world - World Visualized

world

Maps / 3 weeks ago

Here is what the world’s population map could look like in 2100

New projections from the UN Population Division show that population growth will be heavily concentrated in Africa and parts of Asia, while Europe, the Americas and Oceania face slowdowns or long-term declines. By the end of this century, the global population will look dramatically different from the world we know today. New projections from the UN Population Division show that population growth will be heavily concentrated in Africa and parts of Asia, while Europe, the Americas and Oceania face slowdowns or long-term declines.

World / 3 weeks ago

Half of global GDP comes from just 3.6% of the world — new data shows the imbalance

Only 3.6% of the world’s land area generates half of global GDP, a striking reminder of how unevenly economic power is distributed across the planet. Only 3.6% of the world’s land area generates half of global GDP, a striking reminder of how unevenly economic power is distributed across the planet. The regions highlighted, including parts of the United States, Western Europe, Japan, China’s major coastal hubs, and South Korea, represent the world’s most concentrated engines of productivity.

World / 4 weeks ago

Inside the global footprint of 1.9 billion Muslims

The world has an estimated 1.9 billion Muslims in nearly every corner of the globe. This makes Islam the world's second-largest religion. The world has an estimated 1.9 billion Muslims in nearly every corner of the globe. This makes Islam the world's second-largest religion. Asia remains home to the vast majority, as more than 1.6 billion Muslims are in Indonesia, Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh, forming the core. Indonesia alone has over 240 million Muslims, more than any other country in the world.

Culture / 5 weeks ago

Football or soccer? The world’s most familiar arguments reignited

Few debates last as long, or stir as much good-natured passion, as the question of what to call the world’s favourite sport. For some, it will forever be football. For others, it’s soccer, and they will defend that choice with the same energy fans bring to match day. Few debates last as long, or stir as much good-natured passion, as the question of what to call the world’s favourite sport. For some, it will forever be football. For others, it’s soccer, and they will defend that choice with the same energy fans bring to match day. A new global map, shared by The World in Maps, puts that playful divide into perspective in the most striking way yet.

Culture / 6 weeks ago

Why school start times vary so widely across Latin America

Across Latin America, school start times range from 6 a.m. in Colombia to 10 a.m. in Uruguay. Across Latin America, school start times range from 6 a.m. in Colombia to 10 a.m. in Uruguay. While it might seem like a small detail, the hour a student begins class can make a big difference in how they learn, sleep, and grow. Sleep experts have long warned that early school starts clash with adolescents' natural rhythms. Teenagers biologically tend to fall asleep later and wake up later, making those pre-dawn routines a real struggle.

Environment / 6 weeks ago

The water behind your T-shirt: One cotton tee uses as much water as you drink in 2½ years

When you pick up a simple cotton T-shirt, you probably don’t think about water. But behind that soft, everyday fabric is surprisingly 2,700 litres of fresh water. When you pick up a simple cotton T-shirt, you probably don’t think about water. But behind that soft, everyday fabric is surprisingly 2,700 litres of fresh water. That’s how much it takes to grow the cotton, process it, and make just one T-shirt. To put that in perspective, that’s roughly the amount of water a person drinks in about two and a half years.

Business / 41 weeks ago

China strengthens global trade dominance with record $6.1 trillion in imports and exports

China maintained its position as the world’s largest goods trader in 2024, with total imports and exports reaching an impressive $6.1 trillion, marking a 5% increase from the previous year, according to data from the General Administration of Customs (GAC). The steady growth underscores China’s resilience in global trade despite economic uncertainties and shifting geopolitical dynamics. National Bureau of Statistics of China revealed that export growth surged by 7.1%, primarily fueled by high-tech industries such as electric vehicles, 3D printing, and industrial robotics. Machinery exports played a crucial role, accounting for 59.4% of total outbound shipments, reinforcing China’s status as a manufacturing powerhouse. The rise in exports reflects strong global demand for Chinese technology-driven goods, positioning the country at the forefront of the evolving industrial landscape.

World / 42 weeks ago

Global tourism rebounds to pre-pandemic levels, surpassing 1.4 billion travellers

International tourism has remarkably recovered four years after the COVID-19 pandemic upended global travel. In 2024, international arrivals reached 99% of 2019 levels, marking an 11% increase from 2023, with over 1.4 billion travelers crossing borders. This resurgence underscores the resilience of the travel industry and the growing demand for international exploration. UN Tourism reveals that the Middle East has emerged as the fastest-growing tourism region, with international arrivals 32% above pre-pandemic levels. This surge is attributed to aggressive tourism development, major global events, and expanded air connectivity. Africa also saw strong growth, surpassing 2019 figures by 7%, while Europe achieved a full recovery, reporting a 1% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels.

World / 42 weeks ago

All you need to know about the safest place in the world

Iceland has been crowned the safest country in the world for the 14th year in a row, according to the Global Peace Index (GPI) 2024 by Vision of Humanity. This Nordic nation has consistently ranked high in terms of peace and safety, and it's not hard to see why. Iceland boasts a very low crime rate, with violent crime being extremely rare. The country's strong social attitudes against crime, high level of trust in its well-trained police force, and lack of tension among social and economic classes all contribute to its safe and peaceful environment. Iceland has no military, and police officers don't even carry firearms.

World / 43 weeks ago

The world’s top 10 postal service countries leading innovation and reliability

Switzerland continues to lead the world in postal service efficiency, securing the top position for the eighth consecutive year. According to the Universal Postal Union (UPU), SwissPost has demonstrated remarkable adaptability in responding to the challenges posed by declining letter volumes while capitalizing on the rise of e-commerce. The company has strengthened its role beyond traditional mail delivery by integrating banking services, ensuring it remains an essential part of the country's infrastructure. Its commitment to innovation and digital transformation has allowed it to maintain its dominance in postal rankings.