8 Reasons to Visit Oman

Oman is truly a feast of the senses—a remarkable getaway for anyone seeking a fulfilling adventure.

The Grand Mosque in Muscat, Oman. Madison Paulus

After returning from study abroad in Oman, I have a newfound admiration for the country’s history, culture, views and activities. The vitality of Omani culture despite outside influence is admirable and I could see it reflected everywhere I went. From the very first day, I felt welcomed and immersed within the Omani lifestyle. This trip was an incredible experience, inspiring me to share eight reasons why you should experience Oman.

1. Rich History 

View of a mosque from the Nizwa Fort. Madison Paulus

Oman is the oldest independent nation in the region, brimming with about 1,000 well preserved historical sites. While civilization in Oman began around 100,000 years ago, many popular historical sites came about during Portuguese occupation between 1507 and 1650. 

In Muscat, the capital of Oman, explorers can find several forts. The Muttrah Fort, which the Portuguese built in 1507 can be found at the heart of Muscat's coast. Here, travelers can gaze upon 500-year-old lookouts. 

The Mutrah Fort serves as a vantage point for travelers as it is nearby several other must-see spots, including the Mutrah Market, Al Alam Palace and the National Museum of Oman. Many other castles and forts can be found strewn across Oman, including the Nizwa Fort and Jibreen Castle.

2. Fruitful Culture 

A man making pottery at the Jibreen Castle. Madison Paulus

Oman boasts an impressive blend of cultures. The Omani empire once ruled an area spanning from the east coast of Africa up to present-day Oman. Because of the vast territory and major role in trade, African, Arabian and Asian influences can be found embedded within Omani culture.

Home to more than 130 various types of traditional dances and music, Oman’s performance arts delight travelers and locals alike. Omanis are also expressive through their dress. Women can often be seen in vibrant clothing featuring intricate designs that are unique to each region. Men wearing dishdashas dot the streets, sometimes sporting traditional Khanjars (daggers) on special occasions.

Omani hospitality is another key feature of Omani culture. Omanis are known to be warm and welcoming to travelers, sure to offer friendly interactions and generous gifts for guests including coffee, dates and frankincense. For those searching for opportunities to immerse in Omani culture, there are many festivals open to travelers, including the Muscat Festival and the Salalah Festival.

3. Culinary Diversity 

A variety of spices at the Nizwa Market. Madison Paulus

As with the culture, Omani food features Arabian, Asian and African influences. Some renowned Omani dishes include Shuwa, Rukhal bread and Halwa. Shuwa is a unique dish saved for special occasions. Meticulously prepared, Shuwa consists of meat cooked in a clay oven underground for up to two days, giving way to a tender, spice-filled delicacy.

Rukhal bread is a delightful addition that can be found accompanying any meal. Traditionally cooked over flaming palm leaves, Rukhal bread is round and thin, often served with honey or date syrup in the morning or sprinkled across meat and rice dishes throughout the rest of the day. 

Halwa is a labor of love, often symbolic of Omani hospitality. A sticky, gelatinous treat, Halwa is usually made by combining water, ghee, corn flour, sugar and additional flavorings such as rose water or saffron in a large copper pot. Beyond the restaurants and markets, an ideal place where explorers can indulge in Omani cuisine is the Muscat Eat Food Festival.

4. Unique Commodities 

A display of Amouage perfume at the Mall of Oman. Madison Paulus

With an abundance of frankincense and other natural resources, Oman is home to many exceptional goods. Fragrances in particular are an Omani specialty, and Amouage is an exhibition of this expertise. A popular Omani luxury fragrance brand, Amouage draws from Oman’s natural wonders to create enchanting scents, incorporating locally sourced rock roses, ambergris and frankincense. 

While the products aren't budget friendly for many people, travelers can tour the only Amouage factory in the world for free in Muscat, getting a behind-the-scenes look and while sampling their extravagant fragrances along the way. 

If perfumes aren’t your thing, the smell of burning frankincense and oud can be experienced all over the country. For those who wish to bring the essence of Oman home with them, these products, along with traditional burners, can be found easily at shops and markets.

5. Vibrant Art

Hand-woven baskets on display at the Nizwa Market. Madison Paulus

Many art forms have been intertwined with Omani culture for thousands of years. Pottery is a 5,000-year-old tradition in Oman that is still present across the country. Holding great historical value, pottery has been integral in the lives of Omanis for thousands of years. 

While pottery today is often decorative, its historical and cultural value has been maintained here. In the ancient Omani state of Bahla, explorers can buy pottery from local sculptures or even learn how to make their own at the Al Adawi factory. 

Other intriguing Omani handicrafts include basket weaving and silversmithing. Hand-woven baskets made of date palm or other natural fibers can be found in markets across the country, and travelers can witness the process in action at the Nizwa Fort. Silver goods like khanjar (daggers) and jewelry can also be found throughout Oman’s markets, symbolic of Omani heritage and good fortune.

6. Comfortable Climate 

A view of the landscape from atop the Nizwa Fort. Madison Paulus

Oman’s weather and climate vary significantly by region, easily accommodating travelers’ preferences. With the interior's dry deserts surrounded by southwest summer monsoons and hot, humid coastlines, Oman offers a warm getaway whether you like sun or rain.

Because of this variation, Oman is a year-round destination, with northern Oman attracting many during the months of October through April, and the South drawing explorers most during July, August, and September, according to a presentation by Zahara Tours.

7. Natural Wonders 

Camels sit in the sand outside the Arabian Oryx Camp. Madison Paulus

Oman’s ecosystems feature a huge diversity of plants and animals, from rock roses and apricots to turtles and camels. With 20 official nature reserves, travelers are offered a wide array of destinations to appreciate Oman’s natural beauty from the mountains to the sea.

Some iconic destinations for explorers to witness nature at its finest include the Al Jinz Turtle Reserve and Daymaniyat Island, where you can swim with whale sharks as they migrate south every summer.

With several caves beneath the earth and many wonders like waterfalls and valleys above, Oman’s astonishing ecology is situated in equally breathtaking natural landscapes. 

8. Adventurous Activities 

A Dhow boat sailing in the Gulf of Oman. Madison Paulus

Travelers itching for activity have countless options in Oman. Hikers will feel right at home, with many trails at varying levels of difficulty found throughout the Hajar and Musandam mountains. 

Travelers can also explore the desert on camel-back or by riding on ATVs. The Arabian Oryx Camp is a perfect spot for either, in addition to offering Bedouin-style accommodations and authentic Arab cuisine.

For those who prefer to spend time in the water, Oman’s nearly 1,300 miles of coastline offers beaches where travelers can swim and snorkel through blue waters.

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Madison Paulus

Madison is a student at George Washington University studying international affairs, journalism, mass communication, and Arabic. Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, Madison grew up in a creative, open-minded environment. With passions for human rights and social justice, Madison uses her writing skills to educate and advocate. In the future, Madison hopes to pursue a career in science communication or travel journalism.

Graffiti Capitals: 9 of the World’s Best Cities for Street Art

From Argentina to Estonia, artists around the world commemorate and contribute to city culture through street art.

Street art by Cabaio Stencil in Bueno Aires, Argentina. Parisa. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

1. Bogota, Colombia

Street art in Bogota, Columbia. McKay Savage. CC BY 2.0

Lying in the east Andes mountains, Colombia’s capital Bogota is home to blocks of mural-covered walls. While graffiti has been decriminalized since 2013, the road to get here was violent. In 2011, 16-year-old Diego Becerra was shot and killed by police for spray painting, causing an uproar among Bogota’s residents.

The following advocacy to decriminalize spray painting was successful. The government’s relationship with street art continued to evolve after Justin Bieber visited Bogota in 2013 and was allowed to spray paint with police protection. The hypocrisy of giving special license and support to the Canadian singer spurred further advocacy, and now Bogota’s government actively promotes spray painting and other forms of street art. 

Today, travelers can revel in Bogota’s street art throughout the city, from the airport to downtown. Some must-see destinations include Distrito Graffiti, an industrial area where two whole blocks are decorated with vibrant paint, and La Candelaria, Bogota’s historical quarter featuring murals strewn throughout storefronts and parks.

2. Buenos Aires, Argentina

Street art in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Wally Gobetz. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Home of the record-breaking mural spanning over 20,000 square feet, Buenos Aires boasts a flourishing street art scene thanks to minimal restrictions and generally supportive attitudes. 

Stimulating murals dot the Argentine capital from north to south. Here, artists use cityscapes as a canvas to pay homage to their history and culture through vibrant and satirical murals. 

Travelers have access to a variety of ways to take in these works of art, from strolling about to partaking in self-guided or private tours. For those with tight budgets yearning to experience some of these masterpieces, there are several online exhibits only a click away.

3. Cape Town, South Africa

Street art in Cape Town, South Africa. Tsn92. CC BY 2.0

Situated among mountains on the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Town has a history drenched in creativity in spite of longstanding adversity. Areas like District Six maintained vibrant cultural and artistic diversity throughout Apartheid, while some areas such as Woodstock have had a post-Apartheid revival. 

During the 1980s, Cape Town's graffiti culture materialized as a tool to resist apartheid, with artists like Falko One using their street art to address injustice. Despite 30 years having passed since the collapse of the Apartheid regime, segregation and inequity persist alongside the street art calling attention to them. 

In February 2024, the eighth International Public Arts Festival took place in Cape Town. Each year, the festival offers locals and explorers alike an opportunity to immerse themselves in Cape Town’s street art culture.

4. Lisbon, Portugal

Street art in Lisbon, Portugal. Pedro Ribeiro Simões. CC BY 2.0 DEED

The evolution of Lisbon’s street art is exceptional, transforming a city with predominantly white buildings into one renowned for its color-filled streets over the past three centuries. 

Color began to be incorporated into building designs during the 1750s, and street art as we know it today didn’t appear until the democratic revolution in 1974. Meanwhile, an even deeper past lies underneath the streets in the 2,000-year-old Roman Galleries, where visitors can find ancient inscriptions on the tunnel walls.

Now, buildings across the city serve as canvases for artists, with many spanning several stories. Lisbon street artists don’t limit themselves to spray paint. Artists such as Vhils and Bordalo II get creative with their methods, incorporating chiseling techniques and found objects into their work.

5. Lodz, Poland

Street art in Lodz, Poland. Aira. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Often referred to as the capital of Polish street art, Lodz is a city with a rich history in the arts, gaining recognition over the years for its audiovisual arts scene ranging from fashion to film.

Many organizations have taken initiatives to support and expand street art in Lodz. Since 2009 the Urban Forms Foundation has been at the forefront of Lodz's street art movement. This organization offers advice to urban artists while maintaining the Urban Forms Gallery, a collection of creatively coated walls intended to bring life and recognition to the community. 

Local street artists like M-City and the Etam Crew enhance the landscape with murals in styles ranging from futurism to realism. Lodz draws urban artists from around the world, with the Urban Forms Gallery project engaging artists from eight countries. 

6. Penang, Malaysia

Street art in Penang, Malaysia. Mohd Fazlin Mohd Effendy Ooi. CC BY 2.0

Hundreds of murals drape the skyline of Penang, Malaysia. The street art movement began in 2012 when the Penang Tourist Board commissioned Ukrainian street artist Ernest Zacharevic. 

Street art in Penang has since been a means of reflecting community culture and values. Zacharevic’s murals center on local communities and history, and can be seen throughout George Town. In the same city, travelers can also admire pieces like the 12-mural series of stray cats created by local organizations using street art to call attention to issues like animal welfare. 

7. Stavanger, Norway

Street art in Stavanger, Norway. Sílvia Darnís. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 DEED

In Stavanger, Norway, explorers can gaze upon the paradox of traditional architecture contrasted with progressive street art. Here, travelers can find a plethora of urban masterpieces created by world-famous street artists like Banksy and local talent like Algebra.

The dynamic street art scene today can be traced back to the Nuart Street Art Festival. Since 2001, the Nuart Festival has gathered teams of street artists from around the world to collaborate on projects throughout Stavanger. Beyond the creation of new street art, the Nuart Festival contributes to Stavanger’s urban art culture by hosting events, tours and workshops around the city.

For those looking to take a step further into the world of street art, some street artists in Stavanger offer classes. 

8. Tallinn, Estonia

Street art in Tallinn, Estonia. Karen Bryan. CC BY-ND 2.0 DEED

Although the emergence of street art in Tallinn, Estonia, is fairly recent, this city has much to offer to travelers seeking masterful creations on city walls. In 2016, an official street art program began, initially centered around street dance, but some initial mural painting provided building blocks for a soon-to-be burgeoning street art movement.

The following year, the Mextonia Festival brought Estonian and international street art into the spotlight. This cross-cultural festival was a gift from Mexico to celebrate 100 years of independence for the Baltic nation. Today, visitors can see collaborative murals from this festival incorporating folk mythology and symbolism. Over 30 murals from the Mextonia Festival dot highways and cover walls throughout the city.

9. Valparaiso, Chile

Street art in Valparaiso, Chile. Gabriel White. CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED

Located on Central Chile’s Pacific Coast and often referred to as the Jewel of the Pacific, Valparaiso Chile is known to be among the most tagged cities in the world. Some murals in Valparaiso created by artists like Roberto Matta date back to the 1960s.

A couple of the best places to view Valparaiso’s breathtaking street art are Templeman Street and the open-air street art museum in Bellavista. Valparaiso’s hilly terrain provides numerous viewpoints for street art gazing. 

A unique piece created in 2012 by Inti Castro spans three buildings and can only be viewed from Paseo de Atkinson in Concepcion Hill and Carcel Hill. Castro’s horizontal giant is far from the only street art you can see at Concepcion Hill, which is a great starting point for self-guided tours.

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Madison Paulus

Madison is a student at George Washington University studying international affairs, journalism, mass communication, and Arabic. Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, Madison grew up in a creative, open-minded environment. With passions for human rights and social justice, Madison uses her writing skills to educate and advocate. In the future, Madison hopes to pursue a career in science communication or travel journalism.

5 Animals at Risk of Extinction

The risk of depleting ocean resources and the practice of poaching is driving many vulnerable species to extinction.

Two elephants playing in a forest scene. Future Kiiid. CC0.

A growing number of the planet's animals are teetering on the brink of extinction. These critically endangered species face an uncertain future due to the dire effects of poaching, habitat loss, climate change and other environmental pressures. Wildlife populations of a variety of species have been declining in recent years in a phenomenon known as the Global Extinction Crisis. The risks this entails are a drop in biodiversity as well as decreased resource availability for people. Efforts to combat this trend include the protection of natural habitats, reduced pollution and the enactment of measures to restrict or eliminate overfishing and overhunting.

Blue Whale

Blue Whale Tail Deep Dive. Seabass London. CC by 2.0.

