The least free countries in the world
The amount of freedom experienced in a given country is not approached the same way across the globe. The Cato Institute in Washington, D.C. and the Fraser Institute in Vancouver, Canada, co-publish the annual Human Freedom Index Report, which observes the relationship between freedom and other social and economic phenomena. Personal freedom might be described as our ability to voice our opinion, equality experienced before the courts, and the ease of travel to/from a country. Economic freedom is the ability of people in that country to do well, without the need for government assistance or an economic authority. To calculate the final Human Freedom score, personal freedom and economic freedom are measured and combined, then compared to the scores of other countries. The nations in this gallery scored the lowest on the Human Freedom score, compared to countries in the rest of the world. Click on to discover which countries made this regrettable 'top' 30.
2024-03-21T07:04:39Z
History's famous military retreats
According to military strategists, the best course of action during battle is often to withdraw to fight another day. Indeed, claiming a victory is sometimes to know when to retreat. A retreat is a tactical strategy, and does not equate to surrendering. However, not all retreats are successful. History has recorded some truly disastrous military withdrawals, when fighting on the back foot, often in harsh conditions, has all but decimated an army. However, when undertaken correctly, a retreat can allow forces to regroup and come back stronger. So, when has losing ground enabled combatants to gain the upper hand? Click on and march through this gallery of famous military retreats.
2024-04-19T09:12:20Z
Illuminating facts about the Age of Enlightenment
The Enlightenment, also known as the Age of Reason, was an intellectual and philosophical movement that occurred in Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries. Enlightenment thinkers in Britain, France, and throughout Europe questioned traditional authority and embraced the notion that humanity could be improved through rational change. Challenging political and religious conventions, the Enlightenment produced numerous books, essays, inventions, scientific discoveries, laws, wars, and revolutions. Intrigued? Click through the following gallery for the movement's core beliefs, and even some of its common misconceptions.
2023-12-15T08:13:56Z
Female crew aim to be first trio to row Pacific Ocean non-stop and unsupported
An all-female team hopes to become the first trio to row 8,000 miles across the Pacific Ocean non-stop and unsupported to "inspire young people to feel that anything is possible". Miriam Payne, 24, Lottie Hopkinson-Woolley, also 24, and Jess Rowe, 27, aim to break three records with their feat, which will see them spend up to six months at sea. The team, named Seas The Day, hopes to become the youngest group to row across the Pacific Ocean, as well as the first trio to take on the challenge non-stop and unsupported.
2024-04-19T10:56:17Z
Astrotourism: Visit these incredible dark sky reserves around the world
In many parts of the world, especially those most densely populated, it's becoming increasingly difficult to be able to view the galaxy surrounding us in all its primordial glory, like our ancestors could for millennia. Rising levels of industry emissions and light pollution have obstructed many people's ability see one of the universe’s greatest and most awe-inspiring nightly gifts: a sky full of stars. Fortunately, organizations like the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) are working to preserve the night sky for its cultural, environmental, and scientific value, by working with countries around the world to designate protected dark sky reserves and parks. Even more fortunately, many of these places are also being made accessible for visitors, prompting a forthcoming "astrotourism" trend. An area can earn its designation by meeting a minimum criteria for sky quality and natural darkness, plus an evaluation of the peripheral area, which should also support dark sky preservation. Many of these reserves and parks also offer specific stargazing-related education opportunities, so they're perfect even for those who don't know much about it! Click through to see some of the most beautiful places to witness the dark sky with its original illumination.
2024-04-18T14:56:55Z