Asia Malaysia The Gig Workers Bill 2025 was passed, extending labor protections to about 1,2 million gig economy workers; the law mandates written contracts and basic benefits, like insurance and leave, for drivers, freelancers and platform workers
Asia Iran Over 900 people have been executed in Iran in 2024, of whom at least 31 women; most of the executions were linked to drug-related offences, but also to the mass protests of 2022 and included political dissidents, the UN human rights office reported
America Bolivia Bolivia officially joined the BRICS as a partner state this 2025, with President Luis Arce highlighting the move as key to boosting energy, technology, trade, and sustainable finance amid global transitions
Africa Central African Republic Joseph Bendounga, president of the Democratic Movement for the Renaissance and Evolution of Central Africa, died at the Friendship Hospital in Bangui; known for his anti-power positions, he had opposed the amendment of the Constitution last year
America Nicaragua An international arrest warrant for Nicaragua's President Daniel Ortega, Vice President Rosario Murillo, and top officials has been issued by Argentinian authorities over alleged crimes against humanity and human rights violations
Europe Poland Polish surgeons performed a record 2.197 organ transplants last year, according to data from Poltransplant, the Polish Transplant Coordination Centre, beating the previous high of 1.805 procedures in 2023
Africa Ethiopia More than 30 houses collapsed in Awash Fentale, Afar region, as tremors continue to hit north-eastern areas, forcing many inhabitants to flee their homes and seek refuge in neighbouring areas; recurring earthquakes have caused extensive material damage
Oceania Tuvalu In 2025, all the islands of Tuvalu will have tide forecasts available after the Tuvalu Meteorological Service delivered the calendars to island council representatives for distribution to the islands in December
Africa Mauritania The country officially launched its new electronic visa system; e-Visa, effective since 5 January 2025, replaces the need for visa stickers and visa services on arrival, simplifying the process for international travellers
Oceania Solomon Islands Total international arrivals for Q3 2024 were 13.966, an increase of 11,5% over the previous quarter, Q2 2024, according to Solomon Islands National Bureau of Statistics
America El Salvador El Salvador achieved a historic low in homicides in 2024, with just 114 reported killings, credited to President Nayib Bukele's controversial security measures, including expanded police powers and a state of emergency
Europe San Marino Those who choose to become San Marino citizens by naturalisation will no longer be obliged to renounce their original nationality following the State Congress's recent approval of the proposed citizenship bill
America Saint Kitts and Nevis Home and business owners on Nevis will benefit from new initiatives announced by the Administration aimed at incentivizing the construction sector through expanded concessions on building materials for property renovations, expansions or developments
Oceania Papua New Guinea Duncan Gabi, the leading climate change activist in Papua New Guinea, has estimated that tens of thousands of people have been displaced from the area around Pariva beach due to rising seas, describing it as a 'humanitarian crisis'