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.

That figure places Java ahead of major countries, including Russia, Japan, Mexico and Ethiopia, according to demographic comparisons circulating widely online and reflected in global population data.

With more than half of Indonesia’s roughly 282 million people living on Java, the island accounts for about 55% of the country’s population despite covering only a small fraction of its landmass.

Globally, this concentration is striking as roughly 1 in every 50 people on Earth lives on Java alone.

The island’s population exceeds that of Russia (around 143–146 million), Mexico (around 130 million), Japan (about 122–123 million), Ethiopia (about 132–135 million), and the Democratic Republic of Congo (over 100 million), based on recent international estimates.

Java’s outsized population is closely tied to its economic dominance. The island hosts Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta, along with major industrial hubs and infrastructure networks that draw migration from across the archipelago.

This concentration has created one of the most densely populated regions globally, with more than 1,100 people per square kilometre in some areas.

While this density fuels economic productivity, it also places strain on housing, transport systems and environmental resources. Policymakers have long attempted to ease pressure through “ transmigration ” programmes aimed at redistributing people to less populated islands, with mixed success.

The comparison between Java and sovereign nations highlights a broader demographic reality that population is increasingly concentrated in specific urban and regional clusters rather than evenly distributed across countries.

What this really means is that geographic size no longer correlates with population weight. Russia, the world ’s largest country by land area, has fewer people than a single Indonesian island.

Bulgaria recorded the highest death rate at 1,076 per 100,000 people, followed by Ukraine (930) and Latvia (897), figures that far exceed Western European averages.

The data reflects a long-standing health gap across Europe. Countries in Eastern Europe , including Lithuania, Serbia and Romania, consistently report significantly higher cardiovascular mortality rates than their Western counterparts.

According to the WHO, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) account for around 45% of all deaths in Europe, making them the continent’s leading cause of mortality.

Eurostat data similarly show that heart disease and stroke remain dominant causes of death, particularly in countries with lower healthcare spending and higher exposure to risk factors.

Public health experts point to a combination of structural and lifestyle factors driving the elevated mortality rates in Eastern Europe:

The WHO notes that many cardiovascular deaths are preventable through improved public health policies and lifestyle changes, including better nutrition, increased physical activity and stronger tobacco control measures.

Countries most affected

The ranking shows a cluster of high mortality rates across Eastern Europe:

More than 110,000 Syrians acquired EU citizenship last year, making them the largest group by country of origin. Moroccans followed with just over 97,000 new citizens, reinforcing their long-standing position among the top nationalities obtaining EU passports.

The data highlights how geopolitical instability and economic migration continue to shape citizenship trends across the bloc. Syrians, many of whom arrived during the peak of the refugee crisis beginning in 2015, are now transitioning from asylum status to full citizenship in host countries such as Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands.

Moroccan nationals, by contrast, reflect more established migration corridors, particularly into France, Spain, Belgium, and Italy, driven by historical ties and labour demand.

Albania ranked third, with around 48,000 new EU citizens, followed by Türkiye (41,300) and Romania (39,900). While Romania is itself an EU member state, the figures reflect intra-EU mobility and naturalisation processes across member countries.

Citizenship grants were not limited to Europe’s immediate neighbourhood. Venezuela (37,500), Ukraine (34,400), India (33,800), Russia (31,000), and Brazil (30,100) also featured among the top ten origin countries.

The presence of Venezuelans reflects ongoing economic and political instability in Latin America, while Ukrainians continue to move across the EU amid the ongoing war with Russia. Indian and Brazilian nationals highlight skilled migration flows, particularly into countries with labour shortages in technology, healthcare, and engineering sectors.

Eurostat data shows that 88% of new EU citizenship recipients in 2024 came from non-EU countries , underscoring the bloc’s role as a destination for global migration. Only 11% were previously citizens of other EU member states, reflecting comparatively lower rates of intra-EU naturalisation.

This distribution signals that citizenship acquisition remains closely tied to long-term settlement of third-country nationals rather than mobility within the union.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), India’s ruling party, stands as the largest political organisation globally by membership, with around 180 million registered members. The figure places it far ahead of its closest rival, China’s Communist Party, which reports roughly 98 million members.

The scale of these numbers reflects not just population size, but increasingly sophisticated political outreach strategies, digital enrolment systems, and grassroots expansion efforts.

India also accounts for four of the ten largest political parties worldwide. The Indian National Congress, once the dominant force in Indian politics, remains third globally with about 50 million members. Regional and newer parties are also prominent: the AIADMK is estimated at 16 million members, while the Aam Aadmi Party has crossed the 10 million mark.

In the United States, where party membership is less formally structured, estimates place the Democratic Party at just over 47 million members and the Republican Party at around 36 million. These figures are typically derived from voter registration data rather than formal enrolment, making direct comparisons more complex.

Outside Asia and North America, Turkey’s AK Party holds approximately 11.24 million members, while Ethiopia’s Prosperity Party is close behind with 11 million. Pakistan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf rounds out the top ten with roughly 10 million members.

In India, political membership drives have become highly organised operations, often linked to election cycles, welfare outreach, and ideological campaigns. Mobile technology and social media have further lowered the barrier to entry, enabling parties to scale rapidly.

The data also highlights the growing institutional strength of ruling or dominant parties in several countries, raising questions about political competition, internal party democracy, and the evolving nature of civic participation.

The figures, reflected in recent diaspora estimates, underscore a sustained wave of outward migration driven by economic volatility, political uncertainty and shifting labour opportunities, analysts say.

The United States remains by far the leading destination for Brazilians, with an estimated over 2 million residents, accounting for the largest share of the diaspora globally.

Migration to the U.S. has historically surged during periods of economic instability in Brazil, particularly during the hyperinflation era of the late 1980s and more recent economic downturns.

Large Brazilian communities are concentrated in states such as Florida, Massachusetts and New York, where service-sector employment and established migrant networks continue to attract new arrivals.

Portugal hosts the second-largest Brazilian population abroad, with more than 500,000 residents, benefiting from shared language and historical ties.

Across Europe more broadly, over 1.6 million Brazilians are estimated to reside in the region, reflecting strong migration flows into countries such as the United Kingdom, Spain, Germany and Italy.

Experts point to easier integration, cultural familiarity and expanding job markets as key pull factors.

Neighbouring Paraguay ranks among the top destinations, hosting more than 260,000 Brazilians, driven largely by cross-border economic activity and agricultural opportunities.

Regional migration within South America accounts for a significant share of the diaspora, with many Brazilians relocating for land access, trade and lower living costs.

The United Kingdom has become a major European destination, with around 230,000 Brazilians, supported by opportunities in hospitality, construction and professional services .

In contrast, Brazil’s migration to Japan reflects historical ties, with many migrants of Japanese descent taking advantage of labour policies that facilitate work permits. Japan hosts more than 210,000 Brazilians, particularly in industrial regions.

The figures highlight the growing role of school feeding initiatives in tackling hunger, improving child nutrition and boosting school attendance worldwide.

Data summarised by WFP show that large-scale programmes across Asia, Africa, and the Americas collectively reach hundreds of millions of students each year, with developing and emerging economies dominating the list of countries serving the most children.

India’s Midday Meal Scheme, officially known as the PM POSHAN programme, is the largest school feeding initiative globally. It provides cooked meals to primary and secondary school students in government schools nationwide.

According to India’s Ministry of Education and WFP reports, the programme reaches approximately 118 million beneficiaries, making it the most extensive school meal system in the world.

Experts say the initiative plays a critical role in improving educational outcomes.

“School meals increase attendance, reduce malnutrition and support cognitive development,” the World Food Programme says in its global school feeding overview.

Indonesia ranks second globally, with 61.2 million total beneficiaries, including about 49 million students receiving school-only meals, according to data updated on March 3, 2026.

The Indonesian government has been expanding nutrition programmes aimed at tackling childhood stunting and improving learning outcomes.

Large-scale feeding programmes are increasingly seen as a tool to address both poverty and education challenges simultaneously.

Several major economies also operate extensive school feeding systems.

The latest WFP-linked summary shows:

Brazil’s National School Feeding Programme (PNAE) is widely regarded as one of the world’s most comprehensive systems , linking school meals with local agricultural supply chains.

In the United States, the National School Lunch Program, administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, provides free or subsidised meals to tens of millions of children each school day.

Beyond the top five, several countries run national programmes feeding millions of students daily.

Other major programmes include:

In Africa, countries such as South Africa, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Kenya and Malawi have also scaled up school feeding programmes to address food insecurity and encourage school attendance.

Nigeria’s National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, for example, provides meals to nearly 10 million children while supporting local farmers who supply food to schools.

These installations serve as logistical hubs, training grounds and command centres for American and allied forces, forming the backbone of NATO’s deterrence posture in the region.

U.S. military installations are located in several European countries, including Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Poland, Romania, Greece, Portugal, Belgium, the Netherlands, Turkey, Norway, and Kosovo.

Germany hosts one of the largest concentrations of American military facilities in Europe. Among the most prominent is Ramstein Air Base, a major command centre for U.S. Air Forces in Europe and NATO Allied Air Command.

Ramstein plays a central role in coordinating air operations and logistics for missions across Europe, Africa and the Middle East . The base alone hosts more than 16,000 military personnel and civilian staff, making it one of the largest U.S. military communities outside the United States.

Other key hubs include:

U.S. European Command (EUCOM), headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, oversees American forces across the region. Estimates suggest more than 65,000 active-duty U.S. troops are stationed within the EUCOM area, according to Department of Defence data cited by Newsweek.

These troops are supported by thousands of civilian employees, contractors and family members living near bases throughout Europe.

The network of bases is believed to allow the United States to maintain a rapid response capability and reassure NATO allies, particularly following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Forward-deployed forces help Washington project power, conduct joint exercises, and support allied operations, while also signalling the United States' commitment to European security.

Many bases date back to the early Cold War era but have since evolved into modern logistical and command centres integrated into NATO’s collective defence structure.

Despite their strategic role, the scale of the American presence has become a subject of debate in recent years.

Recent discussions about possible troop reductions in Eastern Europe have heightened concerns among NATO allies about maintaining deterrence near the alliance’s eastern flank.

The timeline shows that Finland was the first European country to grant women full voting rights in 1906, while Liechtenstein became the last in 1984, highlighting the long and uneven path toward political equality.

