/ ˌɑː.dʒənˈtiː.nə / country / RE: DEMOCRACY, ECONOMY, GEOPOLITICS, LATIN AMERICA Argentina is a large country in South America, bordered by Chile, Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Uruguay, with a long Atlantic coastline. Its capital, Buenos Aires, is known for its cultural life, political activism, and historic role in shaping Latin American thought and identity. Argentina is the second-largest economy in South America and has abundant natural resources, including fertile farmland, oil, gas, and lithium. It is globally recognised for its literature, music, and football, as well as its bold, sometimes turbulent political history. The country has also produced powerful women leaders who have shaped public life and advocacy. Eva Perón (Evita) campaigned for women’s suffrage and workers’ rights in the 1940s. Cristina Fernández de Kirchner served as President and currently as Vice President, while figures like Alicia Moreau de Justo and Victoria Donda have led feminist, human rights, and civil society movements across generations. Argentina is a democratic republic with a history of military dictatorship (1976–1983), followed by a return to democracy and strong human rights activism. It continues to play a leading role in regional politics, international climate efforts, and debates around social justice. | Back to the Encyclopedia

/ ˈpær.ɪs əˈɡriː.mənt / treaty / RE: CLIMATE, COOPERATION, EMISSIONS, ENVIRONMENT, MULTILATERAL, POLITICS, POLLUTION The Paris Agreement is a major international deal on climate change, signed in 2015 in Paris by almost every country. Its main goal is to limit global warming to well below 2°C, and ideally closer to 1.5°C, compared to pre-industrial levels. This is to avoid the worst effects of climate change—like extreme heat, floods, droughts, and rising sea levels. Under the agreement, each country must come up with its own climate action plan, setting targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reporting on progress every few years. The plans are not legally enforced, but there is a system to track and encourage stronger efforts over time. The Paris Agreement is important because it brings countries together to work on a shared problem. Richer countries are also expected to support developing nations with funding and technology to help them adapt to climate change and switch to clean energy. | Back to the Encyclopedia

/ jʊə.rəˈpiː.ən kəˈmɪʃ.ən / institution / RE: DEMOCRACY, EUROPEAN UNION, GOVERNANCE, INSTITUTIONS, POLICY, POLITICS The European Commission is the part of the European Union (EU) that runs day-to-day operations and makes sure EU rules are followed. It also proposes new laws, manages the EU budget, and represents the EU in talks with other countries. Each EU country picks one Commissioner, and together they work like a team of ministers. Each Commissioner is in charge of a different area—like the environment, trade, or health. The Commission is led by a President, who is chosen by EU leaders and approved by the European Parliament. The Commission is not elected by the public, but it is closely watched by the European Parliament and other institutions to keep it accountable. It plays a big role in shaping how the EU works and what decisions are made across all 27 member states. | Back to the Encyclopedia

/ ˈpɑː.lɪ.mənt hɪl / institution / RE: CANADA, DEMOCRACY, GOVERNANCE, POLITICS Parliament Hill is the seat of Canada’s national government, located in Ottawa, the country’s capital. It is where the House of Commons and Senate meet to discuss and pass laws, and where the Prime Minister and other government leaders work. The buildings on Parliament Hill are where key decisions about Canada’s economy, public services, environment, and foreign policy are made. It’s also a symbol of Canadian democracy, where people can gather to protest, celebrate, or take guided tours. Parliament Hill is open to the public and often used for national ceremonies, such as Canada Day and official visits. It represents Canada’s commitment to open government and political debate. | Back to the Encyclopedia

/ saʊθ kəˈrɪə / country / RE: ASIA, CULTURE, DEMOCRACY, ECONOMY, GEOPOLITICS South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea, is a democratic country in East Asia, located on the southern half of the Korean Peninsula. Its capital is Seoul, one of the most high-tech and connected cities in the world. Since the 1950s, South Korea has grown from a poor, war-torn country into a global economic leader, known for its electronics, cars, and cultural exports like K-pop, K-dramas, and film. Companies like Samsung and Hyundai are major global brands. South Korea has a strong education system, advanced technology, and a compulsory military service. It is also a close ally of countries like the United States and plays a key role in international trade and diplomacy. South Korea remains technically at war with North Korea, as the Korean War ended with an armistice, not a peace treaty. The two countries share a border known as the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ). | Back to the Encyclopedia

