Current State
North Korea: An Isolated Enigma
North Korea is often perceived as a country seemingly cut off from the rest of the world. In 2020, due to the global pandemic, North Korea closed its borders, which led to a significant decrease in its foreign trade. Its total foreign trade volume was $860 million in 2020, and it was expected to be less than $300 million in the following year, a sharp contrast to South Korea's trade volume which exceeded $1 trillion in the same period. The number of inbound and outbound passengers also shows a huge gap between the two countries, with North Korea having only a fraction of South Korea's figures.more
South Korea: A Hub of Plastic Surgery
South Korea is renowned worldwide as a paradise for plastic surgery. It accounts for nearly 25 % of the global aesthetic surgery market, with around nine in every 1,000 people having undergone some form of plastic surgerymore
Thailand: The Enigma of Beauty Beyond Gender Boundaries
Thailand has long been renowned for its vibrant and diverse culture, and one of the most captivating aspects is the prominence of transgender individuals, known locally as "kathoey." In the bustling streets, lively entertainment venues, and tourist hotspots of Thailand, it is not uncommon to encounter stunningly beautiful individuals whose gender identity may leave onlookers guessing.more
Brunei: A Tiny but Wealthy Nation
Brunei, a small Southeast Asian nation, is often described as "rich to the brim." Despite its minuscule size, it has amassed substantial wealth.more
Nepal's Unique Tradition: Annual Homage to Dogs
In Nepal, a country rich in culture and traditions, there exists an extraordinary annual ritual dedicated to man’s best friend—dogs. This unique practice is part of a five - day festival known as “Kukur Tihar,” which is a significant segment of the larger Tihar festival, also referred to as the Festival of Lights in Nepal.more
Cycling Gap: Why Many Women in Bangladesh Don't Ride Bicycles
In Bangladesh, a significant phenomenon exists - many women do not ride bicycles. This situation is deeply rooted in the country's social and cultural context.more
In Tajikistan, Women Prefer to Draw Single-line Eyebrows
In Tajikistan, a unique beauty trend among women has caught the attention of many. Women here often sport a distinct makeup style - drawing a single, thick line for eyebrows.more
Afghanistan: The Unconquerable Land for Over a Century
For more than a century, Afghanistan has earned a reputation as a place where no foreign power has been able to achieve a complete victory. Its strategic location, which serves as a crossroads connecting Central Asia, the Middle East, South Asia, and East Asia, has made it a target of numerous foreign incursions.more
Saudi Arabia Lifts Ban on Female Drivers, Marking a Historic Change
For a long time, Saudi Arabia was the only country globally that prohibited women from driving. The Saudi Arabian interior ministry, specifically the head of the traffic police, refused to issue driver's licenses to women. Although there was no formal traffic law explicitly barring female drivers, women who dared to drive would be arrested and punished by law enforcement.more
Denmark: A Nation Crazy About Cycling
Denmark is widely recognized as a country where bicycles reign supreme. With a population deeply in love with cycling, this Nordic nation has made the two - wheeled vehicle an integral part of daily life.more
Hungary - The Only European Country with Surnames Before Given Names
In the world of naming conventions, Hungary stands out uniquely among European and Western countries. While the majority of 欧美国家 follow the pattern of given names preceding surnames, Hungary bucks this trend. In Hungary, it is the surname that comes first, followed by the given name.more
French Culinary Tradition: A Unique Way of Savoring Small Birds
In certain regions of France, there exists a unique and rather peculiar culinary practice involving covering the head with a cloth while eating small birds, a tradition deeply rooted in the country's rich gastronomic heritage.more