Finland made history in 1906 when it granted women both the right to vote and the right to stand for election. According to the European Parliament’s historical archives, Finland was also the first European country to elect women to parliament, with 19 women elected in the 1907 parliamentary elections.

This milestone positioned Finland as a global pioneer in democratic participation and women’s political rights.

Shortly afterwards, other Nordic nations followed:

World War I accelerated suffrage across Europe

A major wave of reform occurred following World War I , when many European governments expanded democratic rights amid social and political change.

Several countries granted women voting rights during this period:

Historians note that women’s contributions to wartime labour and public life helped strengthen the case for political equality.

According to Britannica, the suffrage movement across Europe had been growing since the late 19th century, but the war accelerated political reforms.

In contrast to Northern and Central Europe, several countries in Southern Europe introduced women’s suffrage later in the 20th century.

Key milestones include:

France’s decision came after decades of debate. Women first voted in French municipal elections in 1945, shortly after the end of World War II, following a decree issued by the provisional government led by Charles de Gaulle.

Italy followed shortly after, allowing women to vote in a 1946 referendum that abolished the monarchy and established the Italian Republic.

Despite Europe’s democratic reputation, some countries introduced women’s suffrage much later.

Switzerland granted women the right to vote at the federal level in 1971, after a national referendum approved the reform.

Even more striking, Liechtenstein did not allow women to vote until 1984 , when male voters narrowly approved the measure in a national referendum. The vote passed by a margin of just 51%.

The gradual expansion of suffrage across Europe reflects broader social and political transformations throughout the 20th century.

Women’s suffrage movements were driven by decades of activism, including demonstrations, petitions, and campaigns led by suffragists across Europe.

Today, universal suffrage is widely recognised as a fundamental pillar of democracy. Yet historians often note that the path to equal political rights varied dramatically across countries.

Available data shows the aviation crisis was particularly severe in Iran, where multiple airports experienced near-total shutdowns.

The worst-affected airports were concentrated in Iran, where cancellations reached unprecedented levels.

According to Cirium’s flight schedule analysis:

Aerospace Global News reports that the cancellations stem largely from temporary airspace closures, security concerns, and operational restrictions affecting airline scheduling.

Cirium analysts noted that a cancellation rate above 50% is already considered severe disruption, making the near-total shutdown seen in Iranian airports particularly striking.

While Iran recorded the highest cancellation rates, several airports in neighbouring countries also experienced significant operational disruptions.

Key airports impacted include:

Despite being one of the region’s largest global transit hubs, Hamad International Airport in Qatar still recorded over 2,000 flight cancellations, highlighting how even major aviation centres were not immune to the disruptions.

The Middle East sits on one of the busiest aviation corridors in the world , linking Europe, Asia, and Africa through major hubs including Doha, Dubai, and Kuwait.

When large-scale disruptions happen in the region, the impact spreads quickly across global aviation. It affects long-haul international flights, cargo operations, aircraft scheduling, and airline crew movements.

Airlines are often forced to reroute flights to avoid restricted airspace. That means longer routes, higher fuel consumption, increased operating costs, and extended travel times for passengers.

According to The Times of Israel , Iran has launched about 810 ballistic missiles and roughly 1,245 drones during the opening phase of the war, one of the largest sustained missile and drone campaigns seen in the Middle East in years.

The data illustrates the scale of Iran’s retaliatory strategy after U.S. strikes targeted Iranian military and nuclear facilities, triggering the 2026 regional conflict.

The largest wave of attacks came during the first two days of the war.

On Day 1 (Feb 28), Iran launched approximately 350 ballistic missiles alongside 294 drones , according to figures reported by the IDF and defence researchers tracking the conflict.

The barrage intensified on Day 2 (March 1), when Iran deployed around 175 missiles and 541 drones, marking the highest number of drones launched in a single day during the first week.

Security analysts say the opening salvo reflected Iran’s attempt to overwhelm air-defence systems through a strategy combining ballistic missiles with large numbers of drones.

After the initial surge, the number of launches began to decline as the conflict progressed.

Missile launches fell to 120 on Day 3 and 50 on Day 4, before dropping further to 40, 32, 28 and 15 missiles over the following days.

Drone activity showed a similar trend. After peaking on Day 2, launches fell to 200 drones on Day 3, then 85 on Day 4, followed by 45, 38, 30 and 12 drones over the next four days.

Iran’s heavy use of drones reflects a broader military doctrine that emphasises relatively low-cost unmanned systems to complement missile forces.

Iran has spent years developing drones such as the Shahed-series loitering munitions, which have been deployed in conflicts across the Middle East and beyond.

The TFR measures the average number of children a woman is expected to have during her reproductive years. At 0.87, the figure is far below the replacement rate of 2.1 needed to maintain a stable population without immigration.

Gan warned that persistently low birth rates would make it increasingly difficult to reverse the decline, as fewer women would be of childbearing age in the future. He said the government’s top priority remains supporting Singaporeans in marriage and parenthood.

At the same time, he stressed the need for a “carefully managed immigration flow” to supplement the low birth rate. The government expects to grant between 25,000 and 30,000 new citizenships annually over the next five years. About 25,000 people became citizens in 2025, up from an annual average of 21,300 between 2020 and 2024.

The number of new permanent residents is also projected to rise to around 40,000 a year. Authorities said immigration will be paced to ensure public infrastructure, including housing and transport, keeps up with population changes.

Singapore’s total population is expected to remain significantly below 6.9 million by 2030, a figure previously used as a planning parameter. Officials said it would take considerable time to reach that level under current trends.

Gan said low birth rates and an ageing population would have far-reaching effects on economic growth, national security and social cohesion.

“Low birth rates and an ageing population will profoundly reshape our nation, our society and our economy in the years ahead,” he said.

One in five citizens was aged 65 or older in 2025, compared with one in eight a decade ago. Resident births fell to about 27,500 in 2025, an 11 per cent drop from the previous year and the lowest number on record.

According to multiple expert sources on citizenship routes, these nations stand out for their simplified requirements, whether through naturalisation, ancestral links, investment or residency pathways.

Top 10 countries where citizenship is easiest to obtain in 2026

1. Argentina

Argentina is widely regarded as one of the fastest naturalisation systems in the world. Under Argentine law , foreign nationals can apply for citizenship after two years of legal residence in the country. Unlike many jurisdictions, Argentina does not require a lengthy permanent residency phase before naturalisation. Applicants must demonstrate lawful income, basic Spanish proficiency and integration into society, but there is no formal minimum investment threshold. Dual citizenship is permitted. The relatively short statutory timeline makes Argentina one of the most straightforward legal routes to citizenship globally.

2. Dominica

Dominica operates one of the longest-running and most recognised citizenship-by-investment programmes in the Caribbean. According to Global Citizen Solutions , the country’s framework is considered transparent and efficient. Instead of waiting years through residency, applicants can obtain citizenship by making a government-approved financial contribution or investing in authorised real estate projects. Processing times are typically measured in months rather than years, and there is no physical residency requirement. This combination of speed, clarity and due diligence oversight places Dominica among the most accessible second passport options.

3. Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda also offers citizenship through investment and is frequently ranked favourably by mobility consultants. The programme allows applicants to qualify through a national development fund contribution, approved property investment or business participation. While there is a minimal physical presence requirement, it is limited and manageable. The country’s programme is designed to accommodate families, and processing timelines are comparatively efficient. Its established legal structure and predictable requirements contribute to its reputation as one of the more accessible citizenship-by-investment routes.

4. Paraguay

Paraguay is often cited as a relatively simple naturalisation pathway within South America. The general process involves securing permanent residency and maintaining residence in the country for several years before applying for citizenship. While recent enforcement has emphasised genuine physical presence and integration, the legal framework itself remains comparatively straightforward. The cost of living is relatively low, and the administrative procedures are less complex than in many Western jurisdictions. For individuals prepared to establish real ties in the country, Paraguay remains one of the more attainable naturalisation options.

5. Ecuador

Ecuador offers a clear progression from temporary residency to permanent residency and eventually citizenship. After approximately three years of legal residence, applicants may apply for naturalisation. They are required to pass a Spanish language and civic knowledge assessment, but the financial thresholds are not prohibitive compared with other countries. Dual citizenship is allowed. Analysts frequently note that Ecuador’s combination of flexible visa categories, moderate residency requirements and manageable costs makes it one of Latin America’s more practical routes to citizenship.

6. Brazil

Brazil provides multiple naturalisation pathways , which increase its accessibility. The standard requirement involves several years of permanent residence along with proof of Portuguese language ability and good character. However, the timeline may be reduced significantly in cases involving marriage to a Brazilian citizen or parenthood of a Brazilian child. Brazil recognises dual citizenship and maintains one of the strongest passports in Latin America in terms of global mobility. The country’s large economy and flexible legal provisions contribute to its inclusion on lists of easier citizenship jurisdictions.

7. Portugal

Portugal remains one of Europe’s most discussed destinations for long-term citizenship planning. Following five years of legal residence, individuals may apply for Portuguese citizenship provided they demonstrate basic language proficiency and maintain a clean criminal record. Although reforms have reshaped aspects of its residency-by-investment framework, Portugal continues to offer a structured and predictable route from residency to citizenship. Because Portuguese nationality grants full European Union rights, advisory firms often describe it as one of the most strategic and comparatively accessible options within the EU.

8. Canada

Canada’s citizenship pathway is regarded as transparent and rule-based. Applicants must first become permanent residents and then accumulate a defined period of physical presence within Canada before applying for naturalisation. Language proficiency and a citizenship knowledge test are also required. While Canada is not the fastest jurisdiction in terms of statutory timelines, it is frequently highlighted for procedural clarity and institutional stability. The country permits dual citizenship and maintains a strong global passport ranking, making it an attractive long-term option.

9. Ireland

Ireland stands out particularly for citizenship by descent. Individuals with an Irish-born parent or grandparent may qualify through registration in the Foreign Births Register, making it one of the more accessible European nationality routes for those with ancestral ties. For those without descent claims, naturalisation typically requires five years of reckonable residence. Ireland’s passport provides full European Union rights and strong global travel access. Because of its descent provisions and stable legal framework, Ireland consistently appears in mobility rankings as one of the more attainable European citizenship options.

