Economy & Development

Tajikistan’s Presidential Vote: Despite Rahmon’s Win, Economy Could Determine Future

App Helps Belarusians Boycott Lukashenka-Linked Firms

In Belarus, buying a bottle of mineral water is now political. A new app allows Belarusians to boycott companies linked to Alyaksandr Lukashenka by scanning bar codes on everyday products.

Perilous Path: Death Trail To A Remote Kyrgyz Village

A dangerous mountain trail is the only direct route that connects the remote southern Kyrgyz village of Zardaly to the outside world. Every year, people and cattle plummet from the cliffs, but locals continue to use the perilous path because they have no other choice.

Hit Escape: The IT Companies Leaving Belarus

The IT sector has been a success story for Belarus, but its future is now in question amid the country's political turmoil. An online survey found dozens of companies were partially relocating to other countries, while more than a hundred were looking into it and 12 companies want out completely.

Salt Of The Earth: Daghestani Villagers Use Pinch Of Ancient Wisdom To Make Ends Meet

In the southern Russian Daghestani village of Kvankhidatl, people extract salt using a unique ancient method. They claim they produce the purest and most delicious salt in the world.

Russia Gives Belarus $1.5 Billion Loan To Boost 'Brotherhood'

Principles Come At A Price In Belarus' IT Sector

Activists Save Hill From Mining In Russia's Bashkortostan Region

After weeks of protests, environmental activists in Russia's central Bashkortostan region have won a battle to protect Kushtau Hill from mining. The Bashkir Soda Company had planned to mine limestone from the site. But activists say the hill is a natural treasure and home to many endangered species.

Russia's Acid River: Leak Kills Wildlife, Plants In Urals

An acid leak from an abandoned mine has turned a local river red, devastating local flora and marine life in Russia's Ural Mountains.

Flying Fruit: Homemade Cable Cars Help Bring In Harvest In Daghestan

In the Sulak canyon of Russia's Republic of Daghestan, farmers rely on a system of makeshift, hand-powered cable cars to transport their produce across a river.

The Raftsmen Of Siberia Move Timber The Old-Fashioned Way

Little has changed over the past century for timber raftsmen in Russia's Krasnoyarsk region, who still rely on the same working methods that their grandfathers used.