Russia is the largest country in the world by far, with a total area of just over 17 million square kilometers. After Antarctica, the next three countries are Canada, the U.S., and China; all between 9.5 and 10 million square kilometers. The figures given include internal water surface area (such as lakes or rivers) - if the figures were for land surface only then China would be the second largest country in the world, the U.S. third, and Canada (the country with more lakes than the rest of the world combined) fourth. Russia Russia has a population of around 145 million people, putting it in the top ten most populous countries in the world, and making it the most populous in Europe. However, it's vast size gives it a very low population density, ranked among the bottom 20 countries. Most of Russia's population is concentrated in the west, with around 75 percent of the population living in the European part, while around 75 percent of Russia's territory is in Asia; the Ural Mountains are considered the continental border. Elsewhere in the world Beyond Russia, the world's largest countries all have distinctive topographies and climates setting them apart. The United States, for example, has climates ranging from tundra in Alaska to tropical forests in Florida, with various mountain ranges, deserts, plains, and forests in between. Populations in these countries are often concentrated in urban areas, and are not evenly distributed across the country. For example, around 85 percent of Canada's population lives within 100 miles of the U.S. border; around 95 percent of China lives east of the Heihe–Tengchong Line that splits the country; and the majority of populations in large countries such as Australia or Brazil live near the coast.

Russia is the largest country in Europe, and also the largest in the world, its total size amounting to 17 million square kilometers (km2). It should be noted, however, that over three quarters of Russia is located in Asia, and the Ural mountains are often viewed as the meeting point of the two continents in Russia; nonetheless, European Russia is still significantly larger than any other European country. Ukraine, the second largest country on the continent, is only 603,000 km2, making it about 28 times smaller than its eastern neighbor, or seven times smaller than the European part of Russia. France is the third largest country in Europe, but the largest in the European Union. The Vatican City, often referred to as the Holy Sea, is both the smallest country in Europe and in the world, at just one km2. Population Russia is also the most populous country in Europe. It has around 144 million inhabitants across the country; in this case, around three quarters of the population live in the European part, which still gives it the largest population in Europe. Despite having the largest population, Russia is a very sparsely populated country due to its size and the harsh winters. Germany is the second most populous country in Europe, with 83 million inhabitants, while the Vatican has the smallest population. Worldwide, India and China are the most populous countries, with approximately 1.4 billion inhabitants each. Cities Moscow in Russia is ranked as the most populous city in Europe with around 13 million inhabitants, although figures vary, due to differences in the methodologies used by countries and sources. Some statistics include Istanbul in Turkey* as the largest city in Europe with its 15 million inhabitants, bit it has been excluded here as most of the country and parts of the city is located in Asia. Worldwide, Tokyo is the most populous city, with Jakarta the second largest and Delhi the third.

In 2025, India overtook China as the world's most populous country and now has almost 1.46 billion people. China now has the second-largest population in the world, still with just over 1.4 billion inhabitants, however, its population went into decline in 2023. Global population As of 2025, the world's population stands at almost 8.2 billion people and is expected to reach around 10.3 billion people in the 2080s, when it will then go into decline. Due to improved healthcare, sanitation, and general living conditions, the global population continues to increase; mortality rates (particularly among infants and children) are decreasing and the median age of the world population has steadily increased for decades. As for the average life expectancy in industrial and developing countries, the gap has narrowed significantly since the mid-20th century. Asia is the most populous continent on Earth; 11 of the 20 largest countries are located there. It leads the ranking of the global population by continent by far, reporting four times as many inhabitants as Africa. The Demographic Transition The population explosion over the past two centuries is part of a phenomenon known as the demographic transition. Simply put, this transition results from a drastic reduction in mortality, which then leads to a reduction in fertility, and increase in life expectancy; this interim period where death rates are low and birth rates are high is where this population explosion occurs, and population growth can remain high as the population ages. In today's most-developed countries, the transition generally began with industrialization in the 1800s, and growth has now stabilized as birth and mortality rates have re-balanced. Across less-developed countries, the stage of this transition varies; for example, China is at a later stage than India, which accounts for the change in which country is more populous - understanding the demographic transition can help understand the reason why China's population is now going into decline. The least-developed region is Sub-Saharan Africa, where fertility rates remain close to pre-industrial levels in some countries. As these countries transition, they will undergo significant rates of population growth.