10. New Zealand

New Zealand offers a structured and clearly defined naturalisation route. Applicants are generally required to complete five years of residence while meeting minimum physical presence thresholds and demonstrating English language ability. The process also requires proof of intention to maintain ties to the country. Although the timeline is not exceptionally short, the legal clarity and administrative transparency contribute to its reputation as an accessible pathway. New Zealand permits dual citizenship and is frequently cited for governance standards and quality of life, factors that strengthen its appeal among global applicants.

According to a visual map analysis, the largest foreign national group varies significantly by prefecture, with Chinese, Brazilian and South Korean residents emerging as the most prominent communities depending on region.

Chinese nationals are the largest foreign national group in the majority of Japanese prefectures, especially across the northern, eastern and central regions of the country.

This aligns with official statistics from Japan’s Ministry of Justice, which show that as of mid-2025, Chinese residents represented the largest share of registered foreign nationals nationwide, numbering well over 800,000. Chinese communities have long been concentrated in urban centres such as Tokyo, Osaka and Aichi, but the map shows their influence spreading more broadly.

In several prefectures, notably parts of Aichi, Mie, Shizuoka and Gunma, Brazilian nationals stand out as the largest foreign group.

Brazilian migration to Japan has roots in the late 1980s and 1990s, when Japan’s immigration policies enabled descendants of Japanese emigrants (known as Nikkei) to return for work.

This has resulted in tight-knit Brazilian communities, particularly in manufacturing regions where labour demand historically drew migrant workers. According to Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, Brazilians remain one of the top foreign national populations in the country.

South Korean nationals are the largest foreign group in a cluster of prefectures around the Kansai region, including Osaka and nearby areas.

The Korean community in Japan has deep historical roots, tracing back to the early 20th century. It remains one of the most established foreign groups in the country. South Koreans consistently rank among the top three foreign resident populations in national figures, and in select prefectures, they represent the single largest community.

Today, it remains a live issue.

The European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) has reported that many Jewish Europeans experience harassment and feel antisemitism has worsened in their countries.

In response, the European Commission launched its EU Strategy on Combating Antisemitism and Fostering Jewish Life (2021–2030), acknowledging the need for coordinated action across member states.

Against that backdrop, the new Eurobarometer 2026 data offers insight into how the wider public perceives the scale of the problem.

Where Europeans see antisemitism as a problem

Concern is highest in parts of western Europe:

In these countries, more than seven in ten respondents say antisemitism is an issue.

Mixed views in Central Europe

In countries such as:

Between four and six in ten respondents perceive antisemitism as a national problem.

Lower perceived levels in parts of Eastern and Southern Europe

Some countries report lower percentages of public concern:

However, this perception does not equal incidence. Public awareness, media coverage and the size of Jewish communities can influence how respondents interpret the question.

Under the proposal , consultation fees for patients will rise modestly, including a new inflation-related surcharge. Basic hospitalization fees will also increase, alongside higher out-of-pocket costs for hospital meals and utilities for long-term patients. 

The changes will be introduced in stages beginning this year.

One major goal of the fee increase is to help medical institutions cope with inflation. Rising energy, food and equipment costs have squeezed hospital finances, particularly smaller facilities in rural areas.

Another priority is boosting wages for healthcare workers, as existing surcharges that allow hospitals to collect additional fees if they raise nurses’ pay will be expanded, and institutions that increase salaries for younger doctors will also become eligible. 

The overall revision will increase medical service fees by an average of 3.09% over two years, while official drug prices will be cut by 0.87%. 

By adjusting service and pharmaceutical costs separately, the government aims to balance financial sustainability with patient access.

Old population

The reform also reflects structural pressures from Japan’s demographics. With one of the world ’s oldest populations, demand for chronic care, long-term hospitalization and complex treatments continues to grow. Policymakers are using fee incentives to guide the system’s direction without sharply increasing total spending.

To improve quality and efficiency, the review promotes telemedicine and digital tools, including support for artificial intelligence , voice recognition and online consultations. Hospitals performing advanced procedures such as robot-assisted surgeries will also see fee adjustments.

At the same time, authorities are tightening rules around certain practices. Facilities that fail to reduce the use of physical restraints may face lower payments, while new fees will encourage hospitals to accept emergency patients from depopulated regions.

The world’s most Christian-majority countries

Several countries top the list for having the highest percentage of Christians. Moldova and Timor-Leste lead with around 99.5% of their populations identifying as Christian. In Moldova, Eastern Orthodox Christianity is closely tied to national identity, while Timor-Leste’s Catholic majority reflects Portuguese colonial history and the role of the Church during the country’s independence struggle.

Other countries with extremely high Christian populations include Papua New Guinea, Micronesia, Romania, Zambia, Tonga, the Bahamas, Samoa, Kiribati, Armenia, and Lesotho, all above 97%.

Pew Research notes that many Pacific island nations became predominantly Christian through missionary activity in the 19th and early 20th centuries, while countries such as Armenia and Romania have deep historical Christian roots dating back more than a millennium.

The most Muslim-majority countries

On the Muslim side, Afghanistan stands out with a population that is effectively 100% Muslim, according to World Population Review estimates. Close behind are Yemen, Iran, Somalia, Morocco, Iraq, Tunisia, Mauritania, Libya, Palestine, and Sudan, all with Muslim populations between 98.9% and 99.9%.

Pew Research explains that in many of these countries, Islam has been the dominant religion for centuries, reinforced by shared language, culture, and legal systems. In some cases, such as Iran and Afghanistan, religious identity is also closely tied to governance and national law, contributing to the very high level of religious uniformity.

While Christianity and Islam remain the world’s two largest religions globally, these rankings show that their influence is not evenly spread. Instead, it is highly concentrated in specific regions, and that is Christianity in parts of Europe, Africa, and the Pacific, and Islam across North Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Central and South Asia.

According to the figures, South America and parts of Europe are among the best-resourced regions. Countries such as Argentina stand out globally, with more than 200 psychologists per 100,000 people, placing them among the highest in the world.

Chile and Uruguay also show strong coverage, reflecting long-standing investment in mental health services and professional training. In Western Europe, nations like Germany, France, and the Nordic countries report relatively high psychologist density, supported by public healthcare systems that integrate mental health into primary care.

By contrast, the picture is far more concerning across Africa, South Asia , and parts of the Middle East. WHO data show that many countries in these regions have fewer than one psychologist per 100,000 people, and in some cases, no formally registered psychologists at all.

In India and China, despite their large populations, the number of psychologists per capita remains extremely low. Sub-Saharan Africa faces the most severe shortages, where mental health services are often delivered by non-specialists due to a lack of trained professionals.

High-income countries outside Europe also show mixed results. The United States has roughly 30 psychologists per 100,000 people, while Canada sits higher at close to 50. Australia, however, ranks among global leaders with over 100 psychologists per 100,000, reflecting strong government funding, insurance coverage, and public awareness around mental health.

The WHO has repeatedly warned that the global mental health workforce crisis is one of the most urgent public health challenges of the decade. Mental and substance-use disorders account for a significant share of global disability, yet less than 2% of national health budgets are typically allocated to mental health in low- and middle-income countries.

WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, stresses this phenomenon with “Transforming mental health services is one of the most pressing public health challenges. Investing in mental health means investing in people, communities, and economies – an investment no country can afford to neglect. Every government and every leader has a responsibility to act with urgency and to ensure that mental health care is treated not as a privilege, but as a basic right for all.”

This projection is based on long-term demographic modelling that tracks fertility rates, life expectancy, and migration patterns.

Africa's population is projected to grow from around 1.55 billion in 2025 to approximately 3.8 billion by 2100, an increase of about 146%. The UN attributes this surge to a combination of high fertility rates in many countries and a very young population.

Europe's population is, however, projected to fall by around 20%, shrinking from roughly 744 million in 2025 to about 592 million by 2100. Low birth rates, ageing populations, and limited net migration are the main factors behind the decline.

The UN has repeatedly warned that Europe’s demographic trajectory will put pressure on pension systems, healthcare services, and workforce availability unless offset by policy changes or migration.

Asia will remain the most populous continent for much of the century, but its population is expected to decline slightly, falling by about 4.6% from 4.84 billion to around 4.61 billion by 2100. Countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea are already experiencing falling birth rates, while South and Southeast Asia show slower but continued growth.

Despite the decline, Asia will still account for nearly half of the world’s population by the end of the century.

The Americas are projected to grow slowly, increasing by just over 3% by 2100, while Oceania will see stronger relative growth of about 55%, albeit from a small base. These regions benefit from migration and comparatively higher fertility rates than Europe, but nowhere near Africa’s scale of expansion.

Bangladesh, by contrast, covers just 147,570 square kilometres, making it roughly 115 times smaller.

According to data from Wordometer , Bangladesh’s population stands at around 176 million, while Russia’s population is approximately 143 million.

The country sits on the fertile Ganges–Brahmaputra Delta, one of the most agriculturally productive regions on the planet. For centuries, this allowed dense human settlement supported by farming, fishing, and river-based trade .

While fertility rates have declined sharply since the 1980s, a trend documented by the World Bank , population momentum keeps total numbers high due to a large base of young people.

Today, Bangladesh has made notable progress in healthcare, child survival, and life expectancy, all of which contribute to population size even as birth rates fall. The UN notes that Bangladesh is now approaching replacement-level fertility, a major shift from past decades.

Russia’s population challenge

Despite its vast landmass and natural resources, the country faces long-term population decline. According to the United Nations and Rosstat , Russia has struggled with low fertility rates, high mortality among working-age men, and outward migration. These trends have been compounded by economic pressures and, in recent years, geopolitical instability.

Large parts of Russia are also sparsely populated due to harsh climate, limited infrastructure, and historical settlement patterns. Much of the population is concentrated in the west, leaving enormous regions with very low population density.

Some countries deploy large numbers of police officers to manage crime, protests, and internal stability, while others rely on smaller forces supported by social services, community policing, or private security.

The number of officers per 100,000 people is often shaped by a country’s history, political system, and recent experiences with unrest or violence, making policing levels a revealing indicator of how states balance safety with civil liberties.

At the top end of the scale are countries like Russia and several Eastern European states, where police officer ratios exceed 600 officers per 100,000 people. This places them among the most heavily policed nations in the world.

