Top 10 largest weapons exporting countries

   Top 10 largest weapons exporting countries
The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) released the latest data about the “Trends in International Arms Transfers.” A comparative study about the improvements in global weapons exports value was presented between the periods of 2003-2007 and 2008-2012.
From 2008-2012, the five biggest weapons exporters accounted to 75% of the volume of global arms exports. One of the biggest surprises in the latest international transfers of weapons trend was China’s displacement of the United Kingdom as the fifth arms exporter in the world. The UK usually plays within the third to fifth spot since the 1950′s until China took over dropping UK to number six.
Most of the exporter’s weapons are delivered to the Asian and Oceania regions with India as its largest recipient. Here is the list of the top 10 weapons exporting countries in the world:

10.  Ukraine

Ukraine has a state-owned weapons exporter named Ukrspecexport. Its import and export sales rose by 2% in 2011. The company has contracts with 78 countries. According to the Ukrspecexport, it was their best performance in over their 16 years of work. Ukraine’s weapons exports account to 47% in Asia followed by Africa with 23%, Europe with 6% and the Americas with only 3%.

9. Sweden

Sweden’s weapons exports value in Europe dropped by 30% in 2012 due to the reduction of cost for buying military materials and the unsteady economic state in Europe. Further, Sweden was able to complete its several major contracts on systems sales to India, Pakistan and Thailand. The military equipment exported to these countries was the JAS 39 Gripen, Erieye and the Combat Vehicle 90. While Sweden’s export in Europe and North America decreased, there was a sharp increase in exports to Asia and the Middle East by 44%. Sweden’s largest recipient was India followed by Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Thailand.

8. Israel

Israel is known for having the most advanced defense industries in the Middle East, which justifies its place in the top ten weapon exporting countries in the world. The country’s defense equipment export rose to 20% due to a major arms deal with Italy. Israel is also eyeing an increase in export sales to Vietnam, Azerbaijan, Brazil and Poland.

7. Italy

Italy has a major arms deal with Israel where the country promised to buy at least 1 billion dollars worth of Israeli military equipment. In return, Israel will be purchasing thirty Italian M-346 Master jets. Italy’s deal with Israel is important especially that its economy is unstable.

6. United Kingdom

Formerly included in the top five largest weapon exporters, the United Kingdom was displaced by China for the first time since SIRP conducted the study in the 1950′s. Countries supplied by the UK include the United States, Middle East, Africa, India and other NATO partners. The country became the first weapons trading power to support an Arms Trade Treaty for human rights. However, the UK supplied arms to countries where there is a high risk of using the weapons to commit internal violence.

5. China

China toppled the UK for the fifth spot as one of the five largest weapons exporter in the world. China’s volume of weapon exports rose by 162%. It was the first time for the communist country to be included in the top five. Its biggest weapons recipient was Pakistan accounting for 55%. Pakistan belongs to the Asian region, which received 74% of its global weapon supplies together with Oceania while Africa received 13%.

4. France

France’s volume of weapon exports decreased by 18% between the periods of 2003-2007 and 2008-2012 due to the completion of deliveries of high value deals for naval, air and land systems made in the 2000′s. In addition, France was not able to deliver orders for high-value weapons systems at the end of 2012. The unfulfilled orders were 10 submarines for Brazil and India, 7 frigates for Malaysia and Morocco; and 175 combat aircraft for India. From 2008-2012, France supplied 54% of the volume of weapons export to Asia and Oceania, 14% to Europe and 13% to Africa.

3. Germany

There was also a decrease in German arms exports by 8% between the same periods. The country also completed its deliveries of high-value deals for naval and land systems in 2000′s. Thirty-five per cent of its weapon supplies are for Europe, 31% for Asia and Oceania and 17% for the Americas. Further, Saudi Arabia purchased 600 to 800 Leopard-2A7+ tanks, around 100 Dingo-2 armoured vehicles and Boxer armoured vehicles. Qatar also purchased up to 200 Leopard-2A7+ tanks. Germany and Algeria have outstanding deals to purchase weapons.

