Exploring the Best Pizza Country: A Culinary Perspective
Intro
The exploration of pizza's global variations is as intricate as the dish itself. Throughout history, countless regions have claimed expertise in crafting the perfect slice. Yet, determining which country holds the title of the best pizza is no simple task. Culture, tradition, and local ingredients shape each unique recipe, making the conversation highly subjective.
Regional styles, like Neapolitan in Italy or Chicago deep-dish, represent specific culinary practices bound to the location's history. With many cultures adopting and adapting pizza over time, this article evaluates critical factors while maintaining engagement with the food community.
This narrative will serve pizza lovers and foodies as a guide. We will explore traditional preparations and contemporary approaches through the lens of various pizza-making techniques. Anchoring each discussion point is the acknowledgment of personal taste.
We aim to appreciate the art of pizza while recognizing its diversity and the folks who advocate it. The insights offered will not just aim to pinpoint the best; they also honor each culture’s spirited attempt to satisfy the palate.
In the next sections, we will analyze various components that encapsulate the essence of pizza making and its captivating history.
Prolusion to Pizza Culture
Pizza is more than a dish; it is a cultural phenomenon that spans across continents. Its relevance in culinary discussions stems from its ability to adapt and evolve. Understanding the topic of pizza culture is essential as it helps to scrutinize not only the technique and ingredients behind pizza making but also the sociocultural factors that influence pizza's status.
This section lays the groundwork for a thorough examination of pizza's legacy and its global standing. A discussion of pizza culture highlights diverse preparation methods, evolving flavors, and regional traditions. Moreover, it allows for a look into how pizza can reflect local customs and preferences, giving insight into culinary identities.
Historical Origins of Pizza
The historical roots of pizza can be traced back to ancient civilizations. Baking flatbreads topped with various ingredients goes back to the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. However, the pizza we recognize today emerged prominently in Naples during the 18th century.
Having tomatoes becoming widely used after their introduction from the Americas significantly impacted this evolution. The classic margherita pizza, with its simple design of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, is said to have been created in honor of Queen Margherita of Savoy.
This vibrant history found its way into bakeries and homes, where locals experimented with toppings based on seasonal and regional offerings. Thus, pizza began to gain the favor of not only neapolitans but also visitors from around the world.
The Global Popularity of Pizza
Pizza's journey from the streets of Naples to global kitchens is a showcase of culinary globalization. Today, it stands as one of the most popular foods worldwide. About 93% of Americans eat pizza at least once a month.
Around the globe, variations flourish:
- In Japan, you might encounter unique toppings such as squid and eel.
- In Brazil, ingredients like corn and green olives are prevalent.
- The United States has adopted numerous styles capturing regional preferences, like Chicago deep-dish and New York thin crust.
The rise of pie chains like Domino's and Pizza Hut has impressed a standardized form upon the pizza experience, making it accessible everywhere. Thus, pizza resonates in various forms and interpretations, adapting to local culture while maintaining an allure that underscores its shared history.
Pizza exemplifies the seamless blend of tradition and innovation, influencing and being influenced by culinary customs worldwide.
Defining the Best Pizza Country
Defining the best pizza country requires careful consideration of numerous factors. This section serves to illuminate why this discussion is impactful and necessary. As pizza continues to evolve, it transcends beyond being a mere dish, morphing into a cultural phenomenon. Different countries have unique ways of preparing and serving pizza, bringing innovations into the mix.
Quality of ingredients, vary in cooking techniques, and regional preferences define how a country approaches pizza. An articulate examination allows enthusiasts to appreciate how rich pizza traditions are.
Criteria for Evaluation
To evaluate the best pizza country, we need a distinct set of criteria. Many factors contribute to this assessment, including:
- Quality Ingredients: Use of local vs. imported fresh products can hugely affect taste. Authenticity of flavors plays a raid role in defining pizza's greatness.
- Technique: Methodologies in the cooking process can vary from one country to another. Tradition often plays a significant role here.
- Regional Variations: Each region may put a unique twist on pizza that reflects its culinary traditions and heritage.
- Popularity and Distribution: Understanding how widely different styles are accepted locally and internationally further indicates a country’s pizza impact.
- Culinary Heritage: Sustaining local recipes over time highlights cultural continuity. Can we regard something as the best if it keeps authentic traditions alive?
