Africa eSwatini 11 000 jobs have been added in 2023-25; though it may appear as a positive development for Eswatini’s economy, economists fear that Eswatini’s labour market is expanding in low-productivity jobs rather than sectors building long-term economic security
Africa Benin A new attack attributed to jihadist groups in the north, near the border with Niger and Burkina Faso, resulted in the death of 28 soldiers; attacks have increased in the area in recent years, with 121 soldiers killed from 2021 to the end of 2024
Africa Namibia The heavy rains that have hit the country in recent weeks are bringing benefits to the water reserves; Namibia Water Corporation confirmed that the main dams have seen a significant increase of water levels
Asia Japan One year since a powerful earthquake struck the Noto Peninsula leaving at least 500 dead, efforts toward full recovery continue in the hardest-hit areas; some 21.000 residents in Ishikawa Prefecture remain evacuated or in temporary housing
Asia Indonesia The relocation of civil servants to new capital Nusantara has been delayed due to incomplete housing and missing digital infrastructure; plans to move 12.000 workers by 2024 are postponed with no new timeline, but a full transition is set for 2029
America Peru Peru completed its inaugural blueberry shipment to China via the new Port of Chancay, reaching Shanghai and Hong Kong in 23 days, showcasing the port's efficiency and enhancing Peru's agricultural exports
Asia Cambodia The Crane Rice initiative supports endangered sarus cranes by promoting eco-friendly farming; it reached 120 families and 132 hectares, offering farmers premium rice prices while creating safe crane habitats, balancing conservation and community welfare
Asia Laos Vientiane’s top tourist sites - including Patuxai Monument, That Luang Stupa, and Buddha Park - attracted over 300.000 visitors in 2024, reflecting a strong recovery in Laos’s tourism sector; targeted campaigns will aim at further boosting tourism in 2025
Asia Singapore The sanctuary for old and sick pets aims at reducing caregiver fatigue and hold off pet euthanasia, providing end-of-life care, medical treatment, rehabilitation, emotional support; it also runs awareness campaigns and promotes compassionate pet care
Asia Pakistan Under Pakistan’s Hajj Policy 2025, women can perform Hajj without a male guardian, but with previous written consent from a parent or spouse and in the company of trustworthy female companions
America Suriname Suriname's Ministry of Health is set for major transformations in 2025, including a new building, ten more ambulances to enhance emergency response, and a focus on digitizing healthcare services for improved efficiency and accessibility
Asia South Korea Ex-president Yoon Suk-yeol remains barricaded in his official residence with the Presidential Security Service blocking attempts to arrest him on charges of insurrection and abuse of power; authorities are considering measures to enforce the warrant
America Venezuela Venezuela offered a US$100.000 reward for information on Edmundo González, ex-ambassador and opposition leader, who claims victory in the disputed 2024 elections and plans to return to Venezuela before Maduro's new term starts
Asia Vietnam 41 organ donations from brain-dead individuals have ben performed in 2024, surpassing the combined total of the previous three years and reaching over 9.500 organ transplants nationwide since 1992, with demand for organ transplants still exceeding supply