The first is that although the Welsh language flourishes (arguably because Welsh-medium schools offer a way for richer parents to enjoy academic selection), the region remains close to England, sharing, for example, the English press. (The Scots have their own newspapers.) And plenty of English newcomers are learning Welsh, drawn by those same good schools.

ECONOMIST: Wales and Scotland at the polls

The Souq is renowned for its selection of spices from the region and South Asia (sumac, saffron, preserved lemons), and for selling colourfully wrapped chocolate and sweets by the kilo.

BBC: Souq Waqif, Doha��s resilient, labyrinthine market

There is a wide selection of Navionics apps to choose from for the region in the world you're after such as the U.S., Africa, and Asia, with more specific ones on offer as well including the U.K. and Holland.

CNN: iSail: Seven apps to set sail to

Chef Matteo Bergamini will prepare a multi-course dinner paired with a selection of wines from La Querciola Winery in the Barolo region.

FORBES: Annual Truffle Gala Will Go On at SD26

"As the first pope from the Americas, his selection also speaks to the strength and vitality of a region that is increasingly shaping our world, and alongside millions of Hispanic Americans, those of us in the United States share the joy of this historic day, " Obama said.

CNN: The new pope's first day: Mass with the cardinals

Although initial reaction to Mr. Freeman's selection has focused on his views of the Middle East, that region is by no means Mr. Freeman's only area of interest.

WSJ: Gabriel Schoenfeld Says Barack Obama's Pick to Head the National Intelligence Council, Charles 'Chas' Freeman Jr., Is a Controversial Choice

The selection of a Latin American pope underscores a big demographic shift in the Catholic Church toward the region.

WSJ: Argentina's Cardinal Bergoglio Elected Pope