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Technology / 20 hours ago

What matters more to Americans: Voting or gun ownership?

Americans are being forced to think more critically about the constitutional rights they value most at a time when the country is confronting rising political tension, recurring mass shootings, and urgent debates over election integrity. Americans are being forced to think more critically about the constitutional rights they value most at a time when the country is confronting rising political tension, recurring mass shootings, and urgent debates over election integrity. While public opinion has long been split over issues like gun control and voting access, fresh scrutiny on these freedoms is bringing an old debate back to the forefront: Which right do Americans consider more vital — the right to vote or the right to bear arms?

Maps / 5 days ago

The countries sitting above the 49th parallel and why it matters now

The 49th parallel, best known as the line that forms most of the border between the United States and Canada, cuts across Europe in ways many people never notice. The 49th parallel, best known as the line that forms most of the border between the United States and Canada, cuts across Europe in ways many people never notice. The above map highlights all European countries located entirely or mostly north of this latitude, vividly showing how much of Europe lies farther north than major North American cities.

Politics / 5 days ago

World overwhelmingly backs UN resolution against torture, except for three hold-outs

The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a sweeping resolution reaffirming the absolute ban on torture, and nearly every member state joined the vote. The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a sweeping resolution reaffirming the absolute ban on torture, and nearly every member state joined the vote. According to recent reports, 169 nations voted in favour while only three — the United States, Israel and Argentina — opposed the measure. The resolution highlights what many see as one of the most basic tenets of human dignity that under no circumstances, of war, terror, and political unrest, should torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment ever be tolerated.

Environment / 1 week ago

From 2% to 89%: The differences in U.S. forest coverage you need to see

A fresh look at U.S. forest coverage reveals how America’s landscapes differ from state to state, offering an important snapshot at a time when climate challenges dominate global headlines. A fresh look at U.S. forest coverage reveals how America’s landscapes differ from state to state, offering an important snapshot at a time when climate challenges dominate global headlines. The latest breakdown, illustrated by The World in Maps, shows forested land ranging from less than 5% in some states to nearly 90% in others, casting light on the country’s environmental strengths, vulnerabilities, and responsibilities.

Maps / 1 week ago

Puerto Rico's growing population is reshaping America’s cultural and political landscape

Puerto Ricans have become one of the most widely dispersed and influential communities across the United States, with populations rising in places far beyond the East Coast hubs that once defined the diaspora. Puerto Ricans have become one of the most widely dispersed and influential communities across the United States, with populations rising in places far beyond the East Coast hubs that once defined the diaspora. Today, states from Florida to Texas and Pennsylvania to California are home to vibrant and fast-growing Puerto Rican communities whose impact is reshaping American culture, politics, and demographics.

World / 1 week ago

Just a handful of nations offer no paid maternity leave including the U.S

Paid maternity leave is nearly universal worldwide, but a small group of countries still offer no guaranteed paid time off for new mothers, and the United States remains the most surprising member of that list. Paid maternity leave is nearly universal worldwide, but a small group of countries still offer no guaranteed paid time off for new mothers, and the United States remains the most surprising member of that list. While most nations, regardless of income level, mandate paid leave as a basic workplace protection, the U.S. continues to provide none at the federal level, placing it alongside countries such as Papua New Guinea, Suriname, and Tonga.

Business / 3 weeks ago

India’s economy now rivals whole continents: Here is how

India’s economy, which is projected at around US $4.1 trillion in 2025, is equivalent to the combined economies of a collection of its neighbouring and regional peers. India’s economy, which is projected at around US $4.1 trillion in 2025, is equivalent to the combined economies of a collection of its neighbouring and regional peers. According to the Asian Development Bank (ADB), India is expected to grow at 6.7% in the fiscal year ending March 2026, driven by robust domestic demand, rising rural incomes and a vibrant services sector.

Politics / 3 weeks ago

The mystery behind Bhutan's close-knit global diplomatic ties

Bhutan maintains formal diplomatic ties with a surprisingly small number of countries — just 58 of the other 192 UN member states. Bhutan maintains formal diplomatic ties with a surprisingly small number of countries — just 58 of the other 192 UN member states. Notably, as of now, it does not have formal ties with any of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council — the United States, China, Russia, the United Kingdom and France.

Politics / 18 weeks ago

France's plan to recognise Palestine sparks backlash from Israel and USA

French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will formally recognise the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025, making it the first G7 and Security Council permanent member to do so. In a letter to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, Macron declared:

Technology / 29 weeks ago

Beyond Europe: Where speed still reigns

While Europe dominates with structured high-speed limits and legendary roads like the Autobahn, other parts of the world also boast roads that push the boundaries of legal velocity. Stretching across the heart of the Australian Outback, sections of the Stuart Highway in the Northern Territory were once famously limitless—and although a 130 km/h (81 mph) cap has been reinstated in most areas, the road remains one of the fastest legal highways in the Southern Hemisphere. It's straight, open stretches invite long-distance driving with minimal traffic.

Politics / 31 weeks ago

G20 Approval Ratings: Prabowo Subianto, Claudia Sheinbaum, and Narendra Modi lead global sentiment shift

April 2025 has brought fresh insight into global political dynamics, as new approval ratings for G20 leaders reveal surprising shifts and regional divergences in public sentiment. According to analysis by Reuters and Political Pulse, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto tops the chart with an overwhelming 81% approval rating. Sworn in just months ago, Subianto has benefited from a post-election honeymoon period, strengthened by promises of continuity and decisive leadership following Joko Widodo’s tenure. Analysts note that his early efforts to strengthen domestic food security and military modernisation have played well with the Indonesian electorate.

Environment / 31 weeks ago

Top 10 countries hosting the largest Indian communities

In an era defined by migration, innovation, and cultural exchange, the Indian diaspora stands as one of the most influential and widespread in the world. A data visualisation from The World in Maps based on data from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (2024) reveals the top 10 countries where Indian communities have taken root, and the numbers aren’t just impressive; they tell a deeper story of ambition, resilience, and transnational impact.

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