Cultural News

Singapore, a vibrant and diverse city-state, has several cultural expressions that have been recognized on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. These heritages not only showcase the rich cultural tapestry of Singapore but also highlight its unique position in the global cultural landscape.

Yemen, a country with a rich historical and cultural heritage, has several cultural expressions inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. These heritages not only reflect Yemen's unique cultural identity but also contribute to the global diversity of intangible cultural heritage.

In Mongolia, horse riding is an integral part of the country's culture and way of life, and children there start learning to ride horses at the age of three. This tradition has a long - standing history and is deeply rooted in the nomadic lifestyle of the Mongols.

North Korea is often perceived as a country seemingly cut off from the rest of the world. In 2020, due to the global pandemic, North Korea closed its borders, which led to a significant decrease in its foreign trade. Its total foreign trade volume was $860 million in 2020, and it was expected to be less than $300 million in the following year, a sharp contrast to South Korea's trade volume which exceeded $1 trillion in the same period. The number of inbound and outbound passengers also shows a huge gap between the two countries, with North Korea having only a fraction of South Korea's figures.

South Korea is renowned worldwide as a paradise for plastic surgery. It accounts for nearly 25 % of the global aesthetic surgery market, with around nine in every 1,000 people having undergone some form of plastic surgery

In the Antique Province of the Philippines, there is a long - standing and distinctive bathing method known as the Kawa Hot Bath. This is no ordinary bath but a real - life version of "stewing oneself in an iron pot".

Myanmar, a nation nestled in Southeast Asia, is globally renowned for its extraordinary jade trade, where artifacts worth hundreds of millions of dollars are casually bought and sold, painting a picture of a market like no other.

Thailand has long been renowned for its vibrant and diverse culture, and one of the most captivating aspects is the prominence of transgender individuals, known locally as "kathoey." In the bustling streets, lively entertainment venues, and tourist hotspots of Thailand, it is not uncommon to encounter stunningly beautiful individuals whose gender identity may leave onlookers guessing.

In Malaysia, hand - eating is a deeply ingrained cultural practice that continues to thrive. This tradition, far from being a universal rule, is prominently observed, especially among the Malay community and in certain cultural settings, and offers a unique and intimate dining experience.

In Cambodia, a unique and eye - catching tradition sees people sleeping in hammocks suspended outside their homes, often right at the front entrance. This practice, deeply ingrained in the local way of life, is a response to the country's warm climate and the desire for a cool, breezy resting space.

Brunei, a small Southeast Asian nation, is often described as "rich to the brim." Despite its minuscule size, it has amassed substantial wealth.

Indonesia, an archipelagic nation in Southeast Asia, is known as an island nation built on volcanoes. It is located in a highly active volcanic zone, with over 130 active volcanoes scattered across its more than 17,000 islands. This geographical feature has both shaped and challenged the country.

In the unique cultural tapestry of Bhutan, an ancient practice of polyandry, where a woman can have two husbands, has long been a part of the country's social fabric. Although Bhutan officially abolished this polyandry system 37 years ago and adopted a monogamous marriage law, historical and cultural inertia has ensured that traces of this custom still persist in certain regions.

In India, trains seem to be operating in a way that is often described as "cheating". The country's railway system presents a unique spectacle.

In Pakistan, a fascinating cultural quirk sets its communication norms apart from many other parts of the world. Here, shaking the head isn't a sign of disagreement, as it is in most Western cultures; instead, it's a way to convey approval, agreement, or understanding. This unique form of non-verbal communication often surprises first-time visitors and can lead to initial confusion.

In Sri Lanka, a captivating fishing practice has endured through the ages, captivating both locals and tourists alike—stilt fishing. This unique method involves fishermen perching on tall wooden stilts that rise out of the ocean, skillfully casting their lines to catch sea fish.