2. Russia

From 2008-2012, Sixty-five percept of the Russia’s arms exports were delivered to Asia and Oceania. The five largest recipients of Russia’s weapons are India, Africa (17%), Middle East (9%), China (5%) and Vietnam (5%). India still remains as the largest buyer of Russian weapon experts. Russia also supplied an estimate of 37 Su-30MK and Su-27S combat aircraft and missiles to Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam. Forty-six per cent of its exports were aircrafts while 20% were missiles. An estimate of 343 Mi-17 helicopters were delivered to 26 states including Asia and Oceania receiving 166 helicopters, the Americas with 57, Middle East with 48, Europe with 43 and Africa with 20 units.

1. The United States

The volume of arms exported by the United States to Asia and Oceania accounts to 45% while the Middle East receives 27 % and 18% for Europe. From 2008-2012, 62% of the volumes of U.S. supplies were aircrafts, which included of 49 combat aircrafts, two of which are F-35s delivered to the United Kingdom. Other significant recipients of the U.S. weapons are Iraq and Afghanistan receiving 4% each of the U.S. exports. The U.S. delivered a substantial number of light armoured vehicles, tanks and 36 F-16 combat aircrafts to Iraq.

Top 10 smallest countries of the world

      Top 10 smallest countries of the world

10-Grenada

An island nation in the Caribbean, Grenada is also known as “The Island of Spice." The world's largest producer of nutmeg and mace crops, this nation located northwest of Trinidad and Tobago was colonized by the French from 1649 to 1763, which explains the very strong influence of French tradition and culture in the country. A popular tourist destination, you'll find French-influenced architecture and art all around the island, with cricket as the most popular sport.

9 – Malta - 316 km²

Image via: maltaholidays.uk.com

Malta is another island country, however, its located in the Mediterranean Sea. 3 major islands make up the Republic of Malta: Gozo, Comino, and the largest, Malta. This small country has a population of over 450,000 inhabitants, making it one of the most densely populated countries in the world. Another popular tourist destination, foreigners from all over the world come to Malta for its sunny weather, attractive beaches, over 7,000 years of intriguing history, and a still vibrant nightlife.

8 – Maldives - 300 km²

Image via: maparchitects.dk

A popular tourist destination in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is the smallest country in Asia in terms of area and population. There are over 1,192 coral islands in the Maldives, which are spread over 90,000 sq.km, making it one of the world's most dispersed countries. The country was once the colony of many empires, the Portuguese, the Dutch, and the British, but became an independent country in 1965. Today, the Maldives has a vibrant tourism economy due to its famous white sand beaches and crystal blue waters.

7 – Saint Kitts and Nevis - 261 km²

Image via: roomsuggestion.com

The Mother Colony of the West Indies, these 2 islands in the Caribbean were some of the first islands to be occupied by Europeans. Its economy is dependent on tourism, agriculture, and small manufacturing industries. The islands also provide fantastic diving sites due to abundant marine life. A major sugar exporter for centuries, the large plantations are now beautiful estates that have been converted into hotels and resorts.

6 – Liechtenstein - 160 km²

Image via: wikipedia.org

A German-speaking country, this is the only nation in the world to be completely located in the Alps. Located between Switzerland and Austria, Liechtenstein is the richest country in the world by GDP per capita, with the lowest unemployment rate (1.5%). Getting into the country is a little tricky without an airport. Visitors must go through Switzerland's Zurich Airport to reach this Alpine country that's still ruled by a prince.

5 – San Marino - 61 km²

Image via: commons.wikimedia.org

Surrounded completely by Italy, San Marino is also known as the Most Serene Republic of San Marino. Claiming to be the oldest surviving sovereign state in the world, it is also one of the wealthiest in terms of GDP per capita. The 3rd smallest country in Europe, it has a population of only 30,000, boasting of one of the lowest unemployment rates in the world.

