Author
The Globalist
Articles by The Globalist
“That Prison Without Leisure Which is Called Russia”
Astolphe De Custine’s "Letters from Russia" – (1843): What de Tocqueville is to America, de Custine is to Russia.
April 20, 2022
Q&A: When Biden Meets Scholz
The Biden administration is greatly irritated by the SPD's submissive stance on Russia.
February 8, 2022
What Kind of Economy Will Germany’s New Leader Inherit?
Stephan Richter spoke to Marketplace’s David Brancaccio about the issues Germany's new chancellor Olaf Scholz will face in office.
December 7, 2021
The Globalist Chartroom: Religion
A collection of charts, maps and graphs exploring global religion.
December 24, 2020
MLK’s “I Have a Dream” Speech: The Forgotten Half
The passage of time has only heightened the urgency of Martin Luther King’s sobering message. We present the parts almost never quoted.
August 28, 2020
The Globalist Chartroom: Lebanon in Crisis
A collection of maps, charts and graphs exploring Lebanon.
August 8, 2020
The Globalist Chartroom: How China Breaks Hong Kong
A collection of charts, graphs and maps exploring the Hong Kong protests.
July 1, 2020
The Globalist Chartroom: Peak China
A collection of charts, graphs and maps exploring what China leads the world in.
May 22, 2020
Biden’s VP Choice: The Case of Stacey Abrams
To see just how utterly divided the Democratic Party really is, look no further than Joe Biden’s vice presidential choice. A dialogue among our readers.
May 12, 2020
May 8, 1945 Remembered: VE Day @ 75
Our best articles on the significance, the human toll and the consequences of the Second World War.
May 8, 2020
Infographic: The World — 10 Stunning Facts
10 stunning facts about the amazing world we live in.
May 1, 2020
Country Focus: Iran
A collection of features from our archives exploring Iran’s politics, history, economy and culture.
April 21, 2020
Infographic: A Global Truce?
To fight the coronavirus pandemic, Emmanuel Macron has proposed a world truce.
April 16, 2020
Infographic: Will US Stop Funding WHO?
Donald Trump has announced the US will stop funding the World Health Organization in the middle of a global pandemic.
April 15, 2020
Infographic: Coronavirus — Comparing Paris and Berlin
Why parks are open in Berlin while Paris is in total lockdown.
April 13, 2020
Barbara Ehrenreich: Rethinking American Optimism
From our archives (2010 edition): How has positive thinking affected U.S. society — for better and for worse?
April 12, 2020
Country Focus: Italy
A collection of features from our archives exploring Italy's politics, history, economy and culture.
March 22, 2020
The Globalist Culinary Tour: Italy
This week, The Globalist Culinary Tour explores the food and culture of Italy.
March 22, 2020
In Charts: Coronavirus
A collection of charts, maps and graphs exploring the coronavirus outbreak.
March 15, 2020
The Globalist Culinary Tour: Japan
This week, The Globalist Culinary Tour explores the food and culture of Japan.
March 7, 2020
In Charts: Global Hunger
A collection of charts, maps and graphs exploring global hunger -- in a world that has enough food to feed everyone.
December 31, 2019
Global Focus: Religion
Religion and culture are deeply entwined. Wherever there are people, there is some form of religious faith.
December 26, 2019
Global Democracy Under Threat
Global democracy is under threat. The ranks of authoritarian leaders of large nations not only include China, Russia and Turkey, but also the United States.
December 7, 2019
Fiona Hill, Author at The Globalist
A collection of articles on Russia by former National Security Council aide Fiona Hill.
November 23, 2019
Hong Kong: Past, Present, Future
An updated article collection on everything Hong Kong.
November 18, 2019
Dear Senator Graham: Why Give Trump a Blank Check?
A personal reflection on political principles and responsibilities.
May 20, 2019
In Charts: Checking Up on India
A collection of charts, maps and graphs exploring India.
May 15, 2019
India Elections: The Numbers
The Indian general election is the world's biggest democratic exercise -- and the numbers are staggering.
May 13, 2019
In Charts: The Yemen War
A collection of charts, maps and graphs explaining the Yemen war.
April 17, 2019
In Charts: Checking Up on Israel
A collection of charts, maps and graphs exploring Israel -- its politics, economy and its military.
April 10, 2019
In Charts: The Afghanistan War
A collection of charts, maps and graphs exploring the longest war is U.S. history.
April 5, 2019
In Charts: Huawei
A collection of charts, maps and graphs exploring the Chinese telecoms giant Huawei.
March 10, 2019
Christmas Greetings — The Global Version
Enjoy the holidays (in whichever date they may fall in your home culture).
December 24, 2018
In Charts: Global Poverty
A collection of charts, maps and graphs exploring global poverty, those affected and the challenges they face.
December 23, 2018
In Charts: Climate Change
A collection of charts, maps and graphs exploring the multiple facets of climate change.
December 12, 2018
In Charts: The Yellow Vests
A collection of charts, maps and graphs explaining France, the presidency of Emmanuel Macron and the Yellow Vest protests.
December 8, 2018
The G20’s Economic Weight
What share of the global economy is represented at the G20 summit?
December 2, 2018
The Scale of G20 Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Can the G20 summit help advance international cooperation on the environment?
December 2, 2018
G20: How Many Countries Really?
The G20 summit will represent a fifth of the world’s governments.
December 1, 2018
The G20 by Population
More than half of the global population is represented at the annual G20 summit.
December 1, 2018
Battery Production: Low-Risk Lithium (and Nickel)
Stable and secure countries produce most of two key metals for battery production.
November 12, 2018
Energy Extraction Politics in the Renewable Age
Emerging market economies in a post-oil era might find themselves in the same traps when mining for the necessary metals.
November 12, 2018
Cobalt for Batteries
Cobalt is the rechargeable battery component that is most geopolitically risky to obtain.
November 11, 2018
Japan’s High-Speed Rail
While pioneering Japan is no longer home to the biggest high-speed rail network in the world, it remains premiere.
September 9, 2018
Europe’s High-Speed Rail Leaders
Spain, France and Germany have the largest high-speed train networks after China and Japan.
September 9, 2018
The State of US High-Speed Rail
The fledgling network does not compare well to other countries with high-speed trains.
September 8, 2018
Why It’s Hard to Tax Sugary Products
An unusually complicated web of existing policy and lobby influences keep governments from forging ahead.
July 8, 2018
The Influential Sugar Industry
They dominate dietary research and policymaking, making public health adjustments challenging.
July 7, 2018
China & India: The Single Time-Zone Kings
The world’s two billion-person nations continue to stick to one time zone each.
July 1, 2018
Nine Time Zones: A Trace of American Empire?
How the United States ended up with one of the highest numbers of time zones for a single country.
July 1, 2018
Clocking Russia from East to West
The world’s largest country has 11 time zones across its hemispheric span.
June 30, 2018
France: Global Time Zone Leader
No longer a prime meridian country, the former empire still reigns with a dozen time zones.
June 30, 2018
Russia’s Global Tourism
A steep decline from one of the biggest spenders after several bumpy years in global politics.
May 25, 2018
Russia’s Amber Waves of Grain
Being the largest country by land area helps keep Russia one of the world’s big breadbowl economies.
May 25, 2018
Russia: Energy Resources and Corruption Perception
Russia has abundant natural resources, but is also highly dependent on them.
May 24, 2018
Russia’s Smoking Problem
On a per capita basis, Russia trails only neighboring Belarus in cigarette consumption.
May 24, 2018
Russian Migration: In and Out
Russia is home to a million more immigrants than its large emigrant diaspora.
May 23, 2018
The Russian Military-Industrial Complex by the Numbers
Only the United States sells more arms than Russia.
May 23, 2018
China Vs. the US: Who Has More Land?
The two countries have very similar land areas for now, but China has extensive additional claims.
April 14, 2018
China Vs. Europe: Living Standards and Costs
While much of China remains poor, some cities are now on par with EU levels.
April 14, 2018
China Vs. the US: Lifespan Gains
A child born in China today can expect to live decades longer than someone born in China in 1950.
April 13, 2018
The Free World Shrinks?
Are established democracies sliding back on democratic commitments?
April 1, 2018
National Income Vs. National Freedom
A nation’s income level doesn’t always correlate to its freedom level.
April 1, 2018
Land of the Increasingly Non-Free
Many young democracies with flawed institutions are struggling not to slide backward. Turkey has failed.
March 31, 2018
Turkey’s Erdogan: Leader-for-Life?
The country’s leader since 2003 has been adept at evading term limits or restarting the clock on them.
March 20, 2018
Strict Executive Term Limits: US Still a Leader?
The country might be constitutionally backward on other fronts, but it is still a model on executive term limits.
March 20, 2018
China’s Term-Limit Rollback
Post-Mao term limits became important when China’s presidency took on the country’s lead role, but Xi Jinping is ending them.
March 19, 2018
Russia’s Long-Serving Leaders
Putin embarked on yet another re-election bid, making full use of his constitutional changes over the years.
March 19, 2018
Western Europe: The Fastest-Closing Gender Gap
Which world regions have the widest gender gaps and which are closing slowest?
March 14, 2018
The Economic Participation Gender Gap: Two More Centuries?
Across five economic dimensions, women’s inclusion in recent years has been slower than in other areas of life.
March 14, 2018
The Women’s Education Gap is Nearly Closed
Health outcomes are even closer but moving in the wrong direction.
March 14, 2018
International Women’s Day: 100 More Years to Parity?
The overall gender gap and the political representation gap specifically is still a century from closing at the current pace.
March 14, 2018
South Africa’s Xenophobia Problem
Once a haven for other Africans, the country’s economic crisis has soured public opinion on foreigners.
March 4, 2018
South Africa’s Violent Crime Problem
Decades after Apartheid, violence remains an unresolved obstacle to the country’s success.
March 4, 2018
Zuma’s Grand Corruption
South Africa’s clean government activists have prevailed against the former president, but it will take time to undo his damage.
March 3, 2018
South Africa’s Economic Troubles Continue
The Zuma era is finally over. What a mess he left behind.
February 26, 2018
A Growing Water Crisis in South Africa
A rapidly approaching emergency in Cape Town threatens to spill over.
February 26, 2018
South Korea: Corruption & Self-Censorship
Press freedom in South Korea is slipping and public perception of corruption is rising.
February 10, 2018
South Korea: Moving Up the Global League Table
South Korea’s $1.4 trillion economy was about 52 times larger than North Korea’s in 2014.
February 10, 2018
Push for Automation: South Korea Vs. China
China hopes to shift production from low-wage human labor to robots, as South Korea has done.
February 10, 2018
America’s Sea of Prescription Opioids
The U.S. consumes a much greater share of prescription painkillers than its global population share would suggest.
January 30, 2018
Out of Proportion: US Carbon Emissions
How does the U.S. CO2 output compare to its population share?
January 29, 2018
US Gun Ownership Vs. The World
The share of global guns in the United States is at least ten times the country’s population share.
January 28, 2018
US Obesity in Global Perspective
What is the U.S. share of the global problem compared to overall population share?
January 28, 2018
Iran Protests: The “Military Economy” Dimension
A big share of Iran’s economy is owned by the business wings of the armed forces.
January 17, 2018
Iran Protests: The Oil and Gas Dimension
Iranians have long taken national pride in their natural resource wealth. But ordinary people aren’t seeing the benefits.
January 16, 2018
Iran Protests: The Inflation Dimension
Once again, sharply rising food prices contribute to turmoil.
January 16, 2018
Iran Protests: Urbanization as a Factor
Most Iranians live in cities. Protests are no longer confined to Tehran and other big cities, as the move to small cities is changing the landscape of protests.
January 15, 2018
Iran Protests: The Young and the Jobless
Iran’s economy continues to struggle with not finding enough jobs for its young.
January 15, 2018
Countries with 50 Million Native Speakers Each
More than 20 languages are spoken as a first language by 50 million or more people.
January 1, 2018
The Most Widely Spoken Language
Which language has entered common usage in the greatest number of countries?
December 31, 2017
Over 400 Languages: India and the United States
The world’s second- and third-most populous countries share a linguistic diversity.
December 30, 2017
One Country, More than 800 Languages
What are the three most linguistically-diverse countries today?
December 29, 2017
Child Poverty: Asia’s Best Performer
South Korea performs as well as Nordic economies on avoiding child poverty.
December 28, 2017
Child Poverty in the United States
The U.S. relative child poverty rate is the worst of the G7 economies.
December 26, 2017
Child Poverty in Germany
Almost one in ten German children is seriously disadvantaged.
December 26, 2017
Emissions Control and Electric Cars in 2020
The short-term prospects for electrification of light passenger vehicles globally are still small.
December 11, 2017
Electric Cars in 2025 and 2040: New Policies
With minimal policy intervention, electrification of cars is likely to remain too slow for the world’s climate action needs.
December 11, 2017
Electric Cars: How Many Today Worldwide?
Electrification has been slow to convert the passenger automobile market, despite recent leaps.
December 10, 2017
Electric Cars in 2040: Sustainable Development
Are we on course to electrify enough cars to meet climate change mitigation targets?
December 10, 2017
After Mugabe: 1980s Africa on the Way Out?
As the fixtures of the 1980s make their exit in Africa, attention turns to the 90s dictators.
November 26, 2017
Museveni: The New Number 3 Post-Mugabe
Two 1980s coup leaders move up the African strongman rankings with the removal of Mugabe from power.
November 26, 2017
No Mugabe: Mswati III is a Real African King
The new fourth-longest-ruling African leader is an absolute monarch.
November 26, 2017
The World’s Longest-Ruling Strongman
After Mugabe’s exit, Equatorial Guinea’s Teodoro Obiang remains unchallenged for the title of the world’s longest ruling dictator.
November 25, 2017
Mugabe Out: Cameroon’s Leader is Now Africa’s Second-Longest Ruling
Cameroon’s Paul Biya now takes the place of Zimbabwe’s Mugabe as Africa’s second-longest ruling leader.
November 25, 2017
Beyond Mugabe: Angola’s Strongman Also Bowed Out in 2017
José Eduardo dos Santos left oil-rich Angola’s presidency on his own terms after 38 years.
November 25, 2017
Myanmar: An Atmosphere of Persecution
The transition to democracy has not included protections for minorities like the Rohingyas.
November 19, 2017
Indonesia: Colonial Independence and the Cold War
From Dutch rule to one of the world’s major economies and populations.
November 18, 2017
Colonialism and Cambodia
A once-great empire is now a largely overlooked dictatorship.
November 18, 2017
Thailand: Southeast Asia’s Buffer Country
How Thailand avoided European colonization.
November 18, 2017
Global Population Growth Per Minute
On balance, how many more people did Earth gain every minute of the past year?
November 10, 2017
Annual Population Growth by Region
How much did different world regions gain in population over the past year?
November 10, 2017
The Global Gender Balance in 2017
What share of the population of each world region is female?
November 10, 2017
From Land to Sea: Plastic Trash as Far as the Eye Can See
Millions of tons of plastics end up in landfills and oceans each year.
October 12, 2017
Plastic Consumption: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Plastics have been both a gift and a curse from an environmental standpoint
October 12, 2017
Plastic Waste: The World Makes, China Takes
China now imports a majority of the world’s annual waste plastic.
October 12, 2017
Striding Tall: US Vs. USSR
Did the capitalist United States or the communist Soviet Union experience faster height increases?
