Like all governments, the United States borrows hard cash through treasury bonds. It issues government securities that other countries and institutions buy.

The US national debt — almost $14.35 trillion — is owned mostly in the United States, and the $4.5 trillion foreign-owned debt is owned predominantly by Asian economies, according to Guardian and Business Insider.

First let us take a look how much debt America owes…

(US national debt is owned mostly in the US)

Social security trust fund

Total holdings of US Treasuries: $2.67 trillion

Percentage of US debt that they own: 19

The Federal Reserve

The Treasury owes the Fed $1.63 trillion in Treasuries, much of which were bought for the Quantitative Easing programmes.

That is 11.3 per cent of US debt, much more than China.

China

Total holdings of Treasuries: $1.16 trillion

Percentage of US debt that they own: 8

US households

Total holdings of US Treasuries: $959.4 billion

Percentage of US debt that they own: 6.6

Japan

Total holdings of Treasuries: $912.4 billion

Percentage of US debt that they own: 6.4

State and local governments

Total holdings of US Treasuries: $506.1 billion

Percentage of US debt that they own: 3.5

Private pension funds

Total holdings of US Treasuries: $504.7 billion

Percentage of US debt that they own: 3.5

United Kingdom

Total holdings of Treasuries: $346.5 billion

Percentage of US debt that they own: 2.4

Money market mutual funds

Total holdings of US Treasuries: $337.7 billion

Percentage of US debt that they own: 2.4

State, local and federal retirement funds

Total holdings of US Treasuries: $320.9 billion

Percentage of US debt that they own: 2.2

Commercial banks

Total holdings of US Treasuries: $301.8 billion

Percentage of US debt that they own: 2.1

Mutual funds

Total holdings of US Treasuries: $300.5 billion

Percentage of US debt that they own: 2

Oil exporting countries

Total holdings of Treasuries: $229.8 billion

Percentage of US debt that they own: 1.6

Brazil

Total holdings of Treasuries: $211.4 billion

Percentage of US debt that they own: 1.5

Taiwan

Total holdings of US Treasuries: $153.4 billion

Percentage of US debt that they own: 1.1

Caribbean banking centres

Total holdings of US Treasuries: $148.3 billion

Percentage of US debt that they own: 1

So which are the nations with the highest per capita income in the world? And where does China stand? read on….

1. Monaco; per capita GDP: $203,900

Monaco, a major tourist resort in the Mediterranean, has the highest per capita income in the world at a breathtaking $203,900.

The Principality of Monaco has booming high value-add industries and a strong services sector. Monaco has no income tax, but it makes most of its money from being a tax haven.

2. Liechtenstein: $113,210

Natives of Liechtenstein, a small country bordering Switzerland and Austria, are the second richest in the world in terms of annual per capita income.

The principality has an industrialised economy, with banking and financial services being the mainstay. Tourism too is a major revenue earner for the nation.

The personal income tax rates in Liechtenstein too are exceedingly low: basic income tax rate is 1.2 per cent on income up to 200,000 Swiss Francs, and maximum is 5 per cent on income over 2 million Swiss Francs a year.

3. Norway: $86,440

Norway’s per capita income stands at $86,440, which is the third highest in the world.

Norway has a mixed economy consisting of state-owned businesses and a robust free market. It’s a highly developed and an industrialised state. Fishing, petroleum, hydel power, minerals contribute heavily to the nation’s GDP.

4. Luxembourg: $74,430

Luxembourg’s per capita income is at $74,430. That makes it the world’s fourth highest PCI.

Luxembourg is located in Europe and is bordered by Belgium, France, and Germany.

The nation has highly developed industrial and financial sectors.

Luxembourg, one of the world’s richest cities, also offers higher salaries. On an average, workers in Western European cities receive more than three times the pay of their colleagues in Eastern Europe.

5. Channel Islands: $68,610

The per capita income in Channel Islands is a whopping $68,610. That makes it the fifth highest per capita income in the world.

Tourism is the major revenue generator for the Channel Islands. The islands of Jersey and Guernsey also provide financial services and are tax havens.

The Bailiwick of Jersey is a British Crown Dependency off the coast of Normandy, France. Jersey’s major agricultural products are potatoes and dairy produce.

