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Sophia Reed, M.Sc. Economics

Sophia Reed loves to travel and explore new cultures. She is also the Chief Editor of TBL.

A Historic Election and a Global Mandate A Historic Election and a Global Mandate (image credits: wikimedia) Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, made history as the first American to ascend to the papacy. His election was met with widespread acclaim, with leaders from the United States, Peru, and beyond expressing optimism …

Read More about A Passport to Peace: Pope Leo XIV’s Travel Diplomacy in a Fractured Globe

The Overcrowding Crisis The Overcrowding Crisis (image credits: wikimedia) Venice has reached a breaking point with the sheer number of tourists flooding its narrow streets and iconic squares. Recent statistics from Venice’s city council reveal that the city welcomed nearly 30 million visitors in 2024. This overwhelming surge has created an astonishing ratio of 60 …

Read More about Why Venice Is Planning for Fewer Tourists in the City

Japan: The Epicenter of Seismic Technology and Tragedy Japan: The Epicenter of Seismic Technology and Tragedy (image credits: pixabay) Japan’s reputation as one of the world’s most earthquake-prone countries is underscored by its constant vigilance and innovation. Sitting atop four major tectonic plates, the country experienced over 1,500 earthquakes in 2023, according to the Japan …

Read More about Top 5 Countries Hit by Earthquakes, 3 Nations with Little Seismic Risk

Overcrowding in Popular Destinations Overcrowding in Popular Destinations (image credits: wikimedia) In recent years, Spain has experienced record-breaking numbers of tourists, with more than 83 million arrivals in 2023 according to the Instituto Nacional de Estadística. Cities like Barcelona and regions like the Balearic Islands are struggling to cope with the crowds, leading to scenes …

Read More about Why Spain Is Planning to Limit the Number of Tourists

Bhutan: The Carbon Negative Nation Bhutan: The Carbon Negative Nation (image credits: unsplash) Bhutan stands out on the world stage for its unwavering commitment to environmental conservation. The country absorbs more carbon dioxide than it emits, making it officially carbon negative. In 2025, Bhutan continues to enforce its “high-value, low-impact” tourism policy, which requires visitors …

Read More about 8 Nations That Could Ban Tourists to Protect the Environment

1. Japan: The Pinnacle of Cleanliness 1. Japan: The Pinnacle of Cleanliness (image credits: wikimedia) Japan is renowned for its immaculate streets and public spaces, a testament to its cultural emphasis on cleanliness and respect for the environment. According to a 2024 survey by the Japan Cleanliness Association, 95% of Japanese citizens believe that maintaining …

Read More about 7 Nations Famous for Clean Streets—and 3 With Sanitation Issues

Bhutan: The Carbon Negative Nation Bhutan: The Carbon Negative Nation (image credits: unsplash) Bhutan stands out globally for its ambitious environmental strategies, having achieved carbon-negative status since 2015. Over 70% of Bhutan’s land is covered by forests, which act as a massive carbon sink and help the country absorb more carbon dioxide than it emits. …

Read More about 8 Nations That Could Ban Tourists to Protect the Environment

India: A Struggle with Pollution India: A Struggle with Pollution (image credits: pixabay) India is grappling with a pollution crisis that has become impossible to ignore. The World Air Quality Report 2023 paints a stark picture—22 of the 30 most polluted cities worldwide are in India, with Delhi often holding the dubious honor of being …

Read More about Top 3 Countries With Dirty Conditions—and 7 That Shine

Finland: The Cleanest Nation Finland: The Cleanest Nation (image credits: pixabay) Finland stands at the pinnacle of cleanliness worldwide, securing an impressive 86.5 on the 2024 Environmental Performance Index (EPI). The country’s waste management practices are astounding, with a 99% recycling rate for municipal waste, setting a near-unmatched global standard. Finnish cities are known for …

Read More about Where Cleanliness Wins: 7 Clean Nations and 3 to Avoid

Finland: The Pinnacle of Happiness Finland: The Pinnacle of Happiness (image credits: unsplash) Finland stands at the very top of the World Happiness Report 2024, boasting a remarkable happiness score of 7.8 out of 10. The country’s unique blend of social trust, robust welfare systems, and stunning natural beauty creates an environment where contentment thrives. …

Read More about The Top 7 Happiest Countries to Live In (And 3 of the Least Joyful to Skip)