October 7, 2017
Denmark: A Head and Shoulders Above
How tall is the tallest national population in the world?
October 7, 2017
A Great Leap Upward?
In the 20th century, Southern Europe and China experienced height increases along with economic development.
October 7, 2017
The State of European Wind
Which EU countries make the current global top ten for installed wind capacity?
September 30, 2017
Indian and Brazilian Wind: Overlooked Power Players
Not known for their wind energy, the two countries are emerging as bigger producers.
September 30, 2017
China’s Wind Investment
At home and abroad, China dominates wind energy production.
September 30, 2017
US Energy: Which Way the Wind Blows
Wind energy in the United States is growing, but how does it compare globally?
September 30, 2017
The US Wine Generation
Behind the emergence of the world’s largest national wine consumer.
September 17, 2017
World Leaders in Wine Imports
Which two countries are the largest buyers of foreign wine?
September 17, 2017
France, Italy and Spain: Still Wine Kings?
How do the three countries compare on consumption and exports of wine?
September 17, 2017
Chinese Vineyards: On the Rise
As wine cultivation declines elsewhere, China is climbing toward the top.
September 17, 2017
Russia’s Oil Reserves by the Numbers
A lucrative source of state revenue feels the squeeze.
September 12, 2017
The State of Persian Gulf Oil Reserves
How do the region’s large proven reserves stack up in a global context?
September 12, 2017
Canadian Oil: A Fading Star
Canada may have one of the largest oil reserves in the world, but nearly all of it will not be financially accessible.
September 11, 2017
Venezuelan Oil: Savior or Achilles Heel?
The huge oil reserves that made a socialist revolution possible also put it in jeopardy.
September 11, 2017
US Defense Firms: A Trump Windfall?
Most global defense spending increases tend to benefit US-based firms by default.
July 24, 2017
Voter Turnout in Europe: Highs and Lows
How many voting-age people show up to vote in France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland and Belgium?
June 28, 2017
Eradicating Extreme Poverty Soon?
Having met an earlier goal of reducing extreme poverty, can the world end it?
June 18, 2017
Extreme Poverty Worldwide Today
How many people worldwide are living on less than $1.90 per day?
June 18, 2017
Florida: The Global Picture
How many countries, other than the US, have larger economies than Florida?
June 15, 2017
Texas and New York in a Global Context
Which countries have larger economies than the "Lone Star" and "Empire" states?
June 15, 2017
California on the World Stage
How many countries, other than the US, have larger economies than California?
June 10, 2017
NATO: The US Share
How much does the United States actually pay to support NATO, despite Trump’s claims?
May 26, 2017
GM: No. 3 Worldwide, Still Top in the US
The leading US automaker continues to slip in the rankings, especially with an upcoming sale.
May 3, 2017
Post-Brexit Europe: Population and Economic Policy
For the EU, Brexit means a shift toward smaller countries and less free-market countries.
April 21, 2017
Social Mobility in Northern Europe
How do the Nordic countries and German rank on generational ability to move up in the world?
April 8, 2017
Two-Percenters: The NATO Six
Which countries are within reach of Trump’s demand on defense spending?
March 27, 2017
The Make America Great Again (MAGA) Military
Trump plans to boost annual U.S. defense spending by more than Russia’s entire defense budget.
March 13, 2017
Stephan Richter on German TV: “What is Trump Up To?”
TV interview on Trump's first week in office.
February 9, 2017
The Globalist’s Top 10 Books of 2016
The ten best books on key global issues we presented on The Globalist Bookshelf this year.
December 25, 2016
South Africa: Between Growth and Chaos
A stalled economy, a growing population and the ruling ANC still faltering.
October 18, 2016
Hillary Clinton – The Globalist’s Top 15 Features
The Globalist's presents its top features on Hillary Clinton's journey to the White House.
September 26, 2016
South Africa’s Ray of Hope
How South Africa outperforms other leading emerging economies for press freedom.
May 27, 2016
Can India Surpass China’s Economy by 2050?
9 facts on the economic rise of India after a delayed start.
May 8, 2016
Fishermen in Coastal Sri Lanka
Despite great hardship, the Nishanti family remain in their coastal home.
May 8, 2016
Tourism Takes Over in Oman
The rise of beachfront resorts blocks local access to the sea that fed generations of Omanis.
April 30, 2016
Moving with the Market in India
An man from the slums of India makes his living by doing the dangerous work of painting high-rise towers in Kolkata.
April 17, 2016
Amidst the War, Find Music on the West Bank
Hidden within Palestine's contested West Bank, one man brings joy through music to the local people.
April 9, 2016
Traditional Handicrafts in Peru
Civil strife has forced a craftsman from the mountains of Peru to live off what he can create with his hands.
March 26, 2016
Ghana’s Bamboo Bicycles
An enterprising Ghanaian man works with a team of locals to produce stunning bicycles from bamboo.
March 19, 2016
Karate Comes to Burkina Faso
Asian martial arts films have inspired young people in Burkina Faso to pick up karate.
March 13, 2016
Solar Sustainability in Egypt
An innovative start-up in Egypt provides a means for local farmers to use clean solar energy on their farms.
January 31, 2016
Corn Provides Life in Nicaragua
Farmers in Nicaragua still subsist off corn, the crop that made civilization possible in Mesoamerica.
January 10, 2016
Pedal For Your Life in Guatemala!
Carlos Enrique Marroquin runs an innovative charity in Guatemala that recycles bicycle parts into pedal-powered machines.
January 2, 2016
A Colombian Family is Reunited through Enterprise
Despite a rough run-in with paramilitary groups in Colombia, one man's ambition reunites his family of 13.
January 1, 2016
Factoring in Deforestation Emissions
What percentage of global CO2 emissions from human activity stems from deforestation and land conversion?
December 3, 2015
Bolivia’s Fair Trade Gold
A Fair Trade certified gold mine in Bolivia offers a sustainable solution to a typically exploitative industry.
November 28, 2015
Adapt to Survive: Urban Flooding in the Philippines
Unable to afford relocation, residents of the flooded village of Artex are forced to adapt to survive.
November 14, 2015
Singapore Goes Green
A unique urban farming project thrives in the heart of Singapore.
November 7, 2015
Win-Win Entrepreneurship in Iran
An Iranian farmer has devised a way to both help nomads move their herds, and protect his farmland.
November 1, 2015
The Increasing Global Obesity Rate
The share of people globally who are overweight or obese is increasing rapidly.
October 30, 2015
6 Facts: Obesity in the United States
The future of health care in the United States could be highly dependent on the nation’s average waistline.
October 29, 2015
10 Facts: The Developing World’s Obesity Problem
The developing world’s obesity rate is gradually catching up with developed nations.
October 28, 2015
6 Facts: The World’s Heavyweight Nations
More than half of the world’s obese population live in just 10 nations.
October 27, 2015
Seizing Opportunity in Myanmar
A father and son leap to fill a needed role in the emerging market of Myanmar.
October 17, 2015
Life Lessons in the Boxing Ring
George Khosi runs a boxing club in South Africa that aims to help local street kids.
October 10, 2015
Coffee: The Italian Connection
Coffee was first introduced to Italy in the 1500s as a result of the thriving trade between Venice and North Africa and the Middle East.
September 28, 2015
Coffee: The Brazilian Connection
Brazil is the largest coffee consumer among the world’s developing countries.
September 28, 2015
Haiti: Rebuilding the Right Way
After the devastating earthquake in 2011, one Haitian civil engineer took it upon herself to rebuild Haiti the right way.
September 20, 2015
Female Entrepreneurship Thrives in Poland
Poland leads the charge on female entrepreneurship, with more than one-third of its companies run by women.
September 13, 2015
Afghanistan: From Subjugation to Success
Following the fall of the Taliban, Kamila Sidiqi has taken full advantage of the new rights afforded to women.
September 5, 2015
Working the Ranch in Montana
Following in the footsteps of her ancestors, Megan herds cattle on a 2,000 acre ranch in Montana.
August 29, 2015
Uganda’s Technology Boom
Business incubators in Uganda are helping young technology entrepreneurs pursue their dreams.
August 15, 2015
Uruguay: Paying Homage to the Old Gods
Residents of Uruguay's capital, Montevideo, gather to celebrate the festival of the sea goddess Yemanjá.
August 9, 2015
Photo Essay: Havana’s Favorite Mechanic
A Cuban mechanic makes the most of the meager supplies Havana has to offer.
July 5, 2015
The Uber of Athens
In 2011, Nikos Drandakis launched an app connecting people and taxis in Athens.
June 21, 2015
The World’s Biggest Arms Importer
Which country imported the most arms in recent years -- Saudi Arabia, China, UAE or India?
June 17, 2015
Can Nigeria Finally Turn the Corner?
Africa's largest economy ranks among the hardest places to do business.
May 30, 2015
Moldova: Children of Migrants Abroad
Moldova's weak job market forces migrant workers to leave their families.
May 22, 2015
Racial Disparity in the United States
Why are black Americans protesting across the nation?
May 2, 2015
Legacies of the Vietnam War
A team of brave women work to remove an explosive legacy of the Vietnam War from Laos.
April 30, 2015
Global Migration in Perspective
Back in 1900, immigrants made up 3% of the global population. What is the percentage today?
April 26, 2015
Hydro Power Over Homes in Peru
The homes of the Ashaninka people are threatened by the construction of a hydroelectric dam in Peru.
April 25, 2015
The Rise — and Fall? — of Google
Google’s dominance of the internet could bring them under threat of antitrust action.
April 19, 2015
Yemen: Youth Bulges and Geopolitics
A youth-heavy population in Yemen could spell increased insecurity in the future.
April 18, 2015
The Sand Lords of Dubai
As the working day comes to an end, workers in Dubai congregate to enjoy a bout of wrestling in the sand.
April 18, 2015
At Home in Cuba’s Campoamor Theatre
Even though the last curtain fell in 1965, one man still calls Havana's Campoamor Theatre home.
April 11, 2015
Taking Stock of the World’s Billionaires
Stunning facts about the world’s wealthiest people.
April 6, 2015
Nigeria: Lights, Camera, Action!
Each year, Nigeria's film industry makes more movies than Hollywood. Get behind the scenes with these photos.
April 4, 2015
When Do Planes Crash?
During which phase of flight do most fatal commercial aviation accidents occur?
March 28, 2015
Urbanization in Serbia
Despite widespread migration to urban areas in Serbia, some communities maintain traditions.
March 22, 2015
Untouched Cambodia
Despite rapid growth in tourism and commercial industry, there are still parts of Cambodia untouched by this development.
March 15, 2015
Biofuels in Malaysia: Not So Sustainable?
Logging in Malaysia has cost the Batek Negritos much of their rainforest homeland.
March 7, 2015
7 Facts: New York, the World’s Second City
New York and the role of urban economies in the United States and the world.
March 7, 2015
9 Facts on China’s Economy Overtaking the United States
For China, the dramatic economic milestone in 2014 represents a return to past glory.
March 6, 2015
Wealth Per Person: Where the U.S. Stays Ahead of China
On one metric, China will still trail the U.S. economy for the rest of this century.
March 5, 2015
Myanmar: Captain at the Helm
A young Myanmarese boy takes the helm of his father's boat.
February 28, 2015
10 Facts: Women in the Workforce: U.S. Versus the Rest
Are U.S. women still leading OECD nations in workforce participation?
February 26, 2015
Women in the Workforce: A Global Perspective
Seven decades since the end of World War II, do U.S. women still lead in workforce participation rates?
February 26, 2015
Indigenous Mexicans’ Homes Under Threat
The Tzotzil people of southern Mexico survive off land the government wants to repossess.
February 22, 2015
10 Facts on Modern Slavery in Mexico and Haiti
One large country and one small country both struggle with modern slavery.
February 20, 2015
9 Facts on Modern Slavery in Nigeria
The Boko Haram insurgency is worsening an already-grave problem facing Nigeria.
February 19, 2015
The New Russian Empire: Modern Slavery in Russia
154 years after the abolition of serfdom, Russia is Europe’s most slave-holding nation, in modern terms.
February 16, 2015
India: The Center of Modern Slavery?
10 facts on modern slavery in India and beyond.
February 14, 2015
Secret Love in Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, love is complicated by tradition and familial expectations.
February 14, 2015
5 Facts: The World’s Largest City
Tokyo stands above the rest as the world’s largest metropolitan economy.
February 12, 2015
6 Facts: China’s Growing Middle Class
The Chinese government has shifted its economic focus on home.
February 10, 2015
Key Facts: The Global Rise of Consumers
Private consumption is rising rapidly in the world’s emerging markets.
February 9, 2015
Malian Blacksmith Associations
In Mali, local blacksmiths work without electricity to forge for the local community.
February 7, 2015
Where the Billionaires Are
Just six countries account for more than half (1,228) of the world’s 2,325 billionaires.
February 6, 2015
5 Facts: Japan’s Aging Workforce
Japan’s pension schemes have turned their workforce into one of the oldest in the world.
February 6, 2015
Slavery in the 21st Century
Five countries account for over 60% of the 35.8 million people worldwide trapped in modern slavery.
February 5, 2015
6 Facts: Pensions for the Aging Workforce
Where you live can have a huge impact on your pension benefits.
February 5, 2015
Europe’s Muslim Minorities
France and Germany have the largest Muslim populations in Western Europe.
February 4, 2015
7 Facts: All Play and No Work?
Mediterranean Europe takes the gold on early golden years.
February 4, 2015
Where the World’s Muslims Live
The world’s Muslim population is highly concentrated in the Asia-Pacific region.
February 3, 2015
5 Facts: The Workers Won’t Stop Working
On average, over half of 55-64 year-olds are still working throughout the OECD.
February 3, 2015
7 Facts: The Rapidly Vanishing U.S. Manufacturing Worker
The share of jobs held in the manufacturing sector continue to fall in the United States.
February 2, 2015
6 Facts: Tracking the Spread of Tea
Tea originated in China, but it took the British Empire for it to spread.
February 1, 2015
Afghan Women Train to Save Lives
Afghan women train as midwives at a clinic in order to help save lives in their villages.
February 1, 2015
10 Facts on the Origins of Gay Rights in Berlin
Nineteenth century Berlin was the birthplace of gay rights.
January 31, 2015
12 Facts: Europe’s Immigration Nations
The United States isn't the only country that can claim to be a nation of immigrants.
January 30, 2015
India: Getting Back to No. 2
India used to have the world’s second-largest economy. Can it reclaim that position?
January 26, 2015
9 Facts: Saudi Arabia’s Shiite Problem
Saudi Arabia is 93% Muslim. But it is more divided than it appears.
January 24, 2015
10 Facts: Where the World’s Muslims Live
The world’s Muslim population is highly concentrated in the Asia-Pacific region.
January 24, 2015
Football in Kolkata
A 90 year old rivalry between two Indian football teams continues today.
January 24, 2015
8 Facts: Where the Billionaires Are
Nearly 25% of the world's billionaires hail from a single country.
January 23, 2015
The Globalist’s Top 10 Features on Greece
Understanding Greece's crucial role in Europe.
January 22, 2015
Europe’s Eager Islamism Understanders
Is Europe's long slumber about Islamist ideology about to end?
January 22, 2015
8 Facts: Counting Billionaires
There is only one billionaire for every 3.2 million people on Earth.