The blue whale, or Balaenoptera musculus, is the largest creature on Earth and a symbol of oceanic grandeur.  Despite their colossal size, blue whales are surprisingly vulnerable due to various human-induced factors. Collisions with large vessels and entanglement in fishing gear pose grave risks to their survival. Furthermore, the pervasive issue of climate change has disrupted the availability of their primary prey, krill, as warming oceans alter the distribution of these tiny crustaceans. Efforts such as establishing marine protected areas, restricting boat speed and advocating for sustainable fishing practices are crucial steps to safeguard the future of blue whales.

Black Rhino

Black Rhino in the Savannah. Chris Clark. CC0.

The black rhinoceros, alternately diceros bicornis in scientific Latin, resides in climatically warm eastern and southern Africa in countries like Kenya and Zambia. They are the smaller of the two main African rhino species, the other being the white rhino, but just as threatened. Overall, the species is listed as “critically endangered”, but three subspecies of the rhinoceros, including the western and southern black rhino, have already been declared extinct. By the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) approximation, there are just under 6,500 black rhinos in Africa, a number currently increasing due to conservation efforts.. Despite this, they are threatened by habitat reduction and poaching, the animals long being prized for their famous horns.  Between 1960 and 1995, the population suffered severe reduction in its numbers and survival rates because of this brutal practice.  Conservation efforts, such as anti-poaching laws, community measures and habitat awareness are critical to preventing the complete disappearance of the black rhino from our planet.

Yangtze Finless Porpoise

Finless Porpoises Swimming. Foooomio. CC by 2.0.

The Yangtze Finless Porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis) inhabits the Yangtze River in China, and is the only living freshwater porpoise in the world. Members of this species are sleek and snoutless, with no fin on their dorsal ridge, the latter giving them their name. These aquatic creatures have adapted to the turbulent and often complex environment of the river, but they are still struggling;  They are primarily threatened by overfishing, pollution, dam construction along the Yangtze and accidental entanglement in fishing nets and equipment. This reduces the population very quickly, so much that there are only between 1,000 and 1,500 viable cetaceans remaining currently. In order to combat the increasing annual decline, China has established finless porpoises as “first level protected species,” the highest level of protection the country offers.

Sumatran Elephant

Sumatran elephant in Tesso Nilo National Park, Indonesia. NonprofitOrgs. CC by 2.0.

The Sumatran Elephant (Elephas maximus sumatranus) is one of three subspecies of Asian elephants, native to the island of Sumatra in Indonesia. They have a smaller build than an African elephant and sometimes possess a curved back. The unfortunate fact about their population in the wild is that it has declined by four fifths 80% in the past three elephant generations. This is due to the illegal poaching for their ivory and their body parts, which further compounds the threats faced by the Sumatran elephant. Also because of deforestation and logging, a large portion of the forest in which they live is too small to contain a significant population. Because of the fragmentation of their habitats, the elephants stray into agricultural areas in search of food, which worsens elephant and human contact.  Due to these factors, there are an estimated 2,800 elephants residing on all of Sumatra.  Collaborative initiatives pertaining to reforestation and involving both the government and communities would be the best course of action in preserving the Sumatran elephant.

Hawksbill Turtle

Hawksbill Sea Turtle at Carey de Concha. USFWS/Southeast. CC0.

The Hawksbill Turtle, or Eretmochelys imbricata, is mainly found in subtropical/tropical areas of the ocean. It is distinguished by its flatter body shape and beakish sharp mouth. Hawksbill turtles play a huge role in maintaining the health of coral reef systems by controlling sponge populations.  Like many iconic creatures, hunting represents the biggest encroachment on the reptile's livelihood, with poachers targeting the turtles for their eggs, skin and shells. Their beautifully patterned shells fetch an unfortunately high price on theblack market.  In the last 30 years, turtle populations have declined by 80% because of other causes like climate change, plastic pollution, rising sea levels, and accidental capture in fishing gear.  Because of these significant factors, there are possibly only 57,000 Hawksbill turtles left.

So how can we help? People can support conservation organizations by volunteering their time to the protection of endangered species. Your involvement or donations can help fund critical conservation projects. People can practice responsible tourism, choosing eco-friendly and ethical wildlife tourism options that do not harm natural habitats. Thirdly, you can advocate for and support initiatives that intend to restore habitats for endangered species, such as reforestation efforts and marine-protected areas. Finally, we can work to make pollution less of a concern by recycling and supporting clean energy to mitigate climate change.

TO GET INVOLVED

Find out more about the World Wildlife Fund, which works to eliminate the worst effects on animals remaining in the world and protect diverse species.

Discover SeeTurtleOrg’s mission, which includes volunteering trips and organizations that dedicate their resources to saving marine life, specifically sea turtles.

Find out about the Defenders of Wildlife, which works to prevent animals and their habitats from becoming vulnerable or imperiled, as well as aims to protect the health of susceptible species.

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Riley Baker

Riley Baker is a first-year student at James Madison University majoring in Writing, Rhetoric, and Technical Communication.  She enjoys elements of storytelling and creative writing and likes listening to music. In addition, she is interested in journalistic-style writing and editing and intends to focus on writing articles about lesser-known travel locations and impactful world topics.

Beyond Entertainment: 10 Social Action Films to Watch Now

Social action films advocate for justice and raise global awareness — here is some powerful cinema to watch on streaming and in theaters.

Within the realm of cinema, some films have transcended beyond just entertainment and have acted as powerful catalysts for social change. Social action films have served as a medium for presenting audiences with compelling stories while additionally shedding light on contemporary issues. Behind the central issues, these films advocate for justice and humanize marginalized voices, common themes to generate broader global relevance. 

Such a blend of advocacy and storytelling has served as a powerful tool to raise awareness. With a type of transformative power, these films have illuminated social injustices and empowered audiences to rewrite their scripts.

1. “Praying for Armageddon” (Tonje Hessen Schei)

In this chilling documentary, Schei follows the influence of the fundamentalist Christian lobby on U.S. politics. The political thriller explores the consequences of the fusion of Evangelical Christianity with American politics—a weakened democracy—that could ultimately destroy our civilization. Driven by faith, the movement does not just want the world to end but is working to start such a spiral. (Festival streaming this year and upcoming)

2. “Bobi Wine: The People’s President” (Moses Bwayo)

In this powerful account of Ugandan leadership, Bwayo delivers a remarkable documentary about Bobi Wine. Wine, opposition leader and musical star, used his music to fight an authoritarian regime by Yoweri Museveni. Much of the film charts Wine’s unlikely rise from pop star to politician as he seeks to restore democracy and oust Uganda’s brutal and corrupt dictatorship. (Stream it on Disney+ and Hulu)

3. “Navalny” (Daniel Roher)

In this fly-on-the-wall documentary, Roher homes in on the anti-authoritarian Russian opposition leader, Alexei Navalny. Making its debut at the virtual Sundance Film Festival, the film has introduced the Western world to a voice of the opposition in a country governed by fear with intense geopolitical stakes. Much like Roher, viewers are quite literally watching history unfold as Navalny uncovers the truth about an attempt on his life, with a finale yet to be written. (Stream it on Amazon Prime Video)

4. “Call Me Dancer” (Leslie Shampaine)

In her heart-touching and hopeful documentary, Shampaine tells the story of a disadvantaged Indian teenager who struggles against his parents’ insistence to follow a traditional path. When he meets an Israeli ballet master, he is determined to make it as a professional dancer despite the odds stacked against him. Debuting at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, the film has won awards here and at other festivals, inspiring audiences with its joyride of mentorship, perseverance and passion. (In theaters)

5. “The Persian Version” (Maryam Keshavarz)

In her energetic semi-autobiographical feature, Kesharvarz follows Leila, a young Iranian-American woman as she navigates her family and personal life. As a vibrant portrayal of culture clashes and generation gaps, Keshavarz illustrates an affecting story about what womanhood demands versus imagines through the immigrant experience with the American dream. Just as Leila tries to strike a balance in embracing her opposing cultures, the film equally strikes a balance between heart and humor. (Stream it on Amazon Prime Video and YouTube)

6. “The Mission” (Amanda McBaine)

On North Sentinel Island, the Sentinelese encounter a foreigner who tries to bring Christianity to them, an illegal venture that results in his death. With a compassionate and nuanced approach to retelling a tragedy, McBaine explores this contextual difference between murder and self-defense. The film presents a sorrowful but introspective look at colonialism and cultural superiorities long deserving of scrutiny. (Stream it on Hulu)

7. “Oppenheimer” (Christopher Nolan)

In his unique and nuanced portrait of Robert Oppenheimer, Nolan explores themes of unchecked bureaucracy and science run amok. The film highlights the genius of its central figure while examining the detrimental effects of the atomic bomb he built at the Los Alamos National Laboratory during WWII, a creation that we were not ready for, or rather one we should not have been trusted with. (Stream it on Amazon Prime Video and Youtube)

8. “Smoke Sauna Sisterhood” (Anna Hints)

Hints’s film follows a group of women who share their secrets and intimate experiences in the darkness of a smoke sauna. As a feminist film that reveals the infinite faces of womanhood, the women wash off any shame that was trapped within them and regain their strength. The sauna and the film feel like a work of reflective art, where stories of relatable pains and joys as women are weaved together. (Available for select streaming and on Vudu)

9. “The Menu” (Mark Mylod)

In this social commentary, Mylod satirizes elitism in the world of fine dining restaurants. Focusing on class anxiety and capitalistic greed, the film examines the ethics behind “eating the rich” and the hypocrisy of “ethical consumption.” Serving a tailored dish on a rigid perspective of the wealthy, the film portrays society’s tendency to pay a high price for what it wants, no matter how corrupt. (Stream it on Amazon Prime Video and Hulu)

10. “Origin” (Ava DuVernay)

Inspired by the 2020 book “Caste,” DuVernay presents an argument about the history and hierarchies of power in the United States. In order to understand these elements, people must look past race and see that caste sets the presumed supremacy of one group against the presumed inferiority of others. As an approach to simultaneously educate and entertain an audience, DuVernay examines the book’s age-old themes and gives an ambitious new way to process them. (Opening Jan. 19 in theaters)

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Mira White

Mira is a student at Brown University studying international and public affairs. Passionate about travel and language learning, she is eager to visit each continent to better understand the world and the people across it. In her free time she perfects her French, hoping to someday live in France working as a freelance journalist or in international affairs.

5 Adventures in Borneo

Borneo, the third-largest island in the world, boasts an enriching culture and a variety of adventurous nature excursions.

Bohey Dulang—Borneo. JohnJoDeery. CC by 2.0.

Borneo, an island located in the southwestern portion of the Pacific Ocean, is the third-largest island in the world, and the only one that is shared by three countries—Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei. The Malaysian part of the island consists of the two states Sabah and Sarawak, with Indonesia holding sway over five provinces in what its citizens Kalimantan and Brunei possessing the smallest section of land named after the country itself. As a part of the Greater Sunda Islands group, Borneo is bordered by two other islands, Sulawesi to the east and Sumatra to the west. The island of Borneo has approximately 292,000 square miles of territory in total, and harbors a significant population of 21.26 million people. Even divided, Borneo is an intriguing and obscure place that most travelers are not aware of; its hot and humid climate makes for an ideal tropical destination. From the soaring heights of Mount Kinabalu to the mysterious depths of the Mulu Caves, the island provides many opportunities for adventurers.

Map of Borneo. Peter Fitzgerald. CC by 2.0.

Sea Diving in Sipadan Island

Scuba Diving in Sipadan Island. CC0.

Sipadan Island, located in the Celebes Sea and situated off the northeastern coast of Borneo, is renowned as one of the world's premier dive destinations, known especially for its marine biodiversity and pristine coral reefs. Diving in the waters surrounding Sipadan offers a scenic experience, where the coral gardens provide a backdrop to an incredible array of marine life. Schools of barracuda, jackfish and sea turtles are all present in these waters, so they’re easy to spot. The island's underwater landscape, featuring dramatic drop-offs and caverns, adds an element of excitement to the exploration. With its protected status as a national park under Sabah Parks, its limited dive permits and its no-fishing policy, Sipadan ensures a sustainable underwater environment, allowing divers to witness the beauty of the ocean.

Exploring the Ancient Mulu Caves

Caves of Mulu. Eric Lanning. CC by 2.0.

Exploring the Mulu Caves in Borneo involves a journey into the depths of one of the world's most fascinating landscapes. Situated in Gunung Mulu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Mulu Caves system is a network of limestone caverns, tunnels and chambers, shaped over millions of years. The expansive caves are full of stalactites and stalagmites, creating an otherworldly environment that transports visitors into a space of natural wonder. The Deer Cave, one of the largest subterranean passages globally, impresses with its vast chambers. Adventure-seekers can also participate in guided tours, which include crossing rope bridges and navigating through passages, providing a sense of exhilaration.

The World's Largest Floating Village in Brunei

At Kampong Ayer. Watchsmart. CC by 2.0.

Kampong Ayer, often referred to as the "The World’s Largest Floating Village," is a water town situated in the heart of Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei. This settlement is one of the largest global stilted communities, consisting of intricately connected houses, schools, mosques and markets that rise above the Brunei River on wooden supports. The village has a history dating back centuries, with traditional wooden architecture and a lifestyle deeply rooted in the water. Approximately 13,000 people still reside in their traditional houses, and instead of using roads or cars as methods of transportation, water taxis take residents from one place to another. The water village showcases a unique way of life that one doesn’t see often, and it has endured for generations in Brunei.

Outdoor Adventures in Kalimantan

Batang Kawah River, West Kalimantan. DN.Zrr. CC by-NC-SA 2.0.

Kalimantan, the Indonesian portion of Borneo, is a treasure trove for outdoor enthusiasts seeking thrilling adventures and nature. The region is renowned for its dense rainforests, winding rivers and diverse wildlife, creating the opportunity for a variety of outdoor activities. Adventure seekers can embark on multi-day treks through the rainforests, seeing tropical flora and fauna and perhaps even getting the chance to discover orangutans. The rivers of Kalimantan offer opportunities for exciting activities such as white-water rafting, with rapids making the excursion more fun. For those seeking a more serene activity, cruising along the territory's scenic rivers on wooden boats provides a tranquil way to take in the breathtaking surroundings.

Hiking at Mount Kinabalu

Mount Kinabalu, Borneo. Paul Williams. CC by-NC 2.0.

