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World / 2 weeks ago

The world’s oil reserves in 2024: Power, politics, and a shifting energy landscape

A look at the map of global oil reserves for 2024, and all you will see is a handful of countries dominating the scene. According to the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), world proven crude oil reserves stood at 1,567 billion barrels at the end of 2024, up around 2 billion barrels (or 0.1 %) from 2023. In practical terms, global reserves are barely moving up, even though crude remains in demand.

Environment / 3 weeks ago

Europe’s safest cities in 2025

Safety has become one of the most valuable metrics for choosing where to live, travel, or invest around the world. A recent Numbeo report, visualised by The World in Maps, reveals Europe’s safest cities for 2025.

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.

Business / 8 weeks ago

Germany’s $4.6 trillion economy rivals over 20 European nations combined

Germany’s economy remains a powerhouse — so large that its 2024 GDP equals the combined economic output of more than 20 European countries across Eastern and Northern Europe. With a nominal GDP of about $4.66 trillion, according to the World Bank and Trading Economics, Germany continues to dominate the European economic landscape despite recent headwinds.

Business / 9 weeks ago

How many years of work does it take to buy one bitcoin?

In 2025, Bitcoin has once again captured headlines as prices remain near historic highs. According to data from the IMF’s 2025 World Economic Outlook, the number of years an average worker would need to save to buy a single Bitcoin ranges from just one year in the richest countries to over four decades in the poorest. This visualisation is as much about global inequality as it is about crypto adoption. In North America, Western Europe, and parts of Asia, where incomes are highest, the cost of one Bitcoin is roughly equivalent to one to three years of earnings.

World / 9 weeks ago

A look into 9/11’s global impact after 24 years

Twenty-four years later, the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks remain etched deeply in collective memory around the world. While the destruction of the World Trade Centre, the hit on the Pentagon, and the crash in Pennsylvania are often viewed primarily through an American lens, the global casualty pattern reminds us that people from over 60 countries died that day.

Culture / 9 weeks ago

Africa’s homosexuality laws: A continent divided, markets watching closely

Across much of Africa, same-sex relationships remain illegal, a fact that continues to shape not just social and political life, but also global perceptions, foreign investment, and human rights debates. A recent map published by The World in Maps reveals that more than half of Africa’s 54 nations still criminalise homosexuality, despite growing global recognition of LGBTQ+ rights.

Business / 15 weeks ago

Stock market gains follow U.S. trade deals, Asian markets jump

In July 2025, stock markets across Asia surged following a series of U.S. trade agreements, while global indices rallied on renewed optimism. Per a recent graphic by World Visualized, Indonesia led stock index gained after the trade deal announcement -rising 4.1%, followed by Japan (3.3%), Vietnam (2.7%), Hong Kong (1.5%), Malaysia (1.2%), South Korea (1.1%), Singapore (1.0%), Taiwan (0.4%), Philippines (0.3%), China (0.2%), Pakistan (0.1%), with India slipping 0.1%.

Environment / 16 weeks ago

Cities with the most expensive parking spots in the world

Parking spots have become the most sought-after and expensive commodities in areas where space is at a premium and car ownership is a luxury. New York City tops the list with an astounding $1,476,450 price tag for a prime parking spot. That’s nearly the cost of a luxury condo, and it reflects the city's intense real estate demand and chronic shortage of space.

Technology / 19 weeks ago

OpenAI, Anthropic, Anduril dominate 2025 AI valuation surge

Leading private companies are experiencing explosive growth in AI valuations, driven by a global race that’s channelling billions in venture capital into firms advancing intelligent systems, cybersecurity technologies, and next-generation productivity platforms. At the top of the leaderboard is OpenAI, which expanded its valuation from roughly $78 billion in 2024 to $300 billion in 2025—a 284% increase. The company, which powers GPT-4o and has reshaped enterprise productivity with its ChatGPT Enterprise and API integrations, is now the most valuable private AI company globally.

Technology / 21 weeks ago

Top 10 countries leading the world in metro rail infrastructure

The metro rail sector is transforming fast. As of 2024, more than 180 cities moved billions yearly, cutting congestion and emissions. With urban growth rising, metros are vital for sustainable cities, backed by tech like AI and automation. Over $500 billion was invested from 2020–2024.

Business / 22 weeks ago

Top 10 African countries leading in diaspora remittances

In 2024, diaspora remittances surged to unprecedented levels, serving as a crucial element in Africa’s economic strength. Egypt received the highest amount of remittance inflows at $22.7 billion, followed by Nigeria with $19.8 billion and Morocco with $12 billion. Kenya ($4.8 billion) and Ghana ($4.6 billion) completed the top five rankings with strong annual growth rates.

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