January 22, 2015
7 Facts: Billionaires Vs. the Rest of Us
Forget the top 1%, the top 0.00003% have all the money.
January 21, 2015
10 Facts: Europe’s Muslim Minorities
Even in France, Muslims represent less than 10% of the population.
January 20, 2015
9 Facts: The Lonely Female Billionaire
Though billionaire females are greatly outnumbered by billionaire men, their combined wealth is still staggering.
January 19, 2015
8 Things You Didn’t Know About Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is often overlooked among the South Asian nations. Here are eight reasons it shouldn’t be.
January 17, 2015
10 Facts: Why European Women Are Leaning In
When it came to women working, the United States once led. Now it lags.
January 15, 2015
8 Facts: Manufacturing’s Shrinking Share of U.S. GDP
Americans have traded jobs in manufacturing for jobs in the service sector.
January 14, 2015
The Human Side of North Korea
North Koreans aren’t the robots they are often portrayed as in Western newspapers and magazines.
January 10, 2015
6 Facts: American Women Aren’t Going Back to Work (Yet)
Women left the workforce in droves after the last U.S. recession. So far, they haven't come back.
January 6, 2015
Best of the Globalist Quiz 2014
A selection of our favorite Globalist Quizzes from 2014.
January 3, 2015
Women’s Rights in Ghana: Protecting Widows
Akumaa Mama Zimbi helps widows in Ghana preserve their land and their rights.
January 3, 2015
8 Facts: Assessing Ukraine’s Options
Realism needs to prevail in Kiev, but the prospects aren't that dim.
January 2, 2015
Folk Music Thrives in Slovenia
Hinko Sernc has been practicing Slovenian folk music since before the Great Depression.
December 31, 2014
Where the Manufacturing Jobs Are
What percentage of U.S. jobs does the manufacturing sector account for?
December 30, 2014
The Globalist’s Top 10 Features on Japan
Top features on Japan's uncertain future.
December 30, 2014
A Story of Poverty in New York City
A young couple in New York City try to panhandle enough money to raise a child.
December 27, 2014
The Globalist’s Top 10 Features on Women
A selection of the most interesting features on women and gender issues published by The Globalist in 2014.
December 25, 2014
The Globalist’s Top 10 Features on African Americans
A selection of the best features on African Americans published by The Globalist in 2014.
December 22, 2014
The Globalist’s Top 10 Features on Africa
A selection of the most interesting features on Africa published by The Globalist in 2014.
December 17, 2014
The Homeless in Tokyo: An Understated Issue
Homeless people in Tokyo number more than the government wants to admit and sleep in the shadow of City Hall.
December 13, 2014
10 Facts: Literacy Rates in India
India faces a large gender divide when it comes to literacy rates.
December 12, 2014
6 Facts: Literacy Rates of Young People
Literacy rates among young people are improving.
December 11, 2014
8 Facts: Adult Literacy Rates
Adult literacy rates have been improving year on year since the 1950s.
December 10, 2014
America’s Unfulfilled Promise: An Economic Bill of Rights
Roosevelt's 1944 State of the Union message to Congress shows the U.S. the way forward.
December 9, 2014
11 Facts: China’s Improving Literacy Rate
Since 1990, China's literacy rate has been rapidly improving.
December 9, 2014
Minorities in Vietnam: The Muslim Champa People
The beautiful rituals of the Champa people in Vietnam.
December 7, 2014
9 Facts: Vietnam and South Korea’s Path to Shared Prosperity
How trade and investment can overcome a treacherous historical legacy.
December 4, 2014
5 Facts: Does Germany Deflate the Rest of Europe?
France's cost of labor and goods is actually on track with EU goals. Germany's is way out of line.
December 4, 2014
Sarkozy: A Comeback in France?
The former French President's return to the Elysée Palace will be anything but a cosy affair.
December 2, 2014
Piketty on Immigration
Why aren't poor Americans more up-in-arms over rising levels of income inequality?
December 1, 2014
8 Facts on India’s Literacy Problem
Indian women account for one of every four illiterate adults worldwide.
November 30, 2014
I, Robot: 10 Facts
The automotive industry dominates the ever growing field of robotics.
November 28, 2014
7 Facts: The World’s Working Poor
Many of the world's poorest workers have jobs, but their jobs don't pay enough for them to escape poverty.
November 27, 2014
9 Facts: Unemployment in the Developing World
Lack of jobs remains a stubborn problem for the world's most vulnerable workers.
November 26, 2014
6 Facts on Youth Unemployment: A Turkey-Sized Problem
The global economy is recovering -- but young people are still getting left behind.
November 25, 2014
7 Facts: Unemployed Workers of the World, Unite!
Advanced economies account for a disproportionate share of global joblessness.
November 24, 2014
13 Facts about Winston Churchill
The remarkable downsides of Britain's most famous leader.
November 24, 2014
18 Facts: Christians in China
Despite current attempts at suppression, the number of Christians is growing.
November 23, 2014
Immigration: Drain on Resources or Source of Growth?
What is the effect of immigration on national budgets? What is the GDP growth effect?
November 22, 2014
Blind Women Make Music in Egypt
A government program in Egypt helps educate and train young blind woman as classical musicians.
November 22, 2014
Holy Shit!
India has 17% of the worlds population but accounts for 60% of all people with no access to toilets.
November 20, 2014
The Connection Between Toilets and Rape in India
Around 65 percent of the rural population in India defecates in the open - this puts women at risk.
November 20, 2014
10 Facts: “Open Defecation” in India
India needs to change some sanitation habits to protect health and safety.
November 19, 2014
Aborigines in Australia: Living Off of the Land
Community leader Gordon "Sunno" Mitchell helps hold a local Aboriginal community together in Australia.
November 16, 2014
Climate Policy and the Developing World
Poor, low-carbon emitting nations are being targeted unfairly.
November 13, 2014
12 Facts on China’s Economic History
China's boom restores the country's former global economic preeminence.
November 10, 2014
For Whom the Wall Fell?
How are the former Soviet Union and other Central and Eastern European nations faring?
November 7, 2014
Obama’s Scorecard
Are Americans better off today than they were when President Obama was sworn in as president?
November 4, 2014
Enterprise in Kenya: Small Business is a Big Dream
Moses has forged a truly successful small businesses in Kenya but his story is a rare one.
November 2, 2014
12 Facts on Sergeant-at-Arms in Ottawa and in History
The Canadians experience with terrorism brings the historic role to light.
October 30, 2014
11 Facts on India’s Global Clout
How much clout does India have in today's global economy?
October 30, 2014
11 Facts on Indonesia in the Global Economy
How much clout does Indonesia have in today's global economy?
October 30, 2014
Just The Facts: Brazil’s Global Economic Clout
How much clout does Brazil have in today's global economy?
October 29, 2014
A New World Emerges
Who's up, who's down: How much do you know about the global economy?
October 27, 2014
Capturing Traditional Life in Russia
Two elderly sisters embody a sometimes forgotten but not abandoned traditional style of living in Russia.
October 26, 2014
10 Facts: Women Politicians on the Rise Globally
Even Sub-Saharan Africa does better than the United States.
October 23, 2014
How the ECB Will Eke Out Some Growth (Almost)
The Eurozone is likely to grow at 0.9%.
October 21, 2014
9 Facts: Beethoven for the World
Beethoven's music helped fundamentally reshape the way we experience music.
October 19, 2014
Old Industry in Indonesia: Pictures of a Sugar Cane Community
Industrial communities in Indonesia form community around old sugar cane plants.
October 17, 2014
Russia: Really Part of Europe?
Most of Russia's land lies in the East, but most of its people live in the West.
October 17, 2014
5 Facts: Muslims and Islam – Now and Then
Can Islam rediscover the tolerance it practiced for many centuries?
October 15, 2014
10 Facts: Kurdistan and the Kurds
The history of Kurdistan helps explain the Kurds’ current conundrum.
October 14, 2014
Churchill’s Disgruntled Diatribe on Islam
The West's policy in the Muslim world may hearken back to opinions held by leaders from its past.
October 13, 2014
Charity in Brazil: Helping Children on the Street
Picturing the growth of homeless children in Brazil.
October 12, 2014
10 Facts: Women and the Nobel Prize
Across all disciplines, only one in twenty Nobel recipients have been women.
October 10, 2014
5 Facts: Texas Explains the U.S. Job Recovery
U.S. job market may be marching back to pre-recession numbers, but these gains are unevenly distributed.
October 9, 2014
9 Facts: Resurging Poland
Poland has come a long way since the fall of the Soviet Union.
October 8, 2014
Who Created ISIS?
Syria is the 14th country in the Muslim world to be invaded, occupied or bombed by U.S. forces.
October 7, 2014
Russia: Life After Empire
How much smaller is Russia today than in its days as an empire?
October 7, 2014
Labor in India: A Rickshaw Driver’s Story
Mohammed the rickshaw driver shows a slice of street life in India.
October 5, 2014
Cycling in Eritrea: Five Photos That Capture a National Obsession
Eritrea has one of Africa's most unique sporting crazes.
September 20, 2014
What Will The United Kingdom Look Like Without Scotland?
The impact is not as big as you think.
September 17, 2014
10 Facts: The World’s Newest (Potential) Nation
An independent Scotland would have slightly more people than Turkmenistan.
September 17, 2014
Smaller Nations in a Big World
Of the 193 countries in the United Nations, how many are smaller than Scotland?
September 17, 2014
Kazakhstan: the People Behind the Plans
People from all across Central Asia head to Astana, Kazakhstan to earn a living.
September 14, 2014
9 Facts: Millionaires Galore
How many people around the world can be called a millionaire?
September 10, 2014
9 Facts: Why Is the United States Trading Less With Africa?
The United States is the only major economy that trades less with Africa now than six years ago.
September 9, 2014
8 Facts: Taking Stock of Ukraine’s Economy
Ukraine's economy has been stuck in neutral since the end of the Cold War.
September 5, 2014
9 Facts: The World’s Polio Problem
Polio is still a big problem for poor, war torn countries.
September 3, 2014
5 Facts: Global Jet Set
Since the mid-20th century, the number of international tourists has grown rapidly.
August 30, 2014
Erdogan’s Turkey
Where does Recep Tayyip Erdogan's Turkey rank in terms of global competitiveness?
August 30, 2014
9 Facts: Race and Poverty in America
Half a century into the war on poverty in the United States, how are minorities faring?
August 28, 2014
Body Mass Index (BMI): Too Crude A Tool?
The measure still used globally for obesity actually does not measure fat.
August 24, 2014
The United Kingdom: The People Behind Poverty Statistics
The unique and compassionate Jones family fight inter-generational poverty
August 23, 2014
America’s 50-Year War on Poverty
Which of the United States' major racial groups has the highest poverty rate?
August 22, 2014
Too Much Salt: A Truly Global Health Problem
Adults consume too much salt, in a staggering 181 of 187 countries studied
August 21, 2014
African Americans: The State We’re In
Time for action: Black America's sad balance sheet 50 years after major civil rights reform.
August 21, 2014
Africa’s Electricity Divide
Sub-Saharan Africa has some of the lowest rates of access to electricity in the world.
August 13, 2014
9 Key Facts: Black-White Wage Gap in the United States
Since 2000, the wage gap between white and black Americans has increased dramatically.
August 12, 2014
6 Facts: Unemployment Among African Americans
Black unemployment rate is consistently twice that of whites.
August 11, 2014
8 Facts: U.S. Incarceration: Still a Very Unequal Nation
Incarceration of black Americans is over three times their 12.2% share of the U.S. population.
August 10, 2014
The State of Black America
Fifty years after the passage of the Civil Rights Act, how much progress have black Americans made?
August 10, 2014
7 Facts: African Americans and Education
The education gap between black and white students is still large.
August 9, 2014
7 Facts: Household Wealth in Black America
The wealth gap between whites and blacks has reached record levels.
August 8, 2014
8 Key Facts About Africa
Africa has one of the youngest and fastest-growing consumer markets in the world.
August 6, 2014
9 Facts: Africa’s Middle Class
For all the recent hype, inequality and joblessness stifle the dynamic growth of Africa's middle class.
August 6, 2014
5 Facts: The Biggest Predicament for Israel
Adverse demographic trends are at the heart of the problems for Israel.
July 31, 2014
12 Ways Tunnels Shaped Warfare
From antiquity to Gaza, tunnels let insurgents take on a powerful enemy
July 30, 2014
9 Facts: The Vanishing Russian Male
Russian males have one of the highest mortality rates outside of Sub-Saharan Africa.
July 29, 2014
The Shifting Landscape for Iran’s Women
Surprising Insights from a key country in the Middle East
July 27, 2014
11 Reasons the Mekong River Could Spark Asia’s First Water War
China dams the Mekong, threatening other nations’ peace and livelihood
July 27, 2014
10 Worrying Signs Argentina is Facing Yet Another Financial Crisis
Argentina is on the brink of its third major economic crisis in the last 35 years.
July 17, 2014
The Ancient Silk Road: What and Where It Was
A network that once carried gems, spices and silk now carries electronics.
July 12, 2014
As China Gets Rich…The World Slows
The laws of economics dictate that as China becomes rich, world economic growth starts to slow.
July 11, 2014
The World’s Millionaire Stock Is on the Rise
The world's "millionaire club" grew faster than most economies in 2013.
July 2, 2014
Larks and Owls: Sleep, Evolution and Industrialization
Sleep has a long evolutionary history. And yet science does not know why we do it.
June 27, 2014
U.S.-China: Per Capita Troop Strength
While the United States has 0.48% of its population in the military, China has only 0.17%.
June 25, 2014
The Global Economy’s “Group of 48”
About a quarter of the world's countries individually produce between 0.1% and 1% of global GDP.
June 16, 2014
The Global Economy’s 0.1% Club
The majority of the world’s nations produce less than 0.1% of global GDP.
June 16, 2014
It Is Lonely at the Top
Only 18 countries have more than a 1% share of the world’s total GDP.
June 12, 2014
U.S. Gun Ownership
Despite the unconscionable liberalization of U.S. gun laws, gun ownership rates have gone down. Why?
May 29, 2014
Why the Taliban Thrive in Pakistan
Why is Pakistan’s commercial hub less stable than ever?
May 28, 2014
The Poor in the World’s “Rich” Countries
In the US and elsewhere, the social and economic fallout from the 2008 financial crisis continues.
May 21, 2014
Why are Honey Bees Critical for Human Survival?
Fewer honey bees mean less to eat and higher food prices
May 17, 2014
Where China Truly Innovates
The old truism of Chinese copycatting no longer applies in the online world.
May 15, 2014
Sizing Up Nigeria’s Power Needs
Which common appliance uses about as much electricity in a year as the average Nigerian does?
May 10, 2014
How to Manage China
Is the highly centralized, top-down approach best for China’s future?
May 6, 2014
Outside War: Syria’s Women and Children Carry On, Abroad
Photo Gallery: Scenes of life in the world's second largest refugee camp.
May 4, 2014
The Curious Source of U.K. Competitiveness
Why does the U.K. keep aiding and abetting tax cheats?
May 1, 2014
Alibaba Goes Searching for Treasure (via U.S. IPO)
Adapting technology but depending on China’s huge e-commerce market.
