The World Ahead: 2022 is a book built on more than three decades of publishing success that considered the unpredictable “new normal” that is emerging as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, and what it means for politics, economics, business, science, and culture.

Many people fear mutations and a third wave, but COVID-19 infection rates are falling worldwide. Is the virus losing steam or are health measures finally having an effect?

China's exports surged in November as the Asian economy shrugs off the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. The boom was fueled partly by high demand for PPE and consumer electronics for people isolating at home.

Daniel Auminto lost his job and then his home when the coronavirus pandemic sent the Philippines into lockdown. Now he and his family -- along with hundreds of others -- live on the street, relying on food handouts to survive. Charities are struggling to meet the ever-growing demand for food as millions of families go hungry across the country.

The intensive care unit at the Policlinico Tor Vergata hospital is full as Italy, the first European country to be hit by the global coronavirus pandemic, passes the threshold of 50,000 deaths from Covid-19. Most occurred earlier this year, but around 15,000 deaths have been reported since the beginning of September.

German unemployment has fallen as the country appeared to bounce back from the initial shock of the coronavirus pandemic. However, a second partial lockdown looks set to darken the economic outlook.

For years, the Global Hunger Index has shown global advances in combating malnutrition. But the coronavirus pandemic could undo them, according to the latest report for German aid organization Welthungerhilfe.

Dubai's Safari Park reopens its doors after a two-year expansion, as the emirate seeks to boost its hard-hit tourism sector amid the coronavirus pandemic. The 119-hectare (294-acre) attraction, which is built on the site of a former waste dump, first opened its gates to the public in December 2017, but abruptly closed five months later for "park improvements".

Africa's economies are forecast to shink as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Germany's government is trying to prop up investment, but German companies are pessimistic about doing business on the continent.

Amidst the coronavirus pandemic, falling incomes, worsening fears about jobs and prolonged social distancing that is anathema to many South Koreans, the nation appears to be slipping into a crisis of mental health.

TikTok is counting down to a deal with Oracle. It's selected the US software company as the frontrunner to take control of some of its US operations and avoid a threatened ban. Also in the show: the US will block some exports from China's Xinjiang region over allegations of forced labour. Plus, the French government urges companies to take advantage of its financial support measures as the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread.

For those with mental health issues, the COVID-19 pandemic has been especially challenging. On this year's World Suicide Prevention Day, experts urge that physical distancing doesn't mean we're socially cut off.