For instance, Serbia is believed to have lost between 16% and 27.8% of its population during the war, placing it among the hardest-hit nations in proportional terms.

Meanwhile, Western European nations such as France lost around 4.3% to 4.4% of their populations.

These figures help explain why social and political life across Europe and beyond was permanently transformed: a generation of young men lost, entire communities disrupted, and the demographic shock rippling into post-war unrest and reconstruction.

For smaller states or those deeply entangled in fighting, the losses were especially devastating.

In today’s global context, the map also resonates with how we understand modern conflict and its ripple effects. As the world watches ongoing conflicts, whether in parts of Africa, Eurasia or the Middle East, the notion that war doesn’t just kill those who fight but also destabilises societies remains painfully relevant.

Furthermore, remembrance efforts continue to highlight the war’s legacy. In northern France, for example, dozens of remains of WWI soldiers are still being discovered each year, an enduring testament to how the conflict’s footprint remains in the landscape.

The remains of a World War I soldier unearthed during construction work in France were laid to rest on Wednesday, June 12, 2025. Serjeant Henry Ashton from Derbyshire, who lost his life at the age of 44 in 1917 during an operation near Lens, received a dignified burial more than a century after his passing.

"It has been a privilege to identify Sjt Ashton, and to be able to organise this burial service for him. When you consider the half a million men still missing from the First and Second World Wars, every one we can identify feels like an achievement," Alexia Clark, the UK's Ministry of Defence's War Detective, said.

“At our age, with older parents and young children to care for, we really can’t afford to get hurt,” she said. “But when I believe I can try something, I go for it. I think about safety first, and in the end, I succeeded.”

Mrs. Liu first stepped onto a skateboard three years ago, while accompanying her daughter to buy one. To everyone’s surprise, including her own, she managed to turn the board on her first attempt.

“They were amazed,” she laughed. “They said, ‘We’re still learning to go straight and you’re already turning!’ It was all in good fun, and they encouraged me to learn with them.”

Skateboarding has since become a shared mother-daughter hobby, strengthening her bond with her daughter, Miss Dong.

“What matters most is helping my mother live a happy and fulfilling life after retirement ,” Miss Dong said. “My role is to support her, encourage her and share the joy with her — and that joy truly outweighs the worries.”

Though she has taken falls along the way, Mrs. Liu remains determined, practising regularly and refining her technique. Now, with a poised and elegant riding style, she continues to challenge perceptions about ageing, one smooth glide at a time.