/ ˈneð.ə.ləndz / country / RE: DEMOCRACY, DIPLOMACY, EUROPE, INTERNATIONAL LAW The Netherlands is a country in north-western Europe, bordered by Germany and Belgium, with a coastline along the North Sea. Its capital is Amsterdam, but its seat of government is The Hague, a city known around the world as a centre for international law. The Hague is home to major institutions like the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court (ICC). These courts handle global legal issues—such as war crimes, genocide, and disputes between countries—and make the Netherlands a key player in peace and justice efforts worldwide. The Netherlands is also known for its canals, windmills, cycling culture, and tulip fields, but behind the scenic views is a country with a strong focus on human rights, climate action, and free expression. Its economy is highly developed, driven by trade, technology, and agriculture. Politically, the Netherlands is a constitutional monarchy and a democracy. It is a founding member of the European Union and NATO, and is deeply involved in shaping international cooperation and law. | Back to the Encyclopedia

/ ˈem.bə.si / location / RE: DIPLOMACY, INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, POLITICS An embassy is a country’s main diplomatic mission in another country. It acts as the official link between the two governments and is usually located in the host country's capital city. The person in charge is called an ambassador, who represents their home country’s interests. Embassies help with diplomatic relations, including political talks, trade discussions, and cultural exchange. They also support citizens abroad by helping with emergencies like lost passports, arrests, or natural disasters. Embassies can also give advice and assistance to tourists, students, and people working overseas. They handle visa applications for people who want to visit, work, or move to the ambassador’s home country. Embassies often work closely with consulates, which offer similar services in cities outside the capital. Embassies are protected under international law and are important for keeping communication open and building trust between countries. | Back to the Encyclopedia

/ ˈbrʌs.əlz stɒk ɪksˌtʃeɪndʒ / institution / RE: BUSINESS, ECONOMY, EUROPE, FINANCE, INVESTMENT The Brussels Stock Exchange is Belgium’s main financial market where shares of companies are bought and sold. It’s a place where businesses can raise money from investors by offering part ownership in the form of stocks. People and institutions invest through the stock exchange hoping to earn returns as the companies grow. Today, the Brussels Stock Exchange is part of a larger system called Euronext, which connects several European stock markets including those in Paris, Amsterdam, and Lisbon. Though the exchange is now mostly digital, the original building - known as La Bourse - is still a major landmark in Brussels. The exchange plays an important role in Belgium’s economy, helping companies grow and allowing the public to invest in national and international businesses. | Back to the Encyclopedia

/ pa.lɛ buʁ.bɔ̃ / institution / RE: DEMOCRACY, FRANCE, EUROPE, GOVERNANCE, PARLIAMENT, POLITICS The Palais Bourbon is the historic building in Paris that houses the National Assembly, the lower house of France’s Parliament. This is where Members of Parliament (députés) meet to discuss national issues, propose and vote on laws, and hold the French government to account. Located along the Seine River, opposite the Place de la Concorde, the Palais Bourbon has been the home of the Assembly since the early 1800s. It is one of the two main chambers in France’s lawmaking system, alongside the Senate, which meets at the Luxembourg Palace. The building is both a working space and a symbol of French democracy. Sessions are often televised, and the public can follow debates on issues like healthcare, education, the economy, and climate policy. The Palais Bourbon plays a key role in making sure that France’s elected officials represent the people and pass laws through open debate. | Back to the Encyclopedia

/ ˌjʊə.rəˈpiː.ən ˈpɑː.lɪ.mənt / institution / RE: DEMOCRACY, EUROPEAN UNION, GOVERNANCE, POLITICS, REPRESENTATION The European Parliament is the only part of the European Union (EU) where members are directly elected by the public. It speaks for the people living in EU countries and helps shape laws, approve the EU budget, and monitor other EU bodies like the European Commission. The Parliament meets in Brussels and Strasbourg and includes over 700 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). These MEPs are elected every five years by voters in all EU member states. They work in political groups and committees to discuss everything from climate change to workers’ rights. The European Parliament works closely with the Council of the EU to pass laws. It also keeps a check on how money is spent and how decisions are made, helping ensure the EU stays open, fair, and accountable to its citizens. | Back to the Encyclopedia