Russia’s high ratio reflects a legacy of extensive state security structures dating back to the Soviet era, as well as ongoing efforts to maintain public order across a vast territory with diverse challenges.

In South America , Argentina and Chile also show up with high police ratios. Argentina’s figure has been linked in part to provincial policing structures; each province maintains its own force, contributing to overall high numbers.

Chile similarly expanded its national police force during periods of social unrest in the 2010s and 2020s, aiming to respond to both crime and large-scale protests. These numbers often attract debate: higher policing levels don’t necessarily correspond to lower crime rates, but they do reflect governments’ emphasis on visible law enforcement.

Across Africa and Asia, countries such as South Africa and Thailand show elevated policing ratios compared with many of their neighbours. In South Africa, sustained concerns about violent crime and public safety have driven investment in policing, even as critics argue that resources might be better allocated toward community services and economic opportunity.

Thailand’s police presence is similarly robust, shaped by both internal security priorities and political protests that have marked recent years.

In contrast, many countries in Western Europe, parts of Africa, and Southeast Asia report far lower numbers of officers per capita. Nations with smaller police forces often rely more on community policing, private security partnerships, and crime prevention strategies rather than large uniformed forces.

According to recent data, Nigeria records around 7.5 million live births annually, while Europe, together with Russia, see roughly 6.3 million births per year.

Nigeria’s high fertility rate, which averages around 4.6 births per woman, plays a big role in these figures. That rate is well above global averages and far higher than most of Europe, where fertility rates commonly fall below replacement level (about 1.4 to 1.6 children per woman).

By contrast, much of Europe has a deeply aged population and decades of low birth rates. Countries such as Italy, Spain and Germany have fertility well under replacement level, contributing to slower natural population growth and, in some cases, declining native population totals.

Russia in particular illustrates this trend as its fertility rate is among the lowest in the world at roughly 1.4 births per woman, and official statistics show persistent declines in the number of births as the population ages.

Low fertility rates in Europe are already prompting incentives for families, reforms in parental support, and debates about immigration policy as governments seek ways to stabilise future population size and workforce strength.

Nigeria’s youth-heavy population and higher birth rates, on the other hand, have helped it become a demographic powerhouse , even as many European countries confront ageing populations, shrinking workforces and fiscal pressures linked to elder care.

Nigeria’s demographic trends also carry implications. Rapid population growth can fuel economic expansion if accompanied by investment in education, health and employment.

The World Economic Forum suggests that "A population projected to reach 400 million by 2050 needs jobs aligned with a fast-digitising economy. But youth unemployment remains among the highest globally, with 23% of young Nigerians actively looking for work, while another 32% are out of employment altogether. Employers also report persistent shortages in technical and digital skills, underscoring the need for coordinated investment."

While the gesture is second nature in some societies, in others it is reserved for specific relationships or avoided altogether. These differences reflect deeper cultural attitudes towards personal space, intimacy, and social etiquette.

In much of Southern and Western Europe, cheek kissing is woven into everyday social life. Countries such as France, Spain, Italy and Portugal commonly use it as a greeting among friends, relatives and even colleagues.

In France alone, the number of kisses varies by region, ranging from one to four, with no national standard. These variations are so entrenched that locals often instinctively know what is expected based on geography.

Eastern European countries also practise cheek kissing, though it tends to be more restrained and formal, usually limited to two kisses and closer social circles.

Across Latin America, cheek kissing is widely seen as a sign of friendliness rather than intimacy. In countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Mexico, a single cheek kiss is commonly exchanged during introductions and farewells, particularly among women and between men and women.

In Argentina, for example, it is not unusual for even first-time acquaintances to greet each other with a cheek kiss, a practice that often surprises visitors from more reserved cultures.

In parts of the Middle East, cheek kissing plays an important role in greetings among family members and close friends, particularly between people of the same gender. In countries such as Lebanon and Jordan, the gesture is often symbolic, with light cheek contact rather than an actual kiss, emphasising respect and hospitality.

Russia and several neighbouring countries also maintain traditions of cheek kissing within close relationships, although it remains less common in public or professional settings.

However, in many regions, including North America, East Asia, South Asia and large parts of Africa, cheek kissing is not a standard greeting.

Societies in countries such as the United States, Japan and India tend to favour handshakes, bows, nods or verbal greetings instead. Anthropologists point out that these cultures often place greater emphasis on personal space and social boundaries, particularly with people outside one’s immediate circle.

According to the figures shown on the above map, Portuguese respondents top the list at roughly 70% in favour of a common European army, while only Finland appears below the 50 % mark.

Countries across central and southern Europe also show solid majorities supporting an EU-wide defence force. What this really means is a growing appetite among citizens for greater strategic autonomy rather than outsourcing security entirely to external allies.

These trends reflect broader debates in European capitals about defence cooperation and self-reliance. A 2025 poll showed widespread support for deeper EU-level defence cooperation and increased defence spending, with some surveys reporting that more than three-quarters of EU citizens favour stronger joint defence initiatives.

The shift in opinion comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tension. Russia ’s war in Ukraine continues to shape attitudes toward security in Europe, and leaders from several EU states have publicly discussed the idea that the bloc should be able to defend itself independently if necessary.

That debate has taken on new urgency in light of recent friction between Europe and the United States over Greenland, the world’s largest island, controlled by Denmark but strategically located between North America and Europe.

U.S. President Donald Trump reignited discussion about acquiring Greenland, arguing the island’s location is vital to U.S. security interests in the Arctic and North Atlantic. Analysts note that Greenland sits astride key missile defence and early warning routes, making it a flashpoint in great-power competition.

Greenland’s government and Denmark have firmly rejected any takeover, and large “Hands off Greenland” protests erupted in Nuuk and Copenhagen in early 2026 in defence of the island’s sovereignty.

Donald Trump, on the other hand, has announced that eight European countries will face new import tariffs of 10% starting in February and to rise to 25% by June unless Denmark agrees to sell Greenland to the United States, a move he argues is critical for American national security.

The threatened tariffs target Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands and Finland, and come amid Trump’s broader push to gain control or influence over the strategically important Arctic territory.

The EU is yet to convene to plan a countermeasure.

Here’s what that story looks like:

Louisiana Purchase (1803): The deal that doubled a nation

The biggest land deal in U.S. history began in the wake of Napoleon’s setbacks in Europe. President Thomas Jefferson agreed to pay France $15 million for the vast territory of Louisiana in 1803, nearly doubling the size of the young republic and laying the groundwork for expansion across the continent. The purchase, which stretched from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains, later became all or part of 15 modern states.

Florida Purchase Treaty (1819)

Just over a decade later, the United States turned its attention south. Through the Adams-Onís Treaty , Spain ceded Florida to the U.S., and the government agreed to assume roughly $5 million in claims by American citizens against Spain. That deal didn’t just secure strategic territory; it also clarified borders and eased tensions between two former colonial powers.

Mexican Cession (1848)

The Mexican-American War concluded with the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848. Mexico ceded an enormous swath of territory, including present-day California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona and parts of Colorado, Wyoming and New Mexico. While not a “purchase” in the classic sense, the U.S. paid $15 million and assumed certain claims as part of the deal, and its scale made it one of the biggest expansions in history.

Gadsden Purchase (1854)

Looking to build a southern transcontinental railroad and settle lingering border disputes with Mexico, U.S. diplomats negotiated the 1854 Gadsden Purchase. For $10 million, the United States acquired nearly 30,000 square miles of what is now southern Arizona and New Mexico, finalising the contiguous continental border.

Alaska Purchase (1867)

Perhaps the most infamous bargain was the Alaska Purchase . In 1867, the U.S. bought more than half a million square miles from Russia for just $7.2 million, about two cents per acre. Critics at the time mocked it as “Seward’s Folly,” but the territory proved rich in resources and strategic value, eventually becoming the 49th state.

U.S. Virgin Islands (1917)

Not all American purchases were on the mainland. In 1917, during World War I, the United States bought the Danish West Indies , now the U.S. Virgin Islands, from Denmark for $25 million in gold. The acquisition secured a key naval position in the Caribbean and remains the most recent major land purchase for the country.

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.

The decision, outlined in a recent policy update, has immediate implications for families, workers, and migrants across Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Latin America .

The suspension primarily affects immigrant visas, meaning individuals seeking permanent residence in the United States are the most impacted. This includes family-sponsored visas, diversity visas, and certain employment-based pathways.

Non-immigrant visas such as tourist, student, and short-term work visas may still be issued in some cases, but the overall message is clear that permanent migration routes into the US are being sharply narrowed.

According to the Trump administration, the move is part of a broader effort to tighten immigration controls, strengthen national security, and protect domestic employment.

The 75 countries span multiple continents, including Somalia, Iran, Russia, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Ghana, Rwanda, Yemen, Colombia, Cuba, Thailand, and Brazil.

“The State Department will use its long-standing authority to deem ineligible potential immigrants who would become a public charge on the United States and exploit the generosity of the American people. Immigrant visa processing from these 75 countries will be paused. At the same time, the State Department reassesses immigration processing procedures to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who would take welfare and public benefits,” said Tommy Pigott, Principal Deputy Spokesperson at the State Department.

This latest suspension does not exist in isolation. It follows months of restrictive measures , including travel bans, asylum limitations, and tighter vetting procedures, since Donald Trump returned to office.

Whether the policy will face successful legal opposition or be revised under political pressure remains uncertain. For now, millions of people across 75 countries are left waiting, watching, and recalculating their futures.

Full list of affected countries:

Afghanistan , Albania , Algeria , Antigua and Barbuda , Armenia , Azerbaijan , Bahamas , Bangladesh , Barbados , Belarus , Belize , Bhutan , Bosnia , Brazil , Cambodia , Cameroon , Cape Verde , Colombia , Democratic Republic of the Congo , Cuba , Dominica , Egypt , Eritrea , Ethiopia , Fiji , The Gambia , Georgia , Ghana , Grenada , Guatemala , Guinea , Haiti , Iran , Iraq , Ivory Coast , Jamaica , Jordan , Kazakhstan , Kosovo , Kuwait , Kyrgyzstan , Laos , Lebanon , Liberia , Libya , North Macedonia , Moldova , Mongolia , Montenegro , Morocco , Myanmar , Nepal , Nicaragua , Nigeria , Pakistan , Republic of the Congo , Russia , Rwanda , Saint Kitts and Nevis , Saint Lucia , Saint Vincent and the Grenadines , Senegal , Sierra Leone , Somalia , South Sudan , Sudan , Syria , Tanzania , Thailand , Togo , Tunisia , Uganda , Uruguay , Uzbekistan and Yemen .

