The State of Society
Carney Leads New Canadian Cabinet in Inauguration
The State of Society
Local time on May 13th, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney led his new cabinet to be sworn in at the Government House in Ottawa. The new cabinet consists of 28 ministers, reducing the number of ministers from 39 in the Trudeau era to 28, aiming for a more efficient operation.more
South Korea’s Boryeong Mud Festival: Relive Childhood Mud Play
The State of Society
If you want to relive the pure joy of playing in mud as a child, don’t miss South Korea’s Boryeong Mud Festival. Launched in 1998, it takes place every July at Daecheon Beach, drawing over 1 million participants to the nearby city of Boryeong, where tons of mud are prepared for various activities.more
Giant Tortoise Thought Extinct for Over a Century Rediscovered in Galapagos
The State of Society
A giant tortoise species that was believed to have been extinct for more than a century has been rediscovered in the Galapagos. In 2019, scientists found an adult female tortoise on Fernandina Island. Traces of tortoise - bitten cacti on the island suggest that there may be other members of the same speciesmore
Genetic Trait Explains Why Deodorant Sells Less in East Asia
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A curious trend exists: deodorants are top sellers in Western countries with mostly white populations but struggle in East Asia, where most people are of East Asian descent. The reason lies in biology—East Asians are less likely to have body odor, thanks to a specific gene.more
Malta: A Sunlit Immigration Hub for English Speakers, With Caveats
The State of Society
Malta, where English is an official language, has emerged as a prime destination for expats, thanks to its warm Mediterranean climate, high-quality healthcare, strong safety record, and low tax rates. These attributes make it particularly appealing to those seeking a sun-filled lifestyle, tax advantages, and the convenience of communicating in English.more
Bangladesh's Economic Challenges: Poverty, Climate Vulnerability, and Urban Struggles
The State of Society
Bangladesh, with a 2024 per capita GDP of $2,650 according to the IMF, faces profound economic disparities and structural vulnerabilities. While the country has achieved moderate economic growth, particularly in the garment industry, these gains have not translated into equitable development. Here’s a detailed analysis of its challenges:more
Global Poverty Hotspots: The Plight of the World's Poorest Nations
The State of Society
Across the globe, several nations grapple with extreme poverty, marked by abysmal GDP per capita, crumbling infrastructure, and dire living conditions. These countries, trapped in cycles of conflict, instability, and resource exploitation, struggle to meet even basic needs of their populations.more
Tajikistan’s Troubles: Corruption and Poverty in Central Asia
The State of Society
Tajikistan, a 140,000-square-kilometer nation in Central Asia, grapples with stark poverty and systemic corruption. A surreal 2016 scandal saw billions in state funds vanish after being allocated to construction projects—exposing the grim reality of one of Asia’s poorest countries, with a GDP per capita of just $1,271.more
British Farmers Required to Provide Toys for Their Pigs
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In a rather unique regulation in the United Kingdom, farmers are now obligated to provide toys for their pigs. This new requirement is part of a series of animal welfare measures aimed at ensuring the well - being of livestock.more
Caution: The "V" Sign in the UK - Palm Direction Matters
The State of Society
When traveling in the United Kingdom, it’s crucial to be aware of a nuanced yet significant cultural aspect regarding the commonly - used “V” sign. While the “V” gesture, formed by holding up the index and middle fingers, is often associated with victory or peace in many parts of the world, in the UK, its meaning can drastically change depending on the palm’s direction.more
In Turkey, the 'OK' Gesture Isn’t Always Innocent
The State of Society
Travelers to Turkey, Brazil, and parts of the Middle East may be surprised to learn that the commonly used “OK” gesture—forming a circle with the thumb and index finger—carries a highly offensive meaning in these regions. Far from signifying approval or agreement, this hand signal is widely regarded as a crude and inappropriate gesture, often considered more vulgar than even the middle finger.more
Major Power Outage Hits Spain, Portugal, and Parts of France
The State of Society
Recently, a large - scale power outage occurred in Spain, Portugal, and parts of France, plunging the affected areas into chaos. Trains came to a halt, bank ATMs and traffic lights malfunctioned, and the daily lives of millions were severely disrupted. This is one of the largest - scale power system failures in European history, triggering widespread concern.more