As of May 2025, China had the largest armed forces in the world by active duty military personnel, with about *********** active soldiers. India, the United States, North Korea, and Russia rounded out the top five largest armies. Difference between active and reserve personnel Active personnel, also known as active duty in the United States and active service in the United Kingdom, are those individuals whose full-time occupation is being part of a military force. Active duty contrasts with a military’s reserve force, which are individuals who have both a military role and a civilian career. The number of active duty forces in the U.S. is much larger than its reserve membership. What is the strongest army? The strength of a country’s armed forces is not only determined by how many personnel they maintain, but also the number and quality of their military equipment. For example, looking only at personnel does not factor in the overwhelmingly higher number of nuclear warheads owned by Russia and the United States compared to other countries. One way to answer this question is to look at the total amount of money each country spends on their military, as spending includes both personnel and technology. In terms of countries with the highest military spending, the United States leads the world with an annual budget almost ***** times larger than second-placed China.

In 2021, the BRICS countries with the highest estimated GDP per capita were Russia and China, with between 12,000 and 13,000 U.S. dollars per person. Brazil and South Africa's GDP per capita are thought to be closer to the 7,000 mark, while India's GDP per capita is just over 2,000 U.S. dollars. This a significant contrast to figures for overall GDP, where China has the largest economy by a significant margin, while India's is the second largest. The reason for this disparity is due to population size. For example, both China's population and overall GDP are roughly 10 times larger than those of Russia, which results in them having a comparable GDP per capita. Additionally, India's population is 23 times larger than South Africa's, but it's GDP is just seven times larger; this results in South Africa having a higher GDP per capita than India, despite it being the smallest of the BRICS economies.

Russia was the largest country in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) region, with a total area of over 17 million square kilometers in 2025. Furthermore, Russia was the largest country in the world, followed by Canada, the United States, and China. Ranking second among the CIS countries was Kazakhstan, whose land area comprised about 2.7 million square kilometers.

Since the beginning of the 21st century, the BRICS countries have been considered the five foremost developing economies in the world. Originally, the term BRIC was used by economists when talking about the emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India, and China, however these countries have held annual summits since 2009, and the group has expanded to include South Africa since 2010. China has the largest GDP of the BRICS country, at 16.86 trillion U.S. dollars in 2021, while the others are all below three trillion. Combined, the BRICS bloc has a GDP over 25.85 trillion U.S. dollars in 2022, which is slightly more than the United States. BRICS economic development China has consistently been the largest economy of this bloc, and its rapid growth has seen it become the second largest economy in the world, behind the U.S.. China's growth has also been much faster than the other BRICS countries; for example, when compared with the second largest BRICS economy, its GDP was less than double the size of Brazil's in 2000, but is almost six times larger than India's in 2021. Since 2000, the country with the second largest GDP has fluctuated between Brazil, Russia, and India, due to a variety of factors, although India has held this position since 2015 (when the other two experienced recession), and it's growth rate is on track to surpass China's in the coming decade. South Africa has consistently had the smallest economy of the BRICS bloc, and it has just the third largest economy in Africa; its inclusion in this group is due to the fact that it is the most advanced and stable major economy in Africa, and it holds strategic importance due to the financial potential of the continent in the coming decades. Future developments It is predicted that China's GDP will overtake that of the U.S. by the end of the 2020s, to become the largest economy in the world, while some also estimate that India will also overtake the U.S. around the middle of the century. Additionally, the BRICS group is more than just an economic or trading bloc, and its New Development Bank was established in 2014 to invest in sustainable infrastructure and renewable energy across the globe. While relations between its members were often strained or of less significance in the 20th century, their current initiatives have given them a much greater international influence. The traditional great powers represented in the Group of Seven (G7) have seen their international power wane in recent decades, while BRICS countries have seen theirs grow, especially on a regional level. Today, the original BRIC countries combine with the Group of Seven (G7), to make up 11 of the world's 12 largest economies, but it is predicted that they will move further up on this list in the coming decades.

