But what day is chosen for elections in other countries? Many countries, such as Greece, Australia, and Brazil, choose to hold elections on Sundays or Saturdays because they feel that more people will turn out to vote on weekends when they are less likely to be working.
The United States does not hold Sunday elections because the tradition is that Sundays are for religious services, not voting. But not every country or religion observes Sunday as its day of worship.
Continue reading your story on the app
Continue reading your story in the magazine
Animal Central
From golden frogs to big cats to colorful birds, the national animals of Central America represent the geography and cultures of the region. For a quick sampling of creatures plain and beautiful, common and rare, read on.
31 Countries Biosphere
The Trifinio Fraternidad Biosphere Reserve is located at a spot where El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras converge. A biosphere is the layer of planet Earth where life exists.
THE LEGEND OF THE QUETZAL BIRD
A Mayan Tale retold by Pat Betteley illustrated by Amanda Shepherd
Semana Santa GUATEMALA'S HOLY WEEK
What if Easter preparations meant dyeing sand, collecting pine needles, and staying up all night to work on an art project that you knew would be ruined the very next day? Well, welcome to Guatemala’s Semana Santa, or Holy Week.
ME OH-MAYA!
The Maya are groups of people who live in parts of Mexico, Honduras, and Guatemala. Their ancestors created a great society. At its peak, from 600-900 C.E., the Maya civilization was more advanced than its neighbors in the Americas.
Playing Games Honduras-style
Would you play the same games in Honduras that you do in the United States? You might. Children in Honduras enjoy many of the same games North Americans do. They go fishing and shoot baskets. They play sandlot baseball—called bate (BAH tay). They fly kites and ride bikes. Their parents may go horseback riding or play golf or tennis.
LIVING A LONG LIFE IN THE Blue Zone
Most people would like to live as long a life as possible. No one really knows why some people live longer than others, but did you know that where you live can play a big part in how many years you’ll be alive? If you live in a Blue Zone, chances are that you will live much longer than people in other parts of the world.
ATTENTION WORLD: Belize Saves Their Coral Reef
Sea turtles float in clear waters, colorful corals hug the ocean floor, and aquatic animals glide among the mangrove roots. Welcome to the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, the second-largest coral reef in the world (Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is number one). Several years ago, this reef was in crisis, heading toward destruction. But the people of Belize fought back to save their reef’s health.
The Panama Canal
The Panama Canal is a 51-mile long canal that connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
This is Central America!
It’s time to visit Central America. But first, it helps to know exactly where Central America is. Despite its name, it is the southernmost part of North America, which can seem a little confusing. It makes up most of the isthmus dividing the Pacific Ocean from the Caribbean Sea. An isthmus is a narrow strip of land that connects two larger landmasses and has water on both sides.
On the Mountain of the Gods
After striking out on his first attempt, the author returns to Mt. Olympus determined to make the summit.
Pivoting to Troll
Elon Musk’s incessant posting may do wonders for his ego and clout in right-wing circles, but it has destroyed value pretty much everywhere else
Rafael Brandão THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME!
In the fall of 2017, MD's own Giles Thomas was in San Marino, Italy covering the pro show. Two future stars made their pro debut that day. One was the tank-like Hadi Choopan, and the other was a study in shape and symmetry named Rafael Brandão from Brazil. Giles immediately recognized the vast potential in the young man, and as time went by the rest of the bodybuilding world caught on. Fast-forward to 2022 and "Rafa," as many know him, is one of the best up-and-coming competitors in Open Bodybuilding. We spoke about training with Flex Lewis, the true power and rewards of bodybuilding beyond the superficial muscles, the meteoric rise of Brazilian athletes in the IFBB Pro League, and his first Mr. Olympia coming up later this year.
Why Land Is Key to Brazil's Presidency
Lagging Lula in polls, Bolsonaro is wooing rural voters by giving squatters title to their farms
Why We Are Not Responsible Toward the Environment
DR. ICHAK ADIZES is an expert in change management for organizations. Here he shares some of the reasons why companies are not changing their actions in relation to the environment, even though everyone knows we are facing an environmental crisis. He also offers simple solutions that will bring change.
Unnecessarily Fast, or Unnecessarily Dangerous?
“The bigger they are, the harder they fall.” This truism comes from boxing, but applies to all walks of life. Innovative MotoGP superstar Marc Marquez, however, adds a new twist.
A Place to Escape
This former Jo'burger loves sharing her Little Karoo haven with all who appreciate its peace and quiet.
Avoiding A Brazilian Detroit
The country's Motor City is losing plants and jobs in a sign of manufacturing decline
We're With Her: Bella Heathcote
The Australian star of Netflix's highly bingeable Pieces of Her is handling Covid just fine, but would really prefer not to endure your lame Aussie accent.
Living Art
Keen to try shaping some of your plants into topiaries and patterns? We show you how…