Hiking Mount Kinabalu is an experience that beckons adventurers to the landscapes of Borneo. It is a challenging hike and rigorous pace, and usually can last around two days. As Southeast Asia's highest peak, standing proudly at 4,095 meters (13,435 feet), Mount Kinabalu dominates the Malaysian state of Sabah. The ideal time period for completing this excursion is between March and April. The ascent begins in the foothills and takes hikers through the ecosystems, from rainforests to meadows. There are even different routes you can choose to partake in, including the Ranau and Kota Belud Trails. The journey reveals panoramic views and a variety of flora and fauna—including 5,000 types of plants, 326 different birds and over 100 mammal species all on this single mountain. Mount Kinabalu, because of its partially difficult trek, is a physical accomplishment that leaves a lasting impact, making it a must-see in Southeast Asia.

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Riley Baker

Riley Baker is a first-year student at James Madison University majoring in Writing, Rhetoric, and Technical Communication.  She enjoys elements of storytelling and creative writing and likes listening to music. In addition, she is interested in journalistic-style writing and editing, and intends to focus on writing articles about lesser known travel locations and impactful world topics.

CATALYST PLANET's 50 BEST BOOKS OF 2023

A wealth of captivating new books flooded the shelves in 2023, enticing readers with diverse narratives and ideas—here are our top picks. These books will take you all over the world, from Malaysia to Argentina, from Palestine to Turkey, and through all of the major social issues of our time.

Fiction

1. Covenant of Water 

by Abraham Verghese

Abraham Verghese's "The Covenant of Water" intricately weaves a haunting saga across three generations in Kerala, South India, exploring a family's struggle with a mysterious pattern of drownings from 1900 to 1977. Amidst the omnipresent waters of Kerala, this poignant narrative delves into love, faith and resilience, creating a vivid portrayal of human endurance, medical progress and intergenerational sacrifices in a changing India—a captivating literary masterpiece hailed by Oprah Winfrey as "unputdownable."

2. Our Share of Night 

by Mariana Enriquez

In 'Our Share of Night,' a father and son confront a sinister family obsessed with immortality, spanning time and escaping the clutches of a menacing cult across different eras from 1960s London to Argentina's turbulent history. This narrative of family, the supernatural, and queer themes poses the question: Can anyone escape fate, or will love and sacrifice prevail? It's a compelling work by a visionary Latin American storyteller praised as 'mesmerizing' by Dave Eggers.

3. The House of Doors 

by Tan Twan Eng

In 1921 Penang, "The House of Doors" follows Lesley Hamlyn and her husband Robert, alongside writer Somerset Maugham and his secretary Gerald. Maugham, dealing with a troubled marriage and seeking inspiration, discovers Lesley's intriguing past involving Dr. Sun Yat Sen. This captivating novel explores race, gender and power dynamics within the British Empire, weaving a tale of complex relationships and hidden truths.

4. Small Mercies 

by Dennis Lehane

In Boston's 1974 heatwave, Mary Pat Fennessy's quest for her missing daughter intertwines with the mysterious death of a young Black man. As she delves into dangerous inquiries, she clashes with the Irish mob amid the city's explosive school desegregation turmoil. Dennis Lehane's "Small Mercies" is a gripping thriller exposing criminality, power dynamics and the chilling realities of American racism during this tumultuous period.

5. Straw Dogs of the Universe 

by Ye Chun

Straw Dogs of the Universe follows the journey of Sixiang, a young girl sold in America, desperate to reunite with her father, a railroad worker in California, amid the challenges presented by the anti-Chinese movement. This sweeping historical saga spans generations from Chinese villages to the American West, exploring family resilience and the struggle for survival in a country that relies on and rejects its laborers.

6. The Reformatory

by Tananarive Due

In 1950, in Gracetown, Florida, twelve-year-old Robbie Stephens, Jr., is sent to The Reformatory to defend his sister, Gloria. His gift of seeing ghosts turns from solace to a window, revealing the horrors within. As the boys vanish, Robbie learns survival from friends Redbone and Blue while Gloria fights to rescue him. Tananarive Due's haunting historical fiction, "The Reformatory," unravels the hidden truths of the Jim Crow South and the notorious Dozier School for Boys, illuminating long-buried tragedies through Robbie's gripping narrative.

7. The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store 

by James McBride

In 1972 Pottstown, Pennsylvania, the discovery of a skeleton in Chicken Hill, a neighborhood where Jewish immigrants and African Americans lived side by side, unravels long-held secrets. James McBride's "The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store" delves into the intertwined lives of Moshe, who integrated a theater, and Chona, who ran a grocery store, revealing their struggles and the community's resilience against adversity. 

8. If I Survive You

by Jonathan Escoffery

In the 1970s, Topper and Sanya fled Kingston, Jamaica's political violence for Miami, only to face exclusion and hardship as Black immigrants. Jonathan Escoffery's "If I Survive You" follows Trelawny, navigating financial turmoil, racism, and family struggles with resilience. Through humor and vibrant storytelling, Escoffery unravels the challenges of being between cultures, offering a profound commentary on survival in a world shaped by capitalism and systemic biases. This debut marks Escoffery as a distinctive voice, chronicling the grim and hopeful aspects of American life.

9. Enter Ghost 

by Isabella Hammad

Actress Sonia Nasir returns to Haifa, facing her fractured connection to Palestine. She gets involved in a West Bank Hamlet production, finding camaraderie among Palestinian actors determined to cross barriers. This poignant novel explores diaspora and resistance in present-day Palestine, highlighting the transformative power of artistry amid occupation.

10. What Napoleon Could Not Do 

by DK Nnuro

This book follows siblings Jacob and Belinda Nti from Ghana and Wilder, a Texan businessman. Their varied perspectives unravel the American dream—Jacob's visa struggles, Belinda's success in education, and her marriage to Wilder, who confronts racial challenges. This poignant narrative explores their aspirations and experiences, shedding light on the promises and pitfalls of life in the U.S., capturing dashed hopes and realized dreams.

11. Loot 

by Tania James

Abbas, a gifted woodcarver, enters Tipu Sultan's service, crafting a grand tiger automaton for the Sultan's sons. As war wreaks havoc across India and Europe, Abbas collaborates with renowned clockmaker Lucien du Leze. When invited to France, Abbas discovers the tiger's disappearance after British forces loot Tipu's palace. His mission changes to retrieving the automaton from an English estate, testing his skills and loyalty amid a backdrop of plundered art.

12. Chain Gang All Stars 

By Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah

"Chain-Gang All-Stars" follows Loretta Thurwar and Hamara "Hurricane Staxxx" Stacker, stars of CAPE's death matches in a profit-driven private prison program. As fan favorites, they compete for freedom while grappling with their relationship and the brutal nature of the games. Thurwar, on the brink of freedom, wrestles with the ethical toll on her fellow Links. This searing novel examines systemic racism, capitalism, and mass incarceration in America's prison system, offering a poignant reflection on the true meaning of freedom.

13. Kantika 

by Rebecca Cohen

This novel paints a vivid portrait of Rebecca Cohen, the spirited daughter of Istanbul's Sephardic elite. Displaced in Barcelona due to financial loss, Rebecca navigates life's joys and hardships, from a failed marriage to motherhood, across Spain, Cuba and New York. Her story delves into identity, exile, and the female experience in work, art and love, emphasizing resilience amid suffering and embracing life's beauty. Elizabeth Graver's lyrical novel celebrates women's strength and determination in seizing their destinies.

14. No One Prayed Over Their Graves 

by Khaled Khalifa

The lives of Hanna and Zakariya are altered forever as they return to their village near Aleppo, Syria, to find it devastated by a massive flood. Hanna, once a wealthy libertine, transforms into an ascetic mystic after losing everything, delving into the meaning of life and death. The novel navigates their lives in Aleppine society at the turn of the 20th century, capturing the rich tapestry of friendships, love, and societal changes amidst the city's diverse communities.

15. Crook Manifesto 

by Colson Whitehead

In this novel, set from 1971 to 1976, furniture store owner Ray Carney grapples with a chaotic city, the NYPD's clash with the Black Liberation Army, and a return to the criminal world for Jackson 5 tickets. Pepper, Carney's partner, ventures into Blaxploitation shoots, encountering Hollywood stars and criminals while displaying his prowess. Amid Harlem's upheaval in 1976, Carney and Pepper uncover corruption while facing family challenges in a crumbling city.

16. I Will Greet The Sun Again 

by Khashayar J. Khabushani

"I Will Greet the Sun Again" traces K's struggle with identity as a young Iranian immigrant in the San Fernando Valley, dealing with feelings for his friend Johnny while navigating his family's expectations. After returning from Iran, K grapples with reconstructing his identity in a changed world. Khashayar J. Khabushani's novel delves into the challenges of being queer and Muslim in America, depicting a tender journey of self-discovery and belonging.

17. Birnam Wood 

by Eleanor Catton

A New Zealand landslide isolates Thorndike town, prompting a guerrilla gardening group, Birnam Wood, to seize an abandoned farm for financial stability. However, an enigmatic billionaire, Robert Lemoine, claims the land for an end-times bunker, sparking a clash of ideologies and trust issues. This gripping thriller explores human survival instincts, alliances and the complexities of human nature in a tense narrative.

18. Faraway World 

by Patricia Engel

This short story collection portrays Colombian expats in New York City, a Cuban woman seeking her brother's stolen bones and a couple hustling in Miami, each grappling with their pasts. These intimate and panoramic stories capture regret's liminality, the vitality of community and moments of love, offering a compassionate view of human connections.

19. Same Bed Different Dreams 

by Soon Sheen

Reimagining a world where the Korean Provisional Government persists, working covertly towards a unified Korea, this novel intertwines narratives and mysterious images. Author Soon Sheen, employed by tech giant GLOAT, discovers an unfinished manuscript linking various personalities, blending reality and fiction. This imaginative tale by the acclaimed author of "Personal Days" offers an alternate reality where a unified Korea feels within reach.

20. Victory City

by Salman Rushdie

"Victory City" narrates the epic tale of Pampa Kampana, a nine-year-old girl in fourteenth-century southern India, chosen by a goddess after a divine encounter. Over 250 years, her life deeply intertwines with the rise and fall of Bisnaga, a magnificent city, sown from magical seeds and eventually ruined by human folly. Pampa strives to empower women in a patriarchal society, yet the city's complexities grow beyond her control. Crafted as an ancient epic, this saga embodies the enduring power of storytelling through love, adventure and myth.

21. A History of Burning 

by Janika Oza

In 1898, an Indian teen named Pirbhai works for the British on the East African Railway, committing a fateful act. Janika Oza's multi-generational epic spans continents and time as Pirbhai's family navigates the repercussions of his deed. Born in Uganda during colonial rule's decline, his granddaughters faced upheaval and fled Idi Amin's sadistic dictatorship in 1972. The family's scattering leads to a global journey, questioning loyalties and defining their place in the world. "A History of Burning" traces an intimate saga of family, complicity, and resilience across generations.

22. The Most Secret Memory of Men 

By Mohamed Mbougar Sarr and Lara Vergnaud

Winner of France's highly prestigious Prix Goncourt, "The Most Secret Memory of Men" follows Senegalese writer Diégane Latyr Faye's quest in Paris to uncover the mysterious author of a scandalous 1930s book. It delves into history's tragedies and explores themes of exile, art and cultural convergence between Africa and the West, celebrating the timeless power of literature.

23. Tremor 

by Teju Cole

"Tremor" is Teju Cole's riveting exploration of life's complexities through Tunde, a West African photographer in New England. Amidst historical reflections, racial tensions and personal revelations, the novel delves into time's passage and the human capacity for survival and joy. Cole's masterful storytelling in this realistic yet inventive work resonates with literature, music and the profound experience of existence.

24. Age of Vice 

by Deepti Kapoor

"Age of Vice" delves into how the Wadia family's opulence is tainted by violence, power and desire in contemporary India. Ajay, Sunny and Neda navigate ambition, corruption and forbidden romance in a gripping tale that spans from villages to the metropolis of New Delhi, revealing greed's consequences.

25. Family Lore 

By Elizabeth Acevedo

Flor holds a unique power: foreseeing death dates. When she plans a living wake, her sisters wonder about her intentions and their own hidden truths. As the Marte women gather for the celebration, Elizabeth Acevedo's "Family Lore" unfolds, intertwining past and present in a vibrant tale of sisterhood, legacy, and revelations over three significant days.

26. Let Us Descend 

by Jesmyn Ward

"Let Us Descend" is a vivid reimagining of American slavery, following Annis' harrowing journey from the Carolinas to a Louisiana sugar plantation. Jesmyn Ward intricately weaves family, spirituality and resilience themes in this powerful tale of sorrow and redemption set against the haunting backdrop of the American South's landscapes.

27. The Deluge 

By Stephen Markley

In a turbulent 21st-century world, "The Deluge" weaves a gripping narrative involving Tony Pietrus, a threatened scientist, and a diverse array of characters. Their interconnected journeys traverse landscapes from California to Wyoming, unveiling a tale of courage, chaos and hope amid an impending ecological crisis and political upheaval. This ambitious novel confronts sacrifices made for humanity's survival, capturing a pivotal moment in time with unparalleled depth

NonFiction

28. King: A Life 

by Jonathan Eig

Jonathan Eig's "King: A Life" is an extensively researched and vividly written biography, offering a fresh perspective on Martin Luther King Jr. It delves into his complex relationships, internal struggles, and his pivotal role in reshaping American race relations. This landmark biography captures MLK's brilliance as a strategist and his unwavering commitment to justice, making his message as relevant today as it was in his era.

29. Waiting to be Arrested at Night 

by Tahir Hamut Izgil

In "Waiting to Be Arrested at Night," Tahir Hamut Izgil recounts the harrowing ordeal of the Uyghur people in China under the government's brutal crackdown. As a poet and intellectual, Tahir experienced the persecution firsthand, witnessing the disappearance of friends and neighbors into internment camps. His book is a plea for global awareness of the crisis and a tribute to silenced Uyghur voices.

30. The Rediscovery of America 

by Ned Blackhawk

This narrative spans five centuries, highlighting how Indigenous history has shaped America. The author unveils pivotal moments where Native nations influenced colonization, the American Revolution, the Civil War and 20th-century activism. Blackhawk's retelling emphasizes Indigenous peoples’ enduring resilience and impact on the United States' history and identity.

31. Cobalt Red 

by Siddharth Kara

"Cobalt Red" uncovers the grim truth of cobalt mining in the Congo through personal stories. Siddharth Kara delves into the harsh realities of child labor, militia control and global tech reliance on Congo's cobalt. With a call for global awareness, Kara highlights the urgent need to address this human rights and environmental crisis.

32. The Half-Known Life: In Search of Paradise 

by Pico Iyer

One of the world’s greatest travel writers, explores this 3.64 Pico Iyer’s exploration in “Paradise,” which takes readers across diverse landscapes and beliefs, challenging our notions of utopia and peace. From Iran to North Korea and even high up in the Himalayas, he questions the essence of paradise, pondering its existence in the here and now amid life's complexities and suffering. With decades of global experiences, Iyer delivers an original, transformative perspective on finding moments of paradise within our everyday realities

33. How to Say Babylon 

by Safiya Sinclair

This memoir recounts the author’s struggle against oppression within a strict Rastafari household, finding her voice through poetry and education. The book delves into her journey of breaking free from cultural constraints to reclaim her autonomy and power.