The source of milk is Jersey cattle, a small breed of cow that has also been acknowledged (though not widely so) for the quality of its meat.

Small-scale organic beef production has been reintroduced in an effort to diversify the industry.

6. Qatar: $66,100

The per capita income of Qataris is $66,100, the sixth highest in the world.

Qatar is an Arab emirate located in the Persian Gulf.

The nation’s economy mainly depends on its huge oil and natural gas reserves. There is no income tax in Qatar.

Qatar is an oil- and gas-rich nation with world’s third largest gas reserves.

Qatar has experienced rapid economic growth over the last several years on the back of high oil prices.

7. Bermuda: $60,000

Bermuda, a tourist’s delight, is located in the North Atlantic Ocean.

Bermuda’s per capita income is almost 30 per cent more than that of the United States. The tiny island nation’s per capita income stands at just above $60,000. It has the seventh highest per capita income in the world.

Bermuda is a major financial centre and is particularly attractive because of its low taxation rates. Financial services is the nation’s largest industry, followed by tourism.

Bermuda is a British overseas territory in the North Atlantic Ocean. Its capital is Hamilton. It is the oldest and most populous remaining British overseas territory. Bermuda has a very affluent economy with finance as its largest sector followed by tourism.

As the offshore domicile of many foreign companies, Bermuda has a highly-developed international business economy; it is an exporter of financial services, primarily insurance, reinsurance, investment funds and special purpose vehicles.

8. Denmark: $58,930

Denmark’s per capita income is at $58,930. According to World Bank rankings, it is the world’s eighth highest PCI.

Denmark has a highly industrialised economy, with robust agricultural and corporate sectors.

Despite being one of the most competitive nations, it has a very weak financial regulatory system. Also, its labour laws are very lax and tilted heavily in favour of the employers.

9. Switzerland: $56,370

The Swiss enjoy a financially comfortable life, with a per capita income of $56,370. Switzerland ranks ninth in the World Bank’s per capita income rankings.

Switzerland, a truly capitalist economy, has many giant banks and multinational corporations.

It also has highly developed industries in sectors like pharmaceuticals, chemicals, machine parts, electronics, precision instruments, banking, tourism, etc. Dairy farming too is an age old industry in Switzerland. It has very low tax rates.

10. Kuwait: $53,930

Kuwaitis have the tenth highest per capita income in the world.

The country has the world’s fifth largest oil reserves. The Kuwait Stock Exchange, which has about 200 firms listed, is the second-largest stock exchange in the Arab world.

Petroleum and petroleum products now account for nearly 95 per cent of Kuwait’s export revenues, and 80 per cent of government income.

Kuwait is regarded as one of the most economically developed countries in the Arab League.

11. Isle of Man: $51,310

Isle of Man natives have the 11th highest annual per capita income in the world at $51,310.

Tourism, banking and manufacturing are the key contributors to the economy of the Isle of Man.

The Isle of Man has free access to European Union markets for goods.

The Isle of Man has income tax rates of 10 per cent and 20 per cent. It has no capital gains tax, wealth tax, stamp duty, death duty or inheritance tax.

The island is a British Crown dependency in the Irish Sea.

12. San Marino: $50,670

The economy of San Marino is mostly driven by tourism. Its citizens enjoy the 12th highest per capita income in the world at $50,670 per annum.

However, the nation’s other industries like textiles, agriculture and banking also make a significant contribution to San Marino economy.

13. United Arab Emirates: $50,240

The United Arab Emirates has a per capita income of over $50,240. It is the 13th highest in the world.

The United Arab Emirates has a highly developed economy, and has a rich source of revenue in tourism and its huge oil reserves.

14. Netherlands: $49,350

The Dutch have the world’s 14th highest per capita income at $49,350.

The Netherlands is the world’s 16th largest economy, which is mostly driven by manufacturing, tourism, and services.

The Netherlands is a founding member of the European Union, the OECD and the World Trade Organization.

15. Sweden: $48,930

Sweden’s per capita income is $48,930, making its PCI 15th-highest in the world.

Sweden has a very well developed industry in sectors like engineering, telecom, power, automobiles, pharmaceuticals, etc. The nation’s economy is heavily dependent on foreign trade. It also has highly skilled work force.

