Senior technologist Dariusz Czolak prepares to present the process of epitaxy in the Institute of Electronic Materials Technology (ITME) laboratory in Warsaw last month. (Kacper Pempel/REUTERS)
8:00 am ET -It's getting easier to do business in many countries, according to a World Bank report, with Eastern Europe and Central Asia making significant strides this year.
Progress Watch (View all)
- Progress Watch: Neither heat nor gloom ... Afghan post office delivers
- Progress Watch: Got broadband? Access now extends to 94 percent of Americans.
- Progress Watch: Kids Count report: America's children are advancing despite the economy
- Progress Watch: US violent crime rate down for fifth straight year
- Progress Watch: As Europe peers into economic chasm, Africa's economy is rising
- Progress Watch: In Saudi Arabia, a quiet tide of reform
- Progress Watch: Saudi girls find freedom in cleats
- Progress Watch: Why teen driving deaths have tumbled to historic lows
- Progress Watch: US air pollution hits 10-year low, report finds
- Progress Watch: Fatal accident rate for US children and teens plunges since 2000
More Progress Watch
-
Progress Watch
Fatal accident rate for US children and teens plunges since 2000Nationwide, the rate of unintentional deaths for children and teenagers fell 30 percent between 2000 and 2009, a recent report finds. Biggest reason: fewer fatalities per capita due to auto accidents.
-
Progress Watch
Behind the big drop in euthanasia for America's dogs and catsFido and Fluffy are far more likely to survive a stint at the animal shelter today than 40 years ago. Population control and better practices by shelters and pet owners have improved the lot of dogs and cats.
-
Progress Watch
How to curb chronic homelessness? First, a home!Permanent supportive housing, a movement to supply homeless people with housing first and deal with their other issues second, has made big strides in reducing homelessness this decade.
-
Progress Watch
US crime rate at lowest point in decades. Why America is safer now.The crime rate for serious crimes, including murder, rape, and assault, has dropped significantly since the early 1990s in part because of changes in technology and policing, experts say.
-
Cover Story
The (surprisingly upbeat) state of the worldA different perspective on the state of the world: four major areas where mankind's long-term progress is striking.
-
Progress Watch
Why the US teen birthrate hit a record low in 2010Last year, the teen birthrate dropped to the lowest level ever reported in the US. Increased use of birth control is one reason, and many say that parent-child dialogue is key.
-
Progress Watch
US sees renaissance in energy efficiency, led by Congress and big businessFor decades, the US has been transforming into a more energy efficient society. But fresh impetus has come in the wake of a 2007 law embracing tougher appliance and auto standards.
-
Progress Watch
Hurt by war in Iraq, a Baghdad museum reemergesA new exhibit opened this month at the Iraqi Museum, providing one more sign that the worst horrors of the war in Iraq are receding and the country is settling into a new normal.
-
Progress Watch
Kenya finds cleaner government is just a keystroke awayKenya is promoting cleaner government by computerizing many of the tasks that used to be handled by bureaucrats – who might seek bribes to expedite requests.
-
Progress Watch
Tunisia's democracy blooms as model for Arab SpringSmooth elections, a coalition between moderate Islamists and secularists, and an explosion of civic life are propelling Tunisia forward as a model for the Arab Spring.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Become part of the Monitor community