Since 2000, China has consistently been the largest importer of goods of the BRICS countries, with a value of more than ************ U.S. dollars in 2020. China's value of imported goods has grown significantly across these two decades; values in 2018 were over **** times larger than values for 2000. India's imports in 2018 were also ** times higher in 2018 than in 2000. For Russia and Brazil, however, their peak years came in the early-2010s, just before both countries went into recession. South Africa's value of imported goods has also increased, and was over *** billion U.S. dollars in most years of the 2010s. In 2000, the value of goods imported to China was comparable to the other four BRICS countries combined; in 2022, the value was more than double the other countries combined.

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Bus Infotainment System Market Size 2024-2028

The bus infotainment system market size is forecast to increase by USD 155.3 million, at a CAGR of 6.76% between 2023 and 2028.

The market is witnessing significant growth as original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) explore new revenue streams by integrating smartphone support features into their in-vehicle infotainment systems. This trend is driven by the increasing consumer preference for seamless connectivity and personalized entertainment experiences. However, this integration comes with challenges, as the advanced infotainment systems may lead to driver distractions, posing safety concerns. OEMs must strike a balance between offering innovative features and ensuring road safety. Moreover, the market's competitive landscape is intensifying, with players investing in research and development to differentiate their offerings and cater to evolving consumer demands. Companies seeking to capitalize on market opportunities should focus on developing user-friendly interfaces, ensuring seamless connectivity, and addressing safety concerns effectively. Navigating these challenges requires strategic planning and a deep understanding of consumer preferences and market trends.

What will be the Size of the Bus Infotainment System Market during the forecast period?

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Request Free SampleBus infotainment systems continue to evolve, integrating advanced technologies to enhance the travel experience for passengers. These systems go beyond traditional audio systems and include user interfaces (UI) with touchscreen interfaces, OLED displays, and interactive displays. Power management, remote diagnostics, and wireless charging are essential features, ensuring seamless operation. Entertainment content, passenger information systems, and maintenance services are key applications. OTA updates enable continuous improvement, while digital signage and advertising platforms offer targeted advertising opportunities. Integration of 4G LTE, cloud computing, and mobile device integration provide connectivity and access to streaming services. Passenger feedback systems and UX design prioritize user experience. Thermal management and hardware components ensure reliable performance, while network infrastructure and security systems maintain data privacy. Installation services and system integration are crucial for seamless implementation. The bus infotainment market remains dynamic, with ongoing developments in UI, support services, and network connectivity shaping its future.

How is this Bus Infotainment System Industry segmented?

The bus infotainment system industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments. ApplicationTransit busesCoachesTransfer busesGeographyEuropeRussiaAPACChinaIndiaJapanSouth AmericaBrazilRest of World (ROW)

By Application Insights

The transit buses segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.Transit buses, an essential component of short-distance public transportation in cities, come in various subsegments, including double-decker, articulated, low-floor, and mini-buses. The seating capacity for low-floor and mini-buses is approximately 50 passengers, while double-decker or articulated buses can accommodate up to 80 passengers. These buses are designed with large doors for easy boarding and exiting, no luggage space, and bench or bucket-type seats, typically without headrests. Bus interiors feature roll signs or light-emitting diode (LED) displays indicating the destination name or the next stop, bus stop request buttons, and adequate standing-passenger capacity. Modern bus infotainment systems have become increasingly sophisticated, integrating user interface (UI) designs for seamless interaction. Support services ensure efficient system functioning, while audio systems provide clear announcements for passenger information. OLED displays offer enhanced visual clarity for GPS navigation and interactive displays. Over-the-air (OTA) updates enable continuous software improvements. Digital signage and passenger information systems keep passengers informed, while remote diagnostics and power management systems optimize energy usage. Entertainment content, such as on-demand video and music, enhances the user experience (UX). Passenger feedback systems gather valuable data for continuous improvement. Wireless charging, USB charging ports, and 4G LTE connectivity keep passengers connected. Thermal management ensures optimal temperature control. System integration, cloud computing, and mobile device integration offer flexibility and convenience. Headrest monitors, overhead monitors, and

