The Economist explains
Subjects topical and timeless, profound and peculiar, explained with The Economist's trademark clarity and brevity
The Economist explains
Why is South Africa included in the BRICS?
It's not a BRIC, so why is it one of the BRICS?
The Economist explains
Why does Easter move around so much?
It all depends on the timing of the full moon relative to March 21st
The Economist explains
Has Voyager 1 left the solar system?
A new paper says Voyager 1 has already left the solar system based on the probe's measurements of cosmic rays; NASA says no
The Economist explains
Why is there talk of a “one-state solution” for Israelis and Palestinians?
Why is there talk of a “one-state solution” for Israelis and Palestinians?
The Economist explains
Who are the Jesuits, exactly?
The election of Pope Francis marks the first time a Jesuit has led the Catholic church. What does this mean?
The Economist explains
Did Vikings wear horned helmets?
Vikings are usually depicted wearing horned helmets. Is this accurate?
The Economist explains
Why has Canada killed off the penny?
Why it makes sense for Canada to eliminate its smallest unit of currency
The Economist explains
Why does Michael Dell want to take his company private?
Why Mr Dell wants to buy his company back again
The Economist explains
Why is the kilogram getting heavier, and what can be done about it?
The kilogram is unique among scientific units in being defined by an artefact, rather than by physical phenomena
The Economist explains
What are Instagram and Twitter fighting about, and why?
Each network is trying to prevent the other from appropriating the valuable data it has amassed from users