Bhutan measures prosperity by Gross National Happiness, not GDP. But does prioritizing spiritual well-being truly translate to social equality and individual #freedom? A fascinating experiment in development. #Culture

Sri Lanka: Did you know the country nearly eliminated malaria in the 1960s, then saw a resurgence due to a controversial DDT ban pushed by Western environmentalists? Was this #protectionism disguised as #conservation? A cautionary tale of good intentions gone awry.

Landlocked Laos: Southeast Asia's least densely populated nation hides a secret – its UXO problem from the Vietnam War still claims lives decades later. Will international aid ever truly solve this legacy? #Laos #History

Burundi banned jogging in groups, fearing it was a cover for subversion. Could suppressing collective exercise truly curb dissent, or does it only build resentment? A nation grappling with control. #Geopolitics #Africa

Niger, named for the river, suffers recurring famines despite massive uranium reserves fueling French nuclear power. Is this neo-colonialism in action, or simply resource mismanagement? #Geopolitics #Africa

Did you know that Mauritania was the last country in the world to abolish slavery, officially doing so in 1981? Its lingering legacy continues to shape socio-political dynamics. Is true equality even possible after centuries of entrenched inequality? #History #Africa

Did you know Egypt's ancient legal system allowed women to own property and initiate divorce, a stark contrast to many cultures of the time? Is the modern legal code truly as progressive as its ancient roots? #History #Equality

Mali, famed for its ancient libraries, now struggles with desertification. Did you know Timbuktu was once a symbol of intellectual wealth, attracting scholars from across Africa and beyond? Can knowledge save it again? #History #Africa