4 – Tuvalu - 26 km²

Image via: oceanislandtravel.com

Formerly known as the Ellice Islands, Tuvalu is located in the Pacific Ocean, north east of Australia. There are about 10,000 inhabitants, with 8km of roads, and only 1 hospital present on the main island. The country was once a British territory but became independent in 1978. A difficult place to get to, tourism is not very significant. In 2010, less than 2,000 visitors came to Tuvalu, with 65% of them coming for business.

3 – Nauru - 21 km²

Image via: jouljet.blogspot.ca

An island nation located east of Australia, Nauru is the smallest island country in the world. It was known in the 1980's for a booming phosphate mining but is now a quiet island off the radar of tourists. Formerly known as Pleasant Island, its phosphate resources are now depleted, leading to a 90% national unemployment rate, with the remaining 10% employed by the government. Nauru is also known as the country with the most obese people in the world, with 97% of its men and 93% of women being obese or overweight. Because of this, Nauru is also home to the world's highest level of type 2 diabetes, with 40% of its population suffering from the ailment.

2 – Monaco - 2 km²

Image via: burgessyachts.com

Located on the French Riviera, Monaco is home to the largest number of millionaires and billionaires per capita in the world. Known for its gambling and luxury goods and services industry, Monaco is a favourite playground of the rich and famous. Bordered by France on 3 sides and one side by the Mediterranean Sea, the residents of Monaco are mostly French-speaking. With a population of over 36,000, Monaco is the world's most densely populated country. The most popular annual event is the Formula 1 race, with tracks passing through the city streets.

1 – Vatican - 0.44 km²

Image via: sentiarometours.com

The world's smallest country is the Vatican, also known as the Holy See. This country fits within the Italian capital city of Rome, and is the center of the Catholic Church. It is also home to the biggest church in the world – St. Peter's Basilica, and holds some of the most significant art works of the Renaissance such as The Pieta and the Creation of Adam. Its income comes from the voluntary contributions of over 1 billion members of the Roman Catholic Church around the world. The remainder of its economy comes from the sales of postage stamps, tourist mementos, and admission fees of museums.

Top 10 largest aquariums of the world

   Top 10 largest aquariums of the world

Any aquarium enthusiast knows that the majority of aquariums in most cities and towns fall pretty short once you’ve visited even a single spectacular one.The best aquariums in the world offer plenty to enjoy in terms of sheer volume, but also feature exciting and informative exhibits. These aquariums not only are fascinating because they offer an opportunity to learn about the world beneath the ocean, but are also atmospheric and make a visitor feel as if they have stepped into another world. Curious what the biggest aquarium in the world is?

Here is a list of the top ten biggest and best aquariums on the planet.10. The Aquadom

The Aquadom may not be the largest aquarium in the world, but it is an impressive and unique experience. The cylindrical aquarium is located inside the atrium of the Radisson Hotel in Berlin. It is 25 meters high and has a diameter of 11 meters, and contains a million liters of water. There are over 2,600 different species living inside. You can ride an elevator up through the center of the cylinder and look out through the transparent walls. At the top there is a platform you can stand on and look out over the atrium.

9. Shanghai Ocean Aquarium

Shanghai Ocean Aquarium (Maja Bieda/Flickr)

This aquarium contains just under a million gallons of water, and is one of the largest aquariums in all of Asia. The exhibits are divided according to geographic region (the China Zone, the Australia Zone, and so on). There are a number of endangered species in the collection. The aquarium also houses the longest underwater tunnel on the planet, measuring 509 feet.

8. uShaka Marine World

uShaka Marine World (Jose Eduardo Franco/Flickr)

This marine-themed park in Durban, South Africa, is home to the largest aquarium on the continent. Thirty-two tanks contain just under a million total gallons of water. The aquarium is constructed to resemble a wreck under the sea. A famous restaurant at the park has a large wall aquarium populated by sharks.

