and limit Hamas’s role in governance .

Several Western countries, including Belgium, France, Canada, and Australia, have announced plans to formally recognise Palestine in the coming months. Germany publicly backed the resolution, calling it “a step toward lasting peace".

The vote has also rippled through global markets. Oil prices have ticked upward as traders weigh the potential for renewed instability in the region, and safe-haven assets such as gold and U.S. Treasuries are seeing increased demand.

Emerging market currencies in the Middle East have faced pressure, as investors brace for potential sanctions, new aid flows, or shifts in trade routes. Defence and security stocks have climbed on expectations of heightened security spending.

What happens next could be decisive. A high-level UN General Assembly meeting scheduled for later this month is expected to bring more nations to the table, with some potentially formalising recognition of Palestine.

Whether these moves lead to meaningful negotiations or further polarisation will shape not just Middle Eastern politics but also energy markets, global supply chains, and diplomatic alliances.

Since its inception in 1956, Eurovision has produced legendary winners, unforgettable songs, and fierce national rivalries, particularly when it comes to who has won the most.

The Eurovision Song Contest 2025 kicks off on Saturday, May 17, in Basel, Switzerland, with 37 countries competing for the coveted title. After two intense semi-finals, 26 nations have secured their place in the Grand Final.

Among the finalists are the “Big Five”—France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom—who automatically qualify thanks to their major financial support of the contest. Host nation Switzerland also joins them directly in the final as the reigning champion.

Meanwhile, countries like Azerbaijan, Belgium, Cyprus, and Slovenia were eliminated in the semi-final stage and will not appear in tonight’s show.

Who do you think is going to walk away with the biggest prize?

But before that, let's take a look at countries that lead the all-time scoreboard for most Eurovision victories according to data from Eurovisionworld :

Ireland – 7 Wins

Years won: 1970, 1980, 1987, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1996

Ireland holds the record for most Eurovision wins , with a golden streak in the 1990s that remains unmatched. Johnny Logan, often dubbed "Mr. Eurovision," delivered two wins as a performer (1980, 1987) and a third as a songwriter. Despite recent struggles to qualify for the finals, Ireland’s historic dominance is still iconic.

Sweden – 7 Wins

Years won: 1974, 1984, 1991, 1999, 2012, 2015, 2023

Tied with Ireland, Sweden continues to prove its Eurovision prowess with consistently high placements. From ABBA's legendary "Waterloo" in 1974 to Loreen’s double victories in 2012 and 2023, Sweden’s entries are known for polished pop, sleek production, and international appeal.

France – 5 Wins

Years won: 1958, 1960, 1962, 1969, 1977

France dominated the early decades of Eurovision and remains a respected player in the contest. Though it's been decades since their last win, France still frequently places among the top contenders with artistically rich and vocally strong entries.

Luxembourg – 5 Wins

Years won: 1961, 1965, 1972, 1973, 1983

Despite its small size, Luxembourg punched well above its weight during the mid-20th century. With five wins, including back-to-back victories in the '70s, Luxembourg made its mark. After a long hiatus, the country is set to return to Eurovision in 2024.

United Kingdom – 5 Wins

Years won: 1967, 1969, 1976, 1981, 1997

A Eurovision powerhouse for decades, the UK boasts five victories and has finished second more times than any other nation. While recent years saw mixed results, the UK rebounded with Sam Ryder’s strong second-place finish in 2022.

Netherlands – 5 Wins

Years won: 1957, 1959, 1969, 1975, 2019

From early successes to Duncan Laurence’s emotional ballad "Arcade" in 2019, the Netherlands has evolved with the contest. Its ability to reinvent its style while honouring Eurovision traditions makes it a fan favourite.

Israel – 4 Wins

Years won: 1978, 1979, 1998, 2018

Israel has brought high-impact performances and bold innovation to Eurovision, including Dana International's historic win in 1998 and Netta's quirky global hit "Toy" in 2018. The country is known for pushing creative boundaries. However, its participation this year is tricky due to the ongoing attacks on Gaza.

From the first Miss Universe from Finland, Armi Kuusela to the latest from Denmark, Victoria Kjær Theilvig, the pageant has been a platform for women to showcase their advocacy, willingness and passion to inspire millions around the globe through goodwill initiatives.

Here’s a look at some notable titleholders over the decades:

While some countries boast universal connectivity, others grapple with limited access, leaving millions disconnected.

According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) World Telecommunication, countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Iceland lead the world in internet penetration, achieving 100% digital access for their populations.

Similarly, Northern Europe continues to set the standard, with nations like Norway and Denmark surpassing 97.5% penetration rates.

North America follows closely, with the United States and Canada achieving 92% and 93% access, respectively.

These figures highlight how developed economies have integrated connectivity into their infrastructures, empowering citizens with the tools for education, economic growth, and innovation.

Globally, the picture is more sobering. On average, only 67.5% of the world’s population is online.

The disparities become stark when examining regions like Sub-Saharan Africa, where connectivity remains challenging.

Countries such as Somalia (2%), South Sudan (7%), and Uganda (10%) struggle with limited infrastructure and affordability, keeping internet access out of reach for the majority of their populations.

Similarly, South Asia, despite recent progress, lags, with only 47.4% of its population online.

In countries like India (46%), Pakistan (21%), and Bangladesh (39%), millions are left in digital isolation.

This digital divide has far-reaching implications. Citizens have greater opportunities for education, economic advancement, and innovation in nations with high internet penetration.

By contrast, those without access face systemic disadvantages, with limited ability to engage in the digital economy or access critical information.

This disparity perpetuates existing inequalities, hindering efforts to create a more equitable global society.

Bridging the internet access gap is a technological challenge and a moral imperative. Governments, international organisations, and private companies must collaborate to invest in infrastructure, improve affordability, and provide digital literacy programs.

Only then can we build a fairer, more connected world where all the benefits of the digital age are shared.