The United States led the ranking of the countries with the highest military spending in 2024, with 997 billion U.S. dollars dedicated to the military. That constituted almost 40 percent of the total military spending worldwide that year, which amounted to 2.7 trillion U.S. dollars. This amounted to 3.4 percent of the U.S.'s gross domestic product (GDP), placing the country lower in the ranking of military expenditure as a percentage of GDP, compared to Ukraine, Israel, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, and Russia. China was the second largest military spender, with an estimated 314 billion U.S. dollars spent, with Russia following in third. Defense budgetAccording to the U.S. Congressional Budget Office, the outlays for defense will rise to 1.1 trillion U.S. dollars by 2033. The largest parts of the budget are dedicated to the Departments of the Navy and the Air Force. The budget for the U.S. Air Force for 2024 was nearly 260 billion U.S. dollars.Global military spendingThe value of military spending globally has grown steadily in the past years and reached 2.7 trillion U.S. dollars in 2024. Reasons for this are the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022, the war in Gaza, as well as increasing tensions in the South China Sea. North America is by far the leading region worldwide in terms of expenditure on the military.

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Fire and Gas Detection System Market Size 2024-2028

The fire and gas detection system market is estimated to grow by USD 2.32 billion between 2023 and 2028 at a CAGR of 3.2%. The market is experiencing significant growth, driven by several key factors. The increasing production of shale gas is one such factor, as the extraction process involves potential hazards that necessitate advanced detection systems. Another factor is the growing emphasis on worker safety across various industries, leading to a heightened focus on implementing robust safety measures. Furthermore, the number of industry safety performance standards is on the rise, making it mandatory for organizations to invest in reliable detection systems to ensure regulatory compliance.

What will be the Size of the Market During the Forecast Period?

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Technavio’s Exclusive Market Customer Landscape

Our analysis of the adoption life cycle of the market indicates its movement between the innovator’s stage and the laggard’s stage. The report illustrates the lifecycle of the market, focusing on the adoption rates of the major countries. Technavio has included key purchase criteria, adoption rates, adoption lifecycles, and drivers of price sensitivity to help companies evaluate and develop growth strategies from 2023 to 2028.

Market Customer Landscape

Market Dynamics

The Market encompasses the sales, production, and installation of fire detection systems, including fire alarms, fire detectors, smoke detectors, and heat detectors. The market caters to various industries, primarily focusing on fireprone environments such as power utilities, mining, petrochemical industry, oil and gas exploration industry, and construction-related projects. Fire safety regulations mandate the use of reliable and efficient fire detection systems to minimize damage and loss of life. The Commercial segment dominates the market due to the large-scale infrastructure and the high risk of fire incidents. Residential applications are also growing due to increasing awareness and the availability of sustainable alarm and detection solutions made from recyclable and biodegradable materials like plant-based bioplastics and biodegradable polymers. Technological developments in integrated fire safety systems are driving market growth. The future of the Market lies in the adoption of advanced technologies and the implementation of stricter fire safety regulations. Our researchers studied the data for years, with 2023 as the base year and 2024 as the estimated year, and presented the key drivers, trends, and challenges for the market.

Key Market Driver

One of the key factors driving growth in the market is the rising production of shale gas. Due to the glut of supply, it introduced into the market, which eventually resulted in price drops, shale gas has altered the global structure of oil and gas energy. Unlike conventional petroleum gas, shale gas investigation transmits bigger measures of methane and consequently, has a higher ozone-depleting substance impression. CH4 isn't simply destructive to the climate but additionally a wellspring of blast risks.

