From 2013 to 2019, the amount of money that changed hands in China via mobile payments grew from $1.9 trillion to a staggering $51.8 trillion—underscoring the important role of digital currencies in the future economy. 

SOURCE: "How Will a Central Bank Digital Currency Advance China's Interests?" by CSIS's ChinaPower.

Funding for veterans’ benefits and services in the FY 2021 defense budget is 9.2 percent higher than the current fiscal year and is projected to continue growing in future years—making it one of the fastest growing areas in the overall federal budget, not including emergency supplemental funding. 

SOURCE: "Analysis of the FY 2021 Defense Budget" by CSIS's Todd Harrison and Seamus P. Daniels.

It was estimated that North Korea spent an estimated $620 million on its nuclear program during 2018, and a similar amount is believed to have been spent during 2019. 

SOURCE: "Pyongsan Uranium Concentrate Plant (Nam-chom) Chemical Complex" by CSIS's Joseph S. Bermudez Jr., Victor Cha, and Bonny Lee.

Swift introduction of public safety measures by the Ghanian government helped keep the Covid-19 death toll down to 270 deaths. Now, the government faces the challenge of maintaining its robust Covid-19 response, salvaging its economy, and holding free and fair elections scheduled for December.

SOURCE: "Covid-19 and Ghana's December Elections" by CSIS's Rafiq Raji.