April 28, 2014
U.S. vs. China: Measuring the Military
There are many ways to weigh the size of a nation's armed forces.
April 27, 2014
Asian Welfare States
What are Asian growth nations’ plans for developing modern welfare systems?
April 26, 2014
China’s Age-Old Matchmaking Traditions
What is the history behind marriage matchmaking in China and where is it headed?
April 19, 2014
Birth Rates in Africa: Not Following Asia
More contraception would help Africa educate the young and govern itself.
April 17, 2014
Russia and Europe: Separated at Birth
What were the geographic and economic factors that marked Russia’s development?
April 13, 2014
Africa’s Electricity Poverty
How many people in Africa live without any access to electricity?
April 13, 2014
Russia’s Miserable Century: 85 Million “Gone Missing”
What was the human cost of Russia's 20th century trials and tribulations?
April 10, 2014
Is China’s One-Party Rule Undemocratic?
Can one-party rule enable consensus, competence, the competition of ideas and a can-do spirit?
April 1, 2014
Parachuting Over Ukraine, at Age 90
War, uniforms, armies: Military memories in a troubled landscape.
March 30, 2014
10 Facts: Will Global Defense Spending Rise?
After Ukraine, many voices beat the drums for more money going to defense.
March 30, 2014
10 Facts: Sizing Up NATO’s Defense Spending
The euro crisis means NATO militaries are likely to shrink further.
March 30, 2014
10 Facts: Russia Vs. U.S. — Comparing Defense Spending
The two countries' defense is outsized – and on a parallel track of sorts.
March 30, 2014
United States: Not Exceptional, But One Nation Among Many
Americans' attitudes about the U.S. role in the world have changed markedly.
March 25, 2014
10 Steps Europe Must Take on Energy
How to meet the opportunity presented by Russia to ready the EU's energy policies for a more stable future
March 23, 2014
Malaysia’s Complex Ties With Islam
A closer look at a country in the global headlines
March 23, 2014
The Return of Jewish Germany
Since World War II, Germany has partially rebuilt its Jewish population.
March 22, 2014
Post-Russia: Europe’s Energy Alternatives, Realistically Viewed
Ten Facts: Breaking dependence on Russian energy is easier said than done
March 21, 2014
Spain May Have to Reset Its Culinary Clock
The structure of daily life in Spain gets revamped — an example of European unification.
March 19, 2014
Shortsighted Russia, Patient China
Ten ways Putin's Crimea intervention re-opens the door to territorial claims against Russia.
March 18, 2014
Ten Facts: Iran and the Internet
Can the reform government in Iran finally bring the country's internet up to speed?
March 18, 2014
Ukraine: Why Letting Go Is So Hard For Russia
The West and Russia both have vested interests in Ukraine’s future.
March 17, 2014
U.S. Fracking and the Russian Bear
Can U.S. shale gas really rebalance global supplier relationships?
March 17, 2014
U.S. Energy Exports and U.S. Foreign Policy
Is the U.S. hyping its shale gas options well beyond what it can actually deliver?
March 17, 2014
9 Ways Putin Has Let Russia Down
Grandstanding in Crimea runs counter to Russia's economic interests — and may cost Putin his power.
March 16, 2014
Russia’s Grip on Ukraine’s Energy Supply
Trying to loosen the symbiotic energy relationship between Russia and Europe.
March 12, 2014
Britain as Corrupt Russia’s Key Facilitator
How the City of London launders Russia's cash.
March 10, 2014
10 Facts for International Women’s Day
The state of women's rights around the world -- at a glance.
March 8, 2014
A Nation of Home Offices?
How has technology shifted the location of work in the United States?
February 4, 2014
Mr. Obama, Stop the Privatization of U.S. Intelligence!
Why the U.S. Congress must not turn a fundamental government responsibility over to the private sector.
January 30, 2014
India’s Water Crisis
How is India's inability to provide clean drinking water affecting its economy and people?
January 14, 2014
Gaza: Scenes of Human Tenacity
Young people hold on to the future, even as conflict surrounds them.
January 12, 2014
Electricity: Who’s the Cleanest of Them All?
Quiz: Brazil, Canada, Germany or US: Which major country performs best when using renewable sources?
January 11, 2014
America’s 50-Year War on Poverty
Key figures on poverty in the United States, five decades after President Johnson launched his “war.”
January 10, 2014
Guide to 2014: Global Issues
Our list of the top 10 issues facing the world in the coming year.
January 9, 2014
Ten Challenges Around the World in 2014
The Globalist identifies the biggest challenges facing some of the world's leading countries in the coming year.
January 9, 2014
Shanghai: Urban Family Life
For these couples, married life in the big city can be a big challenge.
January 5, 2014
Just The Facts: Noxious Beijing
What may be forcing the Chinese government's hand on cutting emissions?
January 4, 2014
Germany: What Makes A Nation Rich or Poor?
Are Germans less financially wealthy than those in Europe's poorer countries?
January 3, 2014
The Low-wage, Low-education U.S. Future?
Will the U.S. economy become dominated by retail, leisure and education/health services?
January 2, 2014
Top 10 Upcoming Global Elections
A list of the most interesting elections of 2014, by date.
January 1, 2014
Energy: Subsidizing the Rich
How do energy subsidies benefit the upper and middle classes at the expense of low-income people?
December 31, 2013
U.S.: Rich Get Richer, Everyone Else Pays Taxes
How capital rules the tax code and labor pays the bill.
December 30, 2013
The Globalist’s Top Books of 2013
Excerpts from the ten best books in our library this year.
December 29, 2013
Eastern Uganda: Back to School
With the end of LRA rebel attacks in Uganda, life has returned to normal for kids like Dan Opiding.
December 29, 2013
Africa’s Unretiring Leaders
Which current African leader has led his country the longest?
December 26, 2013
20 Facts About Mikhail Kalashnikov’s AK-47
From combat zones to inner city ganglands, the AK-47 has had a pervasive effect.
December 24, 2013
Pope Francis on Income Inequality
Excerpts from Pope Francis's July 2013 speech on social justice and income inequality in Rio de Janeiro.
December 24, 2013
Belarus: Women of World War II
Many women served on the Soviet front lines in Belarus as fighters, support staff and resistance.
December 22, 2013
Shenzhen: The 80s Generation Comes of Age
Life in the big city for a generation that grew up after the start of economic reforms.
December 15, 2013
Just The Facts: India Goes Mobile
Examining the astounding social trends of India.
December 14, 2013
Social Mobility: Why Grandparents Matter So Much
No other factor determines one’s material position in life more than one's grandparents.
December 13, 2013
Just The Facts: A Presidential Road Trip
What is involved in preparing a U.S. President's trip abroad?
December 11, 2013
America’s $10 Billion Club
How many of the top 500 U.S. companies generated $10 billion or more in profits in 2012?
December 10, 2013
Liberia: The True Cost of Education
Mercy Womeh breaks rocks for less than four U.S. dollars a day to afford education to lift herself from poverty in Liberia.
December 8, 2013
1913: Who Recognized the New China?
Which major nation in 1913 was first to recognize China's new republic -- and why?
December 7, 2013
Nelson Mandela: 95 Years of Fighting for Peace
Nelson Mandela (1918-2013): freedom fighter, political prisoner, President of South Africa, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize.
December 5, 2013
Made in the USA: Iran’s Grievances
From Tehran's perspective, why is it so hard to have better relations with the US?
December 4, 2013
Bailing Out the Eurozone
What are the four ways to solve the eurozone's economic troubles?
December 2, 2013
Syria: When the Front Line is Everywhere
Syrian civilians and fighters pause for a photo, as the war rages around them.
December 1, 2013
Qatar: A Close-up
Are the wealthy few in the Persian Gulf nation of Qatar exploiting poor foreign workers?
November 30, 2013
Saudi Arabia’s Youth: Idle and Underskilled
How does Saudi Arabia's reliance on foreign labor affect its youth?
November 29, 2013
Italy: Lawyers Numerous, Justice Scarce
Italy has four times more layers than France, despite its similar size.
November 28, 2013
Questioning the Economic Benefits of Low Taxes
How do social choices shed a light on differences in tax policy in the United States and Europe?
November 27, 2013
How the U.S. Replicates Its Moneyed Elite
Despite high achievement, low-income students don’t attend elite colleges.
November 25, 2013
Just the Facts: CEOs and the Rest of Us
Executive compensation wasn't always so outlandish (and still isn't in most other developed countries).
November 21, 2013
Scenes of Afghanistan in Transition
Faces of the Afghan people in a moment of great change.
November 17, 2013
Just the Facts: Shipping Out of Afghanistan
How Afghanistan continues to ensnare the United States.
November 17, 2013
Just the Facts: Nigeria’s Oil Thieves
A dangerous game plays out in Africa’s most populous nation.
November 15, 2013
Just the Facts: Where China Beats the Entire World
How China's high-speed rail network beat global expectations.
November 13, 2013
Pakistan Looking Into an Uncertain Future
Travelers gazing out of the Khyber Mail train's windows in Pakistan.
November 9, 2013
Just the Facts: Social Media, Back to the Future
New media are actually older than old media, the historic exception.
November 8, 2013
Chinese Civic Protest
How common are protests in China, despite the serious ramifications towards those who do so?
November 8, 2013
China: Haunted By Its History
Imagine yourself for a moment as a leader of China -- and size up the magnitude of the challenge.
November 7, 2013
China’s Real Leap Forward
The economic gains of China over four decades are truly astonishing.
November 6, 2013
A Closer Look at Germany’s Trade Deficits(!)
Germany may run a trade surplus overall, but with some countries it has a deficit.
November 5, 2013
Spain: Decreeing Structural Reform
How is the Spanish Prime Minister using an old political tactic to modernize Spain’s economy?
November 4, 2013
As US Poverty Rises, So Does Number of Rich Households
Amid recovery, U.S. income inequality is still on the rise.
October 31, 2013
Inequality: Obama Era’s Defining Feature?
Evidence that America isn’t working well for its people.
October 31, 2013
Fracking: The Circus Comes to Town
What does it take to set up a natural gas fracking operation?
October 29, 2013
Does the U.S. Really Have the World’s Highest Corporate Tax Rate?
Ending a favorite U.S. myth, in 10 facts.
October 28, 2013
Europe and Asia United at Last
Turkey finally realizes the dream of connecting the two continents underneath the Bosphorus.
October 27, 2013
The Rise of Cheap Solar Energy
How are existing utilities reacting to solar energy becoming cost-effective?
October 24, 2013
Anti-Migrant Backlash Growing in Europe
A new Financial Times/Harris poll reveals rising anti-migration backlash in the big EU member states.
October 22, 2013
Welfare States: And The Winner Is?
A performance comparison of the West’s three welfare models.
October 14, 2013
Who is Janet Yellen?
Who is President Obama's nominee for Chair of the U.S. Federal Reserve?
October 9, 2013
On the Rise Again: U.S. Health Care Spending
Why is U.S. health care spending about to start accelerating again?
October 9, 2013
The House of Unrepresentatives: 20 Facts About Congress In a Shutdown
The U.S. Congress is redefining the phrase "idle rich" during the government shutdown.
October 4, 2013
Can Germany Go Green?
Will Germany be successful in reducing its dependence on fossil fuels?
October 1, 2013
U.S. Ready for Clean Cars Yet?
U.S. car buyers are increasingly seeing clean cars as mainstream.
September 29, 2013
Food Stamp Nation
Is it really a surprise that the U.S. poor need support from programs like food stamps?
September 24, 2013
The Social Cost of U.S. Guns
How much does the United States spend each year on gun injuries, crimes and consequences?
September 24, 2013
Arctic Shipping on the Rise
How much has Arctic shipping grown in just a few years?
September 21, 2013
U.S. Stock Ownership: Who Owns? Who Benefits?
What percentage of Americans actually owns stock?
September 19, 2013
After Lehman: How US Debt Exploded
How much did public debt increase in US and EU due to the decision not to bail out Lehman Brothers?
September 18, 2013
German Elections: A Primer on Political Powersharing Since 1949
Politically speaking, Germany is a conservative country.
September 17, 2013
China’s Numbers Don’t Add Up
Chinese corruption and bureaucracy remain challenges for foreign businesspeople.
September 3, 2013
China’s Income Gap
China's rich-poor (and urban-rural) divide is looking more and more like the West's.
August 30, 2013
Guns Kill People, Unevenly
Gun violence falls along stark racial lines in the United States.
August 29, 2013
China Urbanizes
China already has over 100 cities with a population that exceeds 1 million people. What's next?
August 29, 2013
The Beacon of Democracy?
What steps can the United States take to make voting fairer?
August 28, 2013
The Battle Against “Apple Picking”
London, New York and San Francisco favor 'kill switch' to disable stolen phones.
August 26, 2013
Iraq’s Oil Hopes
Iraq hopes to up its oil production. But can it achieve these goals?
August 24, 2013
Emerging Consumers: A Big Turning Point
The consumer class is on the rise globally. Why is earning $10 a day a global economic pivot point?
August 21, 2013
1913: Population Growth and Imperial Ambitions
Did population growth help create the scenario for the first World War?
August 20, 2013
How Competitive Is the U.S.?
Americans like to think of their country as the top-ranked nation on many accounts. But does the perception match the reality?
August 19, 2013
Passing Up A Golden Opportunity
Vast infrastructure updates would be a wise choice for the United States.
August 18, 2013
Not China, Not Japan, Not North Korea
What is the real concern of average South Koreans?
August 18, 2013
Aid Workers Under Attack
Which country has been the site of the most attacks on aid workers between 2008 and 2012?
August 4, 2013
Sizing Up Europe
What is the average population size of an EU country? 5, 10, 20 or 40 million?
July 20, 2013
Perceptions of Superpowers
People think China will be the next superpower, but like the United States better.
July 18, 2013
Japan: Stuck in Neutral
Abe pivots between nationalists and modernity, big government and small government factions.
July 16, 2013
California Vs. the United States
California is a land of its own, constrained by 49 other states. How many of the smallest U.S. states would it take to reach the population of California?
July 13, 2013
Press Freedom in the G-20
Which country in the G-20, after China and Saudi Arabia, have the worst records on press freedom? Is it Turkey, Russia, India or Mexico?
June 14, 2013
The United States: A Very Uneven Recovery
Richest get richer, but 93% of households below lag behind.
May 13, 2013
The Declining Economic Might of American Men
Are men no longer bringing home the bacon in American marriages?
April 15, 2013
The U.S. Overqualification Crisis
Why the United States is looking to Germany for answers on higher education.
April 14, 2013
America’s Political Divide
New evidence of increasingly political polarization in the United States.
April 13, 2013
Toiling All Year Long
Which of these nations works the hardest by annual work hours: Greece, Germany, US or South Korea?
July 6, 2012
Top Ten Headlines of 2007
How did the world's economy in 2007 look to the headline writers?
December 31, 2007
Remembering Benazir Bhutto
What were murdered political leader Benazir Bhutto's views on Pakistan?
December 27, 2007
The Sputnik Shock
How did a 184-pound Soviet satellite hit the United States like a ton of bricks?
October 3, 2007
Commemorating Auschwitz: A Virtual Interview
How did foreign ministers of Israel, Germany and France commemorate the liberation of Nazi death camps?
January 27, 2005
NATO: Mending Fences
Will NATO be bale to play renewed substantial role after the fallout over Iraq?
