Culture And Art
Satellite Dishes Adorning Red Roofs in Turkey: A Common Sight
Culture And Art
In Turkey, a scene that has become a common part of the urban and suburban landscapes is the sight of satellite dishes perched on top of red roofs. These satellite receivers have become an integral element for many households seeking to access a wide range of television programming.more
North Korea: An Isolated Enigma
Culture And Art
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
Pakistan's Unique Gesture: Shaking the Head to Show Agreement
Culture And Art
In Pakistan, a fascinating cultural quirk sets its communication norms apart from many other parts of the world. Here, shaking the head isn't a sign of disagreement, as it is in most Western cultures; instead, it's a way to convey approval, agreement, or understanding. This unique form of non-verbal communication often surprises first-time visitors and can lead to initial confusion.more
Living on the Water: The Allure of Dutch Houseboats
Culture And Art
In the Netherlands, a country renowned for its extensive waterways, houseboats have become a distinctive and popular form of housing. These floating homes offer a unique living experience that combines the charm of waterfront living with the practicality of a permanent residence.more
Icelandic Custom: Babies Left Outside Restaurants
Culture And Art
In Iceland, a rather unique and heartwarming sight can be often witnessed outside restaurants. It is not uncommon to see babies sleeping peacefully in their strollers, left just outside the dining establishments while their parents enjoy a meal inside.more
Singapore's Approach to the Sex Industry: No Ban on the Custom Industry
Culture And Art
Singapore, known for its strict laws in many aspects, has a rather unique stance when it comes to the custom industry. Unlike some countries that have imposed outright bans, Singapore has chosen a different path.more
Sri Lanka's Enchanting Tradition: Stilt Fishing
Culture And Art
In Sri Lanka, a captivating fishing practice has endured through the ages, captivating both locals and tourists alike—stilt fishing. This unique method involves fishermen perching on tall wooden stilts that rise out of the ocean, skillfully casting their lines to catch sea fish.more
Strange Houses in Poland Spark Curiosity
Culture And Art
In Poland, there has been a growing phenomenon of houses that are rather strange in appearance and design, captivating the attention of locals and tourists alike. These unique dwellings stand out in the Polish landscape, defying traditional architectural norms.more
Andorra: A Country Without an Army or Its Own President
Culture And Art
Andorra, a small country nestled in the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain, has a unique status when it comes to its military and leadership structure. In terms of defense, Andorra does not possess a standing army or any armed forces. Instead, its military defense is based on treaties it has signed with its neighboring countries, Spain and France. One such treaty is the 1993 Treaty of Good Neighborliness, Friendship, and Cooperation. There is only a minuscule volunteer army in Andorra, but its role is strictly ceremonial.more
In Tajikistan, Women Prefer to Draw Single-line Eyebrows
Culture And Art
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
Brunei: A Tiny but Wealthy Nation
Culture And Art
Brunei, a small Southeast Asian nation, is often described as "rich to the brim." Despite its minuscule size, it has amassed substantial wealth.more
Contrasting Realities in the Republic of the Congo: Lives of Scarcity, Displays of Opulence
Culture And Art
In the Republic of the Congo, a striking paradox unfolds as many residents lead lives marked by poverty, yet present themselves with an air of affluence through their clothing. Despite facing economic hardships and struggling to meet basic needs, a significant portion of the population places great emphasis on dressing in an extravagant manner.more