This list encompasses a comprehensive collection of countries and territories worldwide. The entries range from sovereign nations like the United States and China to dependent territories and special administrative regions. The geographical scope is global, including countries from all continents. The list provides a complete and detailed overview of various political entities across the planet. This information is useful for a variety of purposes, including geographical research and international relations.
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The Civicus Monitor has added the United States to its 2025 watchlist due to a perceived rapid decline in civic freedoms. This follows the Trump administration’s actions, which Civicus describes as an “unparalleled attack on the rule of law,” citing mass employee terminations, withdrawal from international organizations, and crackdowns on protests. The US currently holds a “narrowed” rating, indicating occasional violations of civic freedoms, but Civicus warns of a potential shift to “obstructed” status. This designation reflects concerns about the erosion of checks and balances and the potential for emboldening authoritarian regimes globally.
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The WHO has reported that a US government freeze on tens of billions of dollars in USAID funding has severely impacted global health initiatives in 50 countries. This funding freeze, impacting programs combating HIV, polio, mpox, and avian flu, has resulted in disrupted HIV treatment and clinic closures. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged the Trump administration to reinstate aid, citing the critical need for continued health services. The decision follows President Trump’s assertion that USAID is inefficient and corrupt, despite a lack of supporting evidence.
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Archivist of the United States Colleen Shogan was dismissed Friday night by President Trump, as announced by Presidential Personnel Office Director Sergio Gor. Shogan’s dismissal, while seemingly sudden, followed Trump’s earlier indication of a planned replacement. The move comes amidst Trump’s past clashes with the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) over his handling of classified documents. This appointment is significant given the typically apolitical nature of the archivist’s role.
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John Q. Hosedrinker