May 15, 2003
“That Prison Without Leisure Which is Called Russia”
Astolphe De Custine’s "Letters from Russia" – (1843): What de Tocqueville is to America, de Custine is to Russia.
April 20, 2022
Q&A: When Biden Meets Scholz
The Biden administration is greatly irritated by the SPD's submissive stance on Russia.
February 8, 2022
What Kind of Economy Will Germany’s New Leader Inherit?
Stephan Richter spoke to Marketplace’s David Brancaccio about the issues Germany's new chancellor Olaf Scholz will face in office.
December 7, 2021
The Globalist Chartroom: Religion
A collection of charts, maps and graphs exploring global religion.
December 24, 2020
MLK’s “I Have a Dream” Speech: The Forgotten Half
The passage of time has only heightened the urgency of Martin Luther King’s sobering message. We present the parts almost never quoted.
August 28, 2020
The Globalist Chartroom: Lebanon in Crisis
A collection of maps, charts and graphs exploring Lebanon.
August 8, 2020
The Globalist Chartroom: How China Breaks Hong Kong
A collection of charts, graphs and maps exploring the Hong Kong protests.
July 1, 2020
The Globalist Chartroom: Peak China
A collection of charts, graphs and maps exploring what China leads the world in.
May 22, 2020
Biden’s VP Choice: The Case of Stacey Abrams
To see just how utterly divided the Democratic Party really is, look no further than Joe Biden’s vice presidential choice. A dialogue among our readers.
May 12, 2020
May 8, 1945 Remembered: VE Day @ 75
Our best articles on the significance, the human toll and the consequences of the Second World War.
May 8, 2020
Infographic: The World — 10 Stunning Facts
10 stunning facts about the amazing world we live in.
May 1, 2020
Country Focus: Iran
A collection of features from our archives exploring Iran’s politics, history, economy and culture.
April 21, 2020
Infographic: A Global Truce?
To fight the coronavirus pandemic, Emmanuel Macron has proposed a world truce.
April 16, 2020
Infographic: Will US Stop Funding WHO?
Donald Trump has announced the US will stop funding the World Health Organization in the middle of a global pandemic.
April 15, 2020
Infographic: Coronavirus — Comparing Paris and Berlin
Why parks are open in Berlin while Paris is in total lockdown.
April 13, 2020
Barbara Ehrenreich: Rethinking American Optimism
From our archives (2010 edition): How has positive thinking affected U.S. society — for better and for worse?
April 12, 2020
Country Focus: Italy
A collection of features from our archives exploring Italy's politics, history, economy and culture.
March 22, 2020
The Globalist Culinary Tour: Italy
This week, The Globalist Culinary Tour explores the food and culture of Italy.
March 22, 2020
In Charts: Coronavirus
A collection of charts, maps and graphs exploring the coronavirus outbreak.
March 15, 2020
The Globalist Culinary Tour: Japan
This week, The Globalist Culinary Tour explores the food and culture of Japan.
March 7, 2020
In Charts: Global Hunger
A collection of charts, maps and graphs exploring global hunger -- in a world that has enough food to feed everyone.
December 31, 2019
Global Focus: Religion
Religion and culture are deeply entwined. Wherever there are people, there is some form of religious faith.
December 26, 2019
Global Democracy Under Threat
Global democracy is under threat. The ranks of authoritarian leaders of large nations not only include China, Russia and Turkey, but also the United States.
December 7, 2019
Fiona Hill, Author at The Globalist
A collection of articles on Russia by former National Security Council aide Fiona Hill.
November 23, 2019
Hong Kong: Past, Present, Future
An updated article collection on everything Hong Kong.
November 18, 2019
Dear Senator Graham: Why Give Trump a Blank Check?
A personal reflection on political principles and responsibilities.
May 20, 2019
In Charts: Checking Up on India
A collection of charts, maps and graphs exploring India.
May 15, 2019
India Elections: The Numbers
The Indian general election is the world's biggest democratic exercise -- and the numbers are staggering.
May 13, 2019
In Charts: The Yemen War
A collection of charts, maps and graphs explaining the Yemen war.
April 17, 2019
In Charts: Checking Up on Israel
A collection of charts, maps and graphs exploring Israel -- its politics, economy and its military.
April 10, 2019
In Charts: The Afghanistan War
A collection of charts, maps and graphs exploring the longest war is U.S. history.
April 5, 2019
In Charts: Huawei
A collection of charts, maps and graphs exploring the Chinese telecoms giant Huawei.
March 10, 2019
Christmas Greetings — The Global Version
Enjoy the holidays (in whichever date they may fall in your home culture).
December 24, 2018
In Charts: Global Poverty
A collection of charts, maps and graphs exploring global poverty, those affected and the challenges they face.
December 23, 2018
In Charts: Climate Change
A collection of charts, maps and graphs exploring the multiple facets of climate change.
December 12, 2018
In Charts: The Yellow Vests
A collection of charts, maps and graphs explaining France, the presidency of Emmanuel Macron and the Yellow Vest protests.
December 8, 2018
The G20’s Economic Weight
What share of the global economy is represented at the G20 summit?
December 2, 2018
The Scale of G20 Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Can the G20 summit help advance international cooperation on the environment?
December 2, 2018
G20: How Many Countries Really?
The G20 summit will represent a fifth of the world’s governments.
December 1, 2018
The G20 by Population
More than half of the global population is represented at the annual G20 summit.
December 1, 2018
Battery Production: Low-Risk Lithium (and Nickel)
Stable and secure countries produce most of two key metals for battery production.
November 12, 2018
Energy Extraction Politics in the Renewable Age
Emerging market economies in a post-oil era might find themselves in the same traps when mining for the necessary metals.
November 12, 2018
Cobalt for Batteries
Cobalt is the rechargeable battery component that is most geopolitically risky to obtain.
November 11, 2018
Japan’s High-Speed Rail
While pioneering Japan is no longer home to the biggest high-speed rail network in the world, it remains premiere.
September 9, 2018
Europe’s High-Speed Rail Leaders
Spain, France and Germany have the largest high-speed train networks after China and Japan.
September 9, 2018
The State of US High-Speed Rail
The fledgling network does not compare well to other countries with high-speed trains.
September 8, 2018
Why It’s Hard to Tax Sugary Products
An unusually complicated web of existing policy and lobby influences keep governments from forging ahead.
July 8, 2018
The Influential Sugar Industry
They dominate dietary research and policymaking, making public health adjustments challenging.
July 7, 2018
China & India: The Single Time-Zone Kings
The world’s two billion-person nations continue to stick to one time zone each.
July 1, 2018
Nine Time Zones: A Trace of American Empire?
How the United States ended up with one of the highest numbers of time zones for a single country.
July 1, 2018
Clocking Russia from East to West
The world’s largest country has 11 time zones across its hemispheric span.
June 30, 2018
France: Global Time Zone Leader
No longer a prime meridian country, the former empire still reigns with a dozen time zones.
June 30, 2018
Russia’s Global Tourism
A steep decline from one of the biggest spenders after several bumpy years in global politics.
May 25, 2018
Russia’s Amber Waves of Grain
Being the largest country by land area helps keep Russia one of the world’s big breadbowl economies.
May 25, 2018
Russia: Energy Resources and Corruption Perception
Russia has abundant natural resources, but is also highly dependent on them.
May 24, 2018
Russia’s Smoking Problem
On a per capita basis, Russia trails only neighboring Belarus in cigarette consumption.
May 24, 2018
Russian Migration: In and Out
Russia is home to a million more immigrants than its large emigrant diaspora.
May 23, 2018
The Russian Military-Industrial Complex by the Numbers
Only the United States sells more arms than Russia.
May 23, 2018
China Vs. the US: Who Has More Land?
The two countries have very similar land areas for now, but China has extensive additional claims.
April 14, 2018
China Vs. Europe: Living Standards and Costs
While much of China remains poor, some cities are now on par with EU levels.
April 14, 2018
China Vs. the US: Lifespan Gains
A child born in China today can expect to live decades longer than someone born in China in 1950.
April 13, 2018
The Free World Shrinks?
Are established democracies sliding back on democratic commitments?
April 1, 2018
National Income Vs. National Freedom
A nation’s income level doesn’t always correlate to its freedom level.
April 1, 2018
Land of the Increasingly Non-Free
Many young democracies with flawed institutions are struggling not to slide backward. Turkey has failed.
March 31, 2018
Turkey’s Erdogan: Leader-for-Life?
The country’s leader since 2003 has been adept at evading term limits or restarting the clock on them.
March 20, 2018
Strict Executive Term Limits: US Still a Leader?
The country might be constitutionally backward on other fronts, but it is still a model on executive term limits.
March 20, 2018
China’s Term-Limit Rollback
Post-Mao term limits became important when China’s presidency took on the country’s lead role, but Xi Jinping is ending them.
March 19, 2018
Russia’s Long-Serving Leaders
Putin embarked on yet another re-election bid, making full use of his constitutional changes over the years.
March 19, 2018
Western Europe: The Fastest-Closing Gender Gap
Which world regions have the widest gender gaps and which are closing slowest?
March 14, 2018
The Economic Participation Gender Gap: Two More Centuries?
Across five economic dimensions, women’s inclusion in recent years has been slower than in other areas of life.
March 14, 2018
The Women’s Education Gap is Nearly Closed
Health outcomes are even closer but moving in the wrong direction.
March 14, 2018
International Women’s Day: 100 More Years to Parity?
The overall gender gap and the political representation gap specifically is still a century from closing at the current pace.
March 14, 2018
South Africa’s Xenophobia Problem
Once a haven for other Africans, the country’s economic crisis has soured public opinion on foreigners.
March 4, 2018
South Africa’s Violent Crime Problem
Decades after Apartheid, violence remains an unresolved obstacle to the country’s success.
March 4, 2018
Zuma’s Grand Corruption
South Africa’s clean government activists have prevailed against the former president, but it will take time to undo his damage.
March 3, 2018
South Africa’s Economic Troubles Continue
The Zuma era is finally over. What a mess he left behind.
February 26, 2018
A Growing Water Crisis in South Africa
A rapidly approaching emergency in Cape Town threatens to spill over.
February 26, 2018
South Korea: Corruption & Self-Censorship
Press freedom in South Korea is slipping and public perception of corruption is rising.
February 10, 2018
South Korea: Moving Up the Global League Table
South Korea’s $1.4 trillion economy was about 52 times larger than North Korea’s in 2014.
February 10, 2018
Push for Automation: South Korea Vs. China
China hopes to shift production from low-wage human labor to robots, as South Korea has done.
February 10, 2018
America’s Sea of Prescription Opioids
The U.S. consumes a much greater share of prescription painkillers than its global population share would suggest.
January 30, 2018
Out of Proportion: US Carbon Emissions
How does the U.S. CO2 output compare to its population share?
January 29, 2018
US Gun Ownership Vs. The World
The share of global guns in the United States is at least ten times the country’s population share.
January 28, 2018
US Obesity in Global Perspective
What is the U.S. share of the global problem compared to overall population share?
January 28, 2018
Iran Protests: The “Military Economy” Dimension
A big share of Iran’s economy is owned by the business wings of the armed forces.
January 17, 2018
Iran Protests: The Oil and Gas Dimension
Iranians have long taken national pride in their natural resource wealth. But ordinary people aren’t seeing the benefits.
January 16, 2018
Iran Protests: The Inflation Dimension
Once again, sharply rising food prices contribute to turmoil.
January 16, 2018
Iran Protests: Urbanization as a Factor
Most Iranians live in cities. Protests are no longer confined to Tehran and other big cities, as the move to small cities is changing the landscape of protests.
January 15, 2018
Iran Protests: The Young and the Jobless
Iran’s economy continues to struggle with not finding enough jobs for its young.
January 15, 2018
Countries with 50 Million Native Speakers Each
More than 20 languages are spoken as a first language by 50 million or more people.
January 1, 2018
The Most Widely Spoken Language
Which language has entered common usage in the greatest number of countries?
December 31, 2017
Over 400 Languages: India and the United States
The world’s second- and third-most populous countries share a linguistic diversity.
December 30, 2017
One Country, More than 800 Languages
What are the three most linguistically-diverse countries today?
December 29, 2017
Child Poverty: Asia’s Best Performer
South Korea performs as well as Nordic economies on avoiding child poverty.
December 28, 2017
Child Poverty in the United States
The U.S. relative child poverty rate is the worst of the G7 economies.
December 26, 2017
Child Poverty in Germany
Almost one in ten German children is seriously disadvantaged.
December 26, 2017
Emissions Control and Electric Cars in 2020
The short-term prospects for electrification of light passenger vehicles globally are still small.
December 11, 2017
Electric Cars in 2025 and 2040: New Policies
With minimal policy intervention, electrification of cars is likely to remain too slow for the world’s climate action needs.
December 11, 2017
Electric Cars: How Many Today Worldwide?
Electrification has been slow to convert the passenger automobile market, despite recent leaps.
December 10, 2017
Electric Cars in 2040: Sustainable Development
Are we on course to electrify enough cars to meet climate change mitigation targets?
December 10, 2017
After Mugabe: 1980s Africa on the Way Out?
As the fixtures of the 1980s make their exit in Africa, attention turns to the 90s dictators.
November 26, 2017
Museveni: The New Number 3 Post-Mugabe
Two 1980s coup leaders move up the African strongman rankings with the removal of Mugabe from power.
November 26, 2017
No Mugabe: Mswati III is a Real African King
The new fourth-longest-ruling African leader is an absolute monarch.
November 26, 2017
The World’s Longest-Ruling Strongman
After Mugabe’s exit, Equatorial Guinea’s Teodoro Obiang remains unchallenged for the title of the world’s longest ruling dictator.
November 25, 2017
Mugabe Out: Cameroon’s Leader is Now Africa’s Second-Longest Ruling
Cameroon’s Paul Biya now takes the place of Zimbabwe’s Mugabe as Africa’s second-longest ruling leader.
November 25, 2017
Beyond Mugabe: Angola’s Strongman Also Bowed Out in 2017
José Eduardo dos Santos left oil-rich Angola’s presidency on his own terms after 38 years.
November 25, 2017
Myanmar: An Atmosphere of Persecution
The transition to democracy has not included protections for minorities like the Rohingyas.
November 19, 2017
Indonesia: Colonial Independence and the Cold War
From Dutch rule to one of the world’s major economies and populations.
November 18, 2017
Colonialism and Cambodia
A once-great empire is now a largely overlooked dictatorship.
November 18, 2017
Thailand: Southeast Asia’s Buffer Country
How Thailand avoided European colonization.
November 18, 2017
Global Population Growth Per Minute
On balance, how many more people did Earth gain every minute of the past year?
November 10, 2017
Annual Population Growth by Region
How much did different world regions gain in population over the past year?
November 10, 2017
The Global Gender Balance in 2017
What share of the population of each world region is female?
November 10, 2017
From Land to Sea: Plastic Trash as Far as the Eye Can See
Millions of tons of plastics end up in landfills and oceans each year.
October 12, 2017
Plastic Consumption: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Plastics have been both a gift and a curse from an environmental standpoint
October 12, 2017
Plastic Waste: The World Makes, China Takes
China now imports a majority of the world’s annual waste plastic.
October 12, 2017
Striding Tall: US Vs. USSR
Did the capitalist United States or the communist Soviet Union experience faster height increases?