Across the Middle East, the Americas and parts of Eurasia, proven oil reserves run into the hundreds of billions of barrels.

These figures represent oil that is technically recoverable under current economic and technological conditions. But they are not a guarantee of production, nor do they reflect how easily that oil can be brought to market.

Venezuela continues to lead the world in proven crude oil reserves, with around 303 billion barrels documented beneath its soil, nearly one-fifth of all known reserves globally.

Most of this oil is located in the vast Orinoco Belt, a region rich in extra-heavy crude. These reserves are technically recoverable, but turning them into export-ready barrels has historically posed major challenges. Many experts argue that much of Venezuela’s certified “proven” total is tied up in heavier, harder-to-refine crude that is expensive to extract and process.

Saudi Arabia follows closely with roughly 267 billion barrels of proven reserves, supported by decades of investment in extraction, refining and export infrastructure. Vast fields such as Ghawar underpin the kingdom’s role as a stabilising force in global supply and a central player within OPEC.

Iran also ranks among the world’s leading reserve holders, with more than 200 billion barrels of proven crude. Its reserves are largely conventional and geologically favourable, yet sanctions and limited access to international capital have constrained how much of this oil reaches global markets. The result is a gap between geological potential and real-world output.

Outside the Middle East, oil wealth takes different forms. Canada’s vast reserves are driven largely by oil sands, which significantly boost its reserve figures but come with higher extraction costs and environmental scrutiny.

Russia holds substantial reserves spread across Siberia and other regions, highlighting its role as a major energy exporter despite logistical and geopolitical challenges. In the United States, proven reserves are smaller by comparison, but advanced technology and investment have enabled high production levels, particularly from shale formations.

Other countries such as Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Libya form a second tier of oil-rich states. Many of these nations possess large, relatively low-cost reserves but differ widely in political stability, investment climate and production capacity. Together, they reinforce how unevenly oil resources and the ability to exploit them are distributed worldwide.

One of the biggest misconceptions is assuming that reserves equal supply . They do not. Reserve figures say little about how much oil a country produces day-to-day, how resilient its infrastructure is, or how vulnerable it may be to political or economic disruption. Some nations convert a high share of their reserves into steady exports, while others struggle to do so despite large resource bases.

China is the world ’s largest importer of vitamins, with imports valued at US$415.3 million, accounting for 8.2% of total global vitamin imports. This reflects the country’s massive pharmaceutical, food processing and supplements industries, alongside rising domestic demand linked to urbanisation and health awareness.

While China is also a major vitamin producer, it still relies on imports for specialised formulations, high-grade inputs and supply stability across its vast manufacturing base.

The United States ranks second, importing US$286.1 million worth of vitamins, or 5.6% of the global total. Demand is driven by a mature supplements market, widespread use of fortified foods and a healthcare system that heavily integrates nutritional products.

Vitamin imports into the US support everything from over-the-counter supplements to medical nutrition and animal feed.

Europe’s steady demand

Several European countries also feature prominently on the list:

Belgium’s position is notable. Despite its small size, it acts as a pharmaceutical and logistics hub for Europe, with major ports and processing facilities that redistribute vitamins across the region.

Russia imports US$258.8 million, accounting for 5.1 per cent of global vitamin imports, reflecting strong demand from its food and pharmaceutical sectors.

Further down the list, Uzbekistan appears with US$164.6 million (3.2%), highlighting how emerging economies are investing more heavily in nutrition, food security and healthcare inputs.

Smaller markets, strategic demand

Saudi Arabia , Hong Kong , and Canada round out the top ten. While their import volumes are smaller, each plays a strategic role:

Germany tops by exporting vitamins worth US$646.4 million that accounts for 12.1% of total global exports. The country’s dominance reflects its strong pharmaceutical sector, advanced chemical manufacturing and reputation for regulated, high-quality health products.

The United States follows closely with US$553.9 million in vitamin exports, representing 10.4% of the global total. American exports are largely driven by multinational supplement brands, biotech firms and large-scale nutraceutical production tied to wellness and sports nutrition markets.

Together, Germany and the US control more than one-fifth of the global vitamin export market, underscoring the role of industrial capacity, research investment and regulatory trust in shaping trade flows.

Hong Kong ranks third with US$364.1 million in vitamin exports, accounting for 6.8% of the total. Its position reflects its role as a regional trading and re-export hub rather than a primary manufacturing base, linking Chinese producers with global markets.

India, at US$298.1 million (5.6%), highlights Asia’s growing role in pharmaceutical ingredients and generic health products. India’s cost-efficient manufacturing and expanding export footprint have made it a key supplier of vitamins and supplements to both developed and emerging markets.

Several European countries with strong logistics and pharmaceutical infrastructure also feature prominently. The Netherlands exported US$268.9 million worth of vitamins, while the United Kingdom followed with US$260.3 million. Belgium and France also appear in the top ten, reflecting the importance of EU-based production clusters and access to global shipping networks.

Outside Europe, Australia exported US$246.8 million, benefiting from demand for “clean-label” and health-focused products, while Canada, at US$176.3 million, rounds out the list.

Instead, it exposed deep divisions in international opinion about the legitimacy of Venezuelan democracy and set the stage for dramatically different reactions when Maduro was captured by U.S. forces in early 2026.

Maduro’s government presented the official result, 52 per cent of the vote, as a democratic reaffirmation of his leadership. Many governments, particularly those allied with Caracas, publicly backed that interpretation.

According to a detailed report by the Americas Society / Council of the Americas (AS/COA), only a relatively small group of states issued formal congratulations or recognition following the election. Bolivia’s then President Luis Arce, Cuba under President Miguel Díaz-Canel, Honduras, Nicaragua and several other governments in Africa, Asia and the Middle East backed the official result.

China, Russia, Iran, Syria, Serbia and several Caribbean leaders aligned with Venezuela’s longstanding regional partner group, ALBA-TCP, also signalled support. These governments framed their statements around respect for Venezuela’s sovereignty and the expressed will of its people.

Outside that circle, many other countries expressed serious doubts about the integrity of the vote. Nations across the Americas, including Argentina, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, Peru and Uruguay, issued joint statements demanding full transparency and independent verification of results.

In plain terms, the 2024 election divided the world into three broad camps: Maduro’s supporters, sceptics who demanded more transparency, and outright rejectors of the result.

Those divisions became even clearer in January 2026, when the Trump administration authorised a military operation that resulted in Maduro’s capture and extradition to the United States on federal drug-trafficking charges.

The United States and several allied governments welcomed the operation. Leaders in Latin America who had expressed doubt or rejection of the 2024 vote, such as Argentina’s President Javier Milei and El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, publicly supported the move as a step toward accountability and regional security.

Ecuador’s Daniel Noboa and Paraguay’s Santiago Peña echoed that sentiment, framing the capture as progress toward restoring democratic norms. Guyana’s government also welcomed the action, seeing it as aligned with broader regional stability goals. European allies such as Italy and Israel publicly backed the operation in statements carried by international media.

On the other side, governments that had backed Maduro’s 2024 victory or had consistently emphasised non-interference condemned the U.S. action as a violation of international law and Venezuelan sovereignty.

China, which had congratulated Maduro shortly after the 2024 result and maintained close economic and diplomatic ties with Caracas, issued strong diplomatic protests, calling for Maduro’s release and an end to efforts to overthrow the Venezuelan government.

Russia’s government framed its response in terms of defending sovereign rights and warned against what it described as neocolonial threats. Iran and Cuba also condemned the capture.

There are, however, exceptions. The European Union, for example, did not recognise the 2024 election but also declined to endorse the capture, instead stressing international law and restraint.

Across the global diplomatic community, the broader debate has shifted from whether Maduro should lead Venezuela to what legitimacy, sovereignty and international intervention mean in this era.

Data from Budget Your Trip indicates that in parts of South, Southeast and Central Asia, travellers can comfortably get by on as little as $23 per day, covering accommodation, food, transport and basic activities.

Kazakhstan and Laos emerge as the cheapest destinations, both averaging around $23 a day. At this level, a traveller can typically afford a simple guesthouse or hostel, eat three local meals, move around using public transport or shared taxis, and still pay entry fees for local sights.

These low costs reflect inexpensive living standards and tourism sectors designed around budget travellers rather than high-end visitors.

Mongolia follows closely with an average daily cost of about 30 dollars. While long distances can make transport more expensive, daily expenses such as accommodation and food remain low, often involving homestays and locally run eateries.

South Asia continues to be one of the best-value regions for travellers. Nepal and India both average just over 40 dollars per day, while Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan range between the mid-50s and low-60s.

At these prices, travellers can usually stay in budget hotels or well-rated guesthouses, eat at local restaurants, travel between cities by bus or train, and visit cultural sites, temples or hiking routes without stretching their budget. In destinations such as India and Nepal, careful planning can even allow for domestic flights or multi-day trekking within this spending range.

Vietnam and Indonesia average in the mid-60s per day, while the Philippines comes in slightly higher at around 73 dollars. These budgets typically cover comfortable hostels or budget hotels, street food with the occasional café meal, local transport or scooter hire, and activities such as city tours or island excursions. In the Philippines, higher transport costs between islands contribute to the higher average.

The contrast becomes clear when compared with Asia’s most expensive destinations. Daily travel costs in places such as the Maldives, Hong Kong and Singapore can reach well into the hundreds, largely due to accommodation prices and service-driven tourism models. In practical terms, what a traveller spends in one day in the Maldives could fund nearly two weeks of travel in Laos or Kazakhstan.

The figures from Budget Your Trip reflect average daily spending by travellers and are intended to represent realistic travel conditions rather than luxury or extreme backpacking. They generally include accommodation, food, local transport and activities, but exclude international flights and visa fees, which vary widely.

The list, compiled using data from GourmetPro and visualised by World Visualized, shows Indonesian convenience retailers far outpacing regional rivals, while diversified conglomerates and state-linked cooperatives maintain strong national footholds elsewhere.

Indonesia ’s convenience store model dominates

At the top of the ranking are Indomaret and Alfamart, Indonesia’s two retail behemoths.

