Whether you are a geography geek or a US president, maps are a good place to start.

From the Middle East, Central Asia, South Asia, and the Caucasus, Iran borders seven countries on land and six more across water.

It is also one of the world ’s oldest continuous civilisations, with a history that spans more than 4,000 years.

Today, with nearly 90 million people and a landmass exceeding 1.6 million square kilometres, Iran stands as one of the Middle East’s largest and most consequential states.

Iran’s terrain is defined by mountains and arid expanses, with little continuous flat land. The Zagros and Alborz mountain ranges dominate much of the landscape, while the Iranian Plateau forms its core.

To the east, vast deserts such as the Dasht-e Kavir and Dasht-e Lut stretch across large swathes of the country. These physical features are not just geographic, but they also shape settlement patterns, climate conditions and the development of infrastructure.

Historically, Iran was the centre of powerful empires that influenced language, trade, science and culture far beyond its borders. That legacy still runs through modern Iran, visible in its identity and regional reach. Despite invasions by Greeks, Ottomans, Russians and the British, the country has maintained a strong sense of sovereignty and identity.

Iran is far more complex, both from the inside and the outside. Farsi remains the dominant language, but the country is home to a diverse mix of ethnic groups, including Azeris, Kurds, Baloch and Arabs, all of whom contribute to its cultural and political fabric.

As an energy giant, Iran sits on some of the world’s largest oil and gas reserves , holding roughly 10% of global oil and 15% of natural gas resources.

That alone makes it a major player in global energy markets. Despite heavy international sanctions, Iran continues to export large volumes of oil, primarily to China, demonstrating its resilience and continued relevance in global supply chains.

Its economy, valued at over $400 billion, blends state control with private enterprise, anchored by energy, manufacturing and a growing technology sector.

Modern Iran, however, cannot be understood without the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

It overthrew a Western-backed monarchy and replaced it with a theocratic system that still defines the country today.

And since the Revolution, Iran has pursued an independent and often confrontational foreign policy , positioning itself as a regional power and a counterweight to Western influence.

Its network of regional alliances, often referred to as the “Axis of Resistance”, extends its influence beyond its borders, reaching into Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Yemen. Many of these connections relate to Iran's position as the dominant power of the Shia sect of Islam. In other cases, allies were drawn to Tehran by a mutual hatred of Israel.

The country is also enduring one of its worst environmental crises in decades, after more than five consecutive years of drought have pushed it toward what experts describe as “water bankruptcy.” Reservoirs are drying up, major cities are nearing “day zero” water shortages, and as many as 28 million people now face unreliable access to water. 

Even geography beyond its borders carries political weight.

The body of water to its south has been known in Iran and elsewhere for over 2,500 years as the “Persian Gulf.” Still, some Arab states refer to it as the “Arabian Gulf,” creating an ongoing geopolitical dispute.

For Iran, the name is not just symbolic; it is tied to history, identity and sovereignty.

At the edge of Iran’s southern coastline lies its most powerful strategic asset: the Strait of Hormuz.

This narrow waterway connects the Persian Gulf to the open ocean and carries more than 20% of the world’s oil supply.

It is one of the most critical chokepoints in global trade. Iran controls the northern side as well as a series of islands, and that gives it enormous leverage.

Over the decades, Tehran has repeatedly threatened to disrupt traffic through the strait during times of conflict.

And in 2026, those threats became reality, sending shocks through global energy markets.

At the same time, geopolitical tensions have sharply intensified. Following Israeli strikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites in February 2026, the United States joined the conflict with direct attacks, triggering a broader regional confrontation that continued for days.

The situation has since escalated into a wider crisis affecting global energy routes. Iran has launched retaliatory missile and drone attacks, while disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil transit chokepoint, have sent shocks through global markets.

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In the United States, metric is technically the preferred system, as established by the Metric Conversion Act of 1975, but the imperial system remains prevalent in everyday life.

The United Kingdom presents a unique case; it is officially metric, but imperial units are still commonly used, especially for distances, heights, and weights in daily life. For example, road signs in the UK display miles rather than kilometres, and people often use pounds and ounces for body weight.

The imperial system, with units like inches, feet, pounds, and gallons, traces its origins to everyday items or human body parts, making it less standardised and less easily divisible than the metric system. Supporters of the imperial system argue that its units feel more relatable, while critics see it as less practical for scientific and global consistency.

Conversely, some critics of the metric system, which was designed for straightforward conversion and reference, view it as arbitrary.

Overall, the global trend strongly favours the metric system, with increasing adoption even in the few countries where imperial units still hold sway. 

In the Protestant north, Reformation Day on October 31 honours Martin Luther’s role in the Reformation. It marks the day in 1517 when he challenged the Catholic Church, which sparked a religious revolution. The holiday is marked in seven German states.

