World CNN Wire

Here's a look at Buddhism, the major religion of many countries in Asia.Beliefs/PracticesSiddhartha Gautama (Buddha) grew up in a wealthy family. He decided to follow a path of self-denial, but did not find truth until he sat down under a…

Here's a look at Hinduism, the world's third largest religion after Christianity and Islam. "Hinduism" is derived from a Sanskrit word that means "dwellers by the Indus River."Statistics (from Pew Research Center)As of 2020, approximately 15.2% of the world population…

Here's a look at violence against UN peacekeeping forces. This is a selected list of incidents from 1990 to present.FactsSince 1948, the United Nations has authorized more than 70 peacekeeping missions around the globe.There are currently 12 peacekeeping operations.Since 1948,…

(CNN) — Here’s some background information about the London Underground, also known as “The Tube,” the oldest subway or metro transit system in the world. FactsThere are currently 272 stations open and 249 miles (402 km) of active lines. There…

(CNN) — Here’s some background information about Great Britain’s Houses of Parliament, located on the Thames River in London. FactsThe meeting place of Great Britain’s bicameral legislature - composed of the House of Commons and the House of Lords -…

Here's a look at the Vatican, also known as the Holy See, the spiritual and governing center of the Roman Catholic ChurchFactsThe full name of the country is State of Vatican City.It stands on Vatican Hill in northwestern Rome, Italy…

Here's a look at US POW/MIA's in Iraq and Afghanistan from 1991 to present.Scott SpeicherJanuary 17, 1991 - During the first night of Operation Desert Storm, Navy pilot Lt. Cmdr. Michael Scott Speicher is shot down over Iraq. He is…

Here's a look at nuclear nations. Information about nuclear stockpiles varies from source to source. The information below is sourced to the Nuclear Threat Initiative and the US State Department.Countries with confirmed nuclear weaponsChina - 290 warheads, approximately 90 nuclear-capable…

Here's a look at the Episcopal Church, which has been a self-governing autonomous body since 1785. The Episcopal Church in the United States has around 1.7 million members. FactsThe Anglican Church originated when King Henry VIII split from the Roman…

Here's a look at the US War in Afghanistan, which began on October 7, 2001 with allied air strikes on Taliban and al Qaeda targets. The United States linked the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks to al Qaeda, a group…

(CNN) — Here’s some background information about major rail accidents since 1900.Notable International Rail AccidentsJanuary 1915 - Guadalajara, Mexico: More than 600 people die when a train derails into a ravine during a steep descent.May 22, 1915 - Gretna, Scotland:…

(CNN) — Here’s a look at the International Space Station (ISS), a spacecraft built by a partnership of 16 nations: United States, Canada, Japan, Russia, Brazil, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United…

Here's a look at the International Space Station (ISS), a spacecraft built by a partnership of 16 nations: United States, Canada, Japan, Russia, Brazil, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.Information on…

Here's a look at the International Atomic Energy Agency and nuclear power.The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspects nuclear and related facilities under safeguard agreements. Most agreements are with countries that have committed to not possessing nuclear weapons. The IAEA…

(CNN) — Here’s some background information about Mars exploration. The United States and the Soviet Union are the only two countries to land a spacecraft on Mars.FactsThere have been nine successful US Mars landings: Viking 1 and Viking 2 (both…

Here's some background information about Mars exploration. The United States and the Soviet Union are the only two countries to land a spacecraft on Mars.FactsThere have been nine successful US Mars landings: Viking 1 and Viking 2 (both 1976), Pathfinder…

Here's some background information about Mars exploration. The United States and the Soviet Union are the only two countries to land a spacecraft on Mars.FactsThere have been nine successful US Mars landings: Viking 1 and Viking 2 (both 1976), Pathfinder…

(CNN) — Here’s some background information about Big Ben, the clock and bell in Elizabeth Tower at the Houses of Parliament in London.FactsIt is one of the most famous landmarks in England.The name Big Ben originally referred to just the…

Here's some background information about Big Ben, the clock and bell in Elizabeth Tower at the Houses of Parliament in London.FactsIt is one of the most famous landmarks in England.The name Big Ben originally referred to just the bell but…

(CNN) — Here’s a look at the bombings of US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania on August 7, 1998, which killed 224 people. Terrorist group al Qaeda claimed responsibility for the bombings. FactsThe bombings took place eight years to the…