October 7, 2017
Denmark: A Head and Shoulders Above
How tall is the tallest national population in the world?
October 7, 2017
A Great Leap Upward?
In the 20th century, Southern Europe and China experienced height increases along with economic development.
October 7, 2017
The State of European Wind
Which EU countries make the current global top ten for installed wind capacity?
September 30, 2017
Indian and Brazilian Wind: Overlooked Power Players
Not known for their wind energy, the two countries are emerging as bigger producers.
September 30, 2017
China’s Wind Investment
At home and abroad, China dominates wind energy production.
September 30, 2017
US Energy: Which Way the Wind Blows
Wind energy in the United States is growing, but how does it compare globally?
September 30, 2017
The US Wine Generation
Behind the emergence of the world’s largest national wine consumer.
September 17, 2017
World Leaders in Wine Imports
Which two countries are the largest buyers of foreign wine?
September 17, 2017
France, Italy and Spain: Still Wine Kings?
How do the three countries compare on consumption and exports of wine?
September 17, 2017
Chinese Vineyards: On the Rise
As wine cultivation declines elsewhere, China is climbing toward the top.
September 17, 2017
Russia’s Oil Reserves by the Numbers
A lucrative source of state revenue feels the squeeze.
September 12, 2017
The State of Persian Gulf Oil Reserves
How do the region’s large proven reserves stack up in a global context?
September 12, 2017
Canadian Oil: A Fading Star
Canada may have one of the largest oil reserves in the world, but nearly all of it will not be financially accessible.
September 11, 2017
Venezuelan Oil: Savior or Achilles Heel?
The huge oil reserves that made a socialist revolution possible also put it in jeopardy.
September 11, 2017
US Defense Firms: A Trump Windfall?
Most global defense spending increases tend to benefit US-based firms by default.
July 24, 2017
Voter Turnout in Europe: Highs and Lows
How many voting-age people show up to vote in France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland and Belgium?
June 28, 2017
Eradicating Extreme Poverty Soon?
Having met an earlier goal of reducing extreme poverty, can the world end it?
June 18, 2017
Extreme Poverty Worldwide Today
How many people worldwide are living on less than $1.90 per day?
June 18, 2017
Florida: The Global Picture
How many countries, other than the US, have larger economies than Florida?
June 15, 2017
Texas and New York in a Global Context
Which countries have larger economies than the "Lone Star" and "Empire" states?
June 15, 2017
California on the World Stage
How many countries, other than the US, have larger economies than California?
June 10, 2017
NATO: The US Share
How much does the United States actually pay to support NATO, despite Trump’s claims?
May 26, 2017
GM: No. 3 Worldwide, Still Top in the US
The leading US automaker continues to slip in the rankings, especially with an upcoming sale.
May 3, 2017
Post-Brexit Europe: Population and Economic Policy
For the EU, Brexit means a shift toward smaller countries and less free-market countries.
April 21, 2017
Social Mobility in Northern Europe
How do the Nordic countries and German rank on generational ability to move up in the world?
April 8, 2017
Two-Percenters: The NATO Six
Which countries are within reach of Trump’s demand on defense spending?
March 27, 2017
The Make America Great Again (MAGA) Military
Trump plans to boost annual U.S. defense spending by more than Russia’s entire defense budget.
March 13, 2017
Stephan Richter on German TV: “What is Trump Up To?”
TV interview on Trump's first week in office.
February 9, 2017
The Globalist’s Top 10 Books of 2016
The ten best books on key global issues we presented on The Globalist Bookshelf this year.
December 25, 2016
South Africa: Between Growth and Chaos
A stalled economy, a growing population and the ruling ANC still faltering.
October 18, 2016
Hillary Clinton – The Globalist’s Top 15 Features
The Globalist's presents its top features on Hillary Clinton's journey to the White House.
September 26, 2016
South Africa’s Ray of Hope
How South Africa outperforms other leading emerging economies for press freedom.
May 27, 2016
Can India Surpass China’s Economy by 2050?
9 facts on the economic rise of India after a delayed start.
May 8, 2016
Fishermen in Coastal Sri Lanka
Despite great hardship, the Nishanti family remain in their coastal home.
May 8, 2016
Tourism Takes Over in Oman
The rise of beachfront resorts blocks local access to the sea that fed generations of Omanis.
April 30, 2016
Moving with the Market in India
An man from the slums of India makes his living by doing the dangerous work of painting high-rise towers in Kolkata.
April 17, 2016
Amidst the War, Find Music on the West Bank
Hidden within Palestine's contested West Bank, one man brings joy through music to the local people.
April 9, 2016
Traditional Handicrafts in Peru
Civil strife has forced a craftsman from the mountains of Peru to live off what he can create with his hands.
March 26, 2016
Ghana’s Bamboo Bicycles
An enterprising Ghanaian man works with a team of locals to produce stunning bicycles from bamboo.
March 19, 2016
Karate Comes to Burkina Faso
Asian martial arts films have inspired young people in Burkina Faso to pick up karate.
March 13, 2016
Solar Sustainability in Egypt
An innovative start-up in Egypt provides a means for local farmers to use clean solar energy on their farms.
January 31, 2016
Corn Provides Life in Nicaragua
Farmers in Nicaragua still subsist off corn, the crop that made civilization possible in Mesoamerica.
January 10, 2016
Pedal For Your Life in Guatemala!
Carlos Enrique Marroquin runs an innovative charity in Guatemala that recycles bicycle parts into pedal-powered machines.
January 2, 2016
A Colombian Family is Reunited through Enterprise
Despite a rough run-in with paramilitary groups in Colombia, one man's ambition reunites his family of 13.
January 1, 2016
Factoring in Deforestation Emissions
What percentage of global CO2 emissions from human activity stems from deforestation and land conversion?
December 3, 2015
Bolivia’s Fair Trade Gold
A Fair Trade certified gold mine in Bolivia offers a sustainable solution to a typically exploitative industry.
November 28, 2015
Adapt to Survive: Urban Flooding in the Philippines
Unable to afford relocation, residents of the flooded village of Artex are forced to adapt to survive.
November 14, 2015
Singapore Goes Green
A unique urban farming project thrives in the heart of Singapore.
November 7, 2015
Win-Win Entrepreneurship in Iran
An Iranian farmer has devised a way to both help nomads move their herds, and protect his farmland.
November 1, 2015
The Increasing Global Obesity Rate
The share of people globally who are overweight or obese is increasing rapidly.
October 30, 2015
6 Facts: Obesity in the United States
The future of health care in the United States could be highly dependent on the nation’s average waistline.
October 29, 2015
10 Facts: The Developing World’s Obesity Problem
The developing world’s obesity rate is gradually catching up with developed nations.
October 28, 2015
6 Facts: The World’s Heavyweight Nations
More than half of the world’s obese population live in just 10 nations.
October 27, 2015
Seizing Opportunity in Myanmar
A father and son leap to fill a needed role in the emerging market of Myanmar.
October 17, 2015
Life Lessons in the Boxing Ring
George Khosi runs a boxing club in South Africa that aims to help local street kids.
October 10, 2015
Coffee: The Italian Connection
Coffee was first introduced to Italy in the 1500s as a result of the thriving trade between Venice and North Africa and the Middle East.
September 28, 2015
Coffee: The Brazilian Connection
Brazil is the largest coffee consumer among the world’s developing countries.
September 28, 2015
Haiti: Rebuilding the Right Way
After the devastating earthquake in 2011, one Haitian civil engineer took it upon herself to rebuild Haiti the right way.
September 20, 2015
Female Entrepreneurship Thrives in Poland
Poland leads the charge on female entrepreneurship, with more than one-third of its companies run by women.
September 13, 2015
Afghanistan: From Subjugation to Success
Following the fall of the Taliban, Kamila Sidiqi has taken full advantage of the new rights afforded to women.
September 5, 2015
Working the Ranch in Montana
Following in the footsteps of her ancestors, Megan herds cattle on a 2,000 acre ranch in Montana.
August 29, 2015
Uganda’s Technology Boom
Business incubators in Uganda are helping young technology entrepreneurs pursue their dreams.
August 15, 2015
Uruguay: Paying Homage to the Old Gods
Residents of Uruguay's capital, Montevideo, gather to celebrate the festival of the sea goddess Yemanjá.
August 9, 2015
Photo Essay: Havana’s Favorite Mechanic
A Cuban mechanic makes the most of the meager supplies Havana has to offer.
July 5, 2015
The Uber of Athens
In 2011, Nikos Drandakis launched an app connecting people and taxis in Athens.
June 21, 2015
The World’s Biggest Arms Importer
Which country imported the most arms in recent years -- Saudi Arabia, China, UAE or India?
June 17, 2015
Can Nigeria Finally Turn the Corner?
Africa's largest economy ranks among the hardest places to do business.
May 30, 2015
Moldova: Children of Migrants Abroad
Moldova's weak job market forces migrant workers to leave their families.
May 22, 2015
Racial Disparity in the United States
Why are black Americans protesting across the nation?
May 2, 2015
Legacies of the Vietnam War
A team of brave women work to remove an explosive legacy of the Vietnam War from Laos.
April 30, 2015
Global Migration in Perspective
Back in 1900, immigrants made up 3% of the global population. What is the percentage today?
April 26, 2015
Hydro Power Over Homes in Peru
The homes of the Ashaninka people are threatened by the construction of a hydroelectric dam in Peru.
April 25, 2015
The Rise — and Fall? — of Google
Google’s dominance of the internet could bring them under threat of antitrust action.
April 19, 2015
Yemen: Youth Bulges and Geopolitics
A youth-heavy population in Yemen could spell increased insecurity in the future.
April 18, 2015
The Sand Lords of Dubai
As the working day comes to an end, workers in Dubai congregate to enjoy a bout of wrestling in the sand.
April 18, 2015
At Home in Cuba’s Campoamor Theatre
Even though the last curtain fell in 1965, one man still calls Havana's Campoamor Theatre home.
April 11, 2015
Taking Stock of the World’s Billionaires
Stunning facts about the world’s wealthiest people.
April 6, 2015
Nigeria: Lights, Camera, Action!
Each year, Nigeria's film industry makes more movies than Hollywood. Get behind the scenes with these photos.
April 4, 2015
When Do Planes Crash?
During which phase of flight do most fatal commercial aviation accidents occur?
March 28, 2015
Urbanization in Serbia
Despite widespread migration to urban areas in Serbia, some communities maintain traditions.
March 22, 2015
Untouched Cambodia
Despite rapid growth in tourism and commercial industry, there are still parts of Cambodia untouched by this development.
March 15, 2015
Biofuels in Malaysia: Not So Sustainable?
Logging in Malaysia has cost the Batek Negritos much of their rainforest homeland.
March 7, 2015
7 Facts: New York, the World’s Second City
New York and the role of urban economies in the United States and the world.
March 7, 2015
9 Facts on China’s Economy Overtaking the United States
For China, the dramatic economic milestone in 2014 represents a return to past glory.
March 6, 2015
Wealth Per Person: Where the U.S. Stays Ahead of China
On one metric, China will still trail the U.S. economy for the rest of this century.
March 5, 2015
Myanmar: Captain at the Helm
A young Myanmarese boy takes the helm of his father's boat.
February 28, 2015
10 Facts: Women in the Workforce: U.S. Versus the Rest
Are U.S. women still leading OECD nations in workforce participation?
February 26, 2015
Women in the Workforce: A Global Perspective
Seven decades since the end of World War II, do U.S. women still lead in workforce participation rates?
February 26, 2015
Indigenous Mexicans’ Homes Under Threat
The Tzotzil people of southern Mexico survive off land the government wants to repossess.
February 22, 2015
10 Facts on Modern Slavery in Mexico and Haiti
One large country and one small country both struggle with modern slavery.
February 20, 2015
9 Facts on Modern Slavery in Nigeria
The Boko Haram insurgency is worsening an already-grave problem facing Nigeria.
February 19, 2015
The New Russian Empire: Modern Slavery in Russia
154 years after the abolition of serfdom, Russia is Europe’s most slave-holding nation, in modern terms.
February 16, 2015
India: The Center of Modern Slavery?
10 facts on modern slavery in India and beyond.
February 14, 2015
Secret Love in Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, love is complicated by tradition and familial expectations.
February 14, 2015
5 Facts: The World’s Largest City
Tokyo stands above the rest as the world’s largest metropolitan economy.
February 12, 2015
6 Facts: China’s Growing Middle Class
The Chinese government has shifted its economic focus on home.
February 10, 2015
Key Facts: The Global Rise of Consumers
Private consumption is rising rapidly in the world’s emerging markets.
February 9, 2015
Malian Blacksmith Associations
In Mali, local blacksmiths work without electricity to forge for the local community.
February 7, 2015
Where the Billionaires Are
Just six countries account for more than half (1,228) of the world’s 2,325 billionaires.
February 6, 2015
5 Facts: Japan’s Aging Workforce
Japan’s pension schemes have turned their workforce into one of the oldest in the world.
February 6, 2015
Slavery in the 21st Century
Five countries account for over 60% of the 35.8 million people worldwide trapped in modern slavery.
February 5, 2015
6 Facts: Pensions for the Aging Workforce
Where you live can have a huge impact on your pension benefits.
February 5, 2015
Europe’s Muslim Minorities
France and Germany have the largest Muslim populations in Western Europe.
February 4, 2015
7 Facts: All Play and No Work?
Mediterranean Europe takes the gold on early golden years.
February 4, 2015
Where the World’s Muslims Live
The world’s Muslim population is highly concentrated in the Asia-Pacific region.
February 3, 2015
5 Facts: The Workers Won’t Stop Working
On average, over half of 55-64 year-olds are still working throughout the OECD.
February 3, 2015
7 Facts: The Rapidly Vanishing U.S. Manufacturing Worker
The share of jobs held in the manufacturing sector continue to fall in the United States.
February 2, 2015
6 Facts: Tracking the Spread of Tea
Tea originated in China, but it took the British Empire for it to spread.
February 1, 2015
Afghan Women Train to Save Lives
Afghan women train as midwives at a clinic in order to help save lives in their villages.
February 1, 2015
10 Facts on the Origins of Gay Rights in Berlin
Nineteenth century Berlin was the birthplace of gay rights.
January 31, 2015
12 Facts: Europe’s Immigration Nations
The United States isn't the only country that can claim to be a nation of immigrants.
January 30, 2015
India: Getting Back to No. 2
India used to have the world’s second-largest economy. Can it reclaim that position?
January 26, 2015
9 Facts: Saudi Arabia’s Shiite Problem
Saudi Arabia is 93% Muslim. But it is more divided than it appears.
January 24, 2015
10 Facts: Where the World’s Muslims Live
The world’s Muslim population is highly concentrated in the Asia-Pacific region.
January 24, 2015
Football in Kolkata
A 90 year old rivalry between two Indian football teams continues today.
January 24, 2015
8 Facts: Where the Billionaires Are
Nearly 25% of the world's billionaires hail from a single country.
January 23, 2015
The Globalist’s Top 10 Features on Greece
Understanding Greece's crucial role in Europe.
January 22, 2015
Europe’s Eager Islamism Understanders
Is Europe's long slumber about Islamist ideology about to end?
January 22, 2015
8 Facts: Counting Billionaires
There is only one billionaire for every 3.2 million people on Earth.
