While the UK has been affected by unusually heavy rain and flooding, many parts of the world often struggle with monsoon rains and flash floods causing severe damage and loss of life
They used to be an important part of the economy but the need for shepherds has declined. However, the tradition does still exist in many parts of the world
Two of the largest rival gangs in El Salvador have recently called a truce, leading to its first murder-free day for years. Much of the violence is blamed on Mexican drug cartels that use the country as a transit point
Fighting between the Malian army, the Tuareg movement and other armed groups is forcing thousands of people to flee Mali to neighbouring countries including Mauritania
Western photographers have been allowed into North Korea during two weeks of celebrations marking the centenary of the birth of North Korea's founder, Kim Il-sung
Haiti and its neighbour the Dominican Republic share a passion and spirituality that makes them stand out as two of the most photogenic places in the world. Here is an account of the celebrations that took place there during Holy Week
A longer view: as Britain heads towards spring and warmer weather we take a look back at some images of snow and cold weather elsewhere in the world over the past week