Moreover, the rise in shale gas production from countries such as the US, Russia, Iran, Qatar, Canada, China, Norway, and Saudi Arabia has raised the scope for the adoption of gas detection products and solutions. Besides, the growing urge to minimize casualties and an increasing number of government mandates have given rise to the adoption of the latest safety tools in the shale gas manufacturing processes, to their functional benefits. Hence, increasing shale gas production will drive the global market during the forecast period.

Significant Market Trends

The advent of 3D fire and gas mapping tools is the primary trend in the global market. One of the most recent technological advancements in the field of safety instrumentation systems is the appearance of the software tool for 3D fire and gas mapping. The oil and gas, chemical, and petrochemical industries, among other end-user industries, are rapidly adopting this tool. The execution of the 3D fire and gas planning device in a modern arrangement helps streamline the number and area of F&G finders. A unit of United Technologies called Detector Electronics offers a 3D fire and gas mapping tool for industries that require a higher level of protection and safety.

Moreover, some key features offered by the 3D fire and gas mapping software are they are fully 3D flame and gas detection assessments, fully configurable and compliant with every oil and gas design methodology, and coverage optimization resulting in a safe and compliant fire and gas detection design. The results can be presented in 2D or 3D formats, whichever provides the most insight. Therefore, the implementation of the 3D fire and gas mapping tool in an industry helps in the optimization of the numbe

In 2025, the United States had the largest economy in the world, with a gross domestic product of over 30 trillion U.S. dollars. China had the second largest economy, at around 19.23 trillion U.S. dollars. Recent adjustments in the list have seen Germany's economy overtake Japan's to become the third-largest in the world in 2023, while Brazil's economy moved ahead of Russia's in 2024. Global gross domestic product Global gross domestic product amounts to almost 110 trillion U.S. dollars, with the United States making up more than one-quarter of this figure alone. The 12 largest economies in the world include all Group of Seven (G7) economies, as well as the four largest BRICS economies. The U.S. has consistently had the world's largest economy since the interwar period, and while previous reports estimated it would be overtaken by China in the 2020s, more recent projections estimate the U.S. economy will remain the largest by a considerable margin going into the 2030s.The gross domestic product of a country is calculated by taking spending and trade into account, to show how much the country can produce in a certain amount of time, usually per year. It represents the value of all goods and services produced during that year. Those countries considered to have emerging or developing economies account for almost 60 percent of global gross domestic product, while advanced economies make up over 40 percent.

The international land border between the United States and Canada is the longest in the world at almost 8,900 kilometers. It includes the border between Canada and the continental U.S. as well as the border between Alaska and northern Canada.

China is the largest consumer of primary energy in the world, having used some 176.35 exajoules in 2024. This is a lot more than what the United States consumed, which comes in second place. The majority of primary energy fuels worldwide are still derived from fossil fuels, such as oil and coal. China's energy mix China’s primary energy mix has shifted from a dominant use of coal to an increase in natural gas and renewable sources. Since 2013, the renewables share in total energy consumption has grown by around eight percentage points. Overall, global primary energy consumption has increased over the last decade, and it is expected to experience the largest growth in emerging economies like the BRIC countries - Brazil, Russia, India, and China. What is primary energy? Primary energy is the energy inherent in natural resources such as crude oil, coal, and wind before further transformation. For example, crude oil can be refined into secondary fuels, such as gasoline or diesel, while wind is harnessed for electricity - itself a secondary energy source. A country’s total primary energy supply is a measure of the country’s primary energy sources. Meanwhile, end-use energy is the energy directly consumed by the user and includes primary fuels such as natural gas, as well as secondary sources, like electricity and gasoline.

