A new visual dataset highlights how average monthly pensions in several European countries fall below €1,000 ($1,050), underscoring structural disparities that policymakers have long struggled to address.

The figures show Portugal at €961 ($1,010) per month, followed by Malta (€916 / $960) and Czechia (€843 / $885). Further down the scale, countries in Eastern and Southeastern Europe report markedly lower pensions, including Romania (€483 / $507), Serbia (€353 / $371), and Turkey (€281 / $295).

These figures align with broader Eurostat findings , which estimate the average pension across the European Union at roughly €1,345 per month (about $1,410) in 2022.

Annual pension income ranges from just €3,611 in Bulgaria to over €31,000 in Luxembourg, reflecting differences in wages, contributions, and welfare systems across member states.

Countries in the Balkans and Eastern Europe dominate the lower end of the spectrum . Bosnia and Herzegovina (€305 / $320) and Montenegro (€382 / $401) sit among the lowest, consistent with Eurostat data showing several of these economies have annual pensions below €8,000.

Turkey, a candidate country, remains at the bottom of the ranking, with pensions significantly affected by currency depreciation in recent years.

The OECD notes that public pensions account for more than 70% of older people’s income in many European countries, rising above 80% in some cases, making these disparities especially consequential for living standards.

Here’s the thing: pension outcomes in Europe are less about generosity and more about underlying economics.

Countries with higher wages, stronger tax bases, and mature social security systems, particularly in Northern and Western Europe, can sustain higher payouts. Meanwhile, lower-income economies tend to rely on more limited contribution systems.

The OECD estimates that, on average, pensions replace about 52% of pre-retirement income across member countries, though this varies widely depending on earnings level and national policy design.

Differences in retirement age, contribution rates, and the balance between public and private pension schemes further widen the gap.

Demographics are adding urgency to the issue. The OECD projects that the ratio of retirees to working-age people will rise sharply in the coming decades, putting additional strain on pension systems.

Across OECD countries, the population aged 65 and over is expected to surge , while the working-age population declines, raising concerns about sustainability and adequacy.

At the same time, replacement rates are projected to fall over time, meaning future retirees could receive a smaller share of their previous earnings.

When adjusted for purchasing power, disparities appear less extreme. Eurostat data show the gap between the highest and lowest pensions shrinks significantly when accounting for cost-of-living differences, though inequalities remain substantial.

The ranking, which evaluates countries across 11 key indicators including cost of living, healthcare quality, climate, infrastructure, safety, and retiree-friendly policies, places New Zealand at the top with a score of 71.78 out of 100, underscoring its growing appeal among retirees seeking stability and quality of life.

Close behind are Luxembourg (68.04) and Switzerland (67.16), reinforcing Europe’s long-standing dominance in retirement planning, driven by strong healthcare systems, high living standards, and robust social protections.

European countries feature prominently across the rankings. Spain (65.27), Portugal (64.14), Malta (63.2), and France (61.3) all secure positions within the top 10, reflecting the region’s enduring attractiveness driven by climate, lifestyle, and accessible healthcare.

According to CEOWORLD magazine, countries in Southern Europe in particular benefit from a combination of relatively lower living costs and favourable residency programmes tailored to retirees, including tax incentives and long-stay visas.

However, not all European destinations perform equally. Greece, despite its popularity among tourists, ranks lower at 57.3, pointing to economic constraints and infrastructure gaps that continue to weigh on its retirement appeal.

Canada (66.39) and Australia (66.06) also rank highly, supported by strong public healthcare systems, political stability, and high safety standards. These countries continue to attract retirees prioritising long-term security and access to quality services.

New Zealand’s top ranking reflects a similar profile but with added advantages in environmental quality and lower population density, factors increasingly valued by retirees in the post-pandemic era.

Asian destinations are steadily climbing the rankings, offering a compelling mix of affordability and improving infrastructure. Thailand (60.97), Vietnam (60.25), and Indonesia (59.85) all feature in the top half of the list.

CEOWORLD notes that lower living costs and expanding healthcare services are making Southeast Asia particularly attractive for retirees from higher-cost Western economies. However, differences in healthcare quality and regulatory frameworks remain key considerations.

Countries such as Ecuador (59.65), the United Arab Emirates (58.8), and Dominica (58.59) highlight a growing trend toward non-traditional retirement hubs. These destinations often combine tax advantages, residency incentives, and lifestyle benefits aimed at attracting foreign retirees.

Meanwhile, Italy (58.37), Belize (58.1), and Mexico (57.96) continue to appeal for their culture and climate but face challenges related to bureaucracy, healthcare access, or regional safety concerns.

Pelosi, a dominant force in Democratic politics for decades, has frequently clashed with Trump. In response to his latest remarks, she described him as a “vile creature, the worst thing on the face of the earth.”

Pelosi served two historic terms as Speaker, from 2007 to 2011 and again from 2019 to 2023, making her the first woman to hold the position.

