Headline

7 Countries With No Railway Lines And Why

Published

11 months ago

October 15, 2024

Railways are often seen as symbols of progress as they connect places, people, and economies but even at that, a handful of countries don’t have any rail system at all.

To some countries, the challenge boils down to geography while to others, it is financial.

Here’s a look at seven countries that manage just fine without railways, opting instead for other alternatives.

Bhutan

Bhutan is hidden in the Himalayas and because of this county’s majestic mountains, it make building railways tricky and an expensive venture. Its landscape is dominated by steep valleys and high-altitude passes, leaving limited flat land for tracks.
Instead, Bhutan has a solid road network that allows for reliable road travel.

Cyprus

Cyprus once had a railway system operating from 1905 to 1951. However, economic issues led to its closure, and a second attempt at revival was also abandoned in the 1970s.

Adding to the challenge is Cyprus’s political divide, which complicates cross-country infrastructure projects. For now, buses and an extensive road network connect people and places across this Mediterranean island.

Iceland

Iceland has tried three different times to set up railway networks, but none have become a full public transit system. Many factors played a role, like the country’s small population, the popularity of cars, and the tough landscape and climate, which made it challenging to maintain a railway.

The idea of railways in Iceland dates back to the early 1900s, though these early plans eventually lost momentum. New discussions came up in the 2000s about a rail link around Reykjavik and nearby areas. However, that project faced similar obstacles and hasn’t moved forward yet.

Andorra

This small, landlocked country in the Pyrenees mountains has no railways as it relies mainly on road transport. The nearest rail station is in France, and regular bus services connect travellers from there to Andorra’s capital, Andorra la Vella. Given its small population and limited size, Andorra manages well without its own railway infrastructure.

Monaco

One of the world’s smallest countries, Monaco is densely urbanised and doesn’t need railways within its borders. Its location along the French Riviera allows for easy access to French trains, and the principality itself uses an efficient system of buses and taxis.

At just 2.1 square kilometers, Monaco can be easily navigated without rail transport.

Yemen

Yemen’s lack of a railway system is due to its long-standing political instability and economic difficulties. The country’s desert terrain and ongoing conflict make infrastructure projects nearly impossible.

Instead, Yemen uses a road network for most of its transportation, but even this is affected by the country’s economic struggles.

Malta

Malta’s small size and densely packed streets make rail systems impractical. Although it had a short-lived railway in the early 20th century, it closed down in 1931. Malta’s public transport system now relies on buses, which are well-suited to the island’s limited geography and urban layout.

Each of these countries has found ways to meet transportation needs without railways. Whether it’s air, road, or sea transport, these alternative modes show that connectivity and mobility can adapt to any terrain or challenge.

Headline

Again, Russia Claims Another Village In Ukraine’s Region

Published

10 hours ago

August 25, 2025

Editor

The Russian army Monday claimed to have captured another village in Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk region, moving deeper into Ukrainian territory as peace efforts stall.

Russian forces are slowly but steadily gaining ground in costly battles for largely devastated areas in eastern and central Ukraine, normally with few inhabitants or intact buildings left.

Russia’s defence ministry said its forces had seized the settlement of Zaporizke in the region, which Russian troops recently advanced into for the first time in the three-and-a-half-year offensive.

Kyiv denies that Russian troops have gained a foothold in the Dnipropetrovsk region, an important industrial hub.

After another push by US President Donald Trump to broker a Ukraine-Russia summit, hopes for peace dimmed when Russia last week ruled out any immediate meeting between presidents Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky.

The central region of Dnipropetrovsk has previously been largely spared from fighting that has ravaged swathes of eastern and southern Ukraine, until Russia said its forces broke through in July.

Dnipropetrovsk is not one of the five Ukrainian regions — Donetsk, Kherson, Lugansk, Zaporizhzhia and Crimea — that Moscow has publicly claimed as Russian territory.

Ukraine said Russia had launched over 100 drones Monday, killing a 37-year old civilian driver and wounding two people in the northeastern Sumy region.

Moscow said Kyiv had launched about two dozen drones targeting western Russia

Headline

US Comedian Reggie Carroll Shot Dead In Mississippi

Published

10 hours ago

August 25, 2025

Editor

A United States comedian, Reginald “Reggie” Carroll, has been shot dead in Southaven, Mississippi.

The 52-year-old Carroll, widely known as the Knockout King of Comedy, was reportedly killed on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds.

The Southaven Police Department confirmed the incident in a Facebook statement on Saturday.

“Southaven officers located one male victim suffering from gunshot wounds.

“The officers and medical personnel provided life saving techniques but the individual succumbed to his injuries,” the statement partly read.

The victim was later identified as Carroll, a Baltimore native.

Police said one suspect was arrested and charged with his murder.

“One male is in custody and has been charged with the murder of Reginald Carroll.

“Our thoughts are with the family of Mr. Carroll.

“Thank you to the community for their patience and understanding,” the department added.

The police further assured that there was no ongoing threat to residents, describing the case as “an isolated shooting.”

Carroll, who built his career in stand-up comedy, gained national recognition touring with Katt Williams and headlining his own showcase, Knockout Kings of Comedy.

He also featured in the 2000 edition of Showtime at the Apollo, appeared on the UPN sitcom The Parkers alongside Mo’Nique and Countess Vaughn, and starred in the 2022 television film Rent & Go.

In 2023, he produced the stand-up special Knockout Kings of Comedy.

The Southaven Police Department disclosed that an investigation into his death is ongoing.

Headline

US Defends New Social Media Vetting For Nigerian Visa Applicants

Published

10 hours ago

August 25, 2025

Editor

The U.S. Mission in Nigeria on Monday reaffirmed that the safety and security of the United States remain the cornerstone of its visa application and decision-making process.

The US said this following its directive last week that mandates Nigerians to disclose all social media usernames and handles used over the past five years as part of the visa application process.

US Mission said Nigerian visa applicants must provide a comprehensive list of their social media profiles on the DS-160 visa application form, and warned that omitting the information could lead to visa denials.

Reacting to the development, the Federal Government said US citizens intending to visit Nigeria will be subjected to the same measures.

“The best we can do is to carry out reciprocal action. Some people from the US might want to apply for a visa, and we will adopt the same measures,” spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said last Monday.

However, in a statement released Monday on X, the US Mission said prospective visa applicants undergo careful vetting to maintain a safe and welcoming environment in the US.

It said, “The safety and security of the United States is at the heart of every #USVisa application and decision process.

“That’s why prospective applicants undergo careful screening to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all.”

The Mission added, “These measures help protect American citizens and communities while supporting secure and responsible travel.”