/ ˈnæʃ.ə.nəl əˈsem.bli / institution / RE: DEMOCRACY, EUROPE, GOVERNANCE, POLITICS, SERBIA The National Assembly is the parliament of Serbia, located in the capital city of Belgrade. It is the country’s main legislative body and is made up of 250 elected members who pass laws, approve the budget, and supervise the work of the government. Members are elected every four years by the public through proportional representation, meaning seats are shared based on how many votes each party receives. The Assembly debates key national issues, including the economy, healthcare, education, and foreign policy. The building itself is a major landmark in Belgrade and a symbol of Serbia’s political life. Assembly sessions are open to the public and broadcast online, supporting transparency and citizen involvement in democracy. | Back to the Encyclopedia

/ ˈpɑː.lɪ.mənt əv rəʊˈmeɪ.ni.ə / institution / RE: DEMOCRACY, EUROPE, GOVERNANCE, POLITICS The Parliament of Romania is the national lawmaking body that helps run the country by creating, debating, and passing laws. It has two chambers: the Chamber of Deputies (lower house) and the Senate (upper house). Members are elected by the public through national elections, meaning people have a direct say in who represents them. Parliament makes decisions in open sessions that are often broadcast to the public. Laws are discussed and reviewed in committees, where different parties and experts examine them closely. Once a proposal is ready, it goes through several rounds of debate and voting in both chambers before becoming law. This process is designed to be transparent, balanced, and accountable. The Parliament also checks the work of the Prime Minister and government ministers, helping prevent the misuse of power. It plays a key role in protecting democracy, promoting public debate, and making sure that different voices are heard in national decision-making. | Back to the Encyclopedia

/ bɜːn ˈtaʊ.ər əv ˈpɑː.lɪ.mənt / institution / RE: DEMOCRACY, GOVERNANCE, PARLIAMENT, POLITICS, SWITZERLAND The Bern Tower of Parliament is part of the Federal Palace (Bundeshaus) in Bern, the capital of Switzerland. This building is home to the Swiss Federal Assembly, which includes the National Council and the Council of States—the two chambers of Switzerland’s national parliament. The tower sits at the centre of the building and is topped by a large green dome, symbolising unity and openness. Inside the Parliament, elected representatives debate and pass laws, approve budgets, and supervise the work of the federal government. The Bern Parliament building is open to the public, and its central dome and tower have become a national symbol of Swiss democracy, where political power is shared and decisions are often made by consensus or public vote through Switzerland’s system of direct democracy. | Back to the Encyclopedia

/ ˈtʃeɪm.bər əv ˈdep.jʊ.tiːz / institution / RE: DEMOCRACY, EUROPE, GOVERNANCE, GOVERNMENT, LUXEMBOURG The Chamber of Deputies is the national parliament of Luxembourg. It is made up of 60 elected members who represent the people and are responsible for making laws, approving the budget, and overseeing the government’s work. Deputies are elected every five years through a system of proportional representation, which means seats are shared based on the number of votes each party receives. The Chamber meets in Luxembourg City and debates issues such as housing, education, climate, and social policy. As Luxembourg’s only legislative chamber, it plays a central role in the country’s democracy. Its sessions are open to the public, and many are broadcast online, helping ensure transparency and accountability. | Back to the Encyclopedia

/ ˈdʒʌs.tɪs / terminology / RE: EQUALITY, FAIRNESS, HUMAN RIGHTS, LAW, SOCIETY Justice is the idea that people should be treated fairly, equally, and according to the law. It means giving individuals what they are due—whether that’s protection, accountability, or freedom from harm. Justice can involve punishing wrongdoing, resolving disputes, or ensuring access to rights and opportunities. There are different kinds of justice. Legal justice refers to how courts apply the law. Social justice focuses on addressing inequality and ensuring that everyone has access to basic needs like education, healthcare, and housing. Restorative justice aims to repair harm by involving victims, offenders, and communities in the process. Justice is central to democratic systems, human rights, and the rule of law. When justice is absent or applied unfairly, it can lead to discrimination, unrest, and a breakdown of trust in institutions. | Back to the Encyclopedia

