America Guatemala Indigenous communities in Guatemala are facing a high 18% illiteracy rate and have launched initiatives like floating schools—classrooms on boats reaching remote areas—but struggle as many children are pulled from school to work in agriculture
Asia Tajikistan Further funding will be attracted for the completion of the Rogun hydroelectric power plant, featuring a 335-metre-high clay core and rockfill dam on the Vakhsh River that will be the tallest in the world; around US$ 3 billion are needed to be completed
Europe Slovenia On 1 January, the country became a full member of the European Space Agency; the move is considered a milestone that will create opportunities for local business and science strengthening Slovenia's competitiveness in the global space industry
Africa Sao Tome and Principe The resident population increased from 187.356 in 2012 to 209.617 in 2024, according to provisional data from the 5th general population census released by the National Institute of Statistics
Europe Vatican City The Holy Door of the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major has been opened after the one in St. John Lateran, marking the start of the Jubilee Year 2025; Pope Francis had opened the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica and the Holy Door of the Rebibbia Prison
Africa Rwanda Forest4Life aims to educate young people in environmental protection by preparing areas for planting, distributing saplings to children and asking them to name their trees to encourage them to create an emotional bond with nature
Oceania Nauru The first electric bus came into operation in the Yaren district, showing the commitment of the government to reduce emissions and promote sustainable energy solutions
Asia Uzbekistan All pharmacies and hospitals in Uzbekistan will have to pay VAT as of 1 April 2025, regardless of income
America Saint Kitts and Nevis Premier of Nevis listed the completion of the Solar Desalination Plant at Maddens, the Bath and Butler’s Village road projects and the Oualie Water Taxi Terminal Building, as well as the opening of another International Bank as major achievements of 2024
Oceania Vanuatu The Vanuatu Cricket Association has recognised cricket clubs and communities across Australia that contributed to fundraising and support following the devastating earthquake that struck the country a fortnight ago
Europe Norway A combination of stable and probably lower interest rates next year, together with an imminent reduction in capital requirements for first-time homebuyers, is likely to facilitate entry into the Norwegian market for high-priced homes
Asia Saudi Arabia At the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals in Dhahran, a professional training programme in generative artificial intelligence was launched for 4.000 Saudi citizens, offered by the Gen AI Academy
Africa Tunisia Reported investments in the industrial sector increased by 3,7% last year compared to the same period in 2023, according to data from the Agricultural Investment Promotion Agency
Africa Seychelles The Seychelles Meteorological Authority launched its Strategic Plan 2025-2029, considering the increased demand for accurate and timely weather and climate services