7. National Aquarium, Baltimore

National Aquarium, Baltimore (Forensicaldude/Flickr)

The National Aquarium in Baltimore has been open since 1981, and receives around 1.5 million visitors per year. The aquarium contains more than 1 million gallons of water as well as a rainforest terrarium on the roof. There are more than 16,500 specimens living inside, representing around 660 species.

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6. Monterey Bay Aquarium

Monterey Bay Aquarium (Eric Gardner/Flickr)

This famous aquarium is located on Cannery Row in Monterey, California, and contains two massive tanks. One of those tanks on its own contains 1.2 million gallons of water as well as one of the largest single-paned windows on earth.

5. Turkuazoo

Turkuazoo (Turkuazoo Akvaryum Istanbul/Flickr)

Turkey’s Turkuazoo aquarium opened up in 2009, making it one of the world’s newer giant aquariums. Turkuazoo is located inside the Forum Istanbul Shopping Mall, and includes not only an 80-meter underwater tunnel, but also a rainforest habitat, and a flooded forest wetland habitat. There are around 10,000 species living in Turkuazoo. The largest tank holds 1.32 million gallons of water.

4. L’Oceanografic

L’Oceanografic (Hostel World/Flickr)

This giant aquarium is located inside the City of Arts and Sciences, which is actually the name of an exhibition hall in Valencia, Spain. Inside this aquarium is the largest tank in all of Europe, containing 1.85 million gallons of water. There are more than 45,000 species of marine life represented in the L’Oceanografic exhibit. The exterior of this building features very eye-catching modern architecture, and if you’re visiting Valencia, you can’t possibly miss it.

3. The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium (Apricot Cafe/Flickr)

This aquarium at the Ocean Expo Park opened in 2002 and features a famous exhibit called the Kuroshio Sea. This tank contains almost 2 million gallons of water and has a massive acrylic glass panel. The aquarium is well known for its whale sharks and manta rays. Only a few aquariums in the world offer visitors the chance to see whale sharks—large and majestic animals that require a great deal of space to thrive.

2. Dubai Mall Aquarium

Dubai Mall Aquarium (Saad S Al-Resayes/Flickr)

You didn’t think Dubai would sit this one out, did you? The Dubai Mall is already one of the largest shopping malls on the planet, but it is also home to one of the largest aquariums on earth. The aquarium contains a 2.64 million gallon tank with more than 33,000 specimens. The sharks and rays alone account for 400 of these. It now contains the world’s largest acrylic glass panel, bigger even than the one in Okinawa (which set records when it was first constructed).

1. Georgia Aquarium

Georgia Aquarium (Jack Lin/Flickr)

And the number one largest aquarium on the planet? The honor goes to the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. This aquarium opened up in 2005, thanks to a $250 million grant from Bernie Marcus, the co-founder of the Home Depot hardware store chain. The Georgia Aquarium is well known for a couple of things. One is the absolutely massive 6.3 million gallon tank containing the Ocean Voyager exhibit. The other is the aquarium’s whale shark population. The Georgia Aquarium is the only aquarium outside of Asia to serve as a home for whale sharks. That’s not necessarily a boon, however, since two of the sharks have died, and there are some concerns that the aquarium isn’t an appropriate home for them.If you have ever had the chance to visit one of these massive aquariums or any others which are of a similar caliber, you know what an amazing experience it can be. If you haven’t, though, and you have only visited a small local aquarium with a handful of specimens, you have really only gotten a taste of the fun and wonder that aquariums have to offer.

These world-class aquariums not only feature magnificent displays, but also can teach you a great deal about the planet’s underwater ecology. Many are run by marine scientists who are involved with important conservation efforts, and the fee you pay to visit will go toward helping these underwater species to survive in a changing world. Next time you are in one of these cities, be sure to set aside a day to enjoy one of the world’s largest and best aquariums. It will be an experience you will remember forever!

top 10 most expensive useless things

     Top 10 most expensive useless things

1.Most Expensive Box of Sweets

The box of sweets Le Chocolat includes the selected chocolate masterpieces from the world’s best confectioners. It is also a set of luxury jewelry made of natural yellow and blue brilliants, emeralds and sapphires from Simons Jewelers company. Simply invaluable gift with the price-list in one and a half million dollars.
            