Their dominance is driven by Indonesia’s urban density, fragmented traditional retail sector and permissive zoning laws, which allow small-format stores to cluster closely together. Both chains focus on low-cost essentials, mobile payments and neighbourhood-level accessibility rather than large weekly shops.

Regional conglomerates with cross-border reach

Dairy Farm International Holdings, ranked third with 10,000+ stores, represents a different model. Headquartered in Hong Kong, the group operates a portfolio of brands including Giant, Cold Storage, Wellcome and 7-Eleven across Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Cambodia.

Rather than scale in one country, Dairy Farm leverages brand segmentation and middle-class consumption growth across multiple markets.

Vietnam and Japan-backed expansion

Vietnam’s VinMart+, with 2,400+ stores, reflects the rapid formalisation of Vietnam’s grocery sector. Backed by Vingroup and later Masan Group, VinMart+ has expanded aggressively into urban and semi-urban areas as incomes rise and modern retail replaces wet markets.

Japan’s AEON Group, ranked fifth with 2,000+ stores across Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Cambodia, has focused on mall-anchored supermarkets and hypermarkets, targeting aspirational consumers and stable middle-income demand.

Thailand and Malaysia’s neighbourhood chains

Thailand features prominently through Big C and Mini Big C, together operating more than 2,000 outlets. Their strategy mirrors Indonesia’s convenience model, but with tighter regulation and stronger competition from traditional markets.

Malaysia’s 99 Speedmart, with over 1,000 stores, has built success through a discount-first approach, tight inventory control and limited product ranges, making it resilient during inflationary periods.

National champions and cooperatives

Final on the list are Puregold Price Club in the Philippines and NTUC FairPrice in Singapore.

What follows is a country-by-country breakdown based on verified reporting.

Afghanistan

Bombed by: Bush, Obama, Trump, Biden

Why:

Afghanistan was bombed continuously from 2001 until the US withdrawal in 2021. Even after the formal end of the war, Biden authorised airstrikes, including the August 2021 Kabul drone strike that killed 10 civilians , later acknowledged by the Pentagon.

Iraq

Bombed by: Bush, Obama, Trump, Biden

Why:

Iraq remains one of the longest-running theatres of US air operations , spanning two decades despite the formal declarations of war ending.

Syria

Bombed by: Obama, Trump, Biden

Why:

The US has never declared war on Syria, yet airstrikes have continued under three administrations without congressional authorisation.

Yemen

Bombed by: Obama, Trump, Biden

Why:

Yemen became one of the most drone-bombed countries in the world, with repeated civilian casualty reports.

Somalia

Bombed by: Obama, Trump, Biden

Why:

Somalia has seen some of the least transparent US air operations, with casualty investigations often delayed or disputed.

Libya

Bombed by: Obama, Trump

Why:

Libya illustrates how a humanitarian intervention evolved into long-term instability, with US airstrikes continuing after regime change.

Pakistan

Bombed by: Bush, Obama, Trump

Why:

Pakistan was central to the CIA’s drone programme, particularly under Obama, who authorised more strikes there than any other president.

Nigeria

Bombed by: Trump

Why:

These territorial changes carry regional weight. The Houthis’ close links with Iran remain a central concern for Saudi Arabia and its Gulf partners, who see Yemen as part of a wider strategic contest. Since the conflict intensified in 2014, tens of thousands have been killed, and nearly half of the population now relies on humanitarian aid, according to the International Crisis Group.

Despite backing from Riyadh and Abu Dhabi, the government has struggled to consolidate power, weakened by internal divisions and rival southern factions pushing for greater autonomy. The result is a fragmented political landscape that complicates efforts to end the war and stabilise the country.

The Bab el-Mandeb Strait, located just southwest of the Houthi-controlled areas, remains a flashpoint. The U.S. and allied navies have recently increased patrols to keep commercial traffic flowing after a spike in attacks on tankers and cargo ships initiated by Saudi Arabia last week.

Additionally, Saudi Arabia and Iran have signalled interest in diplomacy, including mediated talks in recent months. Still, scepticism persists on whether any agreement can withstand deep distrust built over years of proxy conflict.

For Yemen’s civilians, the fractured map above means continued uncertainty. Aid groups warn that disruptions in access to food, medicine and basic services remain severe. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) estimates that more than 17 million people are in need of urgent assistance.

This advisory followed data showing that the gap between male and female births has widened year after year.

From 2024 to 2025, Nepal recorded 206,374 male births and 176,831 female births, resulting in a difference of nearly 30,000, which experts said falls well below the natural birth ratio of approximately 105 boys for every 100 girls.

The imbalance is sharper in some provinces. Sudurpaschim and Madhesh recorded male-to-female birth gaps of more than 24%, the highest in the country, suggesting that sex selection before birth is widespread.

“We are headed towards disaster,” said Dr. Uddhab Puri, associate professor at the Tribhuvan University, who has carried out multiple research studies on the birth rate in Nepal. “If we fail to check sex-selective abortions, this trend could lead to long-term social and demographic consequences.”

The practice is not limited to rural or less educated areas. Studies show high disparities in cities and districts near the Indian border, where access to ultrasound services and foetal sex identification is easier.

Doctors said many families now want only one child because of rising living costs and later marriages. If the first child is a daughter, some parents try to determine the sex of the next pregnancy and abort it if it is female.

Both fetal sex identification and sex-selective abortion are banned under Nepal’s criminal law , with penalties of up to five years in prison and fines. Yet, no one has been convicted, indicating weak enforcement.

Abortion was legalised in Nepal in 2002, in a move regarded as a major step in protecting women’s health and rights. But experts warn that unless son preference and enforcement gaps are addressed, the country risks a long-term gender imbalance with serious social costs.

Together, these crisis zones will shape migration flows, global security , trade routes, and diplomatic alignments well beyond their borders.

Sudan

Sudan remains the most severe humanitarian emergency globally. The civil war that erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces has devastated the country, displacing millions and pushing large populations toward famine. In the last year, the conflict showed little sign of resolution, with fighting increasingly fragmented and spilling into neighbouring states such as Chad, South Sudan, and Ethiopia. This year, the country could risk sliding further toward de facto partition, a scenario that would entrench instability across the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea corridor.

Yemen

In Yemen, the conflict is evolving rather than ending. While large-scale fighting has reduced in some areas, the country is increasingly divided between Houthi-controlled territories in the north and rival factions in the south backed by regional powers. This fragmentation weakens prospects for national reconciliation and carries global implications due to Yemen’s proximity to vital Red Sea shipping lanes. As maritime security concerns grow, Yemen’s instability in 2026 will remain tightly linked to regional geopolitics and global trade.

Myanmar

Myanmar enters 2026 locked in a protracted civil war following the 2021 military coup. Armed resistance groups now control significant territory, while the junta struggles to govern beyond major urban centres. Planned or proposed elections under these conditions risk deepening Myanmar’s legitimacy crisis rather than resolving it. The humanitarian toll continues to rise, with millions displaced and neighbouring countries such as Thailand, China, and Bangladesh absorbing the spillover effects.

DR Congo

In eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, violence persists despite diplomatic efforts to stabilise the region. Armed groups, including M23, continue to challenge state authority, exploiting ethnic tensions, especially in Goma and competition over mineral resources. Peace agreements reached last year still face serious implementation challenges , and failure to consolidate them in 2026 could destabilise the wider Great Lakes region, where conflict has long crossed borders and drawn in neighbouring states.

Nigeria

Nigeria’s crisis heading into 2026 is defined by overlapping insurgency, criminal violence, and worsening economic pressure, with jihadist groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP continuing attacks across the northeast and northwest. In the Middle Belt and parts of the north, violence has increasingly targeted Christian communities, with deadly attacks in late 2025 killing dozens of civilians in Benue and Plateau states, particularly around the Christmas period.

The situation escalated internationally when the United States carried out airstrikes on December 24–25, 2025, hitting ISIS-linked camps in northwest Nigeria at the request of the Nigerian government. While the strikes disrupted militant operations, analysts warn that without addressing governance failures, poverty, and local grievances, Nigeria’s insecurity is likely to persist and deepen in 2026.

Taiwan vs. China

Beyond active war zones, strategic flashpoints are also reshaping risk in the Global South. Rising tensions between China and Taiwan, while centred in East Asia, carry global consequences that will be felt acutely across developing economies. Any escalation would disrupt trade , shipping routes, and semiconductor supply chains, forcing many Global South countries, deeply tied to both Chinese and Western economic systems, to navigate difficult diplomatic and economic choices.

Over the same period, the student population has declined sharply, dropping from 9.9 million in 1980 to just 5.07 million this year. The scale of that fall has forced education authorities to consolidate schools, particularly in areas where enrolment has slipped below sustainable levels.

Primary schools account for the overwhelming majority of closures, with more than 3,600 shutting their doors permanently. By comparison, fewer than 300 middle schools and just 70 high schools have closed.

Jin said the figures point to a growing gap between school closures and follow-up planning. 

“As student numbers continue to decline, closures are inevitable,” she said. “But the government must move beyond simply shutting schools and develop a long-term strategy to repurpose them as assets that can still serve local communities.”

The pace of closures has accelerated in recent years. Since 2020 alone, 158 schools have closed, and a further 107 are expected to follow within the next five years as smaller age cohorts move through the system.

South Korea’s record-low birthrate sits at the centre of the problem. With the total fertility rate remaining below 0.8 — the lowest in the world — the country is producing far fewer children than needed to sustain existing school networks, particularly outside the capital region.

North Jeolla and South Jeolla provinces recorded the highest numbers of recent closures, followed by Gyeonggi and South Chungcheong, suggesting that population decline is reshaping regional education faster than urban centres.

Long-term projections indicate that the contraction is far from over. The Korean Educational Development Institute estimates that the number of students will fall to around 4.25 million by 2029, a loss of more than 800,000 pupils in just six years.

At the same time, questions are mounting over what becomes of closed school sites. Of the more than 4,000 schools that have shut, 376 remain unused, with many left idle for over a decade and some abandoned for more than 30 years.

According to The Brussels Times , internal files suggest that Washington has engaged with Poland, Italy, Austria, and Hungary in efforts that critics describe as aimed at nudging them toward exiting the EU.