34. Some People Need Killing 

by Patricia Evangelista

This gripping chronicle delves into the Philippines' drug war under Rodrigo Duterte. With meticulous reporting, Evangelista uncovers the brutal killings carried out in the name of law and order, shedding light on the nation's frightening atmosphere and the human impulses behind such violence.

35. The 272: The Families Who Were Enslaved and Sold to Build the American Catholic Church 

by Rachel L. Swarns

Unveiling Georgetown University's connection to slavery by tracing the Mahoney family's multigenerational story, this groundbreaking account exposes the Catholic Church's reliance on enslaved labor, sparking a national conversation about reparations and the Church's role in American history.

36. We Were Once a Family 

by Roxanna Asgarian

This gripping expose delves into a tragic murder-suicide involving six children adopted by a white couple. "We Were Once a Family" uncovers systemic faults in the foster care system, revealing racial biases and neglect. Asgarian's immersive journalism highlights the lives of the adopted children, their birth families and the failures of a flawed system that continues to endanger vulnerable youths.

37. Liliana’s Invincible Summer 

by Cristina Rivera Garza

This poignant memoir, "Liliana's Invincible Summer," chronicles her quest for justice following her sister's tragic murder by an abusive ex-boyfriend. Rivera Garza honors Liliana’s vibrant spirit in luminous prose, tracing her life and final summer of 1990. Through a blend of scholarly insight and personal narrative, she confronts her the loss of her sister, crafting a moving testament to resilience and the ongoing fight against gendered violence.

38. The Great Escape :A True Story of Forced Labor and Immigrant Dreams in America

by Saket Soni

The gripping story of immigrant workers trapped in dire conditions on the Gulf Coast. Their daring escape, march to Washington, DC, and determined hunger strike unfold against the backdrop of their fight for dignity and justice. Saket Soni's narrative reveals the realities of forced labor and the challenges these workers face in their quest for fair treatment and human rights.

39. The Land of Hope and Fear 

by Isabel Kershner

This expose delves into the lives of Israel’s diverse citizens, capturing the nation's divisions, aspirations and challenges through vivid narratives and on-the-ground insights.

40. Built from the Fire

by Victor Luckerson

Subtitled "The epic story of Tulsa’s Greenwood District, America’s Black Wall Street," this book unveils the story of a thriving Black community before and after the Tulsa Race Massacre. Through personal accounts and generational experiences, journalist Victor Luckerson narrates the neighborhood's legacy of strength, struggle against racism and its fight for survival in the face of adversity and urban renewal.

41. Fire Weather 

by John Vaillant

"Fire Weather" recounts the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfire, highlighting its implications in our worsening climate crisis. John Vaillant examines fire's historical impact on societies, intertwining the evolution of North America's oil industry and climate science with the devastating effects of contemporary forest fires. This urgent narrative portrays our world's vulnerability to fire in an era of escalating climate change.

42. Pageboy 

by Elliot Page

This poignant memoir navigates the highs and lows of fame, revealing the inner struggle of self-discovery and authenticity. From Juno's success to the suffocating pressures of Hollywood, Page shares a candid journey toward genuine self-empowerment and acceptance in a world constantly trying to define us. 

43. The Secret Gate 

by Homeira Qaderi

The chronicle of the gripping escape of Afghan author Homeira Qaderi and her son, aided by American diplomat Sam Aronson during the tumultuous Fall of Kabul. Amid the chaos, Sam orchestrated their daring passage through a secret entrance at the airport, navigating danger and gunfire to ensure their safety. This poignant narrative encapsulates bravery and survival against the backdrop of a collapsing Afghanistan.

44. Winnie and Nelson 

by John Steinberg

Jonny Steinberg explores the intricate marriage of Nelson and Winnie Mandela, revealing their differing political paths and personal struggles amid the fight against apartheid. Steinberg unravels the complex relationship, offering a compelling narrative about love, political divergence and its impact on South African history.

45. Anansi’s Gold

by Yepoka Yeebo

The author uncovers a captivating saga of post-independence Ghana, detailing a charismatic scammer's audacious plot to exploit the nation's newfound independence. John Ackah Blay-Miezah's intricate deceptions and the chase to find Ghana's missing wealth make for a gripping narrative entwined with Cold War politics, international finance and the quest for truth in history

46. A Fever in the Heartland

by Timothy Egan

Pulitzer and National Book Award-winning author Egan delves into the rise of the Ku Klux Klan during the 1920s. The book focuses on D.C. Stephenson, the charismatic leader behind the Klan's growth, and Madge Oberholtzer, whose testimony became instrumental in its downfall. Egan delivers a gripping narrative that uncovers this dark episode in American history with compelling detail and historical depth.

47. Crossings: How Road Ecology is Shaping the Future of Our Planet

by Ben Goldfarb

Delving into the significant impact of roads on wildlife and habitats worldwide, Goldfarb explores the harm caused by roads, from animal deaths to habitat destruction, while showcasing innovative solutions like wildlife bridges. The book highlights the urgent need to minimize these environmental impacts for the well-being of all living creatures.

48. Poverty By America 

by Matthew Desmond

In his eye-opening book, sociologist Matthew Desmond reveals how the affluent contribute to persistent poverty in the United States. He highlights how the wealthy drive down wages, inflate housing costs and limit financial access for the poor. Desmond calls for a reevaluation of the welfare system and collective action to achieve shared prosperity and real freedom for everyone.

49. American Gun: True Story of AR-15 

by Eugene Stoner

"American Gun" explores the AR-15's journey from its creation by Eugene Stoner to its polarizing impact on American society. Authors Cameron McWhirter and Zusha Elinson investigate the rifle's rise in popularity, its adoption by the military and its controversial role in mass shootings and gun debates. They offer a balanced view of America's relationship with the AR-15, examining its allure, devastating effects and the political tensions surrounding its regulation.

50. An Inconvenient Cop 

by Edwin Raymond

Edwin Raymond, the highest-ranking whistleblower in NYPD history, unveils the flaws in modern policing. His memoir reveals systemic issues, including racial profiling, moral dilemmas for officers and institutional structures that reward bias. Despite personal and professional struggles, Raymond remains committed to advocating for justice and reform within law enforcement, envisioning a future where police prioritize serving communities over statistics.

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Raeann Mason

Raeann is a traveler, digital storyteller, and guide writer, with a degree in Mass Communication & Media from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism. She is passionate about a/effective journalism and cultural exchange, and is an advocate of international solidarity and people's liberation. Her work at CATALYST focuses on reshaping the culture of travel and hospitality to be more ethically sound and sustainable.

4 Simple Ways to Go Vegetarian

Adopt an affordable eco-friendly diet by choosing budget-friendly vegetarian options, reducing high-polluting meat and dairy, and supporting sustainable food activism.

Fresh Produce. Paul Collins. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Embracing a vegetarian diet is a task many now find themselves considering, not only for its numerous health benefits, but also for the lifestyle’s tangible positive impact on the environment. While vegetarianism sounds fantastic in theory, many are dissuaded by concerns of affordability and the perceived difficulty of finding recipes that are tasty and not overly time consuming. People considering vegetarian diets are also frequently plagued by nagging questions about nutrition: How on Earth to get enough protein and ensure that my diet includes enough vital nutrients? 

Fortunately, with proper planning and a few simple strategies, the switch to a plant-based diet can be both nutritious and budget-friendly. Switching from meat to plant-based options requires a holistic approach that prioritizes health, satisfaction and sustainability — both financially and mentally.

1. Embrace Plant-Based Proteins

Protein is a crucial component of any diet and gives us the energy we need to thrive and last throughout the day. Finding delicious alternatives to meat is something that can be rather daunting, but with these tips and suggestions of non-meat alternatives, the essential quest to get enough protein will not be too difficult. Legumes such as lentils, beans and chickpeas, are excellent options as they are not only rich in protein but also cost-effective. Buying these protein-packed staples in bulk can significantly reduce their per-unit price. Tofu and tempeh are other affordable plant-based proteins, often available at reasonable prices in local grocery stores. By incorporating these options into your diet, you can maintain a balanced nutritional profile without spending obscene amounts of money. More and more major grocery chains are beginning to offer vegan meat alternatives such as Beyond Meat, Impossible Food and Tofurky brands. While these choices satiate meat cravings, they tend to be more expensive and less accessible than nonproprietary high-protein plant products.

Legumes and Fresh Produce. Web4camguy. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

2. Choosing Seasonal and Local Produce

Eating based on seasonal offerings of vegetables and other ingredients is not only better for the environment, it is also less expensive. The exportation of produce from far away places across the globe causes a significant increase in carbon emissions, while in-season crops tend to be cheaper and more abundant. Additionally, buying from local farmers' markets or joining community-supported agriculture programs can provide access to fresh, affordable and often organic produce. Frozen fruits and vegetables are also excellent options, as they retain their nutritional value and are typically less expensive than fresh options. By making use of seasonal and local produce, you can create delicious, cost-effective meals. Discovering farmer’s markets can be a fun weekend activity and help you discover locally sourced foods. Buying produce and food items directly from farmers is not only good for your diet; it supports small businesses that have a lighter impact on the Earth.

Fresh Vegetable Produce Options. Eltpics. CC BY-NC 2.0

3. Meal Planning and Cooking in Batches

One of the keys to affordability is effective meal planning. Try creating a weekly or monthly meal plan and make a shopping list accordingly, focusing on versatile ingredients that can be used in multiple recipes. This approach prevents impulse buying and reduces food waste. Batch cooking is another beneficial strategy. By preparing large quantities of meals and freezing individual portions, you can save both time and money. Utilizing leftovers creatively is key. For example, try adding new seasoning or ingredients to spice up what’s left in the fridge.

Dairy free milk alternatives. CC0

4. Snack Ideas and Non-dairy Replacements

Try making your own plant-based milk, such as almond, cashew, or oat milk, which is significantly cheaper than store-bought varieties. Similarly, you can prepare homemade veggie burgers, falafels, or energy bars using basic ingredients like beans, grains and spices. These items are affordable and will keep you satiated throughout the day. You would be surprised just how many foods are actually vegetarian — as long as you get used to double-checking food labels, you should be good to go.

Transitioning to a vegetarian lifestyle does not have to strain your wallet. By following these tips, you can affordably embrace a plant-based diet while enjoying its numerous benefits.  By supporting local farmers, you also invest in sustainability of the food system in your region, strengthening the fabric of your community. It is important to cultivate a heightened awareness of the origins of our food and its effect on the planet, as this leads to progress toward a more mindful and responsible lifestyle. As long as we strive for a better understanding of where our food is sourced and its larger impact, we can work toward preserving.

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Avery Patterson

A rising junior at Vassar College in New York State, Avery is a Media Studies and French double major. She is an avid reader, writer, and traveler. She loves to immerse herself in new cultures and is an avid explorer who loves being in nature. She is passionate about climate and social justice and hopes to use her love of writing as a catalyst for positive change.

The Essential Palestine Reading List

Dive into this collection that illuminates the rich tapestry of Palestinian history and culture.

An aerial view of Palestine. CC0

Curated with a respect for the multifaceted narratives of the region, this collection encapsulates an array of perspectives, histories and lived experiences. Each title delves deep into the heart of Palestinian identity, the intricacies of the conflict and the resilient spirit of a people striving for justice and peace.

NON-FICTION

1. They Called Me a Lioness 

by Ahed Tamimi and Dena Takruri

Ahed Tamimi, an iconic Palestinian activist, garnered global attention for her fearless activism against the Israeli occupation. Her imprisonment as a teenager after confronting an Israeli soldier in her village of Nabi Saleh turned her into a symbol of Palestinian resistance. This compelling memoir offers a firsthand account of Tamini’s experiences and the ongoing struggle for justice in Palestine, providing profound insight into the realities Palestinians face under occupation.

2. The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine 

by Ilan Pappé

In this seminal work, Ilan Pappé meticulously traces the events of the 1948 Palestinian exodus, revealing the hidden reality of forced displacement and the establishment of Israel. With unflinching detail, Pappé unearths harrowing stories of dispossession and illuminates the profound impact of this historical upheaval on the Palestinian people.

3. Love Is an Ex-Country 

by Randa Jarrar

In her memoir, Randa Jarrar fearlessly challenges stereotypes about Muslims and Palestinians. Embarking on a cross-country journey, Jarrar proudly embraces her queer, Muslim, Palestinian and unapologetically confident identity, offering a raw, authentic exploration of the intricacies of life.

4. The Iron Cage: The Story of the Palestinian Struggle for Statehood 

by Rashid Khalidi

Historian Rashid Khalidi masterfully dissects the intricate history of Palestinian nationalism and aspirations for statehood. With scholarly precision, Khalidi navigates through decades of political intrigue, chronicling the challenges, setbacks and enduring resilience of a people bent on self-determination and recognition on the world stage.

5. The Hundred Years' War on Palestine 

by Rashid Khalidi

Rashid Khalidi's meticulously researched book paints a vivid historical tapestry from the 1800s to the present in this unshrinking account of the assault on Palestinian society.

6. We Are Not Here to Be Bystanders 

by Linda Sarsour

Linda Sarsour's memoir portrays her journey from Brooklyn to becoming a powerhouse in activism, stirring profound reflections on solidarity and advocacy.

7. Except for Palestine 

by Marc Lamont Hill and Mitchell Plitnick

Marc Lamont Hill and Mitchell Plitnick's critique navigates the inconsistencies within progressive circles, urging universal consistency in advocating for all oppressed communities.

FICTION

1. Mornings in Jenin 

by Susan Abulhawa

Susan Abulhawa crafts a poignant, multigenerational narrative that traverses the emotional terrain of a Palestinian family's journey through displacement and loss. Through exquisite storytelling, Abulhawa offers a deeply moving portrayal of resilience amid a tumultuous landscape of conflict and highlights the enduring spirit of the Palestinian people.

2. The Tiny Journalist: Poems 

by Naomi Shihab Nye

Naomi Shihab Nye, the esteemed Palestinian-American poet, weaves poetic wonders inspired by Janna Jihad Ayyad, Palestine's youngest journalist. Ayyad, capturing anti-occupation protests at the age of seven using her mom's smartphone, becomes Nye's muse in this must-read collection.

3. You Exist Too Much 

by Zaina Arafat

Zaina Arafat's debut novel is a transcontinental tale which oscillates between the United States and the Middle East. A fresh voice in Palestinian-American literature, Arafat artfully dismantles Israel’s pinkwashing while unraveling the complexities of Palestinian society for diverse readers.

