Nations rush to cash in as warming opens up Arctic's mineral wealth
The Arctic Council finds itself at a difficult crossroads as its member nations move to exploit the region's mineral wealth.
Iceland
Iceland is a developed island nation in the North Atlantic, known for its unique geology and high-income economy. While not a member of the E.U., it is a member of NATO and the U.N. and participates in the European Single Market through the European Economic Area. Its economy is largely driven by a combination of tourism, fisheries, and a growing renewable energy sector powered by its abundant geothermal and hydropower resources.
Enjoy our Free+ stories and our weekly newsletter
Start your free accessAlready have an account? Log in
Greenland's international ties stand in way of Trump's strategic interest
The Arctic island's E.U. and NATO ties make it highly unlikely the U.S. would risk a move that could destabilize the region.
Most nations failed to meet WHO fine particle pollution standards
Ambient fine particulate matter known as PM2.5 is considered the world’s leading environmental health risk factor.
Uneven post-pandemic recovery widens gap between rich and poor
Europe dominates the top rankings as development in half of the world’s poorest nations falls below pre-pandemic levels.
Progress is 'slow and mixed' for women joining national parliaments
IPU's chief Martin Chungong says its statistics show that 'women bear the brunt of the hate in the political space.'
Council of Europe presses ex-member Russia for accountability
The 46-nation council reaffirmed support for Ukraine and initiated a register to account for damages by former member Russia so human rights victims can be compensated.
E.U. regulator approves first COVID-19 vaccine
A two-shot vaccine from BioNTech and Pfizer gained official approval in the E.U., two days after Switzerland approved it through a normal procedure.
China dismisses rebuke at U.N. Human Rights Council over Uyghurs
The condemnation came from Australia, Canada, Iceland, Japan and New Zealand, along with 17 European nations.
In Trump era, Arctic Council steers clear of addressing the climate crisis
The eight-nation council reaffirmed its commitment to peace and cooperation but skirted any mention of global warming.
Western nations rebuke Saudi Arabia over Khashoggi killing
The E.U. and eight nations condemned Saudi Arabia, demanding it cooperate with a U.N.-led investigation.
Japanese pullout from organization marks return to commercial whaling
Japan will leave the International Whaling Commission, which will drop to 88 members, and resume whaling in April.
U.N. review puts spotlight on China's treatment of ethnic minorities
A routine examination by the U.N. Human Rights Council looked at Chinese crackdowns on Uyghurs and Tibetans.
Review of Saudi human rights tainted by journalist's murder
The murder of Jamal Khashoggi overshadowed the U.N. examination of Saudi Arabia's troubled human rights record.
Nations agree to fishing ban allowing Arctic marine protections
Concerns about climate change's rapid rate of advance in the far north drove three years of talks on commercial fishing.
Chile's former president Bachelet named U.N. human rights chief
A medical doctor and former political prisoner, Bachelet got involved in politics as a human rights activist in the 1970s.
Out of limelight, a quiet force for civilian and political rights
Three times a year an obscure panel of human rights experts meets in Geneva and New York with a monumental task.