16. Cayman Islands: $48,140

The per capita income of Cayman Islands is more than $48,140, as per World Bank figures. It has the 16th highest PCI in the world.

The Cayman Islands are situated in the Caribbean Sea. It is a major financial centre and also one of the world’s best known tax havens. The nation’s economic mainstays are tourism and financial services.

The Cayman Islands is a British overseas territory located in the western Caribbean Sea. The territory comprises the islands of Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman, located south of Cuba and northwest of Jamaica. The territory is a major offshore financial centre in the Caribbean.

With an average income of around $42,000, Caymanians enjoy the highest standard of living in the Caribbean.

The islands print their own currency, the Cayman Islands Dollar (KYD), which is pegged to the US dollar at a fixed rate of 1 KYD = $1.25.

17. United States of America: $47,240

America’s per capita income is $47,240. It’s the 17th-highest in the world.

The United States is mostly a capitalist economy, with huge mineral and oil reserves, apart from fantastic infrastructure, skilled work force, and the highest number of the world’s largest corporations.

The country has highly developed sectors, like banking, financial services, automobile, agriculture, manufacturing, energy, etc.

18. Austria: $46,850

Austria has a strong social market economy and a high standard of living as befits a nation that is amongst the world’s richest. Austrians enjoy the 18th highest per capita income in the world.

Austria is a highly industrialised nation, but has a very strong labour movement.

Tourism, industry and the services sector add to the nation’s economy.

19. Finland: $45,680

Finland has a highly developed industry and a mixed economy. It is one of the richest nations in the world, and has consistently scored very high on most parameters like connectivity, standard of living, quality of life, economic freedom, etc.

Finland, at $45,680 per annum, has the world’s 19th highest per capita income.

The services sector contributes the major bulk to the nation’s economy, followed by manufacturing.

20. Macao SAR, China: $45,360

Macau has the world’s 20th highest per capita income at $35,360.

It is one of the most open economies in the world. Tourism and garment exports are the biggest revenue generators for Macau.

21. Belgium: $45,310

The Belgian open economy has used its well developed transport network, its central location in Europe, its highly industrial and commercial base to grow at a rapid pace.

Belgium has the world’s 21st highest per capita income at $45.310.

22. Ireland: $44,310

The Irish have a per capita income of $44,310, ranking them 22nd in the world.

Ireland too has made rapid strides in the field of information technology. Construction, apart from agriculture, too is an important part of the Irish economy.

Ireland is the third-largest island in Europe and the 20th largest island in the world.

The focus of economy shifted from agriculture to a modern knowledge economy. It now stresses on services and high-tech industries and is dependent on trade, industry and investment.

The 1995 to 2000 period of high economic growth led many to call the country the Celtic Tiger.

23. Australia: $43,770

Australia has a highly developed market economy. Almost 68 per cent of the Australian economy is dominated by its service sector.

Australians enjoy the world’s 23rd highest per capita income at $43,770.

The Australian dollar is the currency of the Commonwealth of Australia.

24. Iceland: $43,220

At $43,220, the per capita income of Iceland is the world’s 24th highest.

Iceland has a very healthy power sector which helps it to be a highly industrialised country.

Apart from manufacturing, the nation is also taking big strides in the fields of software generation, biotechnology, tourism, and financial services.

25. France: $42,680

France has the fifth largest economy in the world, behind United States, China, Japan and Germany. At $42,680, the French have the world’s 25th highest annual per capita income.

France is a highly industrialised country with sectors like energy, telecommunications, aerospace, defence, engineering, and automobile production boosting its robust economy.

After Germany, it is also Europe’s largest economy. Tourism and agriculture too add to its economy.

26. Germany: $42,560

Germany has the largest economy in Europe, the fourth-largest by nominal GDP in the world, and fifth by GDP in 2008.

Germans enjoy the world’s 26th highest per capita income at $42,560 per year.

The service sector contributes around 70 per cent of the total GDP, industry 29.1 per cent, and agriculture 0.9 per cent to the economy.

124: China: $3,590

China’s per capita income is $3,590. It ranks 124th in the world in terms of per capita income.

China is the world’s second largest economy, with its GDP standing at slightly more than $7 trillion. India, by comparison, touched the $1-trillion mark in 2007.