4. Enter Ghost 

by Isabella Hammad

Isabella Hammad's evocative narrative navigates modern-day Palestine, delving into the artist's struggles amid diaspora, displacement, and the shadow of occupation.

5. Evil Eye 

by Etaf Rum

Etaf Rum's exploration of womanhood as a Palestinian American is a profound journey through intergenerational trauma, clashes of culture and labyrinthian family dynamics.

6. Salt House

by Hala Alyan

Set in the aftermath of Israel’s conquest of the West Bank and Gaza in the 1967 Six-Day War, "Salt Houses" chronicles a Palestinian family's odyssey from their homeland to Kuwait, painting a poignant legacy of longing and displacement passed through generations.

7. Mother of Strangers 
by Suad Amiry

"Mother of Strangers" presents a cinematic love story against the backdrop of the Nakba in Jaffa, weaving themes of love, loss, and a nation's upheaval.

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Raeann Mason

Raeann is a traveler, digital storyteller, and guide writer, with a degree in Mass Communication & Media from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism. She is passionate about a/effective journalism and cultural exchange, and is an advocate of international solidarity and people's liberation. Her work at CATALYST PLANET focuses on reshaping the culture of travel and hospitality to be more ethically sound and sustainable

7 Unique Wedding Traditions from Around the World

Beyond vows and wedding rings, these seven wedding customs exhibit international traditions of love.

A newly wedded couple. Min An. CC0.

Love is universal, but also multifaceted and varied. For couples that choose to get married, the universal yet unique nature of love translates into exciting wedding traditions around the world. Although some couples opt to create their own contemporary commemorations, many lovebirds look towards cultural customs when celebrating their big day. Whether during the ceremony, reception or pre-wedding festivities, global traditions persist and are honored in modern weddings. For centuries couples have developed and practiced these seven ways to display their affection and commitment on, around and after their wedding day.

1. Mehndi — India, Pakistan, Middle East, Africa

A bride displaying her Mehndi. Qazi Ikram Haq. CC0.

Mehndi, also referred to as Mehendi and/or Mehandi, is an intersection of celebration and art. Although its country of origin is unclear, this body art, made from dry, powdered leaves of the henna plant, is practiced in India, Pakistan, some countries in Africa and parts of the Middle East; many historians claim that Mehndi originated as a practice in India at least 5,000 years ago. It can be worn at Hindu, Sikh and Muslim weddings. The henna plant is incorporated into a paste, often dark brown or reddish brown in color, that is used to create intricate designs on the hands and feet of the bride. These beautiful designs, painted during a pre-wedding body painting ceremony, can include floral patterns, religious figures, the names of the bride and her partner, and even personal, sentimental details. Wearing Mehndi during a wedding is said to bring good luck and health to the couple’s marriage.

2. Cutting the Tie — Spain

A selections of ties.

Although cutting up an article of clothing on a person’s wedding day may seem alarming, this tradition, hailing from Spain, is conducted with entirely good intentions. In a post-wedding ceremony — during the reception — a groom's tie is cut up into tiny pieces by the groomsmen or close friends. The pieces of the tie are then extravagantly auctioned off to wedding guests in exchange for modest, or even large, sums of money. Despite guests only receiving a small sliver of fabric after gifting their own money, the purpose of auctioning off the tie is to give the groom and their partner one last monetary gift. Beyond representing financial abundance and luck, “cutting the tie” also represents the guests’ investment in and good intentions towards the couple.

3. The Symbolism of Red — China

Red wedding invitations. RDNE Stock Project. CC0.

Not attached to one specific element of the ceremony, the color red is often incorporated into weddings in China. The rise to popularity of the color red may have begun during the Ming Dynasty, over six hundred and fifty years ago. Red can be worn as the primary color of various garments — whether they be suits, dresses (the bridal gown is often called a qipao), jackets or veils, along with floral arrangements, candles, invitations and other decor. Perhaps the versatility and prominence of red can be attributed to its many meanings. Red can symbolize luck, joy, prosperity, happiness, honor, love, loyalty and even fertility.

4. Money Spray — West Africa

Nigerian Women wearing Iro and Buba Dance at a Wedding. Jeremy Weate. CC0.

This tradition is straight out of a couple’s dream. In this custom, which is popular in Nigeria and other parts of West Africa, but specifically originated with the Yoruba people in Nigeria’s Southwest, the newly-wedded couple is showered with money at their reception by family and friends. People dance and laugh while spraying the money, creating a palpable upbeat energy. During the reception and money spray, the newlyweds commonly wear traditional garments of the Yoruba people. Brides wear an Iro and Buba, a combination of draped and wrapped fabric on top of a blouse that is often colorful and/or patterned, and grooms wear an Agbada, an elegant loose-fitting robe. The subsequent money spray symbolizes good fortune and happiness for the couple that guests feel.

5. Claddagh Ring — Ireland

A Claddagh Ring. Royal Claddagh. CC BY 2.0.

The Irish tradition of wearing a Claddagh ring symbolizes a person’s relationship status and, more specifically, can visually depict their shift into marriage. The Claddagh ring is made up of hands grasping a heart adorned with a crown. Depending on the hand the ring is worn on and direction of the heart, different relationship statuses are depicted: wearing a Claddagh ring on the right hand facing outwards depicts a single status, while the right hand facing inwards indicates the person is in a relationship; the left hand facing outwards represents engagement, and the left hand facing inwards shows that the person is married. Claddagh rings can serve purely as the engagement and wedding rings, or can be worn in addition to international-style Western wedding and engagement rings. Commonly worn by brides, Claddagh rings can be passed down through generations of women in families.

6. Stefana — Greece

 A floral Stefana bridal crown. Faylyne. CC BY 2.0.

Ornate and delicate, Stefana are crowns commonly worn during Greek Orthodox Wedding Ceremonies. Although Stefana were traditionally made of vines, branches and flowers, modern Stefana can be made of metal with gemstones. Stefana are worn by both partners during the wedding and, during the wedding ceremony, are connected by a ribbon or thread going from one person’s head to the other. The ribbon symbolizes the strong connection between the couple, and the crowns as a whole can symbolize unity, love, faith and loyalty. During a traditional Greek Orthodox Wedding ceremony, these crowns are also blessed by a priest.

7. Hapgeunrye, or Cup Drinking — Korea

An example of a Metal Cup Set. CC0.

In Korea, Hapgeunrye is a ceremony where the couple drinks from the same cup. The tradition, however, varies depending on the region and preferences of the couple. In some cases, the couple will drink from the same metal cup while in others the couple will drink from two halves of the same gourd. In both cases, the rite occurs during the wedding ceremony itself and the liquid drunk from the cup is often a type of liquor. This custom symbolizes the couple being united as one entity, recognizing their respect for each other and the harmony they hope will be fostered in their relationship.

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Carina Cole

Carina Cole is a Media Studies student with a Correlate in Creative Writing at Vassar College. She is an avid journalist and occasional flash fiction writer. Her passion for writing overlaps with environmentalism, feminism, social justice, and a desire to travel beyond the United States. When she’s not writing, you can find her meticulously curating playlists or picking up a paintbrush. 

The Global Social Ladder: The Best and Worst Countries for Social Mobility

The World Economic Forum's Global Social Mobility Report 2020 unfolds a gripping narrative.

Income disparity is the cause of social stratification. Steven Depolo. CC BY 3.0 DEED

Have you ever wondered about the likelihood of moving up the social hierarchy, even if you were born into a less advantaged position? This is where the notion of social mobility comes into play. While the understanding and implications of social mobility can differ, at its core, it represents the potential for individuals to improve their socio-economic status relative to their current position in society. In nations with robust social mobility, individuals from more modest beginnings have an increased likelihood of attaining a higher social status.

With this concept in mind, the calculation of social mobility takes center stage as a vital concern. Social mobility encompasses two primary facets: horizontal and vertical. Horizontal mobility takes place when an individual changes jobs while maintaining their overall societal status, often occurring when transitioning between similar occupations. Conversely, vertical mobility represents the movement from a lower societal position to a higher one, or vice versa. 

The World Economic Forum, an international non-governmental organization advocating for multinational corporations, presented its Global Social Mobility Report for 2020, assessing and ranking 82 countries. This comprehensive report evaluated five critical indicators: education, access to technology, healthcare, social safety nets, and employment opportunities. In this examination, we will delve into some of the countries that secured the highest and lowest positions in the report, exploring the economic, historical, and societal factors that shape their levels of social mobility.

Countries with highest social mobility ranking

Interestingly, the top five nations boasting the highest social mobility—Denmark, Norway, Finland, Sweden, and Iceland—all hail from the Nordic region and thrive under the welfare-state model. This system, blending free-market capitalism with significant wealth redistribution, ensures free public services like education and healthcare, along with substantial pension payments for retirees. The Scandinavian countries owe much of their model's success to a relatively flat social hierarchy, shared history, societal evolution and cohesive societies. In contrast, North American nations like the United States and Canada, despite promoting upward mobility, deviate due to their resistance to extensive government programs and high tax rates seen in Europe, resulting in a distinct welfare landscape that differs significantly from the Nordic model.

1. Denmark-85.2

The capital of Denmark. rawpixel.com. CC0 1.0 DEED

Denmark has earned its top ranking in social mobility due to its outstanding performance in various metrics, particularly in the context of low-income families reaching median income. Assuming constant relative social mobility across these countries, Denmark stands out, with an estimated two generations needed to reach median income, as opposed to six in France. This achievement contributes to lower income inequality in Denmark. With a remarkable score of 82.7 and a third-place ranking on the Fair Wages pillar, Denmark offers a healthcare system that is both high quality and equitable. The national government allocates block grants from tax revenue to regions and municipalities responsible for healthcare provision. Every registered Danish resident is automatically enrolled in publicly funded healthcare, which is largely free at the point of use. Registered immigrants and asylum seekers are also covered, while undocumented immigrants have voluntary access to acute-care services. Denmark also excels in social protection, which involves subsidized day care, special support to children, young people and their families and robust housing allowance. Denmark ranked third in this category. This achievement is rooted in the long-standing trust within Danish society and the "universal welfare model," where all citizens are entitled to fundamental welfare benefits and services solely based on their citizenship. This model is designed to support the integrated capitalist market economy that characterizes Danish society.

2. Norway - 83.6

Skyline in Bergen, Norway. Jim Trodel. CC BY-SA 2.0

Norway, another Nordic nation, secures the second position in the realm of social mobility. Boasting low income inequality and an astonishing ability to reach median income within just two generations, Norway stands out prominently in the global landscape, particularly in its robust social safety net, where it ranks fourth worldwide. What sets Norway's social safety net apart is its commitment to maintaining high living standards and minimizing income disparities. For instance, daycare expenses for a family with three children total around $1,100 per month, significantly less than market rates. Education is entirely free at all levels and most Norwegian public, government-funded institutions have no tuition fee. Educational attainment is exceptionally high due to Norway's longstanding commitment to ensuring that all young people complete 13 years of formal schooling. Consequently, Norwegian residents are known for their outstanding workforce participation rates. Furthermore, active participation in various groups and associations enriches Nordic culture, fosters democracy and enhances overall quality of life. Norway's reputation as "a secure and transparent place to do business," as indicated by the 2021 Heritage Index of Economic Freedom, is a testament to its fair legal system, transparent laws, and political stability.

3. Finland - 83.6

A market in Finland. City Clock Magazine. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Finland secures the third spot in global social mobility, largely attributed to its relatively high income mobility. This means that being born into a wealthy family in Finland provides some advantage, but the impact on a child's future earnings is fairly low. For example, a doubling of parental income in Finland leads to a 15% increase in future salary, in stark contrast to 50% for the United States and 60% for China. Finland prides itself on its inclusive education system, ranking second worldwide. Irrespective of their educational needs or abilities, all students are typically taught in the same classrooms. Only children with the most significant educational requirements receive instruction in special classes or schools. Additionally, Finland takes pride in its robust social protection coverage, which extends to both those who work in the country and permanent residents. This comprehensive system supports individuals during parenthood, encompassing maternity, paternity, and parental allowances, as well as allowances for parents raising sick or disabled children.

4. Sweden - 83.5

Stockholm City Hall, Sweden. Stefan Lins. CC BY 2

Sweden, a Scandinavian nation, exhibits generally high intergenerational social mobility, which pertains to the link between a parent’s socioeconomic status and that of their child. A century ago, Sweden had relatively low levels of wealth redistribution compared to other European countries, and even higher income inequality than the United States. Nonetheless, Sweden’s rising social mobility as a welfare state can be attributed to high rates of internal migration and the robust economic growth of its pre-World War I economy. In the early 20th century, Sweden began developing its welfare state, and between 1945 and 1975, it expanded significantly. The “Swedish Model” gained prominence during this period due to its consistently growing economy, neutral stance in World War II, and a populace with similar cultural backgrounds. Nevertheless, Sweden’s welfare state and its measurement of social mobility have faced criticism for promoting substantial tax cuts, reducing funding for welfare programs, and increasing the involvement of private businesses in delivering public services. Studies examining surnames associated with the upper class have revealed that conventional methods tend to overstate the rates of underlying social mobility. Remarkably, the Swedish aristocracy from the 1700s still maintains its elite status, albeit while slowly being dissolved into the broader population.

5. Iceland - 82.7

Reykjavik, Iceland.Berit Watkin. CC-BY 2.0

Iceland stands out for its impressive track record of achieving high social mobility, and a significant contributing factor to this success is its established family policy. The support for women working outside the home has been ingrained in Iceland's family policy for an extended period. Consequently, the country boasts one of the highest rates of female labor force participation globally, reaching 75% in 2020. In terms of gender equality, Iceland surpasses many other nations, demonstrating a lower male-female disparity. The equitable distribution of the burden of child rearing between genders is another notable outcome of Iceland's family policy, where factors such as kindergartens and parental leave play pivotal roles. In Iceland, a child is entitled to an impressive 12 months of parental leave, with six months allocated for each parent, of which six weeks are shareable. Additionally, the impact of housing costs is minimized, as only 25% of low-income families pay more than 40% of their income for housing. Iceland also takes pride in providing its citizens with access to technology. The country maintains its top position globally in preserving internet freedom, ensuring nearly universal connectivity, minimal restrictions on internet content, and robust online rights safeguards. In 2021, an outstanding 98.36 percent of households in Iceland had internet connectivity.

Countries with lowest social mobility ranking

Nations experiencing lower social mobility worldwide are predominantly situated in the global South, and are marked by economic stagnation, political instability and a recurring history of socioeconomic segregation. These challenges establish a pernicious cycle, particularly in Africa and Middle Eastern countries, significantly impeding the upward mobility of underrepresented communities. The struggle arises from a complex interplay of factors, making it imperative to address economic disparities, political turmoil, and historical injustices for sustainable improvement.

