According to the UN, people living in urban places now outnumber those in rural areas — which is a pretty new phenomenon for many parts of the world. So today, we’re going to discuss factors that have led to this shift in populations...

Nate Silver has data that answers big questions about race in politics. For instance, in the 2008 presidential race, did Obama's skin color actually keep him from getting votes in some parts of the country? Stats and myths collide in...

In a poetic, personal talk, TED Fellow Katlego Kolanyane-Kesupile examines the connection between her modern queer lifestyle and her childhood upbringing in a rural village in Botswana. "In a time where being brown, queer, African and...

In this short, image-packed talk, Marisa Fick-Jordan talks about how a village of traditional Zulu wire weavers built a worldwide market for their dazzling work.

The bacteria in our guts can break down food the body can't digest, produce important nutrients, regulate the immune system, and protect against harmful germs. And while we can't control all the factors that go into maintaining a healthy...

Education in China is compulsory for all children, but there is unequal quality and access for families in the countryside. Learn more about the Chinese education structure and how it is evolving to give students more choices. China's...

Italy is ranked among the top nations in the world for its standard of living. Even so, a constant refrain that’s heard when people talk about Italy is how divided the country is between north and south. For centuries, northern Italy has...

Italy is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. While parts of Italy are highly urbanized, it might surprise you to learn that the interior of the country is underpopulated; in fact, this part of the country continues...

Indonesian women have equal rights with men by law, and increasingly, by custom. The right to vote was granted to women in Indonesia’s constitution. Property and inheritance rights are adjudicated equally in government courts, but...

Togetherness defines the collectivist rhythm of Indonesians’ lives. In Indonesian society, the role of the individual is subordinate to that of the group. Although development has brought many imported, impersonal elements of urban life...

Did you know that France is a leading industrialized country with one of the world's largest economies? In fact, it's a main global exporter. Learn more about France’s key economic sectors and industries. Explore the country’s role and...

China is one of the fastest growing economies, but what challenges is it facing? Think strong bureaucratic controls, environmental degradation, and socioeconomic disparities between rich cities and poor rural areas. Grasp the issues and...

Germany is one of the most densely populated countries in Europe. In fact, in the Rhine-Ruhr Valley, there are no obvious boundaries between cities. It’s just a mass of urban sprawl. Explore commonalities among German cities, which tend...

Developing trust is important in any business scenario, but the French are particularly slow to trust others, both in business transactions and in social situations. Learn how the country's rural culture has influenced this preference to...

Indonesia is the world’s fourth-largest nation when it comes to population. Only China, India, and the US are larger. The country is a young nation currently experiencing a “demographic bonus,” meaning that 50 percent of its people are...

South Africa’s liberal constitution grants all people equal status, regardless of their gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or other characteristics. In practice, though, a large segment of the society is committed to preserving...

Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban dominate the cultural and business life of South Africa. Explore the main cities as well as the legislative and industrial centers that make South Africa the most vibrant economy in Africa. Learn more...

South Africa’s diverse ethnic makeup is a defining feature of the country. Though more than three-quarters of the population are of African descent, this group is extremely varied culturally and linguistically. Zulus make up the largest...

Like the beautiful handwoven blankets made in Mexican villages, the Mexican people are a blend of Spanish and Indian characteristics. They are known for being friendly, generous, and loving. In the cities, it is common to see men and...

Mexico is one of the most populous countries in the world. At four times the size of Spain, it’s one of the largest. Geographically, it’s also one of the most diverse countries. It includes nearly every geological formation found in the...

With an area of nearly 8.8 million square kilometers, or 3.4 million square miles, Brazil is about the same size as the continental US and the fifth-largest country in the world. It covers nearly half the South American continent, and,...

The local currency in Brazil is the reai, called reais in plural. One reai is equal to 100 centavos. Learn more about local nuances for exchanging money in urban centers and rural towns. You’ll want to carry cash with you at all times,...

Pupil outcome: I can write an ekphrastic poem inspired by Bruegel's 'The Hunters in the Snow' and William Carlos Williams's poem of the same name. Key learning points: - William Carlos Williams's 'The Hunters in the Snow' is an...

Pupil outcome: I can explain how Heaney presents the admiration found in a parental relationship and how this changes over time. Key learning points: - The speaker feels deep admiration for his father’s skill and prowess on the farm. -...