Religion is the main driver

In 2008, countries in the Middle East and some parts of Africa and Southwest Asia had circumcision rates as high as 80 percent, while in other parts of Asia, and in Europe and South America, the number was closer to 20 percent, according to World Health Organization data about the influence of religion on circumcision.

WeChat hermit's post spreads to 1m people

An artist and poet, who intrigued and delighted Internet users with a colorful account of the simple life he leads at a remote old farmyard on a mountainside, is having to ward off attention from his many new fans.

Around China

Guangdong

City told it must act to win back tourists

Members of Dongguan's top advisory body have urged departments to improve the city's reputation after a sweeping police crackdown on prostitution a year ago.

Authorities to keep tabs on Nanjing officials

Officials in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, will have to report their marital status, as well as the immigration status of their spouses and children, to the organization department, according to a government regulation released on Monday.

Stars line up to help development of soccer

Never in his wildest dreams did Wang Yang think he would be able to learn soccer skills from Alessandro Nesta, a member of Italy's 2006 World Cup champions.

Donkey industry calls for financial kick from govt

A Shandong provincial people's congress member urged authorities to give financial support to the donkey industry in the same way that they do for the cattle and sheep industries.

IN BRIEF (Page 4)

A burning issue for future generations

Even though she retired nine years ago, Wu Yiqun's days are still extremely full.

Demolition leads to care home

When 33-year-old Chen Qing became the owner of 35 apartments worth more than 40 million yuan ($6.5 million) in downtown Wuhan, Hubei province, as compensation after his two houses in the suburbs were demolished in 2008, he resisted using the assets to expand his family's catering business.

Around China

Beijing

Villagers get grassroots help

More than 20,000 government officials have been sent to villages in the Tibet autonomous region to help rural residents since 2011, a report by the local Party committee said on Sunday.