There are 9 million uninhabited houses, almost 14% of the country's residential building stock. A phenomenon destined to increase as the population ages. It is affected by people moving from the outlying prefectures to Tokyo, but also by the elderly dying or going into nursing homes. Buildings are not maintained, exposed to collapse and arson.

There is still deep disagreement between Lebanon and Brussels over the presence of more than two million people in the country without official documents. The country of the cedars demands their repatriation, while Europe only wants to avert migration to its shores, offering money in exchange. On the table is an aid plan for one billion euros over four years. 

Despite the president's flaunted anti-corruption campaigns, an affair of extremely lucrative contracts benefiting a company linked to his family has come to light in Tashkent. With his son-in-law Umarov at the centre, the 'grey eminence' of a power system ranging from big business to the world of sport.

The pontiff met with the Jordanian monarch today at the Vatican. The Holy See noted the "cordial" conversation and the two sides’ shared commitments. For the Jordanian priest, the bilateral relationship is well established with Jordan as a “model” of Christian-Muslim relations. Both are concerned about the escalation in the region, while stressing the importance of tourism, especially “religious tourism”.

Former Foreign Minister Jeremiah Manele will be the new prime minister. Analysts expect him to adopt a less confrontational approach despite ties to China. Pacific nations are torn between loyalty to their Western partners and agreements (especially on security) with China.

One million foreigners visited the country in the first quarter of 2024. Once a remote destination, it is now popular with eco-friendly travellers. But its weak currency and high debt push it ever closer to China and Thailand in exchange for a big slice of Mekong River hydroelectric power.