Her retirement marks the end of an era in U.S. politics, closing a career defined by deep partisan battles, landmark legislative victories and her position as a central figure in Trump-era confrontations on Capitol Hill.

Footage by Viory from the scene showed elderly protesters waving banners denouncing Milei and accusing the government of stripping away hard-earned rights. “They want to take it all, all the rights. The rights we've fought for so many years,” said one protester. “I'm 67 years old and I've been through it all, and we keep fighting in the streets just the same,” he added.

Tensions have continued to rise since Milei’s La Libertad Avanza coalition secured victory in last week’s elections . Many demonstrators voiced concern that the government’s response to social unrest had grown increasingly repressive. “Now that he won, it’s going to get worse. But why do they repress us?” asked another retiree at the scene.

The protest was the latest in a growing wave of opposition to the president’s economic policies, which include major public spending cuts aimed at controlling inflation and addressing Argentina’s long-standing debt crisis. However, critics argue these measures disproportionately impact the country’s most vulnerable populations, including pensioners.

Organisers have called for a nationwide mobilisation next week, hoping to rally more than 100,000 people across multiple cities to demand the restoration of pensions and essential services.

Under the initiative, part of the price of non-winning digital lottery tickets will be redirected into a personal savings account. The funds will be locked in until participants reach the age of 55, similar to the structure of a Retirement Mutual Fund. Those aged 56 and older will be allowed to continue saving for a further five years.

The accumulated balance can also be pledged as collateral for loans , offering participants a degree of financial flexibility.

“This ‘Lottery Savings’ scheme isn’t formally named yet, and it is entirely separate from the ‘Lottery Pension’ scheme run by the National Savings Fund (NSF),” Ekniti said. “The money will be segmented from the ticket price and held under principles similar to a Retirement Mutual Fund (RMF).”

Officials said the scheme will apply only to tickets purchased through the government ’s Pao Tang app, which enables transactions to be tracked and linked to individual accounts.

The Finance Ministry also intends to roll out monthly government bond offerings with 1% interest, specifically targeting elderly and retired citizens to encourage wider participation in retail investment.

Permanent Secretary Lavaron Sangsnit stressed the project was designed to promote saving, not gambling. He said the aim is safety and capital preservation, noting that funds will likely be managed through a highly secure structure.

The scheme will draw from the 17% of lottery revenue currently under the Finance Minister’s discretion, earmarking part of that pool to seed the savings mechanism.

Lottery revenues are a significant source of state income in Thailand, where gambling beyond the official lottery and horse racing is largely illegal. 

Currently, early retirement in Tunisia is tied to having at least three children and 25 years of work experience.

However, the new proposal removes that condition and focuses instead on how demanding work can be for women, especially in sectors like manufacturing, textiles, and services.

The proposal comes as Tunisia, like many countries, faces growing challenges with its pension system. With an ageing population and fewer workers supporting more retirees, the state pension funds are already under financial strain.

In 2024 alone, the shortfall in Tunisia’s social security funds reached over five billion dinars.

Meanwhile, the idea of giving older women the option to retire earlier has sparked debate in the country.

While the bill is yet to be fully debated in parliament, it has already raised important questions about work, gender equality, and how to ensure social protection systems can keep up with changing needs.

National Treasury said there is no law or plan to introduce a standard retirement age for all citizens.

In South Africa, the retirement age depends on agreements between employers and employees, or on the rules of a specific pension fund.

“There is no standard retirement age that is set by government in South Africa,” Treasury said in a statement quoted by Daily Maverick . It also confirmed that there are no changes to the old age grant, which can still be accessed from age 60.

The rumour appears to have started with a fake document shared online which falsely claimed that government employees would have to retire at 70, but no official law or announcement supports this.

Labour lawyer Avi Niselow said relying on misinformation can be risky. He warned that forcing someone to retire without a clear agreement in their contract could be considered unfair dismissal.

“If it’s not contractually agreed, the employer is exposed,” he said. He also warned that employees who act on these false claims could suffer long-term financial damage.

South Africa’s labour laws remain unchanged. In the public sector, the normal retirement age is still 60, with early retirement possible from 55.

In the private sector, it depends on what is written in employment contracts or pension fund policies .

A visual by World Visualized highlights the oldest popes in office, showcasing how age and experience have shaped the Catholic Church’s leadership across centuries.

The top 3 longest-living popes while in office

Pope Leo XIII (1878–1903)

Age at end of reign: 93 years, 140 days

Known for his scholarly works and social teachings, Leo XIII remains the oldest pope in history. His long life allowed him to leave a lasting imprint on Catholic doctrine, especially through his encyclicals on workers' rights and modern society .

Pope Francis (2013–2025)

Age at end of reign: 88 years, 123 days

The first Jesuit pope and the first from Latin America , Francis was a global figure for dialogue, humility, and care for the marginalised. His papacy emphasised environmental stewardship and compassion-driven reform.

