Countries with the Most Embassies Worldwide China tops the list with 173 embassies, followed by the US with 168 and France with 158. Securing the 8th position globally, there are 143 embassies, placing between Turkey's 145 and Brazil's 135.
Chinese Influence Expands Through Ports in Africa China's influence in Africa has been growing steadily, primarily through funding infrastructure projects. Most coastal nations in the region boast ports constructed with Chinese financing. Exceptions are few: among countries with extensive coastlines, only Libya, Somalia, and Liberia, facing internal challenges, do not have Chinese-backed ports. Additionally, these ports often have dual functionalities, acting as bases for the Chinese Navy.
Countries Banning Orwell's "1984" Four countries, namely Cuba, Belarus, North Korea, and Myanmar, have banned George Orwell's iconic dystopian novel "1984." Surprisingly, the list is relatively short compared to the global reach of the book.
Rating of Pension Systems in Different Countries Across the Globe in 2025 The CFA Institute's assessment reveals that the leading pension systems globally are in the Netherlands, Iceland, Denmark, Singapore, and Israel. Following closely behind are the systems in Sweden, Australia, Chile, Finland, and Norway, showcasing the dominance of Northern Europe in providing top-tier retirement benefits. Surprisingly, Kazakhstan is placed in the third tier (rated as B, akin to a 4 out of 5) alongside countries like Switzerland, Great Britain, Germany, various European nations, select oil-rich monarchies, New Zealand, and Uruguay, indicating a solid performance in pension system effectiveness.
Countries Whose Citizens Will No Longer Receive US Immigration Visas Starting January 21 The United States has announced that citizens from 75 countries will no longer be eligible for immigration visas starting January 21. This list encompasses nations from various regions, such as Africa, Asia, Latin America, the South Caucasus, Moldova, and several Balkan countries, including NATO member Montenegro. The decision impacts a wide range of countries beyond just the previously highlighted ones like the US and Iran. This move signifies a significant change in US immigration policy affecting numerous nations worldwide.
Desert Area in Arab Countries In most Arab countries, deserts cover over half of the country's area, with some countries having deserts occupying more than 90% of their territory, such as Egypt and Gulf countries. Apart from Palestine and Lebanon, deserts are also prevalent in Tunisia, where they account for "only" 42% of the country's total area.
Africa divided into regions with equal populations Each colored area is home to approximately 1.5 million people, ranging from smaller regions like Egypt near the Nile, the Gulf of Guinea coast, and Lake Victoria, to larger territories like the Sahara, central Africa, and the southern inland areas.
World Countries by Income Groups in 2025 Based on last year's results, our country has moved into the high-income group, with an income of over $14,005 per person annually, attributed partly to the robust ruble. Conversely, several European nations, including those in the Balkans, Belarus, and Ukraine, have transitioned to a lower income group with above-average earnings, alongside countries like China and many in Latin America.
Average Monthly Salary in Largest Cities Worldwide in 2025 The highest earners reside in the largest cities of Switzerland: averaging $7984 per month in Geneva and $7788 in Zurich. This surpasses the maximum of $7000 in the U.S. (in San Francisco) and significantly exceeds the average figures around $5000 per month in other major U.S. cities ($5128 in New York, for example). In 2025, the average Muscovite earned $1650 per month - more than the average resident of Budapest, Lisbon, or Athens! However, less than the average resident of any other major European city.
Can the Conflict in Ukraine Resolve by 2026? On a global scale, only 29% of respondents see a possibility for the conflict in Ukraine to end by the end of 2026. This figure has slightly increased from the previous year's 26%, indicating a cautious optimism. Interestingly, regions closer to the conflict exhibit lower optimism levels, with only 14% of respondents in France and Japan, and 17% in Germany and Poland, believing in a prompt resolution. In contrast, countries like Indonesia (59%), India (54%), and Malaysia (49%) show a higher faith in the peace process.
