economy

Traders in Ghana face uncertain future after world’s largest secondhand clothing hub razed in fire

A devastating blaze has wiped out the world’s largest secondhand clothing hub located in Ghana. Having no insurance, thousands of traders now face an uncertain future.

Is retirement officially dead in Japan?

Japan in Focus

Struggling economy and youth unemployment weigh heavily on voters as Ghana heads to the polls

Elections

Why Indian men are fighting for Russia in Ukraine

Conflict & Justice

Paraguay’s soy bonanza leaves small farmers in the cold

Move over Orlando, Brazil’s Balneário Camboriú is on the rise

Development

Balneário Camboriú is known as Brazil’s Dubai for the rows of skyscrapers that line the beachfront. It’s home to the three tallest buildings in Brazil. But there’s another city that Balneário Camboriú seems to be increasingly emulating: Orlando, Florida, for its theme parks.

Nearly half of Venezuelans are considering leaving the country in the coming months, poll says

Migration

The possibility of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro retaining power is motivating many Venezuelans to leave, according to a recent survey. But a new stream of Venezuelan migration could have serious consequences for Latin America, the US-Mexico border, and even the US presidential race.

Japan awakens for the global art market

Japan in Focus

Interest in Japanese art has grown internationally, giving hope to those who have been waiting for the industry to pick up.

Syrian refugees in Lebanon face growing restrictions and deportation

Israel-Hamas war

Thirteen years since Syria’s civil war broke out, Lebanon remains home to the largest Syrian refugee population per capita in the world: roughly 1.5 million people. Now, Lebanese politicians say they must be sent home. Many employers have stopped hiring Syrians for menial jobs. And municipalities have issued new restrictions, even evicting Syrian tenants, according to recent news reports.

As Dutch residents struggle to find housing, some are trying new initiatives

Economics

The Netherlands is experiencing one of the worst housing crises in all of Europe. The new coalition government led by the far-right Freedom party has promised “large scale” housing construction over the next few years but many say it will not be enough to resolve the issue. One group of young Dutch citizens has come up with their own solution.