Last Friday’s publication of the 33-page National Security Strategy, which outlines a strategy aimed at resisting what the U.S. portrays as Europe’s civilisational degradation, prompted significant backlash for its language on Europe, and now, just a week later, an alleged leak has further intensified scrutiny of the country's intentions toward the EU.

The White House has, however, debunked these rumours by clearly stating that there are no other versions of the NSS document, hence any new angle or additional information is false.

"No alternative, private, or classified version exists. President Trump is transparent and put his signature on one National Security Strategy that clearly instructs the US government to execute on his defined principles and priorities," Anna Kelly, a spokeswoman for the White House, said.

Over recent years, Warsaw and Budapest have openly challenged Brussels in disputes over rule-of-law enforcement and budgetary mechanisms. Italy’s periodic swing toward nationalist platforms and Austria’s cautious approach to deeper EU integration have likewise spotlighted internal EU divisions across issues from migration to economic coordination.

Speaking at a recent meeting convened by the Party of European Socialists (PES) ahead of the European Council, the party President Stefan Löfven, emphasised that strategic autonomy and unity in the EU remain central to continental security, particularly in light of ongoing Russian aggression and broader geopolitical competition.

“This European Council takes place at a decisive moment for Europe. In a context of geopolitical instability, war on our continent and growing pressure on our democracies, Europe must act with unity, clarity and responsibility,” she said .

This global dispersal is the result of decades of outward migration driven by revolution, economic pressure, and recurring human-rights crises.

The largest Iranian communities have taken root in the United States, home to more than one million people of Iranian ancestry, as well as in Canada, Germany, Australia, and across Western Europe. In these countries, Iranian migrants have built thriving cultural and professional networks, enriching global cities with Persian heritage while remaining closely attuned to political developments in Iran.

Large-scale migration began in the aftermath of the 1979 Iranian Revolution and continued through successive waves shaped by sanctions, economic instability, and state repression. Over time, this diaspora has evolved into a transnational force, increasingly vocal and organised, with the ability to influence public opinion and policy far beyond Iran’s borders.

That influence has become evident amid mounting global tensions. In December 2025, the Nobel Peace Prize committee publicly condemned the “brutal” arrest of Iranian laureate and women’s rights activist Narges Mohammadi, triggering protests and advocacy campaigns led by Iranian communities abroad. Her detention has become a rallying point for diaspora-driven calls for accountability and reform.

The reach of diaspora activism is also extending into international legal arenas. Survivors of Iran’s 2022 “Women, Life, Freedom” protests, an uprising that drew widespread support from Iranians overseas, recently filed criminal complaints in Argentina, accusing Iranian officials of crimes against humanity. The move underscores how diaspora networks are helping transform street-level protest into sustained legal and diplomatic pressure.

For many Iranians living abroad, distance has not weakened their connection to home. Instead, it has sharpened it.

Reports of Iranians stranded in Dubai during the regional conflict highlight the emotional toll of living between worlds, physically separated from Iran yet deeply affected by every new development. As global tensions rise, the Iranian diaspora continues to grow not only in size but in influence, shaping the international conversation around Iran’s future.

Particularly striking was the rate of higher-order multiple births involving three or more babies. South Korea recorded 0.67 such births per 1,000 deliveries, the highest among all countries in the database and roughly three times the global norm, underscoring the scale of the phenomenon.

While multiple births have increased internationally since the 1980s, the report found that South Korea’s rise has been steeper and more persistent. Researchers linked this trend largely to delayed childbearing.

The average age of women giving birth rose from 32.2 in 2015 to 33.7 in 2024, while mothers of multiples were older still, averaging 35.3 years. The growing use of assisted reproductive technologies has also played a role, as more couples seek fertility treatment later in life.

Medical experts have long classified multifetal pregnancies as high-risk. Compared with single pregnancies, they are associated with higher rates of complications such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes for mothers, as well as low birth weight and premature delivery for infants.

South Korea’s government has rolled out a range of policies to counter the country’s record-low fertility rate, which fell to 0.72 in 2023 before edging up to around 0.75. However, the study found that most measures focus on financial and medical support after birth, rather than preventing high-risk pregnancies in the first place.

Current guidelines for medically assisted reproduction still allow for the transfer of multiple embryos, a practice that increases the likelihood of twins or triplets. By contrast, countries including the United Kingdom, Australia and Japan have sharply reduced multiple-birth rates by recommending single embryo transfers and by actively informing patients of the associated risks.

The report also pointed to a distinctive social factor in South Korea, describing a growing tendency towards what it termed “convenience-oriented childbirth,” where couples aim to have two children through a single pregnancy in response to economic pressures and time constraints.

Researchers warned that South Korea’s exceptionally high multiple-birth rate is unlikely to fall without policy change. They urged the government to treat the issue as an extension of childcare and maternal health policy, calling for measures that prioritise health before and during pregnancy, alongside reforms designed to reduce the incidence of multifetal births.

However, what may seem strange on a plate often carries deep cultural meaning. Many foods considered unusual today were shaped by history, climate and survival, long before modern tastes emerged.

In Finland, a dish known as kalakukko brings fish and rye bread together in a rustic, hearty wrap. Dating back to the 18th century in the region of Savonia, this baked fish inside rye bread was designed as a portable meal for farmers and sailors. Traditionally filled with perch or salmon, it remains a beloved comfort food and a symbol of Finnish ingenuity in utilising local produce.

Further south in Turkey, a sandwich made from cooked sheep intestines, often referred to as kokoreç , adds a bold twist to the country's street food culture. Popular in Istanbul and beyond, kokoreç is traditionally seasoned with herbs and spices and then served in bread for chilli-hungry urbanites. Ottoman cooks are credited with perfecting the technique centuries ago, transforming humble offal into a crispy, aromatic fast food staple.

Belgium’s contribution to unusual savoury fare comes in the form of meat stewed in beer. Known as carbonade flamande or stoofvlees , this rich, slow-cooked beef dish utilises local dark beer to soften the meat and deepen its flavour. Stemming from Flemish culinary traditions, beer-braised stews have been enjoyed for generations amid the region’s brewing heritage.

In Poland, duck blood soup (czernina) brings a strikingly different aesthetic and taste to the table. Made with duck blood, stock, dried fruits and herbs, czernina has long been served during autumn and winter. Historically, it was a practical way to use all parts of the animal in rural households. Today, it remains evidence of Polish resourcefulness and seasonal eating.

Eastern Europe also offers the vibrant cold beet soup (chłodnik) of Belarus, a visually stunning dish made from beets, kefir or yoghurt, cucumbers and dill. Originally a peasant summer meal designed to cool and refresh, it’s now celebrated as a regional speciality with a growing presence on modern menus around the world.

In Switzerland, the humble sausage salad (Wurstsalat) mixes cured sausage, pickles and raw onions in a tangy dressing, reflecting Alpine practicality and communal dining traditions that emphasise shared platters and fermented flavours.

Finally, Latvia’s blood sausage ( Asinsdesa ) and Norway’s fermented fish ( rakfisk ) continue to intrigue eaters. Blood sausages are woven into Latvian festivities and winter markets, while rakfisk, a fermented trout or char, can be traced back to Viking food preservation techniques, celebrating methods developed before refrigeration.

Would you be willing to taste any of these foods beyond your palate or taste buds?

According to the National Healthcare Security Administration (NHSA), the government will gradually increase reimbursement levels for prenatal check-ups while ensuring that the basic costs of delivery are fully covered nationwide.

Zhang Ke, party secretary and director of the NHSA, said the goal is to achieve “basically zero” personal payments for childbirth expenses that fall within the medical insurance catalogue, starting next year. 

The aim is that insured women will not need to pay for standard inpatient delivery services within policy limits. 

Seven provincial-level areas, including Jilin, Jiangsu and Shandong, have already implemented full reimbursement for in-hospital childbirth medical costs covered by policy , effectively removing personal financial burdens for standard deliveries.

Officials stressed that the commitment applies to basic medical services. Expenses incurred at premium-priced hospitals, or for drugs and medical materials outside the insurance catalogue, will remain the responsibility of individuals.

The NHSA also plans to expand maternity insurance coverage to include flexible workers, migrant workers and people in new forms of employment, reflecting changes in China’s labour market and employment patterns, according to Xinhua.

At present, China’s maternity insurance covers around 255 million people. Authorities view broader eligibility as a key lever to support family formation, particularly among younger urban workers who often lack stable employer-based benefits.

Zhang said the insurance system will be adjusted to align more closely with the country’s population development strategy, including the inclusion of eligible labour analgesia services in insurance payments and the continued promotion of full reimbursement for policy-covered maternity costs.

Beyond childbirth, the government is also advancing reforms to medical insurance payment mechanisms and long-term care insurance, while encouraging commercial insurers to develop supplementary products, according to Xinhua.

The measures come as China grapples with a shrinking and ageing population, with policymakers increasingly turning to fiscal and social policy tools to lower the cost of having children and stabilise long-term demographic trends.

These nations include China, India, the United States, Indonesia, Pakistan, Nigeria, Brazil, Bangladesh, Russia, Mexico, Ethiopia, Japan, the Philippines, and Egypt, an eclectic mix of economic powerhouses, emerging markets, and developing nations that collectively influence global decisions on trade, climate, security, and migration.

India and China alone account for over one-third of all humans, but their demographic paths are diverging rapidly. India has officially surpassed China as the world’s most populous nation, a milestone confirmed in the UN’s 2023 World Population Prospects.

India’s median age is just 28, compared to China’s 39, giving it a much larger working-age population and potentially shifting economic influence in Asia.

Economists, including analysts at the International Monetary Fund, note that this workforce advantage could help India accelerate industrial growth if job creation and education keep pace.

Africa’s largest populations, Nigeria and Ethiopia, are expected to grow dramatically over the next three decades. Nigeria alone could surpass 375 million people by 2050 to become the world’s third most populous nation . The World Bank warns that rapid growth without matching investment in infrastructure, food systems, and education could strain resources, but it also points to Africa’s youth as an engine for innovation and entrepreneurship in a world facing labour shortages elsewhere.

On the other side of the spectrum are countries like Japan and Russia, where populations are shrinking. Japan’s fertility rate remains one of the lowest in the world, and its population is ageing faster than any other major economy .