Utilizing these criteria will present a holistic understanding when defining a country's pizza quality while creating an informed dialogue around this cherished dish.
Cultural Significance of Pizza
Pizza's cultural significance cannot be understated. Globally, pizza acts as a symbol of social gatherings and communal enjoyment. From the bustling street vendors in Naples to gourmet pizzerias in New York, every consumer experience is tied to emotional moments. Food is not isolated; it embodies interactions between individuals across generations.
Understanding culturally influences how various people perceive and prepare pizza. Here are significant aspects of pizza as cultural meaning:
- Social Aspects: Pizza often features as shares at events, fostering connection and bonds.
- National Pride: Countries displaying their heritage through pizza traditions attest their uniqueness. Competitions serve as platforms showing national culinary craftsmanship.
- Innovation: Hybrid styles that emerge demonstrate how traditional concepts evolve when exposed to diverse cultural influences, especially in multicultural contexts.
In managing to analyze pizza through the lens of both individual culture and broader social dynamics, we can appreciate it greater than just a dish. In this way, defining the best pizza country goes hand in hand with understanding what shapes its multifaceted culinary landscape.
Note: Good pizza blends historical influences with modern creativity; each bite bears such a legacy.
Italy: The Birthplace of Pizza
Italy holds a special place in the hearts of pizza enthusiasts around the globe. As the birthplace of pizza, it is here that the essence of this beloved dish truly began. This connection is not just cultural but also significant in various culinary aspects. The techniques, ingredients, and styles that have developed in Italy have deeply influenced pizza everywhere.
Traditional Neapolitan Pizza
Neapolitan pizza is widely considered the benchmark for all types of pizza. Its simplicity and authenticity make it a prime example of Italian culinary heritage. It sets a powerful precedent that influences many modern pizzerias.
Ingredients and Techniques
Neapolitan pizza showcases key ingredients like fresh mozzarella, San Marzano tomatoes, and handmade dough. This quality is significant because highly selective procedures are taken in choosing each component. Using simple, high-quality ingredients creates a direct connection between tradition and taste; both are vital in achieving an authentic product. The baking technique involves high temperatures achieved through wood-fired ovens, leading to the desired light and airy crust, a hallmark of Neapolitan pizza. However, sourcing these fresh ingredients can be a challenge in certain regions outside Italy, limiting true replication.
Cultural Heritage
Cultural heritage plays a crucial role in understanding traditional Neapolitan pizza. The method of preparation has been passed down through generations, maintaining a consistent taste. This practice fosters a connection not just to food but to history and identity. Each step taken in pizza making acts as a way to honor that longstanding tradition. Also, UNESCO recognized the art of Neapolitan pizza-making as an intangible cultural heritage, clarifying the dish's importance even further. Such recognition serves to endorse traditional methods, although it puts pressure on modern pizzerias to adhere strictly to these practices during preparation.
Regional Varieties Across Italy
Italian pizza exhibits a diverse character by region, each influencing local tastes and culinary explorations.
Roman Pizza
Roman pizza features its thin, crispy crust, contrasting sharply to its Neapolitan counterpart. This texture is both unique and interesting for those seeking variety. The style refers to both pizza al taglio, cut into small squares and served by weight, and pizza rotonda, a rounder variant sold slice by slice. The flexibility in offering different crust types and dining occasions makes Roman pizza versatile and appealing. Certain pizzerias might combine a more complex set of toppings, which can elevate the event for a casual meal.
Sicilian Pizza
Sicilian pizza presents a thick crust, focussing on texture while bringing forth heavy toppings like onions, anchovies, and other ingredients. Known for its rectangular shape, it serves well for gatherings, carving out a solid presence in regions like New York. The unique approach leads to rich and flavorful compositions appealing to varying palates. However, some purists may argue that Sicilian pizza strays too far from traditional roots.
Calabrese Pizza
Calabrese pizza combines dishes with vibrant flavors: spicy salami, hot peppers, and robust cheeses characterize its unmistakability. By using ingredients locally sourced from the Calabria region, it showcases regional identity on a larger scale. The flavors are often intense, increasing its potential for appeal. Yet, its boldness can also cause reluctance among those who prefer more subtle flavors.