In the Catholic south, All Saints' Day on November 1 is a time to remember saints, martyrs, and loved ones who have passed away. Families visit cemeteries, honour the dead and reflect on a deep-rooted tradition. It is observed in 5 regions including Baden-Wuerttemberg, Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Saarland.

Meanwhile, states like Berlin and Hesse don’t observe either holiday, leaving them out of these unique regional celebrations.

Here’s a representation by World In Maps.

Families will rather own their own cars and move from place to place, enjoy holiday trips and a drive around the city.

Data from the World in Maps reveals that, in 2019, around 76% of American workers drove to work alone.

Meanwhile, only 5% of people used public transportation, with New York City, Washington, D.C., and San Francisco being the only major cities where it was the main choice for getting around.

In busier places, biking, walking, and carpooling were more popular, but each option was still used by only a small number of people overall.

Below is the graphical representation of this information

Some of the notable countries with "Democratic" in their names include:

Others include the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, the Lao People's Democratic Republic, the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, and the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe.

The inclusion of "Democratic" in a country's name can be symbolic, representing a desire or claim to uphold democratic governance. In practice, though, the political realities in some of these nations range from functioning democracies.

By the end of 2017 , 96 out of 167 countries with populations over 500,000 (about 57%) were classified as democracies of some form, while only 21 countries (approximately 13%) were considered autocracies.

Below are four prominent football matchups that have been banned by FIFA due to political disputes:

Spain vs Gibraltar 

Spain and Gibraltar are prohibited from facing each other due to a long-standing territorial dispute between Spain and the United Kingdom over Gibraltar. This conflict dates back to the 18th century when the Treaty of Utrecht granted the UK control over Gibraltar, despite its geographic proximity to Spain.

Armenia vs Azerbaijan 

Matches between Armenia and Azerbaijan are banned due to ongoing ethnic and territorial conflicts over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. The violent tensions between these nations have persisted since the late 1980s, making football fixtures between them a security risk.

Kosovo vs Serbia/Russia/Bosnia and Herzegovina 

Kosovo is barred from playing against Serbia, Russia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina due to disputes over its independence. Serbia, supported by Russia and Bosnia, refuses to recognize Kosovo's sovereignty, a conflict that escalated during the Kosovo War in the 1990s.

Russia vs Ukraine 

The ban on Russia and Ukraine's matchups stems from the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The war has heightened political tensions and displaced numerous Ukrainian players and teams, forcing clubs like Shakhtar Donetsk and Dynamo Kyiv to play their home games abroad for safety.

These bans affect not only national teams but also domestic club competitions.

This immense demographic scale presents both opportunities and challenges for economic growth, urban development, and resource management.

On the one hand, the country's immense population could drive economic growth and expand markets, while also enhancing its geopolitical influence. On the other hand, it creates substantial pressure on urban infrastructure, resource management, and employment.

On a wider scale, India's population is equivalent to 17.78% of the total world population.

As the world’s second-most populous country, India's growing role in global markets and geopolitics is becoming increasingly evident.

In such a scenario, the election would likely have been decided by state delegations in Congress, potentially leading to Trump’s re-election.

  Crucially, removing one county from each state - Apache in Arizona, Dougherty in Georgia, and Dane in Wisconsin - would have shifted the results in Trump's favour. This highlights how close the race was and how crucial these states and counties were.

The storms, driven by Storm Boris, follow devastating floods in Poland, the Czech Republic, Romania, and Austria, which have claimed at least 21 lives. Croatia, Hungary, and Slovakia are also bracing for possible flooding in the coming days.

Impact on Poland

In southern Poland, where over 40,000 people were evacuated from the town of Nysa, 5,000 soldiers have been deployed to assist in flood relief efforts. Floodwaters continue to spread in some areas, while others are beginning to recede.

The town of Glucholazy saw its main bridge collapse, and streets were left covered in mud. Six people have been confirmed dead, though higher death tolls have been denied by authorities.

Government Response

Poland's Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, has declared a month-long state of natural disaster, with Wroclaw expected to face the worst flooding soon.

The region remains on high alert as Storm Boris continues to bring extreme weather across Europe.

Australia and Germany recorded 11 fatalities each, while Argentina, Brazil, and Chile had smaller losses, with 4, 3, and 3 deaths, respectively. Bangladesh and Ireland reported 6 casualties each, and Pakistan recorded 8.

African countries like Cote d’Ivoire recorded one fatality, DR Congo recorded two fatalities, and Ethiopia and Ghana recorded two casualties each. While Nigeria and South Africa recorded 1 and two fatalities, respectively.

Countries like Israel, Portugal, and Peru saw 5 casualties, while others, including Belgium and Spain, lost just one citizen.

The highest life expectancies are found in the southern regions, with Chile leading at 78.9 years, followed by the Falkland Islands at 78.6 years, and French Guiana at 77.2 years.