China, the world’s factory, has a highly developed manufacturing sector. It has a huge market which acts as a magnet for big multinationals who pour in billions of dollars into the economy to grab a chunk of the massive Chinese market.

The country also has a very well developed telecommunications market, apart from robust agricultural and industrial sectors.

171: Pakistan: $1,020

Pakistan’s per capita income is at $870. It ranks 171st in the world.

For the past few years, India’s neighbour has been growing at an impressive rate of about 7 per cent. Its economy mainly comprises agriculture, services, telecommunications, software, automotives, textiles, etc.

Photographs by Peter Menzel from the book “Hungry Planet”

Come see What The World Eats. A few years ago photographer Peter Menzel and his wife Faith D’Aluisio started to photograph what family’s around the globe eat and wrote down what their weekly expenditure is. In 2005 they published an award winning book called Hungry Planet: What The World Eats.

This project turned out to be so educational that he’s currently still giving lectures at universities about this very subject. A current exhibition is held until May 9, 2010 is hosted by the Bell Museum of Natural History at the University of Minnesota.

As you look at the photographs and see what they spend per week, you can draw a lot of different conclusions about their dietm their surroundings, their personal/economic circumstance and how globalization has influenced what people eat.

A quote from his website about his book:

Today we are witnessing the greatest change in global diets since the invention of agriculture. Globalization, mass tourism, and giant agribusiness have filled American supermarket shelves with extraordinary new foods and McDonald’s, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and Kraft Cheese Singles are being exported to every corner of the planet.

Japan: The Ukita family of Kodaira City

Food expenditure for one week: 37,699 Yen or $317.25
Favorite foods: sashimi, fruit, cake, potato chips

Italy: The Manzo family of Sicily

Food expenditure for one week: 214.36 Euros or $260.11
Favorite foods: fish, pasta with ragu, hot dogs, frozen fish sticks

Chad: The Aboubakar family of Breidjing Camp

Food expenditure for one week: 685 CFA Francs or $1.23
Favorite foods: soup with fresh sheep meat

Kuwait: The Al Haggan family of Kuwait City

Food expenditure for one week: 63.63 dinar or $221.45

Family recipe: Chicken biryani with basmati rice

United States: The Revis family of North Carolina

Food expenditure for one week: $341.98
Favorite foods: spaghetti, potatoes, sesame chicken

Mexico: The Casales family of Cuernavaca

Food expenditure for one week: 1,862.78 Mexican Pesos or $189.09
Favorite foods: pizza, crab, pasta, chicken

China: The Dong family of Beijing

Food expenditure for one week: 1,233.76 Yuan or $155.06
Favorite foods: fried shredded pork with sweet and sour sauce

Poland: The Sobczynscy family of Konstancin-Jeziorna

Food expenditure for one week: 582.48 Zlotys or $151.27
Family recipe: Pig’s knuckles with carrots, celery and parsnips

Egypt: The Ahmed family of Cairo

Food expenditure for one week: 387.85 Egyptian Pounds or $68.53
Family recipe: Okra and mutton (goat meat)

Ecuador: The Ayme family of Tingo

Food expenditure for one week: $31.55
Family recipe: Potato soup with cabbage

United States: The Caven family of California

Food expenditure for one week: $159.18
Favorite foods: beef stew, berry yogurt sundae, clam chowder, ice cream

Mongolia: The Batsuuri family of Ulaanbaatar

Food expenditure for one week: 41,985.85 togrogs or $40.02
Family recipe: Mutton dumplings

Great Britain: The Bainton family of Cllingbourne Ducis

Food expenditure for one week: 155.54 British Pounds or $253.15
Favorite foods: avocado, mayonnaise sandwich, prawn cocktail, chocolate fudge cake with cream

Bhutan: The Namgay family of Shingkhey Village

Food expenditure for one week: 224.93 ngultrum or $5.03
Family recipe: Mushroom, cheese and pork

Germany: The Melander family of Bargteheide

Food expenditure for one week: 375.39 Euros or $500.07
Favorite foods: fried potatoes with onions, bacon and herring, fried noodles with eggs and cheese, pizza, vanilla pudding

Courtesy:  TIME magazine photo galleries of “Hungry Planet” part I

When these hotties make a debut in the market, they may make your heart go zoom. Check them out.