/ ˈeɪ.brə.hæm ˈlɪŋ.kən / figure / RE: CIVIL WAR, DEMOCRACY, HISTORY, POLITICS, UNITED STATES Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States, serving from 1861 to 1865. He led the country through its Civil War, a conflict between Northern and Southern states over slavery and national unity. Lincoln is most famous for his efforts to abolish slavery, including the Emancipation Proclamation and the push for the 13th Amendment, which ended slavery across the U.S. He is also remembered for the Gettysburg Address, a short speech he gave in 1863 at the site of a major Civil War battle. In just a few minutes and less than 300 words, Lincoln honoured the soldiers who had died and redefined the war as a fight for equality, freedom, and democracy. He famously said that government should be “of the people, by the people, for the people.” Born into poverty and largely self-educated, Lincoln rose to become a symbol of honesty, resilience, and moral leadership. He was assassinated in 1865, shortly after the war ended, but is still one of the most respected figures in American history. | Back to the Encyclopedia

/ ˈpɑː.lɪ.mənt əv ɒˈstreɪ.li.ə / institution / RE: AUSTRALIA, DEMOCRACY, GOVERNANCE, PARLIAMENT, POLITICS The Parliament of Australia is the federal lawmaking body of the country. It meets at Parliament House in Canberra, the capital city. Australia’s Parliament has two chambers: the House of Representatives, which represents the people, and the Senate, which represents the states and territories. Members of Parliament (MPs and Senators) are elected by the public, and their main job is to make and change national laws, approve the federal budget, and hold the government accountable through public debate and question time. The Prime Minister is the head of government and must have the support of the House of Representatives. Australia follows a Westminster-style democracy, mixed with features from the U.S. system, such as a strong Senate. The Parliament deals with issues like immigration, defence, health, education, and the environment—decisions that affect all Australians. The Parliament is open to the public and often broadcast live, reflecting the country’s commitment to transparency, debate, and representative government. | Back to the Encyclopedia

/ ˈap.ɡə.ʁoːd.n̩tən.haʊs bɛʁˈliːn / institution / RE: BERLIN, DEMOCRACY, GERMANY, GOVERNANCE, EUROPE, POLITICS The Abgeordnetenhaus Berlin is the state parliament of Berlin, which is both a city and one of Germany’s 16 federal states. It is made up of elected representatives who are responsible for passing laws, approving budgets, and monitoring the work of the Berlin Senate—the city’s executive branch. Members are elected by Berlin residents every five years. They discuss local issues such as public housing, transport, education, and climate policy, shaping how life in the city is managed. The parliament meets in a historic building near Potsdamer Platz, which has served as Berlin’s legislative centre since the 1990s. The Abgeordnetenhaus ensures that Berlin’s government is democratic, transparent, and accountable to the people who live there. | Back to the Encyclopedia

/ red teɪp / terminology / RE: ADMINISTRATION, BUREAUCRACY, GOVERNMENT, POLICY, REGULATION Red tape refers to excessive rules, paperwork, or official procedures that make it harder and slower to get things done. The term is often used when talking about government bureaucracy, where processes can feel overly complicated or slow-moving. For example, someone applying for public housing or a small business permit might have to fill out multiple forms, meet specific criteria, wait weeks for approval, and speak to different departments—only to start over if one step is missed. This makes people feel frustrated, even when the original goal (like safety or fairness) is reasonable. The phrase comes from the red ribbons once used to bind official documents, and it now stands for any system that feels unnecessarily tangled in rules. While red tape can help ensure fairness and accountability, too much of it often gets in the way of quick decisions and practical solutions—making the ease of doing business, making policy and achieving growth more difficult. | Back to the Encyclopedia

/ ˈnæʃ.ə.nəl ˈkæp.ɪ.təl kəˈlʌm.bi .ə / institution / RE: COLOMBIA, DEMOCRACY, GOVERNANCE, LATIN AMERICA, POLITICS The National Capitol of Colombia is the country’s main legislative building, located in Bogotá, the capital city. It sits in Plaza de Bolívar, a historic square surrounded by important institutions, including the Presidential Palace and the Supreme Court. The Capitol is where Colombia’s Congress meets, made up of two chambers: the Senate and the Chamber of Representatives. Bogotá plays a central role in Colombia’s presidential democracy. The President is both head of state and head of government, elected by the public. Congress works alongside the executive branch to pass laws, approve national budgets, and represent regions across the country. The Capitol building, built in the 1800s, is a symbol of Colombia’s political history and resilience. Lawmakers from across the country come here to debate policies on education, health, justice, and peacebuilding. Sessions are often open to the public and broadcast on national media, reinforcing transparency. Bogotá itself is also the centre of judicial and administrative power, making it the heart of Colombia’s democratic system. | Back to the Encyclopedia