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 Chad Succès Masra, the president of the opposition party Les Transformateurs, called for "a new transition" in Chad in the aftermath of elections marked by low turnout and accusations of fraud by the opposition
Europe Belarus In 2024, over 5.800 people were convicted in administrative political trials in Belarus, the Viasna Human Rights Defence Centre reported; independent analysts link this to the election campaign that began
Asia Philippines Baguio has launched the 2025 Panagbenga Festival, a month-long celebration showcasing the city’s rich floral heritage; the festival features the Grand Float Parade, street dancing, and “Session Road in Bloom” attracting local and international tourists
America Panama The number of migrants passing through Panama decreased by 42% in 2024, with 302.203 crossing the Darién Gap, down from 520.085 in 2023, attributed to stricter measures, though experts believe this won't address the root causes of migration
Europe Lithuania Over 1.500 objects of art and culture from Ukraine have been transferred to Lithuania since Russia's attack on Ukraine; many works of art have been studied and restored, as well as exhibited, by the Lithuanian National Art Museum
Asia Kazakhstan 3,7 million tonnes of wheat from the new harvest have been exported between September and 25 December 2024, an increase of 54% compared to the 2,4 million tonnes exported in the same period in 2023
Asia Lebanon Lebanon's National News Agency NNA reported that Israel has violated the ceasefire with Lebanon 392 times since cease-fire came into force on 27 November 2024
Africa Liberia Liberian entrepreneur Rose Martin-King has officially launched a new butcher's shop and farm shop in Joe Bar, Paynesville, featuring locally sourced organic meat products
America Jamaica A total of 14.434 Jamaicans were placed abroad in 2024 under the Ministry of Labour and Social Security's Overseas Employment Programme; 57% went to Canada under the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Programme
America Colombia Colombia is emerging as a hub for digital nomads, with its visa allowing remote work for up to two years; in 2025, 9.000 American digital nomads are expected to settle in Colombia, drawn by its lifestyle and affordability
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
America Ecuador President Noboa has named for a second time a temporary vice president amid ongoing tensions with elected VP Verónica Abad, who disputes her suspension and argues that Noboa’s actions are unconstitutional and aimed at blocking her succession
Asia Bangladesh Foreigners illegally residing in Bangladesh without a valid visa are asked to obtain the document by 31 January; the interim government has warned that those who fail to do so will face legal action