Estimates for the total death count of the Second World War generally range somewhere between 70 and 85 million people. The Soviet Union suffered the highest number of fatalities of any single nation, with estimates mostly falling between 22 and 27 million deaths. China then suffered the second greatest, at around 20 million, although these figures are less certain and often overlap with the Chinese Civil War. Over 80 percent of all deaths were of those from Allied countries, and the majority of these were civilians. In contrast, 15 to 20 percent were among the Axis powers, and the majority of these were military deaths, as shown in the death ratios of Germany and Japan. Civilian deaths and atrocities It is believed that 60 to 67 percent of all deaths were civilian fatalities, largely resulting from war-related famine or disease, and war crimes or atrocities. Systematic genocide, extermination campaigns, and forced labor, particularly by the Germans, Japanese, and Soviets, led to the deaths of millions. In this regard, Nazi activities alone resulted in 17 million deaths, including six million Jews in what is now known as The Holocaust. Not only was the scale of the conflict larger than any that had come before, but the nature of and reasoning behind this loss make the Second World War stand out as one of the most devastating and cruelest conflicts in history. Problems with these statistics Although the war is considered by many to be the defining event of the 20th century, exact figures for death tolls have proven impossible to determine, for a variety of reasons. Countries such as the U.S. have fairly consistent estimates due to preserved military records and comparatively few civilian casualties, although figures still vary by source. For most of Europe, records are less accurate. Border fluctuations and the upheaval of the interwar period mean that pre-war records were already poor or non-existent for many regions. The rapid and chaotic nature of the war then meant that deaths could not be accurately recorded at the time, and mass displacement or forced relocation resulted in the deaths of many civilians outside of their homeland, which makes country-specific figures more difficult to find. Early estimates of the war’s fatalities were also taken at face value and formed the basis of many historical works; these were often very inaccurate, but the validity of the source means that the figures continue to be cited today, despite contrary evidence.

In comparison to Europe, estimate ranges are often greater across Asia, where populations were larger but pre-war data was in short supply. Many of the Asian countries with high death tolls were European colonies, and the actions of authorities in the metropoles, such as the diversion of resources from Asia to Europe, led to millions of deaths through famine and disease. Additionally, over one million African soldiers were drafted into Europe’s armies during the war, yet individual statistics are unavailable for most of these colonies or successor states (notably Algeria and Libya). Thousands of Asian and African military deaths went unrecorded or are included with European or Japanese figures, and there are no reliable figures for deaths of millions from countries across North Africa or East Asia. Additionally, many concentration camp records were destroyed, and such records in Africa and Asia were even sparser than in Europe. While the Second World War is one of the most studied academic topics of the past century, it is unlikely that we will ever have a clear number for the lives lost in the conflict.

For North Macedonia, Moldova, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, Russia was the only source of natural gas supply in 2019. Another European country highly dependent on Russian gas was Latvia, where it occupied over ** percent of the total in 2021. In Estonia, the portion of natural gas from Russia was significantly lower, measured at ** percent. Russia accounted for over ** percent of all extra-EU gas imports in 2021. How much natural gas does Russia export? Russia is the leading exporter of natural gas worldwide, far outpacing the exports of that commodity by the United States, Qatar, and Norway. In 2021, the country exported ***** billion cubic meters of gas via pipelines and **** billion cubic meters of liquified natural gas (LNG). The exports increased continuously between 2014 and 2019, while the year 2020 saw a ****-percent decline in the volume as a result of a lower fuel demand during imposed lockdowns and slower economic activity due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Russian gas exports during the war in Ukraine Exports of Russian gas to Europe were severely affected by the invasion of Ukraine which began in February 2022. In response to the war, European countries sought to reduce their reliance on Russian gas. Between January 1 and July 15, 2022, the Russian company Gazprom exported over ** percent less gas to the far abroad compared to the same period of the previous year. Furthermore, Germany announced the suspension of the certification process for Nord Stream 2, while Russia shut down all gas supplies via Nord Stream 1 in September 2022, before leaks were detected on both pipelines. Gas exports from Russia to India and China also did not increase in monetary terms in July and August 2022 in comparison to February and March 2022.

