The Pitcairn Islands are a British Overseas Territory in the South Pacific, but only Pitcairn Island is permanently inhabited. Its population stood at 42 people in 2022, including residents temporarily abroad. Thus, education is a micro-system: when even one child leaves or returns, the entire school model changes. Here is more information about education in […]
The Paracel Islands are a disputed archipelago in the South China Sea, claimed by China, Vietnam and Taiwan. China currently controls the islands, with most civilian activity centered on Woody Island, known in Chinese as Yongxing Island. Given the islands’ very small resident population, education there is less a conventional national school system than a […]
Following Cape Verde’s historic performance in the 2026 World Cup, millions around the globe have seemingly turned their attention to the small island nation of 520,000. There are many ways to learn about the world and how to navigate it, but an examination of education in Cape Verde can reveal what shapes the country’s future […]
Although HIV prevalence in Antigua and Barbuda is relatively low compared to several other countries in the Caribbean, HIV remains an important public health concern. They are currently holding at a prevalence rate of 1.1% of the adult population. Here is more information about HIV/AIDS in Antigua and Barbuda. Addressing HIV/AIDS in Antigua and Barbuda […]
On June 24th, Venezuela was struck by two earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, triggering a major humanitarian emergency. Over six weeks later, the scale of the disaster remains immense. By August 11th, the reported death toll had risen to 6,301, nearly 61,000 people had been treated in hospitals, and 9,500 homes were classified […]
After eight years working in hospitality in Japan and South Korea, Surendra Bal returned home and opened a guest house in Bhojpur district, sourcing vegetables and meat from his own farm instead of buying them elsewhere. “I am able to serve organic meals to my guests,” Bal, 48, told the International Organization for Migration (IOM) […]
In the most vulnerable parts of the world, any risk to food systems can mean catastrophic effects on the population’s health. As El Niño approaches, threatening difficult harvests, drought, floods and even further scarcity in vulnerable countries, East and Southern Africa are predicted as some of the most at-risk areas in the coming months and […]
New Caledonia, a French overseas collectivity in the South Pacific, has a large education system by Pacific island standards. However, it is one shaped by geography, inequality, demographic decline and the unrest of 2024. The 2025 census reported 264,596 residents, down 6,811 people from 2019 – the first population decline between censuses since 1946. Here […]
The West African country of Nigeria is classified as a ‘high burden’ country due to it disproportionately high rate of maternal and child mortality. According to UNICEF, Nigeria accounts for 10% of global maternal deaths, despite representing only 2.4% of the global population. UNICEF also reports that the mortality rate for children under 5 in […]
Saint Pierre and Miquelon, a French overseas collectivity off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada, has one of the smallest education systems under the French national framework. Its 2025 legal population was 5,819 municipal residents and 5,987 total residents. Thus, education is a small-system challenge: the territory must provide full schooling, exam preparation, vocational training and […]
