Stories about Economics & Business from May, 2011
North Korea: Kim Jong Il in China
Adam Cathcart from Sinologistical Violoncellist blogs about various economic and political implications of Kim Jong Il's visit in China that might have been missed by western media.
Poland: Taxation
Politics, Economy, Society explains the Polish taxation system.
El Salvador: Food Insecurity Rising in Rural Areas
The blog “Locavore del Mundo” [someone who eats locally grown foods around the world] discusses how rural Salvadorian families are struggling to secure food for themselves, not particularly because they...
Vietnam: Increasing number of high-rise buildings
Luan Nguyen writes about the urban impact of the boom in the construction of very tall buildings in Vietnam.
India: A Day In The Life Of A Beggar
Vanillasense recreates a day in the life of a beggar in India.
Spain: “Yes We Camp,” Mobilizing on the Streets and the Internet
Since May 15, people in Spain have taken the streets to demand democracy in advance to the upcoming elections, with thousands camping out in cities across the country. Protesters and supporters are organizing in decentralized and horizontal networks, and employing social media tools to share and spread information, tell their stories, and collaborate on ideas, proposals and initiatives.
Cuba: Reforms vs. Reality
Laritza Diversent looks at some of the impending changes coming out of the Communist Party Congress, but says: “There is far too much optimism towards the announced changes made by...
Ghana: Start-up Helps You to Share and Discover the Best
Gamelmag writes about a Ghanaian start-up Tutamee: “Formed in mid 2010, Tutamee officially launched the alpha version of its website (http://tutamee.com/) on 27th April 2011. The co-founders of the company...
Russia: Billionaire Gives Up Business After Publishing a Video On Bank Fraud
Alexander Lebedev, Russian tycoon, said that he will give up his banking business and join pro-Kremlin People's Front, after he published a video clip [ru] on corruption in Federal Security...
France: The Fall of Dominique Strauss-Kahn?
On Sunday 15 May, 2011, France awoke to a political earthquake: a sex scandal involving the (now former) French president of the IMF, Dominique Strauss-Kahn, arrested for an alleged sexual assault against a housekeeper in a New York hotel. On day three after the revelation, French bloggers are still struggling to grasp the implications of this global scandal on French politics.
Bhutan: Why The High Tourist Fee?
Bridge To Bhutan explains the reason behind Bhutan’s unique and long-standing system of requiring tourists to spend at least $200 a day.
Egypt: I Unfollowed Ghonim Because …
Egyptian cyber activist Wael Ghonim, who shot to international fame after being arrested at the beginning of the Egyptian revolution, is facing criticism from the very same Egyptians who earlier championed for his release. In a series of tweets today, Ghonim urged the protesters to put their country's economic prosperity ahead of their revolutionary agenda, sparking a flurry of reactions on Twitter.
Cuba: The Capital's Chinatown
Iván's File Cabinet blogs about the evolution of Havana's Chinatown.
Chile: Massive Protests Continue Against Hidroaysén Power Station
After the approval of the construction of the Hidroaysén hydrolectric power station in the Aysén region of the Patagonia of Chile on May 9, 2011, there have been many protests around the country. Netizens have been using social media networks to share and spread information on the demonstrations.
Spain: Thousands of People Take the Streets
Spanish citizens have taken to the streets this week to protest against corruption, unemployment, and a political structure that favors a two-party system. "We're not merchandise in the hands of bankers and politicians," was the motto of tens of thousands who demonstrated all over the country on May 15. Protests and sit-ins will continue.
Bermuda: New Politics
Bloggers are “energised by the emergence of the One Bermuda Alliance”, saying: “We can’t afford any more ‘professional politicians’ who simply demand respect as our Leaders while wallowing in a...
Colombia, El Salvador: Outlook for Coffee Exports
“How many of you know where your coffee comes from? And does it make a difference to you?” asks Colleen O'Brien in a post about the outlook for coffee exports...
El Salvador: Government Program Seeks to Improve Lives of Low-Income Women
Tim's El Salvador Blog comments and shares information on ‘Ciudad Mujer,’ a government program “creating a series of regional centers which to address specific needs of poor women […] Violence...
Jordan: Debating a Possible GCC Union
The announcement that Jordan and Morocco might join the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) caused an immediate shockwave of reactions. Many Jordanians were elated at the news, saying that it would lead to better economic conditions for their country. Betsy Fisher rounds up more reactions from netizens in this post.
Lebanon: Home Delivery Shisha
“In Beirut, you just pick up the telephone and order a shisha, or so I discovered!” writes Mich in a post detailing the booming business of delivering shishas (hubble bubble...
Cuba: Online Challenges
“By paying in hard currency you can get on the information highway. That’s the good news. Let’s look at the bad. Virtually speaking, Cuba is an island split in two....
