What makes a country a ‘country’?

Wednesday, 18 August 2021 / Published in Explained, Stuff I Should Know, Today I Learned
It might be a bewildering question for many. Everyone is so used to the idea of a country or a state, and it is not hard to understand why that is the case. It would be hard to find a person alive that is not a citizen or residing in a country. So, what is the

Explained: Why are there two Chinas and the conflict between them?

Friday, 19 June 2020 / Published in Explained, Stuff I Should Know
Two China
China is a fascinating country – one which has a fascinating history. But when you talk about China, do you know which China you are talking about? Yes, there is more than one out there. Two chinas, to be exact – The People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Republic of China (ROC); and that’s not

Explained: Why North Macedonia had to change its name?

Monday, 25 May 2020 / Published in Explained, Stuff I Should Know, Today I Learned
Eastern Europe has always been a contentious region throughout its history. Ottomans, Byzantine, Slavs, Eastern Roman Empire, Polish-Lithuanian commonwealth, this region has a rich history and always had conflicts and disputes; and the way the current geopolitics is, it’s not gonna be over anytime soon. The dispute between North Macedonia and its neighbour Greece is

Why are taxis yellow?

Sunday, 24 May 2020 / Published in Explained, Stuff I Should Know, Today I Learned
Before Uber was even a thing, taxicabs were the rage and preferred mode of transportation for millions of people living in urban and suburban areas all over the globe. There are still many cities where Uber or similar cab-sharing companies are yet to make a serious mark, and these markets are still, to this day,