Current State
Mongolian Children Start Learning Horse Riding at Three
In Mongolia, horse riding is an integral part of the country's culture and way of life, and children there start learning to ride horses at the age of three. This tradition has a long - standing history and is deeply rooted in the nomadic lifestyle of the Mongols.more
North Korea: An Isolated Enigma
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
Unique Hot - Pot Bathing in the Philippines
In the Antique Province of the Philippines, there is a long - standing and distinctive bathing method known as the Kawa Hot Bath. This is no ordinary bath but a real - life version of "stewing oneself in an iron pot".more
Myanmar: Vast Fortunes in Jade Exchange Hands Freely
Myanmar, a nation nestled in Southeast Asia, is globally renowned for its extraordinary jade trade, where artifacts worth hundreds of millions of dollars are casually bought and sold, painting a picture of a market like no other.more
Malaysia: The Tradition of Hand - Eating
In Malaysia, hand - eating is a deeply ingrained cultural practice that continues to thrive. This tradition, far from being a universal rule, is prominently observed, especially among the Malay community and in certain cultural settings, and offers a unique and intimate dining experience.more
The Unusual Practice of Polyandry in Bhutan
In the unique cultural tapestry of Bhutan, an ancient practice of polyandry, where a woman can have two husbands, has long been a part of the country's social fabric. Although Bhutan officially abolished this polyandry system 37 years ago and adopted a monogamous marriage law, historical and cultural inertia has ensured that traces of this custom still persist in certain regions.more
Cycling Gap: Why Many Women in Bangladesh Don't Ride Bicycles
In Bangladesh, a significant phenomenon exists - many women do not ride bicycles. This situation is deeply rooted in the country's social and cultural context.more
"Hell's Gate" in Turkmenistan Has Been Burning for 47 Years
In the Karakum Desert of Turkmenistan, there lies a mysterious and awe - inspiring sight known as the "Hell's Gate". This phenomenon has been captivating the world's attention for nearly half a century.more
Jordan - A Country that Resembles Mars
Jordan, a country in the Middle East, has a region that bears a striking resemblance to the surface of Mars. Wadi Rum, located in southern Jordan, is often referred to as the "Valley of the Moon" but it truly looks like a piece of Mars on Earth.more
Israeli Beauty Festival: Women Revel in Mud - A Sight to Behold!
In Israel, an annual event takes place that combines fun, culture, and a unique form of celebration - the mud - playing festival. This festival has become a significant attraction, drawing both locals and tourists alike.more
Innovative or Dangerous? Palestinian Barbers’ Fiery Haircuts
In Palestine, a rather unconventional and attention - grabbing hair - cutting method has emerged: using fire to style hair. This practice, though seemingly extreme, has found its place in some local barbershops, sparking both curiosity and concern.more
Finland: A Nation with Social Phobia?
Finland has long been rumored to be a nation where social phobia seems to prevail. This perception is not without basis. In Finland, people highly value their personal space. A set of photos about Finns queuing once went viral on the Internet. In these pictures, the distance between people queuing is usually more than one meter, maintaining sufficient space, which is dubbed as "social phobia queuing".more