eu - World Visualized

Culture / 1 week ago

The long road to independence: How Balkan states carved out their futures

From the crumbling of empires to modern-day politics, the countries of the Balkan Peninsula each followed distinct paths to statehood, and the map above captures a slice of that story, showing when these nations formally gained independence. Some declared sovereignty in the late 19th century, others only just broke away in the 2000s.

Business / 1 week ago

Global wheat consumption hits record levels as demand surges across Asia and Europe

Global wheat consumption is climbing to record highs, according to the latest data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). The 2024/25 season is expected to see both production and demand increase, led by strong harvests in Asia and Europe. Wheat, one of the world’s most essential grains, remains a critical part of diets across continents, from bread and noodles to cereals and animal feed, and current figures show no sign of slowing demand. China stands as the world’s largest wheat consumer, using about 148 million metric tonnes annually.

Culture / 1 week ago

EU smokers paying up to 91% tax on cigarettes

In the European Commission’s latest figures and independent compilations, smokers across the European Union are forking out more in taxes than for the tobacco product itself. One visual breakdown shows that in countries like Ireland, France and the Netherlands, the tax portion of a 20-cigarette pack reaches as high as 90 % of its retail price.

Business / 2 weeks ago

The world’s top 10 wheat producers in 2025

According to the Foreign Agricultural Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), global wheat production has reached a remarkable milestone this season. The European Union (EU) and China are tied at the top, each producing around 140 million metric tonnes of wheat, solidifying their status as the world’s wheat powerhouses.

Maps / 6 weeks ago

Over 40 million residents in Europe were born outside the EU

According to data available on January 1, 2024, 44.7 million people living in the EU were born outside the Union (about 9.9% of the population). A further 17.9 million were born in another EU country. Together, these groups explain much of the bloc’s population growth and a growing share of its workforce. By absolute size, Germany hosts the EU’s largest foreign-born population (15.8 million), followed by France (10.1 million), the UK (9.6 million) and Italy (6 million).

Technology / 8 weeks ago

Most European nations have metro systems, but several large countries still don’t

A vast majority of European countries already operate metro (rapid transit) systems in at least one city, yet several notable nations still lack them. A 'The World in Maps' illustration highlights in green those with metro systems and in red those without. Countries like Iceland, Ireland, Cyprus, and Slovakia are among those without such networks.

Technology / 13 weeks ago

Fossil fuels slip, renewables surge for EU's electricity generation

The EU is relentlessly shifting towards green transition, according to a compelling graphic from World Visualized that lists the evolution of European electricity generation from 2011 to 2021. The graphic reveals substantial shifts in energy sourcing: nuclear power declined, coal dropped sharply, and wind and hydro surged.

Politics / 16 weeks ago

Europe divided: Support for Ukraine's aid reveals sharp East-West split

As Russia’s war against Ukraine moves on into its fourth year, a newly released map from The World in Maps in coordination with the European Union Military Staff (EUMS) reveals a divided continent over the question: Should Europe keep helping Ukraine? The graphic shows varying levels of public support across EU member states for continuing financial and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, uncovering a significant rift between Western/Northern European countries and several nations in Central and Southeastern Europe.

Politics / 23 weeks ago

Polish nationalist Karol Nawrocki wins second round of presidential elections

Poland has entered a new political chapter as nationalist candidate Karol Nawrocki secured a narrow victory in the presidential election, defeating liberal Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski on Sunday, June 1. Nawrocki's win, with 50.89% of the vote, marks a significant setback for Prime Minister Donald Tusk's pro-European Union (EU) government and signals potential policy clashes ahead.

Culture / 24 weeks ago

EU nations condemn Hungary's LGBTQ+ pride ban, urge legal action

A coalition of European Union (EU) member states has issued a strong condemnation of Hungary's recent legislative actions that effectively ban LGBTQ+ Pride events and impose restrictions on LGBTQ+ rights. The joint statement urges the European Commission to take immediate legal action against Hungary for what is perceived as a violation of fundamental EU values. In April 2025, the Hungarian Parliament passed a constitutional amendment that prohibits LGBTQ+ gatherings, including Pride events, and enshrines a traditional definition of gender, recognizing only two sexes. The legislation also authorises the use of facial recognition technology by police to monitor and identify participants in such events .

Culture / 31 weeks ago

U.S. wine demand soars, but Trump’s tariffs could disrupt global wine supply chain

The United States is still the world’s largest wine consumer, with an impressive 33.3 million hectolitres consumed annually. France follows with 24.4 million, and Italy ranks third at 21.8 million hectolitres. This reflects the lasting cultural and economic role that wine plays in traditional producers and newer markets.

Business / 31 weeks ago

Trump’s tariffs hit Europe hard with up to 37% penalties

Many regions in the world, including the EU, are dealing with the blow of U.S. President Donald Trump’s newly reimposed tariffs. The sweeping tariffs, ranging from 10% to as high as 37%, impact a wide swath of European economies — particularly the EU's industrial powerhouses.

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