2.Most Expensive Cell Phone

Smart phone Diamond Crypto from designer Peter Aloisson is made of platinum and pink gold. It is covered with more than 80 brilliants. There are 50 brilliants on each side of phone (including 10 blue brilliants), the navigation button is surrounded by 28 brilliants, and navigation bar itself also made of a brilliant in carat. This phone costs 1,3 million dollars so we can only hope it works properly. 
         

3.Most Expensive Hello Kitty

Who should not one like the character of Japanese cartoon films Hello Kitty? Now you can indulge yourself with a platinum kitten of 3.8 cm in width and 5.6 cm in height which weighs 590g. Tiny figurine of Hello Kitty is decorated with bows from precious stones – brilliants, rubies, pink sapphires, amethyst and blue topazes. For this beauty you will have to pay neither more nor less, but $ 163,000. The Single copy was sold in December, 2006 in the shopping center Mitsukoshi in Tokyo. 
                 

4.Most Expensive Pizza

The most expensive pizza in the world was sold in the pizzeria of Nino’s Bellissima Pizza in New York. The stuffing consisted of cream fish, chive-onions, four different kinds of Petrossian caviar, thinly sliced ​​ tail of Atlantic lobster, salmon caviar and a little wasabi which supplemented the flavoring variety. Pizza was enough for 8 people. It cost only about $125 for a slice.
               

5.Most Expensive Handbag

On June 14th, 2007 design company Ginza Tanaka presented this brilliant-platinum handbag at a fashion show in Tokyo. The handbag was made of pure platinum and decorated with 2,182 brilliants for 208 carats in total. The price tag at handbag, is also brilliant- $ 1, 630,000. 
           

6.World’s Most Expensive Tequila

Can you imagine that you spent $ 225,000 on alcohol? On July 20, 2006 company Tequila to one private collector from Mexico City at the price of $225 000. The drink was made from 100% blue agave juice and held for 6 years. The company entered the Guinness Book of Records for the release of the most expensive bottle of alcohol in the world. If you cannot afford platinum bottle, probably you may have enough funds for Gold and Platinum bottle for $ 150,000 or at least silver and gold tequila for $ 25,000.  

7.Most Expensive Cricket Ball

This cricket ball, decorated with diamonds, was awarded to the best players at the Cricket World Cup 2007. Each ball was decorated with 5728 diamonds that worth about $ 68,500. 
               

Most Expensive TVYes, instead of getting a new house, some cars or to feed two hundreds of starving people, get this TV. LCD TV Yalos Diamond will cost you $ 130,000, but it’s definitely worth it. The case is that it is covered by white gold and decorated by brilliants in 20 carats. What else is needed for an entire happiness?

8.Most Expensive Tea Bag

PG Tips is the British company on tea manufacturing. Jeweler company Boodles made this diamond tea bag in honor of the 75th anniversary of the PG Tips. It was handmade and decorated with 280 diamonds, which explains the price tag of $ 14,000. Well, we all know that the British are serious about their favorite drink, but not so!
                

9.Most Expensive Toy

The Japanese jeweler company Ginza Tanaka and toy manufacturer Bandai Co. presented to the world this tiny version of favorite Japanese robot – Gandam. Gandam is the protagonist of the longest and popular cartoon serial in Japan. The figurine that is 1 400g in weight and 13 cm in height, is made of pure platinum and costs $41 468 for an interested person.
                

10.Most Expensive Parking Space

It can really be necessary for you if you live in Manhattan. Although it is better to buy a Ferrari for $ 225,000 and go to another place! ABC.com reports that in a crowded Manhattan parking is considered as the best real estate. Some people buy a parking space even if they have no car- just as a profitable investment of money. So what do you get for a quarter of a million dollars? The empty space of 5 to 2.5 meters!