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Culture / 8 hours ago
One cross, many nations: What the Nordic flags say about unity, identity and security
One of Europe’s most recognisable symbols, the Nordic Cross stretches across Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Iceland and is echoed in regional flags from the Faroe Islands to Åland as the design is more than a shared aesthetic. One of Europe’s most recognisable symbols, the Nordic Cross spans Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Iceland. It is reflected in regional flags from the Faroe Islands to Åland, as the design is more than a shared aesthetic. The Nordic Cross dates back to Denmark’s Dannebrog, widely regarded as the world’s oldest continuously used national flag. Historical records trace its use to the 13th century, and its off-centre cross design later became a template for neighbouring states.
Culture / 1 week ago
Lebanon’s religious mosaic: Power and politics without a majority
Lebanon is one of the few countries in the Middle East without a single religious majority. Instead, power, territory, and political authority are shared among communities in a system designed to prevent domination. Lebanon is one of the few countries in the Middle East without a single religious majority. Instead, power, territory, and political authority are shared among communities in a system designed to prevent domination. Demographic estimates show that Muslims make up roughly 59% of Lebanon’s population, Christians around 34%, Druze about 5%, and Alawites approximately 1%, with small numbers belonging to other groups.
Culture / 3 weeks ago
Who is boycotting the Eurovision Song Contest?
A growing number of countries have announced they will withdraw in protest over the participation of Israel in the 2026 edition of the Eurovision Song Contest. A growing number of countries have announced they will withdraw in protest over the participation of Israel in the 2026 edition of the Eurovision Song Contest. At least five nations, including Spain, Ireland, Slovenia and the Netherlands, have formally declared their intention to boycott the competition if Israel remains in, following the decision by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to allow its participation.
