Fact file

Kim Jong-il, North Korea's ruthless leader, has died at 69 of heart failure, state TV reported on Monday in a special broadcast. His youngest son, Kim Jung Un, is named as his successor.

Women make up only 15 per cent of the Saudi Arabian workforce. This is far less than in most other Gulf states, including Kuwait (42.5 per cent), Qatar (36.4 per cent) and Bahrain (34.3 per cent). Saudi laws guarantee a woman’s right to work, but this is made difficult by Islamic customs.

The news about Ireland doesn't make fun reading at the moment. But here are a few fun facts you should know. 

In doing business with Indians, it is useful to know that it's considered impolite to say “no”. Indians will more typically say, “I will try”, “we'll see” or “possibly”.

Wind power provided 19.7 per cent of Denmark's electricity in 2007, a higher percentage than in any other country.

Saving face is very important in China. This means avoiding confrontation and trying not to embarrass yourself or other people. It means avoiding negative topics in conversation and smiling a lot.