January 22, 2015
7 Facts: Billionaires Vs. the Rest of Us
Forget the top 1%, the top 0.00003% have all the money.
January 21, 2015
10 Facts: Europe’s Muslim Minorities
Even in France, Muslims represent less than 10% of the population.
January 20, 2015
9 Facts: The Lonely Female Billionaire
Though billionaire females are greatly outnumbered by billionaire men, their combined wealth is still staggering.
January 19, 2015
8 Things You Didn’t Know About Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is often overlooked among the South Asian nations. Here are eight reasons it shouldn’t be.
January 17, 2015
10 Facts: Why European Women Are Leaning In
When it came to women working, the United States once led. Now it lags.
January 15, 2015
8 Facts: Manufacturing’s Shrinking Share of U.S. GDP
Americans have traded jobs in manufacturing for jobs in the service sector.
January 14, 2015
The Human Side of North Korea
North Koreans aren’t the robots they are often portrayed as in Western newspapers and magazines.
January 10, 2015
6 Facts: American Women Aren’t Going Back to Work (Yet)
Women left the workforce in droves after the last U.S. recession. So far, they haven't come back.
January 6, 2015
Best of the Globalist Quiz 2014
A selection of our favorite Globalist Quizzes from 2014.
January 3, 2015
Women’s Rights in Ghana: Protecting Widows
Akumaa Mama Zimbi helps widows in Ghana preserve their land and their rights.
January 3, 2015
8 Facts: Assessing Ukraine’s Options
Realism needs to prevail in Kiev, but the prospects aren't that dim.
January 2, 2015
Folk Music Thrives in Slovenia
Hinko Sernc has been practicing Slovenian folk music since before the Great Depression.
December 31, 2014
Where the Manufacturing Jobs Are
What percentage of U.S. jobs does the manufacturing sector account for?
December 30, 2014
The Globalist’s Top 10 Features on Japan
Top features on Japan's uncertain future.
December 30, 2014
A Story of Poverty in New York City
A young couple in New York City try to panhandle enough money to raise a child.
December 27, 2014
The Globalist’s Top 10 Features on Women
A selection of the most interesting features on women and gender issues published by The Globalist in 2014.
December 25, 2014
The Globalist’s Top 10 Features on African Americans
A selection of the best features on African Americans published by The Globalist in 2014.
December 22, 2014
The Globalist’s Top 10 Features on Africa
A selection of the most interesting features on Africa published by The Globalist in 2014.
December 17, 2014
The Homeless in Tokyo: An Understated Issue
Homeless people in Tokyo number more than the government wants to admit and sleep in the shadow of City Hall.
December 13, 2014
10 Facts: Literacy Rates in India
India faces a large gender divide when it comes to literacy rates.
December 12, 2014
6 Facts: Literacy Rates of Young People
Literacy rates among young people are improving.
December 11, 2014
8 Facts: Adult Literacy Rates
Adult literacy rates have been improving year on year since the 1950s.
December 10, 2014
America’s Unfulfilled Promise: An Economic Bill of Rights
Roosevelt's 1944 State of the Union message to Congress shows the U.S. the way forward.
December 9, 2014
11 Facts: China’s Improving Literacy Rate
Since 1990, China's literacy rate has been rapidly improving.
December 9, 2014
Minorities in Vietnam: The Muslim Champa People
The beautiful rituals of the Champa people in Vietnam.
December 7, 2014
9 Facts: Vietnam and South Korea’s Path to Shared Prosperity
How trade and investment can overcome a treacherous historical legacy.
December 4, 2014
5 Facts: Does Germany Deflate the Rest of Europe?
France's cost of labor and goods is actually on track with EU goals. Germany's is way out of line.
December 4, 2014
Sarkozy: A Comeback in France?
The former French President's return to the Elysée Palace will be anything but a cosy affair.
December 2, 2014
Piketty on Immigration
Why aren't poor Americans more up-in-arms over rising levels of income inequality?
December 1, 2014
8 Facts on India’s Literacy Problem
Indian women account for one of every four illiterate adults worldwide.
November 30, 2014
I, Robot: 10 Facts
The automotive industry dominates the ever growing field of robotics.
November 28, 2014
7 Facts: The World’s Working Poor
Many of the world's poorest workers have jobs, but their jobs don't pay enough for them to escape poverty.
November 27, 2014
9 Facts: Unemployment in the Developing World
Lack of jobs remains a stubborn problem for the world's most vulnerable workers.
November 26, 2014
6 Facts on Youth Unemployment: A Turkey-Sized Problem
The global economy is recovering -- but young people are still getting left behind.
November 25, 2014
7 Facts: Unemployed Workers of the World, Unite!
Advanced economies account for a disproportionate share of global joblessness.
November 24, 2014
13 Facts about Winston Churchill
The remarkable downsides of Britain's most famous leader.
November 24, 2014
18 Facts: Christians in China
Despite current attempts at suppression, the number of Christians is growing.
November 23, 2014
Immigration: Drain on Resources or Source of Growth?
What is the effect of immigration on national budgets? What is the GDP growth effect?
November 22, 2014
Blind Women Make Music in Egypt
A government program in Egypt helps educate and train young blind woman as classical musicians.
November 22, 2014
Holy Shit!
India has 17% of the worlds population but accounts for 60% of all people with no access to toilets.
November 20, 2014
The Connection Between Toilets and Rape in India
Around 65 percent of the rural population in India defecates in the open - this puts women at risk.
November 20, 2014
10 Facts: “Open Defecation” in India
India needs to change some sanitation habits to protect health and safety.
November 19, 2014
Aborigines in Australia: Living Off of the Land
Community leader Gordon "Sunno" Mitchell helps hold a local Aboriginal community together in Australia.
November 16, 2014
Climate Policy and the Developing World
Poor, low-carbon emitting nations are being targeted unfairly.
November 13, 2014
12 Facts on China’s Economic History
China's boom restores the country's former global economic preeminence.
November 10, 2014
For Whom the Wall Fell?
How are the former Soviet Union and other Central and Eastern European nations faring?
November 7, 2014
Obama’s Scorecard
Are Americans better off today than they were when President Obama was sworn in as president?
November 4, 2014
Enterprise in Kenya: Small Business is a Big Dream
Moses has forged a truly successful small businesses in Kenya but his story is a rare one.
November 2, 2014
12 Facts on Sergeant-at-Arms in Ottawa and in History
The Canadians experience with terrorism brings the historic role to light.
October 30, 2014
11 Facts on India’s Global Clout
How much clout does India have in today's global economy?
October 30, 2014
11 Facts on Indonesia in the Global Economy
How much clout does Indonesia have in today's global economy?
October 30, 2014
Just The Facts: Brazil’s Global Economic Clout
How much clout does Brazil have in today's global economy?
October 29, 2014
A New World Emerges
Who's up, who's down: How much do you know about the global economy?
October 27, 2014
Capturing Traditional Life in Russia
Two elderly sisters embody a sometimes forgotten but not abandoned traditional style of living in Russia.
October 26, 2014
10 Facts: Women Politicians on the Rise Globally
Even Sub-Saharan Africa does better than the United States.
October 23, 2014
How the ECB Will Eke Out Some Growth (Almost)
The Eurozone is likely to grow at 0.9%.
October 21, 2014
9 Facts: Beethoven for the World
Beethoven's music helped fundamentally reshape the way we experience music.
October 19, 2014
Old Industry in Indonesia: Pictures of a Sugar Cane Community
Industrial communities in Indonesia form community around old sugar cane plants.
October 17, 2014
Russia: Really Part of Europe?
Most of Russia's land lies in the East, but most of its people live in the West.
October 17, 2014
5 Facts: Muslims and Islam – Now and Then
Can Islam rediscover the tolerance it practiced for many centuries?
October 15, 2014
10 Facts: Kurdistan and the Kurds
The history of Kurdistan helps explain the Kurds’ current conundrum.
October 14, 2014
Churchill’s Disgruntled Diatribe on Islam
The West's policy in the Muslim world may hearken back to opinions held by leaders from its past.
October 13, 2014
Charity in Brazil: Helping Children on the Street
Picturing the growth of homeless children in Brazil.
October 12, 2014
10 Facts: Women and the Nobel Prize
Across all disciplines, only one in twenty Nobel recipients have been women.
October 10, 2014
5 Facts: Texas Explains the U.S. Job Recovery
U.S. job market may be marching back to pre-recession numbers, but these gains are unevenly distributed.
October 9, 2014
9 Facts: Resurging Poland
Poland has come a long way since the fall of the Soviet Union.
October 8, 2014
Who Created ISIS?
Syria is the 14th country in the Muslim world to be invaded, occupied or bombed by U.S. forces.
October 7, 2014
Russia: Life After Empire
How much smaller is Russia today than in its days as an empire?
October 7, 2014
Labor in India: A Rickshaw Driver’s Story
Mohammed the rickshaw driver shows a slice of street life in India.
October 5, 2014
Cycling in Eritrea: Five Photos That Capture a National Obsession
Eritrea has one of Africa's most unique sporting crazes.
September 20, 2014
What Will The United Kingdom Look Like Without Scotland?
The impact is not as big as you think.
September 17, 2014
10 Facts: The World’s Newest (Potential) Nation
An independent Scotland would have slightly more people than Turkmenistan.
September 17, 2014
Smaller Nations in a Big World
Of the 193 countries in the United Nations, how many are smaller than Scotland?
September 17, 2014
Kazakhstan: the People Behind the Plans
People from all across Central Asia head to Astana, Kazakhstan to earn a living.
September 14, 2014
9 Facts: Millionaires Galore
How many people around the world can be called a millionaire?
September 10, 2014
9 Facts: Why Is the United States Trading Less With Africa?
The United States is the only major economy that trades less with Africa now than six years ago.
September 9, 2014
8 Facts: Taking Stock of Ukraine’s Economy
Ukraine's economy has been stuck in neutral since the end of the Cold War.
September 5, 2014
9 Facts: The World’s Polio Problem
Polio is still a big problem for poor, war torn countries.
September 3, 2014
5 Facts: Global Jet Set
Since the mid-20th century, the number of international tourists has grown rapidly.
August 30, 2014
Erdogan’s Turkey
Where does Recep Tayyip Erdogan's Turkey rank in terms of global competitiveness?
August 30, 2014
9 Facts: Race and Poverty in America
Half a century into the war on poverty in the United States, how are minorities faring?
August 28, 2014
Body Mass Index (BMI): Too Crude A Tool?
The measure still used globally for obesity actually does not measure fat.
August 24, 2014
The United Kingdom: The People Behind Poverty Statistics
The unique and compassionate Jones family fight inter-generational poverty
August 23, 2014
America’s 50-Year War on Poverty
Which of the United States' major racial groups has the highest poverty rate?
August 22, 2014
Too Much Salt: A Truly Global Health Problem
Adults consume too much salt, in a staggering 181 of 187 countries studied
August 21, 2014
African Americans: The State We’re In
Time for action: Black America's sad balance sheet 50 years after major civil rights reform.
August 21, 2014
Africa’s Electricity Divide
Sub-Saharan Africa has some of the lowest rates of access to electricity in the world.
August 13, 2014
9 Key Facts: Black-White Wage Gap in the United States
Since 2000, the wage gap between white and black Americans has increased dramatically.
August 12, 2014
6 Facts: Unemployment Among African Americans
Black unemployment rate is consistently twice that of whites.
August 11, 2014
8 Facts: U.S. Incarceration: Still a Very Unequal Nation
Incarceration of black Americans is over three times their 12.2% share of the U.S. population.
August 10, 2014
The State of Black America
Fifty years after the passage of the Civil Rights Act, how much progress have black Americans made?
August 10, 2014
7 Facts: African Americans and Education
The education gap between black and white students is still large.
August 9, 2014
7 Facts: Household Wealth in Black America
The wealth gap between whites and blacks has reached record levels.
August 8, 2014
8 Key Facts About Africa
Africa has one of the youngest and fastest-growing consumer markets in the world.
August 6, 2014
9 Facts: Africa’s Middle Class
For all the recent hype, inequality and joblessness stifle the dynamic growth of Africa's middle class.
August 6, 2014
5 Facts: The Biggest Predicament for Israel
Adverse demographic trends are at the heart of the problems for Israel.
July 31, 2014
12 Ways Tunnels Shaped Warfare
From antiquity to Gaza, tunnels let insurgents take on a powerful enemy
July 30, 2014
9 Facts: The Vanishing Russian Male
Russian males have one of the highest mortality rates outside of Sub-Saharan Africa.
July 29, 2014
The Shifting Landscape for Iran’s Women
Surprising Insights from a key country in the Middle East
July 27, 2014
11 Reasons the Mekong River Could Spark Asia’s First Water War
China dams the Mekong, threatening other nations’ peace and livelihood
July 27, 2014
10 Worrying Signs Argentina is Facing Yet Another Financial Crisis
Argentina is on the brink of its third major economic crisis in the last 35 years.
July 17, 2014
The Ancient Silk Road: What and Where It Was
A network that once carried gems, spices and silk now carries electronics.
July 12, 2014
As China Gets Rich…The World Slows
The laws of economics dictate that as China becomes rich, world economic growth starts to slow.
July 11, 2014
The World’s Millionaire Stock Is on the Rise
The world's "millionaire club" grew faster than most economies in 2013.
July 2, 2014
Larks and Owls: Sleep, Evolution and Industrialization
Sleep has a long evolutionary history. And yet science does not know why we do it.
June 27, 2014
U.S.-China: Per Capita Troop Strength
While the United States has 0.48% of its population in the military, China has only 0.17%.
June 25, 2014
The Global Economy’s “Group of 48”
About a quarter of the world's countries individually produce between 0.1% and 1% of global GDP.
June 16, 2014
The Global Economy’s 0.1% Club
The majority of the world’s nations produce less than 0.1% of global GDP.
June 16, 2014
It Is Lonely at the Top
Only 18 countries have more than a 1% share of the world’s total GDP.
June 12, 2014
U.S. Gun Ownership
Despite the unconscionable liberalization of U.S. gun laws, gun ownership rates have gone down. Why?
May 29, 2014
Why the Taliban Thrive in Pakistan
Why is Pakistan’s commercial hub less stable than ever?
May 28, 2014
The Poor in the World’s “Rich” Countries
In the US and elsewhere, the social and economic fallout from the 2008 financial crisis continues.
May 21, 2014
Why are Honey Bees Critical for Human Survival?
Fewer honey bees mean less to eat and higher food prices
May 17, 2014
Where China Truly Innovates
The old truism of Chinese copycatting no longer applies in the online world.
May 15, 2014
Sizing Up Nigeria’s Power Needs
Which common appliance uses about as much electricity in a year as the average Nigerian does?
May 10, 2014
How to Manage China
Is the highly centralized, top-down approach best for China’s future?
May 6, 2014
Outside War: Syria’s Women and Children Carry On, Abroad
Photo Gallery: Scenes of life in the world's second largest refugee camp.
May 4, 2014
The Curious Source of U.K. Competitiveness
Why does the U.K. keep aiding and abetting tax cheats?
May 1, 2014
Alibaba Goes Searching for Treasure (via U.S. IPO)
Adapting technology but depending on China’s huge e-commerce market.
April 28, 2014
U.S. vs. China: Measuring the Military
There are many ways to weigh the size of a nation's armed forces.
