|
World
Corruption Report
Global watchdog, Transparency International, released their Corruption Perception Index (CPI) for 2018. The United States’ corruption index dropped to its lowest ranking since 2011: 71 points, 4 points lower than its 2017 position. The CPI is measured on a scale of 1-100 and is an “assessment of experts and business executives on a number of corrupt behaviors in the public sector, including bribery, nepotism in the civil service, diversion of public funds and use of public office for private gain.” Denmark and New Zealand were the least corrupt while Syria, South Sudan and Somalia scored the highest CPI.
This map depicts the CPI of countries around the world. Click on the map to learn more.
|
|
|
Graphic Source: FijiSun
__________________________________________
|
|
Thailand
Smog Levels Close Schools
Toxic smog in Bangkok, Thailand has forced authorities to close nearly 450 public schools through the end of the week. The city was bathed in toxic smog for weeks before the school closures were announced. Bangkok is experiencing record levels of Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM 2.5), an ultra-fine dust particle caused by car emissions, construction, pollution from factories, crop burning, etc.. Water is an efficient medium for trapping and reducing PM 2.5 in the air; authorities have authorized the creation of artificial clouds to stimulate rainfall and also ordered workers throughout the city to water roads wherever possible.
This interactive map depicts the real-time Air Quality Index in Bangkok, Thailand. Click on the map to explore.
|
|
|
Graphic Source: AQICN
__________________________________________
|
|
Democratic Republic of Congo
Mass Graves Discovered
The United Nations’ mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, MONUSCO, disclosed the discovery of at least 15 mass graves. Of the graves, 11 mass graves and 43 individual graves were discovered in the northwest town of Yumbi. In early January, the UN estimated that at least 890 people had died due to ethnic clashes that took place in December. The violence is reportedly caused by long-standing rivalry between the Banunu and Batende ethnic groups.
This map depicts the location of Yumbi, Democratic Republic of Congo where 11 of the mass graves were discovered. Click on the map to learn more.
|
|
|
|
 |
Q: What percent of Rotterdam, Netherlands lies below sea level?
A: 90%
Rotterdam is one of Netherlands’ and Europe’s most active port cities. 90% of the city lies below sea level and is serviced by a massive storm surge barrier meant to maintain water levels in the region.
Source
|
|
|
|
|
Q: What is the largest country in the southern hemisphere?
Stay tuned for the answer to today’s question in tomorrow’s DailyGeo.
|
|
|
|
AGS is accepting DailyGeo GeoQuestion suggestions.
Write to ags@americangeo.org with any ideas!
*Please include GeoQuestions in the subject line, along with your answer and source.*
|
|
|
DailyGeo is a daily digital communication created by AGS staff in our Headquarters for our community of Affiliates to digest on business days. Feel free to share and encourage others to become part of the community too!
Copyright © 2018 American Geographical Society, All rights reserved.
We understand this might not be for everyone. Although we would hate to see you go, you can unsubscribe here.
How are we doing? We want to hear your feedback on the DailyGeo – what are we doing right and what should we be doing differently. Talk to us by emailing ags@americangeo.org. |
|
|
|
|
