Finland: A Top Immigration Destination with Strong Welfare and High Value
Finland stands out as an ideal immigration spot for many foreign families, thanks to its high-level social welfare, sustainable environment, stable society, and excellent education and healthcare systems. These factors collectively create a desirable living environment.
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German Interior Minister Orders Ban on Entry for Undocumented Migrants
On May 7 local time, Alexander Dobrindt, the newly appointed German Interior Minister, issued an order to deny entry to undocumented migrants at the German border, including asylum seekers. Dobrindt announced his decision to revoke the 2015 directive that allowed undocumented migrants from third countries to enter Germany, aiming to reduce the number of illegal immigrants, and he stated that the current number of illegal immigrants in Germany remains unacceptably high.
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UK Arrests Six Iranian Men on National Security Threat Charges
On May 5th, British counterterrorism police made significant arrests as part of what the government described as one of the largest "counter - state threat and counterterrorism" operations in recent years. Seven men, aged between 29 and 46, were detained across England under the Terrorism Act.
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Carney Leads New Canadian Cabinet in Inauguration
Local time on May 13th, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney led his new cabinet to be sworn in at the Government House in Ottawa. The new cabinet consists of 28 ministers, reducing the number of ministers from 39 in the Trudeau era to 28, aiming for a more efficient operation.
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ICAO Rules Russia Responsible for MH17 Crash
According to a report by AFP, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) ruled on May 12 that Russia is responsible for the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 over Ukraine in 2014. The air disaster claimed the lives of 298 people, including 196 Dutch citizens and 38 Australian citizens or residents.
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The Longest Country Name in History Belonged to a Defunct Nation
The longest country name ever recorded was that of a now-defunct state: the "Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya." This lengthy title, used from 1977 to 2011, reflected the political ideology and structure under Muammar Gaddafi’s rule.
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Spain: The 12 Grapes Tradition
In Spain, New Year’s Eve revolves around a quirky yet cherished ritual: consuming 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight. As the clock ticks toward the new year, families and friends gather, often in central squares like Madrid’s Puerta del Sol, clutching small bunches of grapes—their eyes fixed on the clock tower and hands ready to pop each fruit into their mouths with every chime.
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Switzerland’s Unusual Sunday Rule: The Ban on Outdoor Clothes Drying
In Switzerland, a seemingly mundane activity like hanging laundry outdoors on a sunny Sunday can lead to unexpected encounters. The country has a strict regulation that prohibits residents from drying their clothes outside on Sundays, turning a common household chore into a potential legal infraction.
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France: Eiffel Tower Light Shows and Champagne Toasts
Paris ushers in the new year with characteristic chic, combining iconic landmarks, culinary traditions, and superstitious rituals. As midnight approaches, the Eiffel Tower becomes the centerpiece, dazzling crowds with a spectacular light show and fireworks that paint the Parisian sky—an annual spectacle that draws millions to the Champ de Mars and televisions worldwide.
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Myanmar: A Nation of Contrasts—Rich Resources Amidst Shadow Economies
Myanmar, in Southeast Asia, evokes images of illicit activities like fraud and organ trafficking for many. Yet behind this grim reputation lies a land of immense potential: 680,000 square kilometers of diverse terrain—mountains, plateaus, and river deltas—fringed by 3,200 km of coastline, with the famed Golden Triangle within its borders.
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Tajikistan’s Troubles: Corruption and Poverty in Central Asia
Tajikistan, a 140,000-square-kilometer nation in Central Asia, grapples with stark poverty and systemic corruption. A surreal 2016 scandal saw billions in state funds vanish after being allocated to construction projects—exposing the grim reality of one of Asia’s poorest countries, with a GDP per capita of just $1,271.
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In Egypt, Adding Salt to Your Food Is a No - No
Traveling to Egypt offers a rich tapestry of cultural experiences, but among the many customs to keep in mind, one particular dining etiquette rule stands out: refrain from adding salt to your food. In Egyptian culture, sprinkling salt into your bowl is considered a direct insult to the chef. This tradition is deeply ingrained in the local way of life, reflecting the importance Egyptians place on culinary craftsmanship and hospitality.
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Hungarians Don't Clink Glasses When Toasting: A Historical Tradition
When traveling in Hungary, one will notice an interesting cultural quirk: Hungarians don't clink glasses when they toast. This tradition has deep historical roots.
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Denmark: Table-Jumping and Plate-Smashing Traditions
In Denmark, ringing in the new year is a literal leap into the future—quite literally. As the clock strikes midnight, Danes gather around tables and chairs, then spring off them with a cheer, symbolically "jumping into the new year." This energetic ritual is followed by fireworks lighting up the winter sky, blending playfulness with deep-rooted belief.
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In Turkey, the 'OK' Gesture Isn’t Always Innocent
Travelers to Turkey, Brazil, and parts of the Middle East may be surprised to learn that the commonly used “OK” gesture—forming a circle with the thumb and index finger—carries a highly offensive meaning in these regions. Far from signifying approval or agreement, this hand signal is widely regarded as a crude and inappropriate gesture, often considered more vulgar than even the middle finger.
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