However, disparities remain, as Bolivia (63.6 years), Guyana (65.7 years), and Paraguay and Suriname (both 70.3 years) record the lowest life expectancies.

These figures highlight ongoing challenges related to healthcare access and economic development, particularly in more remote and less developed areas.

By 2016, China’s GDP per capita had soared to $8,117.27, a remarkable 41-fold increase. This growth surpassed nearly all African countries except for Equatorial Guinea, which had a GDP per capita of $9,217.89 (though its wealth is highly unevenly distributed), and the Seychelles at $15,060.99.

In contrast, Uganda and Guinea-Bissau had significantly improved their economic standings by 2016. Uganda’s GDP per capita rose to $580.38, marking nearly a six-fold increase, while Guinea-Bissau’s reached $648.90, a nearly fivefold improvement. 

Despite its rapid growth , China’s GDP per capita in 2016 remained slightly lower than Mexico's $8,443.69 and Russia's $8,748.37. It still lagged far behind higher-income nations, with the US at $57,588.54, Australia at $49,896.68, Canada at $42,348.95, and the UK at $40,412.03.

Recent data from the IMF's April 2024 World Economic Outlook report shows that China's GDP per capita is $13,136 (nominal).

In North Africa, Starbucks has established itself in Morocco and Egypt, with one of its stores in Casablanca’s Franklin Roosevelt Villa.

Starbucks sources a substantial portion of its coffee beans from Africa, with nine countries in sub-Saharan Africa contributing to its supply chain.

The company also works with small-batch reserve coffees from around the world. To support the farmers who supply its coffee, Starbucks operates farmer support centres in Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Tanzania, providing training and resources aimed at improving coffee quality and increasing yields.

Since opening its first store in its Europe, Middle East, and Africa region in 1998, Starbucks has expanded to over 2,400 stores across 38 countries. 

Denmark's flag, known as the Dannebrog, is recognised as the oldest national flag in continuous use. According to legend, the Dannebrog miraculously fell from the sky during a battle in 1219, leading to a Danish victory. Its simple yet striking design - a white cross on a red field - has remained largely unchanged since 1370.

Netherlands - The Dutch Flag (1660):

The Dutch flag, characterised by its horizontal red, white, and blue stripes, was officially adopted in 1660. This design evolved from the earlier Prinsenvlag, which featured orange instead of red. The modern flag became a powerful symbol of Dutch independence and national identity, particularly during the struggle against Spanish rule.

United Kingdom - The Union Jack (1801):

The Union Jack, established in 1801, combines elements of the flags of England, Scotland, and Ireland. The flag symbolises the political union of these nations within the United Kingdom and remains a potent emblem of British national unity. Its iconic design is recognised worldwide, reflecting the UK’s historical influence and colonial legacy.  

Other old flags in Europe include;  France (1830)  - the Tricolore, with its blue, white, and red vertical stripes, was officially adopted after the French Revolution and symbolises liberty, equality, and fraternity.  Belgium (1831)  - The Belgian flag features vertical black, yellow, and red stripes, adopted shortly after the country gained independence from the Netherlands.

Turkey (1844);  the Turkish flag, with its red background and white star and crescent, was officially adopted in 1844 and has become a symbol of the nation's Islamic heritage and history. San Marino (1862)  - San Marino’s flag, with its white and light blue horizontal bands and the national coat of arms, reflects the country's status as one of the world’s oldest republics.  Monaco (1881)  - Monaco's flag, identical to Indonesia's but with different proportions, features red and white horizontal bands and has represented the principality since 1881.

Switzerland (1889)  - The Swiss flag, with its distinctive white cross on a red square, symbolizes neutrality, peace, and the country's alpine heritage. Norway (1899)  - Norway's flag, with its red background and blue cross outlined in white, was adopted in 1899, reflecting its Scandinavian heritage and Christian faith.

On the contrary, several nations have rejected the official results. Argentina, Ecuador, Uruguay, Costa Rica, the United States, and Peru have recognised opposition candidate Edmundo González Urrutia as the legitimate president-elect.

Additionally, Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico have not outrightly rejected the results but have called for an impartial verification process. 

Meanwhile, opposition leaders, including María Corina Machado, maintain that González Urrutia will assume the presidency in January 2025, challenging Maduro's claim to the office.

According to the report , the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic caused global life expectancy to drop to 70.9 years in 2020 and 2021. However, nearly all countries have now returned to pre-pandemic levels. In 2019, life expectancy stood at 72.6 years before the virus emerged.

The report further predicts that by the late 2050s, more than half of all deaths worldwide will occur at age 80 or older, which indicates a contrast to 1995 when only 17% of deaths were in this age group. 