1. Cote d'Ivoire - 34.5

Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana border post. jbdodane. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

In the past two decades, Cote d'Ivoire, a West African jewel boasting beach resorts, rainforests, and a French-colonial legacy, grapples with persistent inequalities. These disparities are discernible in the landscape, from the prevalence of luxury items and expensive furniture stores to the emergence of French supermarkets, which are confined to the purview of the well off. The social and economic fabric of the country is intricately woven by centuries of cross-cultural influences, trans-Saharan and coastal trade, and local innovations. The imposition of colonial rule and the shift to independence disrupted established patterns of life, leading to societal and cultural transformations by the 1980s, shaped by responses to disruptions and government policies. Inequality is caused especially by access to power, drinking water, education, housing style and place of residence (urban or rural residence). The Ivory Coast's middle class, primarily prosperous farmers, traders, and professionals in administration, education and healthcare, remains a small minority.

2. Senegal - 36.0

Saint-Louis, Senegal. World Bank Photo Collection. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Nestled in West Africa, Senegal emerges as one of the countries grappling with limited social mobility. During the colonial era, significant earnings from major companies favored foreigners and the local nobility. Post-independence, the government's nationalization initiatives favored a privileged few, sparking a renewed struggle for status and authority. In line with other Sub-Saharan African nations, Senegalese societies, rooted in shared traditions, perceive hierarchy as fundamental to their political and economic organization. Senegal’s largest ethnic groups, despite cultural disparities and historical tensions, share a caste-based social structure with distinct roles. In Dakar, for example, seeking employment for respect and authority, urban males frequently base their decisions on class perceptions. The economic challenges faced by young men often translate into prolonged singleness, as expectations for traditional roles remain unmet. However, the prevalence of inexperienced and illiterate workers, coupled with limited job opportunities, often hinders the ability to challenge labor code violations, resulting in subpar working conditions. Despite these challenges, Senegal modestly progressed in addressing the worst forms of child labor in 2022, collaborating with the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime to establish new procedures for identifying and investigating human trafficking incidents.

3. Cameroon - 36.0

UN Women Humanitarian Work with Refugees in Cameroon.UN WomenFollow. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

In the heart of Central Africa, the city of Cameroon unfolds as a captivating tale of social dynamics, shaped by the rich tapestry of cultural, religious, and political traditions. Post-World War I, the nation was carved into British and French mandates, giving birth to the intriguing Anglophone region in the Southwest and Northwest Regions. Here, Pidgin English takes center stage as the lingua franca, while the echoes of English education and legal systems resonate. Meanwhile, for many ethnic groups in Cameroon society is tied together by a hierarchical social structure that encompasses various groups, from royalty to slaves, within conventional norms. As traditions intersect with contemporary realities, Cameroon's health landscape emerges as a pivotal chapter. Despite commendable drops in leading causes of death like HIV/AIDS and malaria, geographic imbalances persist. A substantial 70% of regions grapple with acute shortages in health personnel, with ratios plummeting below 1.5 per 1,000. The departure of 232 physicians and 205 nurses from the public sector underscores the challenges, tied to unfavorable working conditions and constrained career pathways.

4. Pakistan - 36.7

Pakistan. Asian Development Bank.CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

In Pakistan’s 2020 National Human Development Report, the UNDP explores The Three Ps of Inequality: Power, People, and Policy. It unmasks elite strategies for systemic control, disclosing that productive elites inflicted a staggering $6.34 billion in economic losses on the manufacturing sector in the fiscal year 2017–2018. The military dominates the country, establishing extensive corporate empires, fortifying against citizen uprisings and exerting control over elections. Much like its subcontinental counterpart Bangladesh, Pakistan also grapples with substantial challenges in achieving educational quality and equity, notably in the student-to-teacher ratio across all educational levels. The country is marred by corruption and contends with a lack of political stability and protection from violence — essential elements for constructing inclusive institutions that can benefit all citizens. A formidable learning poverty issue persists, with a staggering 75% of the population affected. This stark reality is reflected in the disappointing allocation of only 2.0% of its GDP to education, while a considerable 4% is directed toward defense. The historical emphasis on Islamic ideology and fundamentalism further complicates the educational landscape. The challenges are further exacerbated by the compounding impact of COVID-19 and the 2022 floods. According to the Human Capital Review, to ensure the retention of all children in school and enhance the quality of instruction, Pakistan would need to allocate an unprecedented 5.4 percent of its GDP — an unimaginable financial burden for the majority of Pakistani families. 

5. Bangladesh - 40.2

View of Dhaka, Bangladesh. United Nation Photos. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Social stagnation has emerged as a pressing concern in Bangladesh, primarily due to the inadequacy of education resources. Bangladesh received the lowest score in Lifelong Learning, particularly highlighting deficiencies in level of employee training, policies for the active labor market, and the digital literacy rate among the active population. In 2019, The Human Capital Project delved into the learning poverty situation, defining it as the inability to read and comprehend a brief paragraph by the age of ten in Bangladesh. The findings were alarming, indicating that a significant 55% of children in the country fall below the minimum proficiency level. Additionally, less than 12% of the population enrolled in colleges or universities in 2010. The absence of a standardized curriculum for teachers in Bangladesh adds a layer of complexity to the education system, compounded by a scarcity of highly qualified teachers capable of instigating transformative changes. Another challenge stems from the severe impact of climate change, particularly on global south countries like Bangladesh. Extreme weather events, such as floods, cyclones, and hurricanes, pose a threat to school operations, infrastructure, and the displacement of students and teachers. Bangladesh Education Statistics reveal that a staggering 25,430 educational institutions are situated in disaster-prone locations. Children in these areas, especially those with disabilities and from impoverished backgrounds, are at a heightened risk of being excluded from educational opportunities.

The potential to ascend the social hierarchy rests on personal merit, yet is intricately linked to the political, societal and economic system that allows individuals to navigate their wealth and social status. In analyzing countries with the highest and lowest social mobility, these variables may not fully capture each individual's likelihood of success, as they are also influenced by factors like a nation's size and social cohesion (as evidenced in Nordic countries). Nonetheless, this exploration sheds light on the push and pull dynamics guiding physical mobility across various corners of the world.

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Hope Zhu

Hope is a Chinese international student at Wake Forest University in North Carolina studying sociology, statistics, and journalism. She dreams of traveling around the globe as a freelance reporter while touching on a wide range of social issues from education inequality to cultural diversity. Passionate about environmental issues and learning about other cultures, she is eager to explore the globe. In her free time, she enjoys cooking Asian cuisine, reading, and theater.

5 Historical Epidemics that Changed the World

Disease outbreaks are inherent to a populous, globalized world.

Doctors and nurses in biohazard suits during the 1918 Spanish Flu epidemic. National Museum of Health and Medicine. CC0.

Pandemics have been a part of the human story since the agricultural revolution in 10,000 BC. Agriculture gave people the ability to create more food than they ever had before, which meant that the human population soared. People began packing together and settling down in large communities without modern sanitation, creating the ideal conditions for the spread of disease. As time went on, larger and larger communities established extensive trading networks with the ability to spread disease across continents. 

With each disease outbreak, humanity has developed better defenses and practices to help prevent catastrophic losses. However, as long as population sizes continue to rise and the global community becomes ever more interconnected, worldwide pandemics will always be something that humanity must contend with. 

This trend towards an increasingly populous and interconnected world is what fueled the global sweep of the COVID-19 pandemic. As Amesh Adalja, MD, a senior scholar at Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security said, “Viruses used to spread at the speed of a steamboat. Now, they can spread at the speed of a jet. In that sense, we’re more at risk.” The only way to adapt to the expanding threat of disease is to learn from the past and prepare for the trends of the future. Below is a list of some of the most devastating pandemics in history and how humanity’s response to disease changed because of them.

1. The Bubonic Plague 

14th Century CE

The plague of Florence, 1348. Boccacio’s Decam Wellcome. CC-BY-4.0.

Also known as the Black Death, the Bubonic Plague is the most notorious pandemic in history. It is believed to have killed between 30–50% of the European population in the 14th century, anywhere between 75 million and 200 million people. The Bubonic Plague is also thought to have killed 25 million people in Asia and Northern Africa at the time. The Black Death is known to have an incredibly high mortality rate, killing between 30-100% of those afflicted depending on the manner of infection. 

The Bubonic Plague spread globally as a result of the Silk Road, which connected the world through trade networks. Rodents carrying fleas infected with the plague were easy stow-aways in trading caravans and vessels. This is one of the first instances where globalization caused a deadly, widespread disease outbreak. 

At the time, the Black Death was thought to be the result of a combination of bad air, an imbalance in the body’s fluids or “humors,” and the wrath of God. Treatments included potions, fumigations, bloodletting, pastes, animal cures and religious cures. Persecution of minority groups was also common, particularly the Jewish population, who became a scapegoat for the suffering caused by the plague. Despite the outlandish and sometimes brutal practices of the 14th century, one method developed in the wake of the Black Death has proved incredibly effective: quarantine. Though, like today, many medieval citizens did not abide by quarantine practices, implementation of — to use a contemporary term — social distancing was one of the few effective practices to slow the spread of the Bubonic Plague.

2. Tuberculosis

7,000 BC – present day

A sick woman lies on a balcony with death standing over her, representing tuberculosis. Richard Tennant Cooper. CC-BY-4.0.

The sheer scope of tuberculosis in human history is almost difficult to fathom. Tuberculosis in humans can be traced back 9,000 years to Atlit Yam, a city now under the Mediterranean Sea, where archeologists found the disease in the bodies of a mother and child buried together. Tuberculosis, which has gone by many names throughout time, including “the white death” in the 1700s and “consumption” in the 1800s, is one of humanity’s great enemies. According to the CDC, from the 1600s–1800s, Tuberculosis was responsible for 25% of all deaths. 

Today, vaccines and antibiotics are available to prevent and treat tuberculosis. These developments in tuberculosis treatments saved 74 million lives between 2000 and 2021. However, despite this breakthrough in modern medicine, a total of 1.6 million people died from tuberculosis in 2021 according to the World Health Organization. Over 80% of these deaths come from low and middle income countries. Modern medicine means that Tuberculosis is treatable, but these treatments are not universally accessible. In a globalized world, access to healthcare cannot be a first world luxury if outbreaks are to be prevented. 

3. The Columbian Exchange

1492–1800 CE

Spanish imperialists conquer the Americas. Wilfredor. CC-BY-SA.

The Columbian Exchange is a massive interchange of people, animals, plants, and diseases that took place between Eastern and Western Hemispheres after Columbus’ arrival in the Americas in 1492. This process introduced a number of foreign diseases that Native Americans had no immunity to, whose toll reached genocidal proportions, killing between 80–95% of Indigenous Americans within 100–150 years of Columbus’ first landing. Some of the diseases that plagued the Native Americans include smallpox, measles, influenza, chickenpox, the bubonic plague, typhus, scarlet fever, pneumonia and malaria. European imperialism is to blame for the catastrophic spread of disease to the Indigenous population.

4. The Spanish Flu

1918–1919 CE

Infected patients were isolated during the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic. Jim Forest. CC-BY-NC-ND 2.0.

After WWI, global contact and poor sanitary conditions during the war caused a worldwide outbreak of the H1N1 influenza virus, known at the time as the Spanish Flu. 500 million people were infected, one third of the world’s population at the time. Of those infected, 50 million people died worldwide, including 675,000 people in the United States. 

This pandemic led to a number of medical innovations still in use today. One of which is the widespread use of masks to prevent the spread of disease. The Spanish Flu pandemic also led to innovations in vaccine technology and spurred our understanding of genes and the chemicals that encode them.

5. AIDS Epidemic

1981-1990s

Protestors march against the stigma caused by the AIDs epidemic. NIH History Office. CC0.

HIV originally jumped from chimpanzees to humans in the early ‘80s, most likely due to human hunters coming into contact with chimpanzee blood. As a result, 84 million people have been infected globally and 40 million people have died. The AIDS epidemic is notorious for the resulting stigmatization of the LGBTQ+ community, which were greatly, though not uniquely, affected by the disease. Epidemics throughout history, since the Bubonic Plague, have caused hysteria and scapegoating, a flaw in human nature that must be quelled. 

Since the 1980s incredible strides have been made in the treatment of HIV and AIDS. As of 2021, 38.4 million people were living with HIV without it progressing to AIDS (when deadly symptoms appear) due to modern treatments. The treatment for HIV is taking daily antiretroviral therapy (ART), which is a cocktail of different HIV medicines. This treatment can allow people to live with HIV for decades without it progressing to AIDS.

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Sophia Larson

Sophia Larson is a recent graduate of Barnard College at Columbia University. She previously worked as the Assistant Editor on the 2021 book Young People of the Pandemic. She has also participated as a writer and editor at several student news publications, including “The UMass Daily Collegian” and “Bwog, Columbia Student News.”

5 Cryptids for Well-Traveled Lovers of the Macabre

Cryptids are creatures that have developed cult followings despite their dubious relationship with reality.

Helmingham bestiary and mythical creatures. Rawpixel. CC0.

Cryptids are creatures or animals that cryptozoologists believe exist in the wild, but whose present existence is unsubstantiated by science. Tales of such creatures can be found all around the world and are often the subject of modern folklore. Whether you or not you are a believer, cryptids are a point of fascination for anyone who relishes in the macabre.

1. The Mothman

Point Pleasant, West Virginia

The illusive mothman creature, with red eyes, wings, and a humanoid body. Steve Baxter. CC0.

In the small town of Point Pleasant, West Virginia, it is said that the infamous Mothman creature has haunted the woods and terrorized residents since 1966. First sighted by teenagers driving on State Route 62 near an abandoned National Guard Armory building, the creature is described as being six to seven feet tall with red eyes and wings like a moth. Since its first appearance in the public’s imagination the Mothman has reached mythical status, with statues, restaurants and other tourist attractions erected in its honor.

2. Chupacabra

Mexico and Southwestern United States

The chupacabra is said to feed on human and animal blood. Michael Snipes. CC-BY-SA 2.0

Chupacabras are said to be vampire-like creatures that are often blamed for attacks on goats, sheep and other domesticated animals. According to legend, the creature stands upright and resembles a large reptilian kangaroo. First reported in 1995, many believe the appearance of the Chupacabra in the collective imagination of Mexico and the Southwestern United states was highly influenced by the horror movies of the time. That being said, the Chupacabra continues to haunt the hearts and minds of the Great Basin.

3. J’ba FoFi

Democratic Republic of the Congo

The J’ba FoFi is a giant spider said to live in the Congolese jungle. Flickr. CC0.