Russia faces a similar demographic decline, further impacted by migration and the consequences of the war in Ukraine. Both countries illustrate the serious economic and social challenges tied to shrinking labour forces, from reduced productivity to increasing pressure on healthcare and pension systems.

These demographic realities are shaping today’s global news. At recent G20, UN, and COP28 meetings, leaders acknowledged that population trends directly affect climate negotiations, energy planning, and economic cooperation.

The visual, which differs from census data from 1841 with figures from 2020, highlights what historians and economists describe as one of Europe’s most significant population transformations, rooted in famine, migration and the long-term pull of urban growth.

The above map serves as a reminder of the devastation caused by the Great Famine, which reduced the population by millions through death and mass emigration.

In 1841, population density was highest in rural, agriculturally dependent counties. County Cork alone recorded 855,000 residents, while Galway, Mayo, Tipperary and Donegal each exceeded 300,000.

These figures highlight how densely settled rural Ireland was before the Great Famine, a period that, according to the Central Statistics Office (CSO), resulted in more than 1 million deaths and another 1 million emigrants, beginning a population collapse from which many counties have never recovered.

By 2020, the distribution looks almost reversed. Dublin emerged as the dominant centre, with more than 1.35 million people in its greater metropolitan area, nearly triple its 1841 population and far surpassing that of any other county.

Meanwhile, rural counties that once formed the core of Ireland’s population have dramatically smaller numbers: Mayo, for example, which held over 388,000 people in 1841, recorded around 130,000 in 2020. County Cork’s population, though still high, stands around 540,000, significantly lower than its pre-famine peak.

India’s last census was conducted in 2011, with the 2021 edition postponed due to the pandemic. Unlike elections , which can run safely in phases over weeks, a census must capture a single moment in time across the entire country. 

Achieving that with smartphones, apps, and cloud systems will test the limits of India’s administrative and technological reach.

A 20-day field trial began on November 10 in selected districts of Karnataka. Enumerators are using a mobile app to collect household data, while residents can also self-enumerate via a dedicated web portal. 

The Home Ministry says the exercise will determine how well the digital system performs across locations ranging from dense cities to remote villages with patchy mobile networks.

According to the Home Ministry, the digital census will run in two stages: houselisting and mapping from April to September 2026, followed by population enumeration in February to March 2027, with special schedules for snow-bound Himalayan areas. 

Enumerators will use their own smartphones, and data will be uploaded in real time to a central Census Management and Monitoring System.

India’s move puts it alongside countries such as the United States , the United Kingdom, Ghana and Kenya, all of which have adopted digital or hybrid census models. But none have attempted it at India’s scale. 

The system will support English, Hindi and more than 16 regional languages, geo-tag every building, and ask detailed questions on migration, such as birthplace, last residence, duration of stay and reasons for moving.

Digitisation is intended to fix long-standing problems that plagued earlier paper-based counts, particularly the years-long delay in processing data. Officials say real-time uploads could allow provisional numbers within 10 days and final data in under nine months.

But experts warn that the digital shift comes with serious risks, as only about 65% of Indians are online. This has prompted fears that the poorest, most remote and least digitally literate citizens may be undercounted. 

New data from World’s Top Exports shows that Spain and Mexico dominate the global pumpkin market in 2024, together accounting for more than 64% of worldwide pumpkin exports.

With international demand rising for year-round cooking, health foods, and processed pumpkin products, the industry has become more important to farmers and exporters across Europe, North America, Africa, and Oceania.

According to the 2024 export rankings, Spain leads the world with 32.8% of global pumpkin exports, valued at about $574 million. Mexico follows closely with 32%, earning $559 million.

The large market share held by both countries reflects their strong agricultural infrastructure, export-oriented farming, and access to major global markets.

The rest of the top exporters include:

How global events are shaping the pumpkin market

Climate change is shifting growing seasons

Farmers across Europe and North America are adjusting planting cycles due to unpredictable rainfall, heat waves, and changing soil conditions. Some regions in Spain and Mexico have benefited from longer warm seasons, allowing for stronger yields.

Food security continues to be a global priority

With conflicts disrupting trade routes , such as the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, countries are looking toward more stable and diverse agricultural suppliers. Pumpkins, being versatile and widely cultivated, fit into this wider push to secure reliable food imports.

Rising global celebrations and food trends

Pumpkin has become more than a seasonal item . From soups and baked goods to the globally popular “pumpkin spice” trend, food producers are buying more pumpkin for processing and export. This helps keep demand strong throughout the year.

Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelago , stretches between Asia and Oceania, with the easternmost islands of Papua forming its easternmost reach. According to the CIA World Factbook, Indonesia encompasses over 17,000 islands, making its transcontinental footprint both vast and culturally diverse.

Russia remains the most iconic transcontinental nation, divided between Europe and Asia by the Ural Mountains. Roughly 77% of Russia’s landmass lies in Asia, but 75% of its population resides in the European portion, a contrast that has historically shaped its foreign policy and identity. Russia uses its European–Asian reach to justify political involvement across two major regions, shaping both European security and Asian energy strategies.

Egypt, long celebrated as the cradle of ancient civilisation, bridges Africa and Asia through the Sinai Peninsula. This region, in global headlines due to Red Sea tensions and shifting trade routes, underscores Egypt’s strategic role. Egypt’s Suez Canal handles about 12% of global trade. Current Houthi attacks in the Red Sea show how dependent the world still is on Egypt’s geography.

Kazakhstan, the world’s largest landlocked country, spans both Europe and Asia with a small but symbolically important portion west of the Ural River. Since the launch of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, Kazakhstan has become a pivotal transit hub for Eurasian trade. Kazakhstan also profits from rail and pipeline routes linking Europe and Asia.

Panama, linking North and South America, owes its global prominence to the Panama Canal , which now faces pressure from drought-induced restrictions on international shipping. Its transcontinental nature enhances its geopolitical value as both a physical and economic connector.

And Turkey, positioned between Europe and Asia, remains a central player in current diplomatic efforts involving Ukraine, NATO expansion, and Middle Eastern stability. The Bosporus Strait, one of the most critical shipping lanes, literally divides the country into two continents.

New projections from the UN Population Division show that population growth will be heavily concentrated in Africa and parts of Asia, while Europe, the Americas and Oceania face slowdowns or long-term declines.

These shifts will redefine economies, migration patterns, and geopolitical power in the decades ahead.

According to the latest forecast , Africa is set to become home to 4.6 billion people by 2100, more than tripling its current population. Asia, which today holds nearly 60% of the world’s people, is projected to decline slightly to around 3.8 billion.

Meanwhile, Europe is expected to shrink to 592 million, and Latin America to 380 million, reflecting ageing populations and persistently low birth rates. North America will grow modestly to 710 million, driven largely by migration, while Oceania is expected to reach 73 million.

These numbers arrive at a time when many nations are already struggling with demographic challenges. In 2025, countries from Japan to Italy are dealing with shrinking workforces and rising dependency ratios, prompting governments to rethink labour policies, immigration rules, and social welfare systems.

The UN has warned repeatedly that demographic imbalance is becoming a defining global issue, one that will influence economic growth, energy demand, and even climate strategy.UN Policy Brief: https://www.un.org/development/desa/pd/content/policy-briefs

Africa’s projected surge reflects both its young population and improvements in health outcomes. The continent currently has a median age of around 19, compared to 42 in Europe.

If managed well, this growth could provide a powerful economic engine, similar to the demographic boom that propelled China’s rise in the late 20th century. But the UN also cautions that without strong investments in education, infrastructure, and job creation, the rapid expansion could deepen inequality and strain public services.

Asia’s projected decline highlights a different challenge. China’s population has already started shrinking, and India is expected to stabilise mid-century before beginning its own decline.

Falling fertility rates, a trend seen across most of Asia , have raised concerns about future economic productivity. The Guardian recently reported that several Asian governments are offering financial incentives to encourage births, yet early results remain limited.

Meanwhile, Europe and parts of Latin America may face some of the world’s steepest demographic contractions. These regions are already experiencing school closures, labour shortages and increased reliance on migration to sustain their economies.

The IMF notes that countries with ageing populations could see slower GDP growth unless they adopt major policy reforms and attract foreign labour.

North America stands out for its relative demographic stability, largely due to immigration. The United States, in particular, continues to rely on migrants to expand its workforce, even amid political debates over border control. Current U.S. economic legislation and election-year discussions highlight how migration remains central to sustaining the country’s long-term population growth.

Oceania, while small in absolute numbers, is projected to continue growing but faces unique challenges tied to climate change. Rising sea levels threaten several Pacific Island nations, prompting discussions about potential displacement and migration corridors long before the end of the century.

The number is striking, and it puts fresh attention on how something as ordinary as clothing can quietly strain global water supplies at a time when droughts and climate pressures are rising worldwide.

The figure aligns with research from the Water Footprint Network , which estimates that cotton is among the most water-intensive crops on the planet. Their global calculations show that cotton farming can demand anywhere between 7,000 and 29,000 litres of water per kilogram, depending on the region.

Why cotton uses so much water

Cotton grows mainly in hot, dry regions, where water is most scarce, which forces farmers to rely heavily on irrigation. Over time, this has drained rivers, damaged soils, and contributed to ecological disasters.

WaterAid, a charity focused on global water access, notes that water-intensive farming practices often compete directly with people’s basic needs. In communities where clean water is already limited, growing cotton can worsen shortages for households.

This issue is not limited to one region. The Guardian has reported widely on how cotton farming contributed to the near-collapse of the Aral Sea, once the world’s fourth-largest inland lake. Massive cotton irrigation projects in Central Asia diverted the rivers that fed the sea, causing it to shrink dramatically and leaving behind health crises, dust storms, and economic collapse.

Today, similar pressures are appearing in India, Pakistan, China, and parts of Africa — all major cotton producers. These regions face rising temperatures and unpredictable rainfall linked to global climate change, making cotton even thirstier and more difficult to sustain.

This conversation comes as major fashion brands face growing pressure to reduce their environmental impact . Several companies are rethinking their supply chains after new 2024–2025 regulations in Europe and the U.S. began demanding clearer reporting on water usage and climate risk.

Meanwhile, the ongoing droughts affecting North Africa , the American Southwest, and southern Europe have sparked new questions about which crops should be prioritised in a warming world. Cotton, with its high water footprint, is increasingly part of that debate.