Samsung i8520 Halo

Samsung Halo is a 3.7-inch Super AMOLED touch-screen smartphone with an 8-megapixel AF camera. The smartphone runs on Google’s Android 2.1 OS.

It is equipped with a GPS, Wi-Fi, DivX and XviD support for videos, 8-megapixel camera, a 3.5 mm headphone jack and 16GB of internal memory.

HTC Legend & HTC Desire

HTC Desire comes with a 3.7-inch capacitive touch-screen (800 x 480), a 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor and the Android OS. The smartphone supports Flash 10.1. HTC Legend sports a 3.2-inch AMOLED capacitive touch-screen display (320 x 480) and the company’s Sense user interface.

The company also showcased Legend. HTC Legend is powered by a 600MHz Qualcomm processor and runs on Google’s Android operating system (version 2.1). Other features include Wi-Fi and 3G network connectivity, a 5 mega-pixel camera, a 3.5mm headphone jack and Bluetooth.

Sony Vivaz Pro

Vivaz Pro comes with a QWERTY keyboard that slides out from underneath the 3.2-inch touchscreen. The Symbian-based Vivaz Pro is about 2 millimeters thicker than the original Vivaz, allows for video capture in 720p HD, and comes in black or white. It includes an 8GB microSD card and a 5.1 megapixel camera.

Sony introduced the original Vivaz last month, and that device is set to be released this quarter.

LG GD880 Mini

LG GD880 Mini is a touch-screen handset supporting HSDPA, Wi-Fi and GPS. The super thin phone features a sleek design with textured metal side panels. Features include a 5-megapixel camera with face detection capabilities and a 16:9 widescreen display.

LG also showcased LG GT350. The QWERTY messaging smartphone offers built-in applications for major social networks and sports a 3-inch full-touch screen. LG GT350 also includes real-time push e-mail and will be available in four colors.

Sony x10 mini and Xperia x10 Pro

The two other phones introduced by Sony take their cues from Xperia x10 — the Xperia x10 mini and the Xperia x10 Pro. Both phones are built on Android 1.6 operating system and come with access to Google services like Gmail, Google Maps and the Android Market. They include a 2.55-inch touchscreen and 5-megapixel camera.

The Xperia x10 Pro, however, gets its own slide-out QWERTY keyboard like the Vivaz Pro. The addition makes the Xperia x10 Pro slightly heavier than the mini, 4.2 ounces compared to 3.1 ounces.

x10 mini comes in black, pearl white, lime, pink, red, and silver, while the x10 mini pro comes in black or red. The original Xperia x10 debuted in November 2009, and includes an 8.1 megapixel camera and four-inch screen. It will be available this quarter

Acer Liquid E

Acer launched Liquid E, its new Android-based smartphone (version 2.1). The original Acer Liquid was launched in 2009 and had Android 1.6. In Liquid E, Acer has upgraded not only the software but also provide multitouch support via its 3.5 inch touchscreen with capacitive sensitivity.

Acer also unveiled the neoTouch P400 smartphone – a Windows Mobile powered handset. At just 12 millimetres thick it is one of the sleekest WinMo-based mobiles around and should feature version 6.5.3.

Motorola Quench

Motorola’s only launch at Mobile World Congress is Android-powered Motorola Quench. The phone sports a 3.1-inch, 320 x 480 capacitive touch-screen, a 5MP camera and a 528 MHz processor.

Other features include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS and 3G.

Toshiba K01

Toshiba K01 is a slide-out phone with a QWERTY keyboard. The mobile phone features a Snapdragon 1GHz processor running Windows Mobile Professional 6.5, a 3.15-megapixel camera with auto-focus and VGA video recording at 30 fps, 256MB RAM, 512MB ROM, and capacity for a microSD card up to 32GB. It also sports a 4.1-inch capacitive touch screen with touch-sensitive navigation controls.

Toshiba also launched TG02 features a capacitive touch screen and 3.15-megapixel camera with auto-focus. The slim phone runs on Windows Mobile Professional 6.5 and is powered by a Snapdragon 1GHz processor.

