Pulse 02/03/2018-02/25/2018 | Page 5

EUROPE

FINLAND

Fatima Yousuf, Senior Reporter and Design/Layout Editor

Politics: Finland has expressed intent to continue to support various development programs in Kenya aimed at improving democracy and populism in the country. Such programs include initiatives to involve more women in politics, promote food security, improve the quality and accessibility of education, and more.

Economics: The OP, one of Finland’s biggest financial groups, has predicted that Finland will experience lowering unemployment rates, increasing inflation, and an overall economic growth rate of 2.3% in 2018.

Culture: The Bendigo Art Gallery in Australia will be showcasing Marimekko, a well-established Finnish fashion brand that aimed to empower women to wear comfortable clothes that would allow them to be more involved in the workforce.

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AFRICA

NIGERIA

Fatima Yousuf, Senior Reporter and Design/Layout Editor

Politics :The United States has been significantly decreasing its oil imports from Nigeria and is projected to be a leading oil exporter by 2020. In reaction, Nigerian politicians are urging oil companies to explore the possibility of selling oil to African markets.

Economics: In recent times, Nigeria’s economy has fallen into a recession, with only 11% of the economy thus far able move into positive recession. The remaining 89% of the economy, also known as the “non-oil” sector, is still in recession due to what some believe is the failure of politicians to deliver pragmatic economic solutions to grow the non-oil industries.

Culture: A Denmark-based Nigerian movie producer will be holding a Nigerian Cultural Heritage Festival all over Scandinavia in order to promote Nigerian culture and encourage cultural diversity.

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