Ukraine
Rockets Bolster Counterattacks
The Ukrainian Defense Minister called the U.S.-provided, long-range rocket systems a “game changer” in Kyiv’s battle to stop the Russian invasion, and has asked for more support to further defense and counterattacks. With the help of High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), Ukrainian troops were able to precisely target Russian forces from up to 50 miles (80 km) away in fighting for the city of Izyum, about 75 miles (120 km) southeast of Kharkiv. Ukraine has expressed a strong desire to obtain the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), which has a range of up to 186 miles (300 km). However, Washington has refrained from providing the weaponry systems, fearing Ukraine might strike targets inside Russia, possibly prolonging and expanding the war.
This map depicts the current areas of control and recent activity in the conflict precipitated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Click on the map to learn more.
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Graphic Source: New York Post
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Fiji
Pacific Island Forum
Leaders from the member nations of the Pacific Island Forum (PIF) are gathering in Fiji for their first in-person meeting in three years. The Forum is expected to be consequential as both the U.S. and China vie for influence over the region, while regional leaders plan to focus especially on climatic issues. Vice President Kamala Harris of the United States is to make a virtual statement at the Forum, while China’s bid for a similar virtual appearance was turned down. The U.S. is set to announce new plans for the region, including three new embassies. Leaders from the Micronesian countries of Palau, Kiribati, and the Marshall Islands recently boycotted the Forum after a “gentleman’s agreement” to rotate Forum leadership between Micronesia, Melanesia, and Polynesia was violated, while Kiribati withdrew from the PIF altogether ahead of the summit on June 9, contending its concerns have not been addressed.
This map depicts the member countries of the Pacific Island Forum and notes Kiribati’s recent departure. Click on the map to learn more.
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Graphic Source: Barron’s
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World
Population to Reach 8 Billion
According to United Nations projections, the world’s population will reach 8 billion by this November, and 8.5 billion by 2030. India is on track to pass China as the world’s most populous country in 2023, four years ahead of an earlier estimate by the UN. More than half of the projected rise between now and 2050 is expected to be in eight countries: Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Tanzania. Some of the world’s most developed countries are already seeing population decline as fertility rates fall below the replacement rate of 2.1 children per woman. In 61 countries, populations will decline by at least 1% by 2050. Global population growth can be greatly attributed to developments in science and medicine, allowing more children to survive into adulthood, and adults into old age.
This map depicts the populations of some of the world’s largest countries in 2022. Click on the map to learn more.
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Q: With approximately 300,000 cars traveling across everyday, where is the busiest bridge in the world?
A: George Washington Bridge
The George Washington Bridge (GWB) is part of Interstate 95, connecting New York and New Jersey over the Hudson River. It is the most direct route between the two states, and sees heavy traffic in and out of New York City, even with its 14 lanes. On a given Sunday, the GWB’s traffic volumes are comparable to an average weekday morning commute, with little reprieve for drivers using the bridge even on weekends. The bridge was opened in 1931 by then-Governor Franklin D. Roosevelt, and a lower deck was added to handle additional traffic 31 years later. As of July 10, the GWB has gone completely cashless, with all tolls now fully electronic. The aim is to lessen the traffic on the bridge for the some 108 million vehicles that drive across the bridge each year.
Source
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Q: Stretching 3,365 miles (5,415 km) from Oregon to Massachusetts, what U.S. highway is the longest in the country?
Stay tuned for the answer to today’s question in tomorrow’s DailyGeo.
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