The J'ba Fofi, also known as the Congolese Giant Spiders, are a type of large arachnid cryptid said to inhabit the forests of the Congo, hypothesized to be a new species of spider. The J’ba FoFi is said to hunt vertebrates rather than the insects its kind normally consume. The creature creates a network of webbing that operates as trip wires for approaching prey. They are said to burrow under trees and have large, yellow eggs. The existence of this giant spider, whether it is a yet-undiscovered species or simply a myth, remains unclear.

4. Loch Ness Monster

Scotland

Sighting of the Loch Ness monster. Ad Meskens. CC-BY-SA 3.0

One of the most famous cryptids in the world, the Loch Ness Monster is a creature said to inhabit Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands. It is described as a large animal, with a long neck and often several humps protruding out of the water. Hypothesized to be the last descendant of an extinct species, potentially dating back to the time of dinosaurs, the existence of the Loch Ness Monster has never been confirmed. “Nessie,” as the behemoth is affectionately known to fans, has been the subject of sustained curiosity and numerous hoaxes, capturing the public’s attention despite the creature’s dubious link to reality.

5. Hibagon

Japan

The Hibagon is a Japanese, humanoid cryptid. John Doherty. CC0.

The Hibagon is a Japanese Bigfoot-like creature said to live on Mount Hiba, Hiroshima Prefecture. First sighted in 1970, the Hibagon is described as an ape-like being that walks upright and is approximately six feet tall. There have been many more sightings of the Hibagon since the ‘70s, causing a Hibagon craze that has become a fixture of the local tourist industry. The existence of such a creature remains unconfirmed.

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Sophia Larson

Sophia Larson is a recent graduate of Barnard College at Columbia University. She previously worked as the Assistant Editor on the 2021 book Young People of the Pandemic. She has also participated as a writer and editor at several student news publications, including “The UMass Daily Collegian” and “Bwog, Columbia Student News.”

10 Natural Disasters that Shook History

Witness the awe-inspiring forces of nature unleashed through devastating hurricanes, volcanic eruptions and catastrophic floods.

The recent havoc wreaked by a wildfire in Hawaii has turned the once-idyllic summer paradise into a scene of devastation. The ferocity of another’s sweep through British Columbia and the Northwest Territories stands as a stark testament to the awe-inspiring might of Mother Nature. In contemporary times, we find ourselves confronting an array of astonishing extreme weather events and disasters. From heart-rending floods in California to merciless storms battering Mississippi, and the earth-shattering earthquakes that shook Afghanistan, these events underscore the delicate balance between human society and the natural world.

Throughout the annals of history, spanning various epochs of human progress, we encounter a recurring theme of dramatic weather and geological upheavals. Presented below are six far-reaching instances of natural disasters, each demanding a profound respect for the forces of nature.

1. The Great Hurricane of 1780

Caribbean Islands

Egmont Robt Fanshawe Esqr, Commander, when dismasted in the Great Hurricane on October 11th 1780 near the Island St Lucia. Royal Museums Greenwich. CC0.

Among the most catastrophic events etched in the annals of the Atlantic Ocean is the Great Hurricane of 1780, a tempest that swept across the Caribbean archipelago and left in its wake a death toll that neared 22,000 victims. The island of Barbados, nestled among the Lesser Antilles and situated to the north of Venezuela, bore the full brunt of this storm’s wrath. Accounts from the local inhabitants paint a grim picture: “Many ships were wrecked and many people were killed…the wall has been completely washed away by the sea and the back of the house has been left only on single struts”. With wind speeds exceeding 200 mph — a velocity that engulfs the length of a football field (300 feet) in just over a second — this storm annihilated every vestige of human civilization in its path. Trees, houses, stones, and wood crumbled before its might. Fortresses, cannons, and ships were tossed haphazardly, like mere playthings, as the tempest raged on. Its course then shifted northwestward, targeting the islands of Saint Lucia, Martinique, Dominica and Guadeloupe.

On Martinique, a nucleus of French sugar production that depended heavily on enslaved labor, the hurricane’s fury claimed a toll of roughly 9,000 lives. But the storm’s impact transcended the natural realm. It unleashed winds that bore the force of history, catalyzing a chain of events that reverberated into the American Revolution. Both British and French troops, staggered by the disaster, bore the brunt of its blow. The catastrophe was particularly unkind to the French forces, then taking part in the American War of Independence as an ally of the newly declared United States — over 40 ships were swallowed by the depths near Martinique, and the death toll among soldiers grew to around 4,000. The impact extended to the British side as well, leaving their once-potent fleet decimated by a trio of consecutive storms. In part as a result, the English presence in the northwestern Atlantic suffered a profound and enduring contraction.

2. Mount Tambora’s Eruption, 1815

Indonesia

Rocks and ashes on the ground with smoke in the background in front of a mountainrange.

Tucked away on the obscure Indonesian island of Sumbawa, the name Mount Tambora might elude recognition today. Yet, its eruption in the spring of 1815 held within it the power to reshape global weather patterns indefinitely. On a seemingly ordinary afternoon, as the sun prepared to dip below the horizon on April 10, 1815, Mount Tambora rumbled to life. An astounding 12 cubic miles of gases surged into the atmosphere, accompanied by a tumultuous eruption of dust and rocks that choked the skies and enveloped both the island of Sumbawa and its surroundings in a shroud of darkness. Amid this scene of apocalypse, inhabitants either met their end in the fiery conflagration or succumbed to the merciless hail of rocks. The handful of survivors found their once-fertile land tainted by volcanic ash and other substances, rendering it incapable of yielding crops. The ensuing famine claimed many remaining lives as starvation took its cruel toll.
The eruption, though spanning merely three days, reached its dramatic pinnacle with the mountain expelling an astounding 300 to 500 million kilograms of material every second. This eruption stands as an unparalleled event in documented history, claiming the lives of 100,000 islanders. It also unleashed the largest recorded volume of toxic sulfurous gases and volcanic ash from a single natural source. The once stately Mount Tambora, which had stood tall, now bore the scars of devastation, losing more than a third of its height as a shattering explosion rent the mountain asunder on that fateful April evening.

The 1815 Mount Tambora eruption. The red areas are maps of the thickness of volcanic ashfall.Wikipedia Commons. CC0.

The aftermath of this eruption reverberated not just in the years that followed, but has cast its shadow even upon the present day, nearly two centuries later. Geographically, the immense explosion carved out colossal craters along Tambora’s rim, plunging to depths of around 1.2 kilometers. It caused a veil of sulfate dust to enshroud the planet, casting a cooling pall over temperatures and unsettling crucial weather systems for over three years. This era, often referred to as the “Year Without a Summer,” cast its shadow in 1816. Across Europe, temperatures plummeted and precipitation surged, ushering food scarcity and triggering widespread upheavals, with protests and riots sweeping across the continent. This tumultuous atmosphere gave birth to iconic gothic literature like Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein,” John William Polidori's “The Vampyre,” and Lord Byron’s “Darkness”. Meanwhile, North America experienced its share of hardship as well, with New England grappling with snowfall and “killing frost,” a factor that catalyzed the Panic of 1819, the United States’ first major economic depression. Moreover, the impact of this eruption radiated across the ecology of the Indian subcontinent and the Arctic, spawning pandemics and wreaking havoc on ocean currents.

3. Yangtze River floods, 1931

China

A sign for environmental protection at Yangdi village. shankar s. CC BY 2.0.

The city of Wuhan, China has gained global recognition as the ground zero of the Covid-19 outbreak. However, Wuhan's story stretches back beyond this contemporary chapter, encompassing a legacy of natural upheavals spanning nearly a century. China‘s iconic Yangtze River, an aquatic lifeline celebrated for its contributions to sustenance, irrigation, sanitation, trade and industry, harbors another facet — the potential to ravage the land with its powerful floods. The pages of history bear witness to the tumultuous year of 1931, when torrential waters surged and engulfed swaths of central and eastern China. This watery onslaught did not bustling towns of Wuhan and Nanjing, as the Republic China was torn asunder by political tumult, economic strife and relentless conflict. Amid the backdrop of droughts and challenging winters that plagued the 1920s and 1930s, the Yangtze River basin bore witness to a torrent of water cascading downstream in the spring of 1931, as ice and snow yielded to the warming sun.
Within the cradle of civilization that is the Yangtze River Basin, a substantial segment — roughly one-third — of China’s population makes their home. The specter of flooding casts its shadow, further accentuated by deforestation and the unchecked utilization of wetlands. As spring unfolded its petals, waters of the river cascaded into the thoroughfares and mingled with the discharges from Wuhan’s overburdened sewers. By the start of August in 1931, a sprawling area encompassing 180,000 square kilometers — a vast terrain akin to the collective expanse of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut — was claimed by the deluge. Cities and hamlets submerged were in their entirety, while others stood as half-drowned relics. In the throes of the flood‘s onset, around 150,000 lives soon succumbed to its watery embrace, while the final toll remains a haunting enigma. Economic devastation ensued, obliterating years of hard-earned income for countless individuals. Amidst the aftermath, the specters of famine and disease loomed large, exacting a toll far surpassing the deluge’s immediate impact.

4. Valdivia Earthquake, 1960

Chile

This masonry office building in the downtown area of Concepcion, Chile collapsed as a result of the M 8.8 earthquake on Feb. 27, 2010. U.S. Geological Survey. CC0 1.0.

Chile’s geographical positioning atop a convergent plate boundary leaves it perpetually exposed to Earth’s shifting tectonic plates. One seismic spectacle that resounds through history is the Tsunami of May 22, 1960 — a seismic symphony that crescendoed to a magnitude of 9.5 on the Richter scale. To grasp the significance of this figure, consider that an earthquake registering between 6.1 and 6.9, like the temblor that rattled Little Antelope Valley, California near the Nevada border on July 8, 2021, can already inflict substantial devastation within densely inhabited areas. Now, imagine the seismic intensity of a magnitude 9.5 earthquake, which is an overwhelming 177,827.941 times more potent in terms of energy released than a magnitude 6 quake. This degree of seismic activity can wreak havoc, decimating any settlements in proximity to its epicenter. This seismic reckoning occurred around 3 p.m. on May 21, 1960, approximately 100 miles (160 km) offshore from Chile's coastline, tracing a parallel path to the city of Valdivia. In a time when Chile was gearing up to honor the Battle of Iquique, the coastal haven of Concepcion was suddenly plunged into turmoil. The portents of impending catastrophe manifested in violent tremors, the precursor to the cataclysmic quake that bore a magnitude of 7.9 at its inception.

The grimmest chapter unfolded the ensuing afternoon, as a seismic rupture of staggering scale snaked along a sprawling 600-mile fault line. In a dramatic geological ballet, the Nazca Plate — an expanse of the Pacific seafloor rivaling California in magnitude — descended fifty feet beneath the South American continent. The thriving harbor town of Valdivia met its demise, while a multitude of coastal settlements vanished into oblivion. This seismic drama had unforeseen consequences, expanding Chile’s realm by an area equivalent to around 1,500 football fields. Heightening the seismic spectacle, the epicenter of this cataclysm sprawled along a nearly 700 mile tract along the southern edge of the Chilean coast. The upheaval stirred up tempestuous seas, resulting in ruin across distant shores — from Hawaii and Japan to the Pacific coastline of the United States. An estimated count of two million people found themselves displaced by this seismic upheaval. In terms of monetary toll, the damage in Chile alone amounted to a staggering $550 million, with the aftermath registering a grim tally of several dozen to hundreds of fatalities and casualties from the South American and US West Coast, to Japan and the Philippines at the other end of the Pacific.

5. Bhola Cyclone, 1970

Bangladesh

A woman walks past makeshift shelters in the Cyclone aftermath, Bangladesh, 2007. Direct Relief. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0. 

Bangladesh, a densely-populated delta nation born from eroded Himalayan sediments, endured the catastrophic Bhola Cyclone in 1970, impacting the country (which was then known asEast Pakistan, and part of the Pakistani state that exists today) and India’s West Bengal. The region's history of cyclones left it vulnerable, averaging nearly two annually from 1959 to 1969. Termed the “Bhola Cyclone,” it ranks among the 20th century’s deadliest disasters, claiming 300,000 to 500,000 lives. The storm's origins trace back to a dissipating tropical system over the Malayan Peninsula on November 5. Rapidly intensifying by November 12, it struck with 130 mph winds. But, as traditional danger notifications over Radio Pakistan came to an abrupt halt, coastal residents were left unaware of the impending peril's magnitude, as reported by Pakistan Press International (PPI). In the aftermath of the devastating cyclone, countless survivors were stripped of their belongings, left only with their lives, as entire villages, rice harvests and essential provisions were wiped out. Following this, outbreaks of cholera and typhoid added to the challenges.

The aftermath of the Bhola Cyclone also played a crucial role in East Pakistan's pursuit of independence from the grip of West Pakistani authority. The mishandled response to the disaster allowed the Bengali Awami League to champion both independence and political reform. This movement gathered momentum in December 1970, when the League secured victory in the elections. As a result, East Pakistan transformed into Bangladesh in 1971 — a victory for freedom caused in part by the cyclone’s impact, although independent Bangladesh would undergo periods of tyranny.

6. Tangshan Earthquake, 1976

China

July 28, 1976, Tangshan earthquake, epicenter area. Wikipedia Commons. CC0.

Tangshan, located in Hebei Province, China, felt the earth’s fury in a cataclysmic event that still resonates as one of the deadliest and most destructive earthquakes in recent memory. On the quiet morning of July 28, 1976, as darkness lingered before dawn, the thriving Chinese industrial city of Tangshan was abruptly thrust into chaos. Hints of the impending disaster were strewn outside the village of Baiguantuan. A thousand chickens, typically eager for sustenance, abandoned their feed to sound off an agitated cacophony. Mice and yellow weasels, creatures of the night, scrambled in frantic retreat, sensing the impending upheaval. 

Subsequently, a seismic shock with a magnitude ranging from 7.8 to 8.2 on the Richter scale rocked the region for 23 seconds, reducing 90% of Tangshan's buildings to rubble. This was followed by a series of potent aftershocks, two of which surpassed a magnitude of 6.0. Roughly 15 hours later, a robust aftershock measuring 6.1 struck. The earthquake obliterated coal mines and the industries reliant on them, triggering the collapse of power, water, sewage, telephone, telegraph, and radio networks. The destruction of railway and highway bridges isolated the city entirely. Tragically, half of the city’s population — about a million individuals — lost their lives.

