Host Marco Werman and his team of producers bring you the world's most interesting stories that remind us just how small our planet really is. The World, the radio program, is heard each weekday on over 300 public stations across North America.

A large number of migrants to the US come via South America, and travel through the Darien Gap, a dangerous jungle between Colombia and Panama. Manuel Rueda reports from Capurgana, a Colombian village on the edge of the Darien, about the industry that has developed around guiding migrants through the jungle. (This story originally aired on May 10, 2023)

A large number of migrants to the US come via South America, and travel through the Darien Gap, a dangerous jungle between Colombia and Panama. Manuel Rueda reports from Capurgana, a Colombian village on the edge of the Darien, about the industry that has developed around guiding migrants through the jungle. (This story originally aired on May 10, 2023)

Migration across Darien Gap changes Colombian border village's economy

Oud player Sheikh Imam and poet Ahmed Negm were the most-famous musical duo in Egypt in the 1960s and 1970s. Then in 2011, their music became a rallying cry for protesters trying to topple Egypt’s autocratic leaders. The story comes to us from the Kerning Cultures Network.

Oud player Sheikh Imam and poet Ahmed Negm were the most-famous musical duo in Egypt in the 1960s and 1970s. Then in 2011, their music became a rallying cry for protesters trying to topple Egypt’s autocratic leaders. The story comes to us from the Kerning Cultures Network.

icons of dissent in Egypt

Amid widespread voter apathy, Iranians go to the polls on Friday to select the successor to the late president Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a May helicopter crash. The World's Durrie Bouscaren reports.

Amid widespread voter apathy, Iranians go to the polls on Friday to select the successor to the late president Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a May helicopter crash. The World's Durrie Bouscaren reports.

What's at stake in Iran's presidential election

Beginning Sunday, all new cars sold in the EU and in Northern Ireland must have a range of technical safety features fitted as standard. This includes "intelligent speed assistance," or colloquially, a speed limiter. Host Carol Hills explains.

Beginning Sunday, all new cars sold in the EU and in Northern Ireland must have a range of technical safety features fitted as standard. This includes "intelligent speed assistance," or colloquially, a speed limiter. Host Carol Hills explains.

European drivers must install speed limiters in cars

Biniam Girmay says his win in the Tour de France's sprint run — the mostly flat third leg of the race — is “for all Africans.” Host Carol Hills discusses what this exceptional performance means for Girmay, as well as for cycling on the African continent.

Biniam Girmay says his win in the Tour de France's sprint run — the mostly flat third leg of the race — is “for all Africans.” Host Carol Hills discusses what this exceptional performance means for Girmay, as well as for cycling on the African continent.

Eritrean cyclist makes Tour De France history

As Hurricane Beryl makes landfall in Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, its force appears to be diminishing, but forecasters say it could pick up steam again.

As Hurricane Beryl makes landfall in Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, its force appears to be diminishing, but forecasters say it could pick up steam again.

Hurricane Beryl now weakening

This week, foreign diplomats met with Taliban officials in Doha, Qatar. The meeting is part of the “Doha Process,” which aims to address challenges in Afghanistan. Markedly absent: Afghan women, who were not invited to participate. Women's rights activists wonder what a meeting, under these conditions, can really achieve. The World's Shirin Jaafari reports.

This week, foreign diplomats met with Taliban officials in Doha, Qatar. The meeting is part of the “Doha Process,” which aims to address challenges in Afghanistan. Markedly absent: Afghan women, who were not invited to participate. Women's rights activists wonder what a meeting, under these conditions, can really achieve. The World's Shirin Jaafari reports.

UN meeting with Taliban sparks debate

Swahili — or Kiswahili, as its known locally — started as a trade language in East Africa hundreds of years ago, but it has since emerged as one of the most-spoken languages on Earth. With World Kiswahili Day coming up on July 7. The World's Halima Gikandi reports from Mombasa on how attitudes toward the language have changed in Kenya and beyond.

Swahili — or Kiswahili, as its known locally — started as a trade language in East Africa hundreds of years ago, but it has since emerged as one of the most-spoken languages on Earth. With World Kiswahili Day coming up on July 7. The World's Halima Gikandi reports from Mombasa on how attitudes toward the language have changed in Kenya and beyond.

The growing popularity of Swahili 

Keir Starmer, of Britain's Labour Party, has defeated former prime minister, conservative Rishi Sunak. The country's far- right won a number of parliamentary seats in the same election. The World's Orla Barry explains.

Keir Starmer, of Britain's Labour Party, has defeated former prime minister, conservative Rishi Sunak. The country's far- right won a number of parliamentary seats in the same election. The World's Orla Barry explains.

