countries

The Expat Insider 2024 survey has rolled back the curtain on the globe’s most budget-friendly havens for those living abroad, offering priceless insights through its thorough Personal Finance Index. This index drills down into three essential elements: the general cost of living, satisfaction with one’s personal finances, and whether the disposable household income supports a comfortable way of life. It's almost like having a financial roadmap for anyone looking to live abroad. Out of the gate, 53 unique…

What drives the global thirst for carbonated sodas? It's a question that prompts us to examine why two-thirds of the world's consumers find themselves reaching for that effervescent can at least once a week. Perhaps it's a craving for sweetness, or could nostalgic advertising be a more powerful force than we realize? As we delve into consumer trends, it's fascinating to observe a generational shift. The younger crowd, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, seems to be embracing these fizzy favorites with open…

The Hidden Journey of Decommissioned Ships Have you ever wondered what happens to the colossal cruise ships and mammoth oil tankers once their prime days are over? Deceptively elegant as they sail across vast oceans, there's a side to their story not often told. It's a tale less of glamour and more of gritty realism. So let's embark on a different kind of voyage. The journey begins when the grand liners and tankers are no longer fit for the world’s seas. They are strategically directed towards quieter waters,…

When we look into the intricate web of rental trends worldwide, certain dominant factors come into play. Economic conditions, housing affordability, government policies, and, indeed, cultural preferences each hold sway over how rental markets evolve. Pause and reflect—is it merely a roof over one's head, or a quest for freedom that fuels this global inclination towards renting? Top 10 Countries with Remarkable Rental Populations in 2024 According to Eurostat,…

Unveiling the Human Mosaic Beyond Borders In the quiet corners of Ogun State, nestled amidst the clamor of daily lives, a discreet yet significant operation unfolded. The The Punch reported on a multi-faceted immigration sweep carried out with precision and purpose by officers from both the Ogun State Command and Zone A headquarters. Their mission? To address the lacunae in border management and the movement of undocumented individuals seeking an elusive place in the Nigerian sun. At the…

Mogadishu (AX) – The rhythmic hum of helicopter blades slicing through the air above Mogadishu heralds a new chapter in regional cooperation against the persistent threat of Al-Shabaab. In a remarkable display of unity and purpose, five African nations, each carrying the weight of their own hopes and histories, are contributing a formidable force of 11,900 troops to the African Union's recently unveiled Somalia Mission, aptly named AUSSOM. It's interesting to note that three of Somalia's immediate neighbors—Uganda,…

Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, the three military-led West African nations, officially withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), on the 29th January 2025. A year prior, they had announced their departure from their long-standing regional group, citing the bloc's inability to assist their efforts to combat terrorism, as well as its subservience to former colonial powers. Furthermore, for a little more than a year, the AES has been on a campaign to eradicate any traces of Western influence in…

Ever wondered why Coca-Cola is everywhere, why Nike is a global fashion statement, or why so many people dream of strolling through Paris or catching a Hollywood premiere? That’s the power of influence, soft power, to be exact. Soft power is a country’s ability to influence global perceptions, behaviours, and alliances, not through force, but through attraction and persuasion. According to the Brand Finance's Global Soft Power Index, it’s measured through a nation’s impact on business,…

In a bold and transformative step, the Kenyan government has declared the elimination of Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) and visa requisites for travelers from across the African continent. Well, almost everyone—from the sands of Senegal to the shores of South Africa—can rejoice, except for those residing in Somalia and Libya, a decision influenced by persistent security concerns that linger like an unwelcome guest. This ambitious initiative aims to bolster regional integration and fuel tourism, promoting the idea that…

There I was, reflecting on the preliminary pact between my homeland and Ethiopia, and suddenly, I found my thoughts drifting to the echoes of post-World War II Europe. That brutal conflict left an indelible mark on history, claiming the lives of an estimated 40 million souls—among them, 20 million military personnel and between 19 to 25 million civilians. The devastation was all too real, with economic ruin leaving nations grappling with widespread poverty, famine, and collapse.Rising from these ashes was no small feat.…