7. Ethiopia Famine, 1983 –1985

Ethiopia

Those who weathered the 1984 famine in Kobo and belong to the elder generation conveyed to ambassadors Haslach and O'Hara that the compounding impact of several unfavorable rainy seasons has resulted in the most formidable drought they have ever experienced. USAID Ethiopia. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

In spite of a global food supply that typically suffices for the world's growing population,  hunger remains an unfortunate reality in many developing nations. Over the past decade, grain yields per hectare in Africa have plunged by a third, and since 1981, food production has diminished by 15%. The year 1984 marked Ethiopia's encounter with a massive famine that reverberated across the globe, claiming around 2 million lives. A harsh drought intertwined with fierce conflicts to intensify the distress, as Eritreans fought for their autonomy and Tigrayans for their rights. This turmoil unfolded in central Eritrea and the Tigray region in northern Ethiopia, marred by arbitrary incarcerations, expulsions and ethnic cleansing. Manipulating hunger relief, the Ethiopian government used the crisis to relocate and expel Tigrayans, triggering a more volatile conflict that obstructed aid delivery to civilians in controlled areas. Consequently, sick and famished individuals congregated along stretches of Wollo's north-south road, halting vehicles in a desperate plea for sustenance — an unsettlingly frequent sight.

Accounts of hunger in Wollo and Tigray were disregarded by authorities and shrouded in secrecy. Aid organizations overlooked warning signals, prioritizing a rapport with the government. Economically, the majority of Ethiopian farmers are involved in livestock rearing or agricultural activities. Their reliance on the market to meet even their basic consumption needs is profound throughout the year. The drought of 1984 exposed the frailty of Ethiopia's political and economic systems, causing the loss of nearly 8 million lives to famine. Today, the threat of starvation still hangs over Ethiopia, impacting no less than 350,000 individuals in the Tigray region, still wracked by conflict four decades later.

8. Kashmir Earthquake, 2005

Pakistan

The meeting point of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates lies right in the heart of Kashmir, giving birth to the grandeur of the Himalayan mountain range through intense geological forces. This collision not only shaped the Himalayas but also unleashed tumultuous seismic activities in the area. In the early dawn of October 8, 2005, a formidable earthquake rocked northern Pakistan, leaving behind a trail of devastation. The consequences were felt deeply: villages were leveled, roads buried under rubble, and vital services such as water and electricity were severed. A staggering three million individuals found themselves homeless, while the grim count of human lives lost reached a tragic toll of at least 80,000. This seismic occurrence stands as the nation’s deadliest earthquake ever experienced. Among the most severely affected regions was Uri, where the heart-wrenching aftermath left 80% of the town in ruins. 
The scene in the Muzaffarabad region of Kashmir was equally haunting, as villages laid in ruins, bearing silent witness to the aftermath of a natural disaster. Over 780,000 structures were left devastated or irreparably damaged, while countless more faced extended periods of unusability. Notably, around 17,000 educational institutions and crucial hospitals situated near the epicenter of the earthquake either crumbled or suffered significant destruction. Reporters on the ground captured heart-wrenching moments, where traumatized parents, their eyes filled with panic, gathered in search of their children. Amid the chaos, faint cries of surviving children could be discerned from the debris, a fragile ray of hope in the overwhelming despair. However, with the passage of time, those cries grew fainter, and as night descended, grieving parents began the grim task of recovering the lifeless bodies of their young ones.

9. Haiti Earthquake, 2010

Haiti

A poor neighborhood in Haiti shows the damage after an earthquake. United Nations Development Programme. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

The 12th of January, 2010, marks a somber date in Haiti's history, forever associated with a colossal earthquake. The earth shook with a magnitude 7.0, and its epicenter in Port-au-Prince, the capital, was delivered the harshest blow. Once-vibrant neighborhoods and towering structures crumbled, nature’s unyielding might reshaping the cityscape. Haiti's geological position along a fault line between substantial tectonic plates makes it prone to seismic activity, evidenced by historical quakes in 1751, 1770, 1842 and 1946. However, the country's houses, often made of concrete and cinder block to withstand storms prevalent in the Caribbean, displayed vulnerability during earthquakes.
In a nation already locked in poverty’s grip, this catastrophe left an indelible mark. It went down in history as the most catastrophic event ever faced by the Western Hemisphere’s most destitute country. The impact was overwhelming: approximately 3 million people were caught in its fury, with an unimaginable loss of about 250,000 lives and another 300,000 grappling with injuries. A staggering 19 million cubic meters of debris, enough to stretch a mournful line from London to Beirut if gathered, signifying the immense destruction in Port-au-Prince. Amid the ruins, the education sector lay in ruins, with four thousand schools reduced to rubble or severely compromised.

10. Siberian Taiga Fires, 2019 –2020

Russia

An emergency firefighter from the Ministry dousing a forest fire near the Novovoronezh Nuclear Power Plant. RIA Novosti archive, image 733844  Alexey Kudenko. CC-BY-SA 3.0

Picturing Russia’s icy dominion of Siberia, it might appear inconceivable that this frigid realm could ever harbor one of the planet's mightiest wildfires. Yet, in early spring in 2003, this implausible chapter began to unfold, with echoes in 2019 and and again in 2020. The wildfires, sparked by lightning, stand as vital ecological players in the birthing and nurturing of boreal forests. But Siberia’s story in recent decades has taken a dangerous turn. A mix of parched conditions and heightened human involvement has triggered a surge in fires, making them more frequent and covering wider ground. This shift has altered the historical fire patterns. Between 1995 and 2005, the fires in this region shot up tenfold. And then there is 2021, when a single fire claims  40 million acres of forest. Yet, close to half of that destruction occurred in 2019 and 2020. This hints at a potential threshold, potentially already passed, after which extreme fires could become a common occurrence in the region.

With more than a fifth of the world’s forested expanse within its borders, these  lands are home to many Indigenous and local communities in underdeveloped areas that rely on the boreal forest for timber. Real peril surfaces for these groups when they face  Siberia’s peculiar wildfires, aptly named “Zombie” fires. These are wildfires that possess the eerie ability to spontaneously rekindle months after being quelled, maintaining an underground inferno within partially decomposed organic matter in Siberian soil. In the absence of proactive measures to combat global warming and safeguard ancient woodlands, these fires are destined to swell in size and surge in uncontrollability with each successive year.

The aftermath of these catastrophic events has seen age-old landscapes, nurtured and passed down through generations of human stewardship, swept away by transformative suprahuman forces. Through the preservation of the narratives about these occurrences, humanity confronts its identity as an indispensable element in the delicate web of our ecosystem, transcending the notion of a mere overseer.

TO GET INVOLVED：

All Hands Volunteers and Happy Hearts Fund united their efforts back in 2015, right after the devastating earthquake struck Nepal. Their joint endeavor aimed to reconstruct schools and communities fortified against future disasters. Guided by the vision of David Campbell and Petra Nemcova, the fusion of these two forces coalesced around the powerful concept of “Smart Response.” By the fall of 2017, the merger's resonance was clear as All Hands and Hearts stood tall. Learn more about All Hands Volunteers and Happy Hearts Fund here.
Direct Relief International has emerged as a steadfast force, improving the lives of individuals caught in disasters in 80 countries. The group designs a multifaceted response by offering food, drink, shelter and medical care. Direct Relief methodically tailors medical aid to fulfill urgent requirements, keeping a pulse on the particular dynamics of each case and giving search-and-rescue operations, emergency medical services, and quick logistics top priority. This project entails locating essential local healthcare professionals, comprehending the unmet requirements of outlying populations, mobilizing appropriate medications and equipment, and deftly managing the complex logistics of storage, transportation and allocation. Learn more about Direct Relief International here.

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Hope Zhu

Hope is a Chinese international student at Wake Forest University in North Carolina studying sociology, statistics, and journalism. She dreams of traveling around the globe as a freelance reporter while touching on a wide range of social issues from education inequality to cultural diversity. Passionate about environmental issues and learning about other cultures, she is eager to explore the globe. In her free time, she enjoys cooking Asian cuisine, reading, and theater.

7 Books by LatinX Authors to Read This Hispanic Heritage Month

From literary classics to modern favorites, here is a list of must-read titles by LatinX authors in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.

A traditional dancer performs at a Hispanic Heritage Month festival. GPA Photo Archive. CC0

With an incredibly rich history and huge variety of cultures, it is no surprise that Latin America has consistently produced world famous and award winning authors for decades. From historical fiction about the continent’s troubled colonial past to light-hearted stories about colorful local traditions, the diversity of Latin American literature spans time and space to offer incredible insights into life for bookworms and the average fiction reader alike. In celebration of September as LatinX Heritage Month, here are seven incredible books by LatinX authors to add to your reading list.

“Violeta” - Isabel Allende

Left: Violeta. Goodreads. CC BY-SA 2.0 Right: Isabel Allende. Lesekreis. CC BY-SA 2.0

Multi-award winner Isabel Allende’s most recent novel follows the titular character from her birth to her death over a tumultuous century. Violeta is born during the Spanish Flu in 1920 and lives through the Great Depression, World War II and all the changes brought by the turn of the twenty-first century, while navigating family, romance and her own desires. Allende, arguably the first internationally successful female Chilean author, is known for writing in the “magic realism” style, weaving history with fiction and myth with reality to create engaging plotlines that find their roots in Hispanic culture, society, and politics. This novel is no different, and Violeta’s story, written in the form of a letter to the one person she loves the most, recounts 100 years of Chilean history through the eyes of a determined, humorous woman who, above all else, carries a deep love life.

“Solito” - Javier Zamora

Left: Solito. NBCNews. CC BY-NC 2.0 Right: Javier Zamora. Dan Vera. CC BY-SA 2.0

A poet by trade, Salvadoran writer and activist Javier Zamora has collected his fair share of accolades, and is currently a Radcliffe Fellow at Harvard University. The New York Times bestseller “Solito” is his latest project having been published in 2022 and tells the heart wrenching story of Zamora’s perilous journey from El Salvador to the United States at only nine years of age. Leaving his extended family and childhood home behind, Javier travels almost entirely alone to reunite with his parents who had fled the country years earlier. He has no way of knowing about the seemingly insurmountable obstacles that will stand in his way, or the group of kind-hearted strangers who will come to treat him like one of their own. This biographical memoir is unlike either of Zamora’s earlier published works, and provides an incredible and intimate account of a story shared by millions of Central American migrants who have no choice but to flee their homes due to violence and political unrest.

“A Little Luck” - Claudia Piñero

Left: A Little Luck. Charco Press. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 Right: Claudia Piñero. Secretaría de Cultura de la Nación. CC BY-NC 2.0

After the success of her earlier novel “Elena Knows,” Argentine novelist and finalist for the 2022 International Booker Prize Claudia Piñero has astounded her readers once again with this 2015 novel which has only recently been translated to English. Piñero has an incredible talent for exploring the depths of unbelievably tragedy and pain while offering her audiences brief moments of hope, and “A Little Luck” is no different. The novel follows Mary Lohan, a woman who fled the suburbs of Buenos Aires after an accident but has finally returned two decades later. While on the outside she in no way resembles her past self, she is very much still the same Mary, and as the past starts to resurface her present begins to crumble. “A Little Luck” is a beautifully crafted story about love, lies, unforgettable places, uninvited people, and most of all, the inescapable power of fate.

“The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao” - Junot Díaz

Left: The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao. Biblio. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 Right. Junot Díaz. American Library Association. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Originally published in 2007, this novel won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2008, along with a host of other awards. Dominican-American author Junot Díaz penned this novel, during his time at MIT, where he continues to teach in the Creative Writing department. Díaz wrote several works while attending the prestigious university, but “The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao” remains his most well-known and celebrated title to this day. The novel follows the titular character, a lovable and overweight Dominican teenager living in New Jersey with his mother and sister. He wants nothing more than to become a world famous author, except for maybe finding true love, a dream that feels far out of reach given the curse that has afflicted his family for generations and has resulted in only ill-fated romances. With an incredibly skilled hand, Díaz guides his readers through the life of Oscar and his family, both past and present, while also touching on the brutal reign of Dominican dictator Rafael Trujillo.

“Like Water for Chocolate” - Laura Esquivel

Left: Like Water for Chocolate. Grab The Lapels. CC BY-SA 2.0 Right: Laura Esquivel. Secretaría de Cultura de la Ciudad de México. CC BY-SA 2.0

This 1989 novel was translated into English in 1992, and immediately became a modern classic in the pantheon of Latin American literature. The title comes from a common idiom in Spanish-speaking countries, “como agua para chocolate,” which refers to an intense state of emotion, whether it be anger, excitement or even arousal. Mexican author and screenwriter Laura Esquivel chose this for the title of her first novel because of the many references to food and culinary culture throughout the story, which add to her detailed description of family life at the turn of the century in Mexico. The novel makes use of humor and magic to explore a bittersweet love story both relatable and fantastical, as well as its impact on the families at the center of the drama. Each chapter begins with a recipe filled with cleverly chosen words and descriptions which allude to upcoming character and plot developments, an aspect that was unfortunately largely lost when Esquivel wrote the screenplay for the 1992 movie adaptation.

“In the Time of the Butterflies” - Julia Alvarez

Left: In the Time of the Butterflies. Amazon. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 Right: Julia Alvarez. Julia Alvarez. CC BY-SA 2.0

Julia Alvarez is a Dominican-American essayist, poet, and novelist who is known for her ability to weave fact with fiction and craft irresistible plotlines that detail political and social events through the eyes of colorful and relatable characters. “In the Time of the Butterflies” is a perfect example of this, as a work of historical fiction with its foundations in the very real story of the Mirabal sisters, four young women who tirelessly fought for their country’s freedom under the dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo in the Dominican Republic during the 1900s. Known by Dominicans as “las mariposas” or “the butterflies,” the sisters were unfortunately assassinated in 1960 for their efforts to overthrow the government. Alvarez gives these characters a new life by imagining their time as teenagers, and how they came to be involved with revolutionary efforts before falling victim to the destructive regime. Through the voice of each sister, the story of their political involvement, victimization and deep love for each other slowly but surely come to light.

“100 Years of Solitude” - Gabriel García Márquez

Left: 100 Years of Solitude. Amazon. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 Right: Gabriel García Márquez. Jose Lara. CC BY-SA 2.0

No list of Latin American literature is complete with this 1982 Nobel Prize-winning classic, and what many consider to be Gabriel García Márquez’s best work. The late Colombian novelist published this novel in 1967, chronicling seven generations of the Buendía family and the rural town of Macondo they built in Colombia between the 1820s and the 1920s. While separated from the rest of Colombian society by an imposing mountain range, Macondo is a microcosm of larger society with its troubles and its magic, although the key to all of the town’s secrets remain hidden in a coded book. Through its delicate blend of magic, reality, history, and tradition, Márquez presents an allegorical insight into the turbulent social and political atmosphere in Colombia during the post-colonial times, and the country’s development over the following century.

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Tanaya Vohra

Tanaya is an undergraduate student pursuing a major in Public Health at the University of Chicago. She's lived in Asia, Europe and North America and wants to share her love of travel and exploring new cultures through her writing.