Britain has a new prime minister 

At the annual European gull screeching championships in Belgium, 9-year-old Cooper Wallace stole the show and won the juniors competition. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler explain how the costumed kid stole the show. (Originally aired April 24, 2024)

At the annual European gull screeching championships in Belgium, 9-year-old Cooper Wallace stole the show and won the juniors competition. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler explain how the costumed kid stole the show. (Originally aired April 24, 2024)

Seagull impersonator screeches to success

Gazoz is an old-school, hyperlocal style soda that's been ubiquitous in Turkish beach towns since the drink was invented more than a century ago. The World's Durrie Bouscaren reports from southern Turkey on a beloved drink that is having a moment. (Originally aired April 19, 2024.)

Gazoz is an old-school, hyperlocal style soda that's been ubiquitous in Turkish beach towns since the drink was invented more than a century ago. The World's Durrie Bouscaren reports from southern Turkey on a beloved drink that is having a moment. (Originally aired April 19, 2024.)

Local beach drink is making a comeback in Turkey

The oldest-surviving blueprint from medieval times details the layout and construction of a village and monastery called the Plan of St. Gall. Archaeologists and craftspeople are building that community, first described in 800 A.D., using only the tools and methods available back then. Author Kristen Ghodsee describes what we can learn from a medieval idea of utopia in this conversation with The World’s Marco Werman. (Originally aired Aug. 10, 2023.)

The oldest-surviving blueprint from medieval times details the layout and construction of a village and monastery called the Plan of St. Gall. Archaeologists and craftspeople are building that community, first described in 800 A.D., using only the tools and methods available back then. Author Kristen Ghodsee describes what we can learn from a medieval idea of utopia in this conversation with The World’s Marco Werman. (Originally aired Aug. 10, 2023.)

Building a medieval utopia

What is often referred to as "lab-grown meat" has been slow to catch on. But in Singapore, they're embracing the technology, especially for seafood. The World's Patrick Winn reports that Singaporean companies are devising ways to grow shrimp and crab for a hungry continent. (Originally aired Oct. 24, 2023.)

What is often referred to as "lab-grown meat" has been slow to catch on. But in Singapore, they're embracing the technology, especially for seafood. The World's Patrick Winn reports that Singaporean companies are devising ways to grow shrimp and crab for a hungry continent. (Originally aired Oct. 24, 2023.)

Singapore puts Asian twist on cell-grown meat

Whale researchers have turned to computer scientists to analyze the clicks made by sperm whales in the Caribbean. As a result, they believe that sperm whales may have a more sophisticated form of communication than previously understood. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Canadian marine biologist Shane Gero. (Originally aired May 7, 2024.)

Whale researchers have turned to computer scientists to analyze the clicks made by sperm whales in the Caribbean. As a result, they believe that sperm whales may have a more sophisticated form of communication than previously understood. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Canadian marine biologist Shane Gero. (Originally aired May 7, 2024.)

Decoding the clicks of sperm whales

Iraq’s date palms have taken a huge toll after years of war, drought and climate change. The World reports on one group's efforts to save them. (Originally aired June 1, 2023.)

Iraq’s date palms have taken a huge toll after years of war, drought and climate change. The World reports on one group's efforts to save them. (Originally aired June 1, 2023.)

Saving Iraq's iconic palm trees

One of the biggest music festivals in Europe, Primavera Sound, is part of a trend of music festivals expanding to more dates and more venues. Alan Ruiz Terol reports from Barcelona on how changes in the music industry are driving the expansion of these megaconcerts. (Original aired June 9, 2023.)

One of the biggest music festivals in Europe, Primavera Sound, is part of a trend of music festivals expanding to more dates and more venues. Alan Ruiz Terol reports from Barcelona on how changes in the music industry are driving the expansion of these megaconcerts. (Original aired June 9, 2023.)

Music festivals keep getting bigger

A Sudanese American woman in Sacramento is digitizing cassettes recorded with classic Sudanese songs going all the way back to the 1960s. In the process, she's created a music archive called <a href="https://www.sudantapesarchive.com/">Sudan Tapes Archive</a> that more and more people are accessing. Reporter Hana Baba, of station KALW explains the work has taken on new urgency as war rages in Sudan. (Originally aired April 2, 2024.)

A Sudanese American woman in Sacramento is digitizing cassettes recorded with classic Sudanese songs going all the way back to the 1960s. In the process, she's created a music archive called Sudan Tapes Archive that more and more people are accessing. Reporter Hana Baba, of station KALW explains the work has taken on new urgency as war rages in Sudan. (Originally aired April 2, 2024.)

Sudan archives preserves music from across the decades and continents

In Medillin, Colombia, visitors who use wheelchairs have a new option — electric hand bikes that pull wheelchairs and can reach speeds of about 30 miles per hour. They're offered by a tour company as part of a broader effort to make the city more accessible. Manuel Rueda reports from Medellin. (Originally aired Feb. 5, 2023.)