Pope Clement XII (1730–1740)

Age at end of reign: 87 years, 305 days

Despite severe health issues, Clement XII led with remarkable energy, commissioning architectural masterpieces like the Trevi Fountain and reinforcing Catholic orthodoxy.

In many ways, the papacy is a reflection of lifelong devotion. Unlike political leaders with term limits, popes serve for life unless they choose to resign—something rarely done in history. Pope Benedict XVI, who stepped down in 2013 due to health reasons, was among the few to retire voluntarily, breaking a centuries-old precedent.

However, ageing also raises questions about mental and physical capacity in such a demanding role, prompting discussions around retirement norms and succession planning.

From John Paul II’s charismatic outreach to Pius IX’s doctrinal firm stance, the lives of these popes reveal how leadership shaped by age can guide the Church through major social, political, and spiritual transformations.

According to The New Times , this change was approved by a Presidential Order after a Cabinet meeting on January 17.

It's the first increase in nearly seven years; the last adjustment in 2018 raised the minimum pension from Rwf5,000 ( $3.60) to Rwf13,000 (about $9.36).

RSSB stated that the new changes aim to improve the well-being of beneficiaries across all income levels. Retirees with lower pensions will see the largest percentage increases.

For instance, those currently receiving Rwf20,000 ($14.40) will now get Rwf47,710 ($34.28).

Pensioners receiving Rwf50,000 ($36.00) will see their benefits increase to Rwf92,710 (about $66.64).

While those getting Rwf100,000 ($72.00) will have their benefits rise to Rwf155,210 (around $111.52).

Higher-income retirees will also receive increases, though the percentage is smaller. For instance, pensioners earning Rwf1,000,000 ($720.00) will now receive Rwf1,095,210 (approximately $786.80) per month.

RSSB noted that these adjustments will apply only to existing beneficiaries. In the fiscal year 2023-2024, the government paid out Rwf53 billion (around $38.16 million) in pension benefits to over 58,000 retirees.

This move is part of Rwanda's efforts to provide better support to its retired population.

The Deputy Finance Minister, Paopoom Rojanasakul, announced that this measure involves amending the National Savings Fund (NSF) Act to enable lottery ticket sales. The reform is designed to aid those who lack sufficient retirement savings, targeting members of NSF, the Social Security Fund, and even undocumented workers.

Lottery tickets will cost 50 baht ($1.45 US), with a maximum purchase limit of 3,000 baht ($87.21 US) per month, and draws will occur weekly with cash prizes distributed directly to winners' bank accounts. Each ticket purchase contributes to a savings account managed by the NSF, which will offer returns post-retirement.

Draws will take place every Friday at 5 p.m., with winnings paid directly to bank accounts via PromptPay services.

The lottery offers five first prizes of one million baht each and 10,000 second prizes of 1,000 baht each. All funds raised through ticket sales will be saved for the buyers, regardless of whether they win, and managed by the NSF until they turn 60. At that point, they can withdraw their savings with interest.

The Cabinet also approved allowing people older than 60 to purchase the retirement lottery, provided they agree to wait 10 years before accessing the funds.

Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn confirmed this and also indicated improved provisions for self-employed persons and workers in industries.

These persons who were previously exempted from the Social Security system are expected to be registered with the system under the new arrangements.

Plans are also underway to increase contributions by 6.25% for all beneficiaries of the fund.

Other deals including wage ceiling and salary cap adjustments and conversion of fluctuating medical costs estimated at 60 billion baht ($1.78 billion) to a fixed cost are on the table.

Bangkok Post reports that the government will possibly also amend the Social Security Act and expand the social security benefit to cover 2 million migrant workers, including those from Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia.

Before this proposal, Thailand’s retirement age was 60 years for government officials and employees and between 55 to 60 for employees in the private sector.

“The government and all stakeholders in this sector should develop and implement good plans that are favourable to pensioners so that they live genuine life after retiring,” said Director of Supervision at UBRA, Daisy Lynda Nabakooza.

Nabakooza urged individuals aged 18 to 25, employed in either the formal or informal sectors, to initiate retirement savings. She counselled them against exclusively prioritizing purchases such as the latest phones or cars, which is a common trend within this age group.

More data from the authority further indicated that “in the real sense when a person was earning SHS 3 million ($797) while working, he or she should be getting 2.8 million ($744) per month after retiring from his or her retirement savings.”

The compulsory retirement age for all public servants in Uganda has been set at 60 for the past six decades. However, the present life expectancy, standing at 64.4, surpasses the mandatory retirement age of 60, a research report indicates.

In 2020, the World Bank reported that Uganda's post-retirement life expectancy had increased to 17 years, up from 13.4 for men and 14 for women in 2003. Notably, females had a longer life expectancy at 64.5 compared to males at 62.8.