Additionally, 2023 saw a milestone as the number of deaths among children under age five fell below 5 million for the first time in recent history. Despite this progress, 95% of these child deaths occurred in countries with growing populations, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, India, Nigeria, and Pakistan.

Rising life expectancy is expected to impact global population trends. In countries where populations have already peaked, lower death rates and immigration are likely to slow population decline caused by low birth rates.

Here's an overview of countries without permanent rivers and a closer look at five of them:

The island country of Comoros is located in the Indian Ocean at the northern end of the Mozambique Channel. Considered part of Africa, it is situated off the eastern coast of the continent. Comoros has maritime borders with Tanzania and Mozambique to the northwest and west, respectively. 

Situated in the Horn of Africa, Djibouti is bordered by Eritrea to the north, Ethiopia to the west and south, and Somalia to the southeast. Its eastern boundary is defined by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The country covers an area of about 23,000 km² (8,880 mi²).

Libya is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, Egypt to the east, Sudan to the southeast, Chad to the south, Niger to the southwest, Algeria to the west, and Tunisia to the northwest. The country covers an area of roughly 1,676,198 km² (647,184 mi²). Its capital, Tripoli, is situated in the Tripolitania region.

The Bahamas, predominantly coral in origin, makes up the majority of the Lucayan Archipelago. It consists of nearly 700 islands, including atolls, which are ring-shaped coral islands, and cays, which are small, low islands made mostly of coral or sand. These islands were largely formed from the breakdown of coral reefs and seashells, and much of their surfaces are covered by low scrub vegetation.

Bahrain is an archipelagic nation with a total area of approximately 780 square kilometers located in the Persian Gulf. The main island, Al Bahrayn, makes up about 78% of the country's territory. This island is surrounded by several significant petroleum fields in the Middle East.

Other countries without permanent rivers are; Kuwait, Maldives, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen, Malta, Monaco, Vatican City, Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga, and Tuvalu.

This enduring legacy of French influence significantly shapes modern relations, with France retaining military bases, making substantial investments in African economies, and promoting the French language and culture. 

The relationship between France and its former colonies continues to impact the region's development and France's global strategy although in recent times its influence has significantly waned. The French former colonies include:

Algeria:  French rule began in 1830 following the French invasion of Algeria and lasted until the end of the Algerian War, with Algeria gaining independence in 1962.

Tunisia:  Established as a French protectorate in 1881, Tunisia remained under French control until it gained independence in 1956.

Benin:  The French takeover of the Kingdom of Dahomey began in 1872. It became the Republic of Dahomey within the French Community in 1958, and gained full independence on August 1, 1960, later renaming itself Benin in 1975.

Seychelles:  A collection of islands that came under French control in 1756. Settlers arrived in 1770, but France surrendered the islands to the British in 1794.

Other former French colonies are; the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Madagascar, Cameroon (formerly under German control), Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali, Senegal, Chad, Guinea, Burundi, Togo, Central African Republic, Gabon, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Comoros Islands.

Though direct rule ended in the early 1960s, French influence over its former colonies continued. France has attempted to maintain a foothold in Francophone Africa through political, security, economic, and cultural connections.

The Dominant Religions

Christianity is the predominant religion in Sub-Saharan Africa, with 62% of the region's population identifying as Christian as of 2020. Islam follows closely, accounting for 31.4% of the population. 

These two religions, often termed "introduced religions," arrived through historical trade, conquest, and colonization.

In West Africa, the vast majority of people are deeply committed to either Christianity or Islam. This religious dedication shapes many aspects of life, culture, and governance in the region.

Traditional African Religions

Traditional African religions , often referred to as "lived religions," are diverse and rooted in the ethnic and cultural identities of the people. These religions typically involve the worship of a distant creator god, along with lesser deities, ancestors, and the veneration of elders. 

For instance, the Yoruba religion is centred in southwestern Nigeria, the Zulu religion in southern Africa, and the Igbo religion in southeastern Nigeria. 

Before the spread of Christianity and Islam, indigenous African religions were the primary spiritual practices. These religions, characterized by pluralism and variation, remain influential in many communities.

Regional Religious Demographics

Northern Africa : As of 2010, over 93% of the population in the Middle East and North Africa identified as Muslim. This share is expected to rise slightly to 94% by 2050. The Muslim population in this region is projected to grow from 317 million in 2010 to 552 million by 2050.

Sub-Saharan Africa:  Christianity is the leading religion in the region with about 62% of the population being subscribers, followed by Islam with 31.4% of the population. A smaller percentage of the population practices traditional African religions (3.2%) or identifies as unaffiliated (3%), Statista reports. 

The Muslim population in the Middle East-North Africa region is projected to increase by 74% from 317 million in 2010 to 552 million by 2050. Christians and Jews are expected to remain the second and third-largest religious groups, with population gains of 43% and 46%, respectively.