In Medillin, Colombia, visitors who use wheelchairs have a new option — electric hand bikes that pull wheelchairs and can reach speeds of about 30 miles per hour. They're offered by a tour company as part of a broader effort to make the city more accessible. Manuel Rueda reports from Medellin. (Originally aired Feb. 5, 2023.)

Wheelchair tours show Colombia's Medellin from a different perspective

Georgia's beloved Borjomi mineral water, a ubiquitous drink available throughout the post-Soviet world that you could once find at most restaurants anywhere from Kyiv to Kyrgyzstan, has run into trouble. Borjomi’s problems began during the war because a majority share of the company was owned by a Russian billionaire who was sanctioned. The sanctions made it difficult for Borjomi to do business internationally and the company's factory in Georgia temporarily halted operations. Reporter Levi Bridges has more on the Borjomi woes. (First aired June 13, 2024.)

Georgia's beloved Borjomi mineral water, a ubiquitous drink available throughout the post-Soviet world that you could once find at most restaurants anywhere from Kyiv to Kyrgyzstan, has run into trouble. Borjomi’s problems began during the war because a majority share of the company was owned by a Russian billionaire who was sanctioned. The sanctions made it difficult for Borjomi to do business internationally and the company's factory in Georgia temporarily halted operations. Reporter Levi Bridges has more on the Borjomi woes. (First aired June 13, 2024.)

Georgia's famous Borjomi water inadvertently hit by Russia sanctions

The Spanish resort town of Marbella has instituted a new ordinance that bans peeing on the beach or in the sea. And if you're caught peeing, it'll cost you. The fine tops $800. There’s no word yet on how lifeguards will identify holidaymakers having a stealthy wee beneath the waves. The World's Marco Werman has the details.

The Spanish resort town of Marbella has instituted a new ordinance that bans peeing on the beach or in the sea. And if you're caught peeing, it'll cost you. The fine tops $800. There’s no word yet on how lifeguards will identify holidaymakers having a stealthy wee beneath the waves. The World's Marco Werman has the details.

Marbella warns tourist there will be no peeing in the sea

The tensions between the US and China are at an all-time high over the South China Sea. Meanwhile, both countries are examining their nuclear posture toward each other. Host Marco Werman is joined by veteran journalist Jane Perlez to examine China's nuclear weapons program and evolving policy on using those weapons. It's part of our summerlong series with Perlez's podcast, "Face Off: the US versus China."

The tensions between the US and China are at an all-time high over the South China Sea. Meanwhile, both countries are examining their nuclear posture toward each other. Host Marco Werman is joined by veteran journalist Jane Perlez to examine China's nuclear weapons program and evolving policy on using those weapons. It's part of our summerlong series with Perlez's podcast, "Face Off: the US versus China."

Could US and China tensions go nuclear?

Leading up to the Paris summer Olympic games, and International Olympic Committee review panel will decide which Russian and Belarusian athletes are eligible to compete. Russian and Belarusian athletes have been sanctioned due to Russian's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Some countries have called for compete ban of the two countries from the Olympics. The World's Daniel Ofman reports on how one Russian athlete feels about competing in the Olympics as a neutral.

Leading up to the Paris summer Olympic games, and International Olympic Committee review panel will decide which Russian and Belarusian athletes are eligible to compete. Russian and Belarusian athletes have been sanctioned due to Russian's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Some countries have called for compete ban of the two countries from the Olympics. The World's Daniel Ofman reports on how one Russian athlete feels about competing in the Olympics as a neutral.

Russian athletes deemed neutral for Paris summer Olympic Games

Following an alleged an assault on a minor in the Turkish city of Kayseri, anti-Syrian protests and riots erupted in a number of other cities. Syrian shops and businesses were destroyed in the anti-refugee violence. That also sparked a reaction in northern Syria against Turkish soldiers stationed there. Host Marco Werman speaks with Nigar Goksel, with the International Crisis Group, about the factors behind the violence and what consequences it could have for the region.

Following an alleged an assault on a minor in the Turkish city of Kayseri, anti-Syrian protests and riots erupted in a number of other cities. Syrian shops and businesses were destroyed in the anti-refugee violence. That also sparked a reaction in northern Syria against Turkish soldiers stationed there. Host Marco Werman speaks with Nigar Goksel, with the International Crisis Group, about the factors behind the violence and what consequences it could have for the region.

Anti-Syrian protests and riots in Turkey following ethnic tensions

Germans are known for being precise, and always on time. But for many years now, their trains have been chronically late. Germans are incensed, and major upgrades to the national railway system are planned. But in the meantime, their even more obsessive time-keeping neighbor, Switzerland, is thinking of excluding German trains from their network because of their tardiness. Marco Werman speaks with Christian Bottger, a professor of transportation at the University of Applied Sciences in Berlin who once worked for Deutsche Bahn.