“I think it will probably be overblown. Obviously, China is going to protest. I don’t think it will have a long-term effect, but in the short term it will become a point of friction between China and India,” Professor Fravel, who is widely considered to be the leading authority on China’s border issues.

Asked if he felt the Dalai Lama would be advised to tone down political rhetoric, Professor Fravel replied: “I suspect he doesn’t even need to be told by the Indian government.”

“I think he will characterise his trip as being one of a religious nature,” Professor Fravel said. “The Chinese government will not see it that way, but that’s how he will characterise it.”

He says the Indian government has not allowed foreign journalists to cover the visit to reduce any fallout.

“I think the Indian government is doing it to de-politicise the visit as much as possible,” Professor Fravel said. “The Indian government has a long track record of trying to limit the political nature of Tibet-related activities in India — allow large gatherings or demonstrations on Tibetan issues.”

“I think the Chinese government will see it as follows:

“As an Indian effort to symbolically affirm control over Arunachal Pradesh (India).”

“Second, they will see the Dalai Lama’s visit as a way for him to internationalise the dispute with India. Wherever he goes, he will have an international audience.”

“A third perspective (is that the visit is) perhaps legitimating India’s claim to the area and questioning China’s claim.”

But China has more a serious cause for worry, Professor Fravel believes.

He points out that there is an important Tibetan monastery in Tawang.

“It is possible that a future Dalai Lama could be reincarnated there. That could create a huge problem for China,” Professor Fravel says, citing precedent for a Dalai Lama, the sixth, Tsangyang Gyatso, who was born in the Tawang area.

“In the long run, what worries China is that the reincarnation will occur in an area that China does not control — which, most likely, will be in this one very small part of Arunachal Pradesh, which does have a historical link with Tibet.

Source: Rediff India

There are some surprises on the list. The list is based on a survey by condom maker Durex, so the accuracy is debatable, but it’s fun to peruse it nonetheless.

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No.10 - Mexico

Want to take a sexy siesta? Meet people of the sun and fun in our No. 10 horniest country. Mexicans kick off our list of boot-knocking peoples, and they start from an early age. In fact, in May of 2008 Mexico City’s government distributed 700,000 copies of sex-ed textbooks to deliver to the city’s student population, well aware that the kids would be doing the horizontal tango one way or another. And when it comes to sex south of the border, there’s always a way. While prostitution is generally illegal in Mexico, it is legal in select cities like Tijuana where sex worker zones are set up for your benefit.

Horny hangouts: A huge spring break getaway, Mexico’s resorts often melt into one giant pickup place. Here are some of the more notable places to go in this horny country: In Cancun, check out the popular bars — Senor Frogs, Daddy ‘O and Coco Bongo. In Acapulco try Palladium, a huge disco that overlooks several other bars, there’s also Baby Lobster Bar and Thai Bar, both of which have a reputation for hot girls. Visiting Cabo San Lucas? Then you definitely need to check out Squid Roe, a popular dance bar flowing with tequila. A few other Cabo San Lucas pickup options include The Zoo and Mango deck. If you’re in Puerto Vallarta check out The Zoo (another one) and El Hilo for hot Mexican nights. In Tijuana? Hit up Senor Frogs, Mundo Cafe or Safaris.

No.9 - Switzerland

Sure, they’re politically neutral, but the Swiss definitely have an opinion about sex. That opinion roughly translates to: “Gimme more.” Apart from their regular bedroom feats, prostitution is also legal in this horny country. Every year 350,000 Swiss pay their own way for pleasure. With this level of commitment it’s no wonder they made our list of top 10 horniest countries.

Horny hangouts: If you’re traveling in Zurich, you’ll want to check out this popular spot, the Hive Bar or even Ba Ba Lu for loud music and a lively crowd that’s sure to make your night one to remember.

No.8 - Spain

In the land of Latin love, sex is a foregone conclusion. Its traditional, sexually charged culture has even gone through a modern update. Recently, it’s been reported that Spanish men have turned to our modern-day Spanish fly, Viagra, to please their ladies longer — even if they are fully capable of the act without the pill. Of course, this little enhancement makes sure they meet their own expectations as well, proving that this is definitely one of the horniest countries around.

