Where The World has been in 2021 — the year in pictures

The COVID-19 pandemic may have restricted global travel for yet another year. But you don’t need to book a plane ticket to see spectacular images taken by The World’s correspondents. 

Deployed or stationed around the globe, our correspondents have captured moments from some of the most important stories of 2021.

Afghanistan

Shirin Jaafari was in Afghanistan just two weeks before it fell to Taliban control for a second time since the 1990s. She captured the tense atmosphere across the nation in the days preceding the takeover, just as US troops finalized their withdrawal from the country.

Greece

The migrant crisis has left millions of people displaced around the world. And it’s taken a toll on the mental health of refugees. Children are especially vulnerable after experiencing violence and war in their home countries before embarking on dangerous journeys. Lydia Emmanouilidou reported on efforts to heal some of those traumas.

Haiti

Haiti has witnessed successive crises this year, starting with the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July. That was followed by a devastating earthquake a month later; the kidnapping of a missionary group from the US, amid numerous gang murders and kidnappings of the local population; foiled migration attempts to flee to the US and other countries to escape the violence; and a gas tanker explosion that killed dozens of people earlier this month. Monica Campbell traveled to Haiti to bring back a glimpse of the situation.

Lebanon

Another country in crisis this year was Lebanon. A year after an explosion at Beirut’s port left about 200 people dead and 7,000 others wounded, the country is struggling to rebuild. The pandemic and a crumbling economy has also created devastating food and electricity shortages. Shirin Jaafari brought us the latest from people on the ground.

Sudan

Protests have rocked Sudan this year after the military grabbed power in a coup in October. The nation has seen many changes since the overthrow of longtime President Omar al-Bashir. Halima Gikandi has traveled to the country multiple times to bring us various aspects of life in Sudan.

Kenya

Based in Nairobi, Halima Gikandi also brought us the the story of Kenya launching its first-ever national wildlife census.

Ghana

Ghana has made strides in development, from feeding the hungry to providing safety and sanitation through the implementation of proper access to toilets. But the country’s agriculture industry has also been struggling as warming global temperatures have begun hindering food production. Ridwan Karim Dini-Osman brought us those stories.

China

Putting aside geopolitics for a moment, Rebecca Kanthor brought us some lighthearted stories from China this year — from mermaid schools to savory ice cream flavors!

Turkey

Meanwhile, Turkey is trying to preserve its cultural traditions. Durrie Bouscaren reported on specialty cheese made of sheep’s milk and wild herbs, as well as the country’s ancient practice of raising pigeons.

Colombia

And from Colombia, Manuel Rueda shared the story of a deportee from Florida who now exports specialty coffee to the United States to start conversations about the US immigration system. He also brought us the story of a tour guide trying to reclaim the country’s Black heritage.