Germans are known for being precise, and always on time. But for many years now, their trains have been chronically late. Germans are incensed, and major upgrades to the national railway system are planned. But in the meantime, their even more obsessive time-keeping neighbor, Switzerland, is thinking of excluding German trains from their network because of their tardiness. Marco Werman speaks with Christian Bottger, a professor of transportation at the University of Applied Sciences in Berlin who once worked for Deutsche Bahn.

Chronically late German trains test cultural stereotype — and patience 

Hurricane season has started early and strong in the Caribbean. Jamaica’s three international airports shut down Wednesday as residents braced for the arrival of Hurricane Beryl. Meteorologists fear torrential rainfall could trigger flash flooding and landslides across the island. The World’s Marco Werman speaks with Evan Thompson, director of the Meteorological Service of Jamaica in Kingston.

Hurricane season has started early and strong in the Caribbean. Jamaica’s three international airports shut down Wednesday as residents braced for the arrival of Hurricane Beryl. Meteorologists fear torrential rainfall could trigger flash flooding and landslides across the island. The World’s Marco Werman speaks with Evan Thompson, director of the Meteorological Service of Jamaica in Kingston.

Hurricane Beryl targets Jamaica 

In the Central African Republic, Russian paramilitaries under the banner of the Wagner Mercenary Group, and now in many cases under the umbrella of the Russian Ministry of Defense's Africa Corps, are accused of sexual violence against civilians. The World's Marco Werman speaks with Philip Obaji Jr., a correspondent for the Daily Beast, about his investigation in CAR which exposes systematic rapes of young women and girls by Russian paramilitaries.

In the Central African Republic, Russian paramilitaries under the banner of the Wagner Mercenary Group, and now in many cases under the umbrella of the Russian Ministry of Defense's Africa Corps, are accused of sexual violence against civilians. The World's Marco Werman speaks with Philip Obaji Jr., a correspondent for the Daily Beast, about his investigation in CAR which exposes systematic rapes of young women and girls by Russian paramilitaries.

Russian paramilitaries in Central African Republic accused of sexual violence

The phrase "Shinrin-Yoku" or "forest bathing" was first coined in the 1980s by the head of Japan's forestry agency. It was a time when people worked really long hours, especially in Tokyo, and people were very stressed out and suffering all kinds of physical and mental health effects. As T.S. Strickland reports from station WUWF, the idea is to go out and walk trails, breathe deeply and to immerse oneself in the beauty and wonder of nature.

The phrase "Shinrin-Yoku" or "forest bathing" was first coined in the 1980s by the head of Japan's forestry agency. It was a time when people worked really long hours, especially in Tokyo, and people were very stressed out and suffering all kinds of physical and mental health effects. As T.S. Strickland reports from station WUWF, the idea is to go out and walk trails, breathe deeply and to immerse oneself in the beauty and wonder of nature.

Florida college taking up Japanese relaxation technique

At least 87 people were feared dead in a stampede at a Hindu religious gathering in India's northern state of Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday. A large crowd had gathered on an area of open ground in response to a call from a religious leader. A local official says the incident happened due to overcrowding at the time when people were trying to leave the venue.

At least 87 people were feared dead in a stampede at a Hindu religious gathering in India's northern state of Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday. A large crowd had gathered on an area of open ground in response to a call from a religious leader. A local official says the incident happened due to overcrowding at the time when people were trying to leave the venue.

Stampede at religious event in India kills nearly 100 people

When he was a teenager, Mark Modrall had a love-hate relationship with the wilderness challenges he faced in summer camp. But during one especially rough storm in the Canadian outback, the flight of two birds lead to a life-changing revelation. He shared his experience with GBH's Stories from the Stage.

When he was a teenager, Mark Modrall had a love-hate relationship with the wilderness challenges he faced in summer camp. But during one especially rough storm in the Canadian outback, the flight of two birds lead to a life-changing revelation. He shared his experience with GBH's Stories from the Stage.

Arctic terns redefine one teen's understanding of perseverance

Sri Lanka's long-running civil war ended 15 years ago. But the tens of thousands of Tamil people gravely wounded in the fighting still bear the scars. Reporter Jason Strother says the women he met in northeast Sri Lanka who lost limbs feel particularly vulnerable to natural disasters — wherein it can be hard to flee to safety.

Sri Lanka's long-running civil war ended 15 years ago. But the tens of thousands of Tamil people gravely wounded in the fighting still bear the scars. Reporter Jason Strother says the women he met in northeast Sri Lanka who lost limbs feel particularly vulnerable to natural disasters — wherein it can be hard to flee to safety.