Horny hangouts: In Barcelona, visit the seaside club Baja Beach where plenty of women come to see and be seen. Your other bet for hot Spanish nights is Razzmatazz, which is a single club with five different clubs attached to it. Here to party? Ibiza’s got the answer: Just pick a bar, any bar, and you’ll do fine.

No.7 - Malaysia

In public, this country definitely appears conservative. For example, there was a recent controversy over whether sex education should be taught in high school or not — not exactly sexually liberated. However, behind closed doors lies (pun totally intended) the real story: Malaysians are swinging from the bedposts, and loving every minute of it. Occasionally we’ll get a glimpse of it – like when Malaysia’s Minister of Health was forced to step down after his homemade sex tapes made the rounds in January of 2008.

Horny hangouts: In Kuala Lumpur, check out these bars and clubs for a straightforward party: Aloha, Poppy Bar or the Rum Jungle. To “choose your own adventure” visit the Beach Club where there’s a good chance a girl comes at a price, but she’ll be worth every penny.

No.6 - Italy

Many Italians live la dolce vita with sex high on their list of things to do on a daily basis. A poll found that 32% of Italians over 60 years old have sex regularly. It’s unclear if this means seniors are schtupping around the clock or once a week. However, one thing’s clear; their frequency in the sack helped give this country a spot on our list of top 10 horniest countries.

Horny hangouts: Visiting Florence? Check out the Red Garter, a classic American-style bar with an international reputation as a pickup joint. Your second choice should be Moyo, a laid-back club whose volume lets you have a conversation. In Milan, good bets for passionate encounters are Propaganda, a huge nightclub, plus The Shocking Club, a club known for its crazier theme nights. And when in Rome, visit the Drunken Ship, a popular party bar, and don’t forget to do it as the Romans do it.

No.5 - Poland

For a fairly conservative culture, Poland has earned a steamy reputation as one of the horniest countries out there. Poland has an annual Eroticon festival that showcases the latest and greatest sex toys and mechanisms in the adult industry. Even one of Poland’s politicians was caught in a sex scandal. However, the most obvious evidence of Poland’s hound-dog ways has to be the two Polish women who once held the world gangbang record, which they completed in their home country. Need we explain?

Horny hangouts: If you’re going to Warsaw, you’ll want to visit Organza, a club with a good share of women. Or for variety check out the two-floor bar Zoo; this bar features plenty of space to party or chat up women. Now Krakow: While you’re there go to Cien Klub, described as an institution it’s a big club with lots of girls. Krakow also features Frantic, another two-floor bar and the Goraczka Freak Club, not that kind of “freak,” but a good party place filled with ladies nonetheless.

No.4 - China

The more China’s Cultural Revolution thaws, the more its sexual revolution heats up. Want proof? Just in the past eight years, 5,000 sex shops have opened in Beijing alone. Plus, China even has a SEXPO, where Chinese residents come to check out sex paraphernalia. And with 70% of the world’s sex toys made in China, its horniest country status means that a good deal of their hard work won’t have to go very far.

Horny hangouts: If you’re visiting Shanghai, you need to check out these better-known spots: Bar Rouge, Zapata’s and Windows. If you’re in Beijing, you’ve got a few options: Visit the Sanlitun Lu District, often dubbed “bar street” for all its action. For the tried-and-true joints check out Bar Blu, Suzie Wong and Brown’s, all renowned meat markets. And for your seedier pick you need to head to Maggie’s, a popular nightclub known for its working girls.

No.3 - Russia

Was the Cold War’s biggest secret that the Russians were having more sex than we were? Since the fall of Communism it looks a lot more likely that it actually was. Russian’s libidos are inspiring them to fill tons of new Moscow clubs and bars where hookups are a nightly pastime in this horny country.

Horny hangouts: In Moscow, go to The Hungry Duck, a crazy bar that runs ladies’ nights with male strippers three times a week, then lets men in the door once the strippers are off stage. Sure, nothing is set in stone, but you’d have to try hard to miss this softball pickup pitch. Other Russian hot spots include Night Flight, where you can pick up Russian girls, and Propaganda, which is better-known for housing tourists rather than locals.

