It rankles a bit to hear such a marvellous explanation of the forces that created the mid-Atlantic rift that bisects Iceland on the Thingvellir plain near Reykjavik, but no hint that Europe's first parliament, the foundation of one of the most prosperous and democratic societies on earth, met just over a thousand years ago on that exact same spot.

ECONOMIST: Island life

Culture holds the potential to make our societies more resilient and prosperous.

UNESCO: MEDIA SERVICES

So, too, is the phase when oil wealth alone could make and keep the region prosperous, as well as insulate Gulf societies from the buffeting winds of globalisation.

ECONOMIST: Time travellers

And we advance the rights of all people -- women, minorities and indigenous cultures -- because when societies harness the potential of all their citizens, these societies are more successful, they are more prosperous and they are more just.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama Speaks to the Australian Parliament

In order to restore a sense of a prosperous future, they must first consider what factors would encourage families and child-bearing in their societies.

FORBES: Decline Of The Asian Family: Drop In Marriages, Births, Threatens Economic Ascendancy