Subscribe
religious freedom
Politics / 26 weeks ago
Why some countries still don’t have diplomatic relations with the Holy See
Despite being the world’s smallest independent state by both area and population, the Holy See—the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of the Pope and the central authority of the Catholic Church—has one of the widest-reaching diplomatic networks on Earth. As of 2024, it maintains formal diplomatic relations with over 180 countries, along with the European Union and several international organisations. Yet, as the map above shows, a small group of countries remains outside this global circle. From communist giants to war-torn regions and ideologically rigid states, here’s a breakdown of why some nations still have no diplomatic ties with the Holy See.
Maps / 31 weeks ago
Hijab bans in Muslim-majority nations trigger global dialogue on secularism and religious freedom
A growing number of Muslim-majority countries are imposing restrictions on the wearing of the hijab and igniting heated debates on the balance between secularism, national identity, and religious freedom. A recent infographic published by The World in Maps provides a visual overview of nations enforcing various levels of hijab bans, highlighting the nuanced and often controversial approaches to religious expression across Central Asia.
