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
Africa Morocco New protections for women and the family will be included in the legislation, with reference to polygamy, a ban on marriage for children under 18, and new, more protective provisions during divorce
Europe Germany The state music councils in Germany choose an instrument of the year every year, and in 2025 it is the human voice: from singing to speaking, from whispering to shouting, these sounds can also be used musically and creativity can be expressed through them
Africa South Africa Nominations for Mail&Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans 2025 are open; at its 20th edition, the initiative celebrates the achievements of young people in 19 categories including agriculture, arts-entertainment, finance, health, justice, sport, technology
Africa Equatorial Guinea More than two thousand boys and girls in the provincial capital of Centro Sur received the surprise of the 'One Toy, One Illusion' campaign by Nguema Obiang Mangue, Vice-President of Equatorial Guinea
Europe Hungary Hungary's turn at the presidency of the Council of the European Union officially ends today; notwithstanding Orbán's provocative attitude and ambitious initiatives, the mandate took place in relative calm
America Saint Kitts and Nevis Six cruise ships docked simultaneously on 26 December bringing a total of 11.334 passengers to the island that was bustling with activity as it welcomed one of the largest influxes of visitors in its history
Asia Bangladesh Inland water transport strike disrupted Bangladesh supply chain: crisscrossed by hundreds of rivers, over 80% of its cargo imported in bulk is delivered at sea and transported through waterways to its destination
Europe Portugal Hotel occupancy on New Year's Eve in Madeira is expected to be around 100%, according to the Secretariat of Economy, Tourism and Culture; “a reflection of the continuous effort to promote the region” according to stakeholders
America Peru An oil spill off northern Peru is threatening marine biodiversity near the Tropical Sea Reserve of Grau; cleanup efforts are facing criticism as the spill spreads, raising concerns for one of the world’s richest marine ecosystems
Asia Jordan Latest report by Ipsos found that Jordanians are looking towards 2025 with renewed optimism, as 69% believe the coming year will be better personally and 55% expect people in Jordan to start feeling more optimistic about the long-term future
Africa Cape Verde The government said it had revoked the concession to Hong Kong-listed casino services company Macau Legend Development Ltd to develop and operate a casino
America Paraguay The Senate approved a controversial bill imposing strict controls on NGOs who risk their autonomy, resources, and ability to defend human rights; Amnesty International urged the lower house to reject the proposal for violating international norms
Europe San Marino This holiday season saw a boom in tourist arrivals and on Sunday 30 December a record was set for passengers reaching the historic center by cable car: with over 6.600 lifts, it surpass the Boxing Day number of 4.100