No.2 - Brazil

Considering this is the birthplace of the thong, it makes sense that sex is as essential as breathing in Brazil. This horny country’s beaches are filled with gorgeous women and during its annual Carnaval even the most stubborn inhibitions disappear and this destination proves its spot on our top 10 horniest countries list.

Horny hangouts: In Rio, definitely visit the Lapa district. It’s a huge party spot, filled with clubs and gyrating women. Other Rio options include the Nuth Bar, a two-story nightclub notorious as a pickup bar, plus Baronetti or Club Six. Up for more adventure? You can negotiate your price openly at Help.

No.1 - Greece

This country has a long tradition of sex that dates back to ancient times — these are the guys that brought us pederasty and Sapphic love. With its temperate Mediterranean weather, beaches and tons of islands, Greece’s ingredients make it the No. 1 horniest country in the world.

Horny hangouts: Set aside some time, and plenty of protection, because there are a number of pickup spots throughout the islands and on the mainland. First, in Athens, try out Hoxton in the Gazi district, it’s a trendy bar where backpackers are known to hang out. For the islands, Corfu is renowned for its infamous pickup spot, The Pink Palace. And while on the island of Los, check out these bars: Kahlua, Slammer Bar or the Red Bull Bar. Finally, make sure to check out Mykonos, an island known for its partying. While in Mykonos, visit Paradise Beach club that’s set right on, you guessed it, a beach. Paradise Beach is a big hangout, where clothing has been known to occasionally disappear.

Resources:

• http://durex.com
• http://wikitravel.org
• www.travel-acapulco.com
• www.virtualtourist.com
• www.lonelyplanet.com
• www.culturekiosque.com
• www.thebackpacker.net
• www.hostelworld.com

Nearly 25 lakh people have fled the Swat Valley after the Pakistan army stepped up its offensive against Taliban militants in the country’s troubled north-western parts.

Many feel that a humanitarian crisis is imminent as Pakistan is facing its worst refugee crisis since the partition of the subcontinent in 1947.

The army claims that over 1,300 militants have been killed since the drive against the Taliban in Buner, Dir and Swat was launched in May. Over 100 army personnel have also died in the offensive.

The military offensive, which was undertaken at the prodding of the United States, has sparked retaliatory attacks by the Taliban in various parts of Pakistan, the latest being the suicide bombing of a luxury hotel in Peshawar on Tuesday (June 9th 2009).

The United Nations, which has set up a fund to help the internally displaced persons in Pakistan, recently warned of a shortage of money and medical supplies.

The UN has appealed for $543 million to procure food, medicine, shelter and other assistance for the IDPs.

Pakistan has also urged the international community to help its displaced civilians, and sought financial assistance of one billion dollars.

Representatives of the World Health Organisation have warned that their medical supplies will not last beyond June 2009.

Pakistan launched its military operation in May to regain control over the North Western Frontier Province, which had been taken over by the Taliban.

Thousands continue to flee the strife-torn provinces of Dir, Buner and Mingora every day.

Though Pakistan has claimed that it is steadily regaining control over the Taliban-infested areas, its army now faces the Herculean task of flushing out the militants holed up in the mountainous terrains.

A majority of refugees are cramped into only 20 camps located south of Swat valley.

The make-shift camps are made of rows of white tents erected in dusty fields. The basic meals of rice and bread are cooked in communal kitchens.

The US has already provided $300 million to help ease Pakistan’s refugee crisis. However, many of the refugees are angry as they believe that they have been displaced due to the Pakistan army fighting an American war.

The refugees are also tired of the incessant fighting between the Pakistan army and the militants, as they are caught in the cross-fire.

United State President Barack Obama sent his special envoy to Af-Pak Richard Holbrook to visit the refugee camps in Pakistan and assess the living conditions there.

Holbrook visited the Sheikh Shahzad refugee camp near the town of Mardan on June 4.

He interacted with several of the camp’s inhabitants, who complained about the bad quality of food and the lack of beddings.

‘We hope you can go back soon, but we don’t know,’ Holbrooke said, adding, ‘You will go back soon, God willing.’

He also stressed that it was the Pakistan government’s responsibility to ensure the safe return of the lakhs of refugees.

However, as the battle between security forces and the army rages on, the refugees in these camps struggle with dismal living conditions and an endless wait.

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