April 27, 2014
Asian Welfare States
What are Asian growth nations’ plans for developing modern welfare systems?
April 26, 2014
China’s Age-Old Matchmaking Traditions
What is the history behind marriage matchmaking in China and where is it headed?
April 19, 2014
Birth Rates in Africa: Not Following Asia
More contraception would help Africa educate the young and govern itself.
April 17, 2014
Russia and Europe: Separated at Birth
What were the geographic and economic factors that marked Russia’s development?
April 13, 2014
Africa’s Electricity Poverty
How many people in Africa live without any access to electricity?
April 13, 2014
Russia’s Miserable Century: 85 Million “Gone Missing”
What was the human cost of Russia's 20th century trials and tribulations?
April 10, 2014
Is China’s One-Party Rule Undemocratic?
Can one-party rule enable consensus, competence, the competition of ideas and a can-do spirit?
April 1, 2014
Parachuting Over Ukraine, at Age 90
War, uniforms, armies: Military memories in a troubled landscape.
March 30, 2014
10 Facts: Will Global Defense Spending Rise?
After Ukraine, many voices beat the drums for more money going to defense.
March 30, 2014
10 Facts: Sizing Up NATO’s Defense Spending
The euro crisis means NATO militaries are likely to shrink further.
March 30, 2014
10 Facts: Russia Vs. U.S. — Comparing Defense Spending
The two countries' defense is outsized – and on a parallel track of sorts.
March 30, 2014
United States: Not Exceptional, But One Nation Among Many
Americans' attitudes about the U.S. role in the world have changed markedly.
March 25, 2014
10 Steps Europe Must Take on Energy
How to meet the opportunity presented by Russia to ready the EU's energy policies for a more stable future
March 23, 2014
Malaysia’s Complex Ties With Islam
A closer look at a country in the global headlines
March 23, 2014
The Return of Jewish Germany
Since World War II, Germany has partially rebuilt its Jewish population.
March 22, 2014
Post-Russia: Europe’s Energy Alternatives, Realistically Viewed
Ten Facts: Breaking dependence on Russian energy is easier said than done
March 21, 2014
Spain May Have to Reset Its Culinary Clock
The structure of daily life in Spain gets revamped — an example of European unification.
March 19, 2014
Shortsighted Russia, Patient China
Ten ways Putin's Crimea intervention re-opens the door to territorial claims against Russia.
March 18, 2014
Ten Facts: Iran and the Internet
Can the reform government in Iran finally bring the country's internet up to speed?
March 18, 2014
Ukraine: Why Letting Go Is So Hard For Russia
The West and Russia both have vested interests in Ukraine’s future.
March 17, 2014
U.S. Fracking and the Russian Bear
Can U.S. shale gas really rebalance global supplier relationships?
March 17, 2014
U.S. Energy Exports and U.S. Foreign Policy
Is the U.S. hyping its shale gas options well beyond what it can actually deliver?
March 17, 2014
9 Ways Putin Has Let Russia Down
Grandstanding in Crimea runs counter to Russia's economic interests — and may cost Putin his power.
March 16, 2014
Russia’s Grip on Ukraine’s Energy Supply
Trying to loosen the symbiotic energy relationship between Russia and Europe.
March 12, 2014
Britain as Corrupt Russia’s Key Facilitator
How the City of London launders Russia's cash.
March 10, 2014
10 Facts for International Women’s Day
The state of women's rights around the world -- at a glance.
March 8, 2014
A Nation of Home Offices?
How has technology shifted the location of work in the United States?
February 4, 2014
Mr. Obama, Stop the Privatization of U.S. Intelligence!
Why the U.S. Congress must not turn a fundamental government responsibility over to the private sector.
January 30, 2014
India’s Water Crisis
How is India's inability to provide clean drinking water affecting its economy and people?
January 14, 2014
Gaza: Scenes of Human Tenacity
Young people hold on to the future, even as conflict surrounds them.
January 12, 2014
Electricity: Who’s the Cleanest of Them All?
Quiz: Brazil, Canada, Germany or US: Which major country performs best when using renewable sources?
January 11, 2014
America’s 50-Year War on Poverty
Key figures on poverty in the United States, five decades after President Johnson launched his “war.”
January 10, 2014
Guide to 2014: Global Issues
Our list of the top 10 issues facing the world in the coming year.
January 9, 2014
Ten Challenges Around the World in 2014
The Globalist identifies the biggest challenges facing some of the world's leading countries in the coming year.
January 9, 2014
Shanghai: Urban Family Life
For these couples, married life in the big city can be a big challenge.
January 5, 2014
Just The Facts: Noxious Beijing
What may be forcing the Chinese government's hand on cutting emissions?
January 4, 2014
Germany: What Makes A Nation Rich or Poor?
Are Germans less financially wealthy than those in Europe's poorer countries?
January 3, 2014
The Low-wage, Low-education U.S. Future?
Will the U.S. economy become dominated by retail, leisure and education/health services?
January 2, 2014
Top 10 Upcoming Global Elections
A list of the most interesting elections of 2014, by date.
January 1, 2014
Energy: Subsidizing the Rich
How do energy subsidies benefit the upper and middle classes at the expense of low-income people?
December 31, 2013
U.S.: Rich Get Richer, Everyone Else Pays Taxes
How capital rules the tax code and labor pays the bill.
December 30, 2013
The Globalist’s Top Books of 2013
Excerpts from the ten best books in our library this year.
December 29, 2013
Eastern Uganda: Back to School
With the end of LRA rebel attacks in Uganda, life has returned to normal for kids like Dan Opiding.
December 29, 2013
Africa’s Unretiring Leaders
Which current African leader has led his country the longest?
December 26, 2013
20 Facts About Mikhail Kalashnikov’s AK-47
From combat zones to inner city ganglands, the AK-47 has had a pervasive effect.
December 24, 2013
Pope Francis on Income Inequality
Excerpts from Pope Francis's July 2013 speech on social justice and income inequality in Rio de Janeiro.
December 24, 2013
Belarus: Women of World War II
Many women served on the Soviet front lines in Belarus as fighters, support staff and resistance.
December 22, 2013
Shenzhen: The 80s Generation Comes of Age
Life in the big city for a generation that grew up after the start of economic reforms.
December 15, 2013
Just The Facts: India Goes Mobile
Examining the astounding social trends of India.
December 14, 2013
Social Mobility: Why Grandparents Matter So Much
No other factor determines one’s material position in life more than one's grandparents.
December 13, 2013
Just The Facts: A Presidential Road Trip
What is involved in preparing a U.S. President's trip abroad?
December 11, 2013
America’s $10 Billion Club
How many of the top 500 U.S. companies generated $10 billion or more in profits in 2012?
December 10, 2013
Liberia: The True Cost of Education
Mercy Womeh breaks rocks for less than four U.S. dollars a day to afford education to lift herself from poverty in Liberia.
December 8, 2013
1913: Who Recognized the New China?
Which major nation in 1913 was first to recognize China's new republic -- and why?
December 7, 2013
Nelson Mandela: 95 Years of Fighting for Peace
Nelson Mandela (1918-2013): freedom fighter, political prisoner, President of South Africa, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize.
December 5, 2013
Made in the USA: Iran’s Grievances
From Tehran's perspective, why is it so hard to have better relations with the US?
December 4, 2013
Bailing Out the Eurozone
What are the four ways to solve the eurozone's economic troubles?
December 2, 2013
Syria: When the Front Line is Everywhere
Syrian civilians and fighters pause for a photo, as the war rages around them.
December 1, 2013
Qatar: A Close-up
Are the wealthy few in the Persian Gulf nation of Qatar exploiting poor foreign workers?
November 30, 2013
Saudi Arabia’s Youth: Idle and Underskilled
How does Saudi Arabia's reliance on foreign labor affect its youth?
November 29, 2013
Italy: Lawyers Numerous, Justice Scarce
Italy has four times more layers than France, despite its similar size.
November 28, 2013
Questioning the Economic Benefits of Low Taxes
How do social choices shed a light on differences in tax policy in the United States and Europe?
November 27, 2013
How the U.S. Replicates Its Moneyed Elite
Despite high achievement, low-income students don’t attend elite colleges.
November 25, 2013
Just the Facts: CEOs and the Rest of Us
Executive compensation wasn't always so outlandish (and still isn't in most other developed countries).
November 21, 2013
Scenes of Afghanistan in Transition
Faces of the Afghan people in a moment of great change.
November 17, 2013
Just the Facts: Shipping Out of Afghanistan
How Afghanistan continues to ensnare the United States.
November 17, 2013
Just the Facts: Nigeria’s Oil Thieves
A dangerous game plays out in Africa’s most populous nation.
November 15, 2013
Just the Facts: Where China Beats the Entire World
How China's high-speed rail network beat global expectations.
November 13, 2013
Pakistan Looking Into an Uncertain Future
Travelers gazing out of the Khyber Mail train's windows in Pakistan.
November 9, 2013
Just the Facts: Social Media, Back to the Future
New media are actually older than old media, the historic exception.
November 8, 2013
Chinese Civic Protest
How common are protests in China, despite the serious ramifications towards those who do so?
November 8, 2013
China: Haunted By Its History
Imagine yourself for a moment as a leader of China -- and size up the magnitude of the challenge.
November 7, 2013
China’s Real Leap Forward
The economic gains of China over four decades are truly astonishing.
November 6, 2013
A Closer Look at Germany’s Trade Deficits(!)
Germany may run a trade surplus overall, but with some countries it has a deficit.
November 5, 2013
Spain: Decreeing Structural Reform
How is the Spanish Prime Minister using an old political tactic to modernize Spain’s economy?
November 4, 2013
As US Poverty Rises, So Does Number of Rich Households
Amid recovery, U.S. income inequality is still on the rise.
October 31, 2013
Inequality: Obama Era’s Defining Feature?
Evidence that America isn’t working well for its people.
October 31, 2013
Fracking: The Circus Comes to Town
What does it take to set up a natural gas fracking operation?
October 29, 2013
Does the U.S. Really Have the World’s Highest Corporate Tax Rate?
Ending a favorite U.S. myth, in 10 facts.
October 28, 2013
Europe and Asia United at Last
Turkey finally realizes the dream of connecting the two continents underneath the Bosphorus.
October 27, 2013
The Rise of Cheap Solar Energy
How are existing utilities reacting to solar energy becoming cost-effective?
October 24, 2013
Anti-Migrant Backlash Growing in Europe
A new Financial Times/Harris poll reveals rising anti-migration backlash in the big EU member states.
October 22, 2013
Welfare States: And The Winner Is?
A performance comparison of the West’s three welfare models.
October 14, 2013
Who is Janet Yellen?
Who is President Obama's nominee for Chair of the U.S. Federal Reserve?
October 9, 2013
On the Rise Again: U.S. Health Care Spending
Why is U.S. health care spending about to start accelerating again?
October 9, 2013
The House of Unrepresentatives: 20 Facts About Congress In a Shutdown
The U.S. Congress is redefining the phrase "idle rich" during the government shutdown.
October 4, 2013
Can Germany Go Green?
Will Germany be successful in reducing its dependence on fossil fuels?
October 1, 2013
U.S. Ready for Clean Cars Yet?
U.S. car buyers are increasingly seeing clean cars as mainstream.
September 29, 2013
Food Stamp Nation
Is it really a surprise that the U.S. poor need support from programs like food stamps?
September 24, 2013
The Social Cost of U.S. Guns
How much does the United States spend each year on gun injuries, crimes and consequences?
September 24, 2013
Arctic Shipping on the Rise
How much has Arctic shipping grown in just a few years?
September 21, 2013
U.S. Stock Ownership: Who Owns? Who Benefits?
What percentage of Americans actually owns stock?
September 19, 2013
After Lehman: How US Debt Exploded
How much did public debt increase in US and EU due to the decision not to bail out Lehman Brothers?
September 18, 2013
German Elections: A Primer on Political Powersharing Since 1949
Politically speaking, Germany is a conservative country.
September 17, 2013
China’s Numbers Don’t Add Up
Chinese corruption and bureaucracy remain challenges for foreign businesspeople.
September 3, 2013
China’s Income Gap
China's rich-poor (and urban-rural) divide is looking more and more like the West's.
August 30, 2013
Guns Kill People, Unevenly
Gun violence falls along stark racial lines in the United States.
August 29, 2013
China Urbanizes
China already has over 100 cities with a population that exceeds 1 million people. What's next?
August 29, 2013
The Beacon of Democracy?
What steps can the United States take to make voting fairer?
August 28, 2013
The Battle Against “Apple Picking”
London, New York and San Francisco favor 'kill switch' to disable stolen phones.
August 26, 2013
Iraq’s Oil Hopes
Iraq hopes to up its oil production. But can it achieve these goals?
August 24, 2013
Emerging Consumers: A Big Turning Point
The consumer class is on the rise globally. Why is earning $10 a day a global economic pivot point?
August 21, 2013
1913: Population Growth and Imperial Ambitions
Did population growth help create the scenario for the first World War?
August 20, 2013
How Competitive Is the U.S.?
Americans like to think of their country as the top-ranked nation on many accounts. But does the perception match the reality?
August 19, 2013
Passing Up A Golden Opportunity
Vast infrastructure updates would be a wise choice for the United States.
August 18, 2013
Not China, Not Japan, Not North Korea
What is the real concern of average South Koreans?
August 18, 2013
Aid Workers Under Attack
Which country has been the site of the most attacks on aid workers between 2008 and 2012?
August 4, 2013
Sizing Up Europe
What is the average population size of an EU country? 5, 10, 20 or 40 million?
July 20, 2013
Perceptions of Superpowers
People think China will be the next superpower, but like the United States better.
July 18, 2013
Japan: Stuck in Neutral
Abe pivots between nationalists and modernity, big government and small government factions.
July 16, 2013
California Vs. the United States
California is a land of its own, constrained by 49 other states. How many of the smallest U.S. states would it take to reach the population of California?
July 13, 2013
Press Freedom in the G-20
Which country in the G-20, after China and Saudi Arabia, have the worst records on press freedom? Is it Turkey, Russia, India or Mexico?
June 14, 2013
The United States: A Very Uneven Recovery
Richest get richer, but 93% of households below lag behind.
May 13, 2013
The Declining Economic Might of American Men
Are men no longer bringing home the bacon in American marriages?
April 15, 2013
The U.S. Overqualification Crisis
Why the United States is looking to Germany for answers on higher education.
April 14, 2013
America’s Political Divide
New evidence of increasingly political polarization in the United States.
April 13, 2013
Toiling All Year Long
Which of these nations works the hardest by annual work hours: Greece, Germany, US or South Korea?
July 6, 2012
Top Ten Headlines of 2007
How did the world's economy in 2007 look to the headline writers?
December 31, 2007
Remembering Benazir Bhutto
What were murdered political leader Benazir Bhutto's views on Pakistan?
December 27, 2007
The Sputnik Shock
How did a 184-pound Soviet satellite hit the United States like a ton of bricks?
October 3, 2007
Commemorating Auschwitz: A Virtual Interview
How did foreign ministers of Israel, Germany and France commemorate the liberation of Nazi death camps?
January 27, 2005
NATO: Mending Fences
Will NATO be bale to play renewed substantial role after the fallout over Iraq?
May 15, 2003