The export trade of the European Union experienced some notable shifts over the two decades since 2002, with China emerging as a significant export market and the United Kingdom losing its place as the EU's single largest export partner. The United Kingdom's declining share of EU exports The UK, which was a member of the European Union until 2020, declined in its importance as an export market for EU producers over this period. Representing over a fifth of the export trade in 2002, the UK now takes only 13 percent of EU exports, and looks likely to be eclipsed by China's growing share in the coming years. The complications to EU-UK trade caused by the UK's exit agreement with the EU is also likely to contribute to slowing trade flows between the two partners. China's emergence as a key export market As with most other areas of the global economy, the past two decades has largely been the story of China's emergence as a key trading partner. China's share of EU exports was comparable to Japan or Norway at the beginning of the period, while it now represents the EU's third largest export market. While this is a significant change, China takes up a much larger share of imports into the EU, where it is the largest single trading partner. As Chinese incomes rise in the coming decades, the significance of China as an export market for EU producers is likely to rise, geopolitical tension notwithstanding. The Euro and exports to the U.S. The EU's export trade with the United States over this period experienced a relative decline in the period running up to 2014, as the Euro appreciated in its value against the U.S. dollar, making European exports more expensive for Americans. This declining share of the EU's export trade taken by the U.S. was reversed in the latter half of the 2010s however, as the Euro depreciated and European exports to the U.S. increased. Issues with Russia Another notable trend over the period was Russia's emergence as a key export market in the mid-2000s, as the Russian economy grew quickly and Russian consumers began to demand EU made products. Russia declined as a market for EU exports after 2014, as trade was complicated by Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea from Ukraine, and the subsequent devaluation of the Ruble and collapse in the price of Ural crude oil.

As a share of gross domestic product (GDP), Ukraine spent more on its military than any other country in 2024, reaching 35 percent of the country's GDP. The high figure is due to the country being invaded by Russia in February 2022. Israel, that is fighting Hamas in the Gaza war, and Algeria followed behind.Leading military spending countriesIn gross terms, the countries with the highest military spending are the United States, China, and Russia. However, these are countries with large populations and GDPs, and smaller countries usually cannot compete alone, regardless of how much they invest. For this reason, they form alliances such as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). NATO countries aim to pool two percent of their GDP towards their own militaries and to aid each other in case of war. Regional differencesThe past decade has seen an increase in global military spending. This has not been distributed evenly. That period saw large positive changes in military spending from several Asian countries, including a large increase from China. While this does not reflect the number of active conflicts, it reflects growing tensions in global affairs.

In 2024, Europe imported more oil and its products than any other region across the globe, at roughly ************ barrels per day. China followed closely as the second-largest importer, with ************ daily barrels. Chinese demand on the rise China has become the second largest oil consumer in the world, ranking only behind the U.S. However, while the latter saw its oil production more than ****** in the past decade, oil production in China has remained more or less stable in the period, with an average output of ************ barrels per day. In contrast, China's oil consumption has about ******* since the beginning of the century, with demand registering a year-over-year growth of almost *** percent in 2020, despite the coronavirus pandemic. Oil movement between Europe and Russia The European Economic Area, as well as Eastern European countries, also account for a high level of imports, as Russia is a major producer and exporter of oil, home to the largest proved oil reserves in Europe and Eurasia. Outside of Russia and former Soviet Union (FSU) countries, Norway and the United Kingdom are the only two European nations with significant oil production, yet still only a fraction of Russia’s. Nevertheless, the share of petroleum oil imported to the European Union from Russia has slowly declined in the past decade, to just below *** percent in the first quarter of 2024.

As of March 2025, there were a reported 5,426 data centers in the United States, the most of any country worldwide. A further 529 were located in Germany, while 523 were located in the United Kingdom. What is a data center? A data center is a network of computing and storage resources that enables the delivery of shared software applications and data. These facilities can house large amounts of critical and important data, and therefore are vital to the daily functions of companies and consumers alike. As a result, whether it is a cloud, colocation, or managed service, data center real estate will have increasing importance worldwide. Hyperscale data centers In the past, data centers were highly controlled physical infrastructures, but the cloud has since changed that model. A cloud data service is a remote version of a data center – located somewhere away from a company's physical premises. Cloud IT infrastructure spending has grown and is forecast to rise further in the coming years. The evolution of technology, along with the rapid growth in demand for data across the globe, is largely driven by the leading hyperscale data center providers.