United States: The Evolution of Pizza
The evolution of pizza in the United States is a fascinating journey that reflects the interaction of diverse cultural influences with indigenous American ingredients and culinary traditions. Pizza, originally an Italian creation, adapted as it crossed the Atlantic Ocean, evolving to fit the tastes and aspirations of a new populace. The distinct styles that emerged across the nation not only signify the ingenuity of American chefs but also mark a cultural transformation in how pizza is perceived and consumed. This section explores the significant pizza styles distinct to the U.S., examining their historical backgrounds and contributions to the global pizza landscape.
New York-Style Pizza
New York-style pizza is a cornerstone of pizza culture in the United States. Characterized by its thin crust, which still remains pliable enough to be folded, this pizza style is celebrated for its simplicity and flavor balance. The crust is slightly crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, emphasizing a sensation many enthusiasts have come to appreciate.
A traditional New York-style pizza is topped with a classic tomato sauce and a generous layer of mozzarella cheese. Local pizzerias often enhance this with varieties of toppings including pepperoni, mushrooms, and green peppers. Often served as large slices, this style has become especially popular for its takeout convenience, making it a go-to dish for New Yorkers and visitors alike.
Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza
Chicago deep-dish pizza provides a stark contrast to its New York counterpart. This style is unique for its thick, buttery crust that is baked in a round, high-edged pan, resulting in a pie-like presentation. Unlike New York-style, ingredients are layered in reversed order: cheese first, followed by toppings, and topped with a chunky tomato sauce, creating a hearty meal.
This regional variant is notable for its depth, offering a rich and satisfying experience that some say resembles lasagna. The preparation technique not only supplies additional texture but also keeps the flavors encapsulated within. Chicago deep-dish pizza represents an evolution that exemplifies creativity, tailoring classic pizza to local palates.
Regional Innovations
American cooks and chefs have innovated various pizza styles that highlight regional ingredients and tastes.
California Style
California-style pizza stands apart through its emphasis on fresh, local ingredients, often showcasing non-traditional toppings like goat cheese, arugula, or smoked salmon. This style places lack a defined dough or cheeseless interpretation, allowing for numerous variations. This is appealing to those looking for a lighter, gourmet option in comparison to classic styles. Notably, this variety reflects the state’s agricultural bounty and culinary liberty, making it popular.
Detroit Style
Detroit-style pizza highlights distinct features stemming from its historical context. Crafted in rectangular pans originally used to hold automotive parts, the edge is crispy and fried in butter, establishing notable textures. The tomato sauce is often served on top of the cheese and toppings, forming a layered integrity that keeps each slice moist. This style gained traction beyond its regional origins, appealing to those curious about different takes on this globally adored dish.
The variations found in both California and Detroit showcase how important regional identity is to pizza's developmental narrative in the U.S. Thus, the interactions between flavors, cultural influences, and cooking styles in the United States weave a broader tapestry of pizza’s place in culinary history. From humble beginnings to gourmet selections, the evolution of pizza reflects a society keen on culinary exploration.
Emerging Pizza Cultures Around the World
The concept of pizza has undergone a remarkable transformation around the globe. As it traveled through different countries, it adapted to local tastes, ingredients, and culinary traditions. This section explores the vibrant emerging pizza cultures, emphasizing how these variations add depth to the global pizza narrative.
Examining these diverse interpretations is vital for understanding pizza's international impact. New styles not only showcase local innovation but also demonstrate how pizza as a dish can transcend borders while still retaining its cultural significance. Each claim of ownership celebrates traditional and contemporary methods, enriching the larger conversation about the best pizza country.
Japanese Pizza Innovations
Japan presents a unique take on pizza, combining Western influences with traditional Japanese flavors. The result is a plethora of innovative dishes.
Japanese pizza often features a crispy thin crust treated with careful precision. Toppings might include seafood like squid or salmon, and even local specialties like miso or teriyaki chicken. Cheese does have a place in these pizzas. However, often it blends with alternative ingredients like wasabi to create unique flavor compositions.
The Japanese have also introduced distinct styles, such as the Okonomiyaki which is similar to a savory pancake. This dish varies greatly regionally, yet it retains the spirit of pizza by allowing for a customizable topped experience.
Brazilian Pizza Variants
Brazilian pizza is known for its flair and tropical elements, addressing the nation's diverse cultural influence. Brazilian pizzerias offer various unconventional toppings that reflect regional tastes.
One common topping is catupiry, a creamy cheese blended with ingredients like coconut, palm hearts, or even sweet corn. These additions illustrate a fusion of flavors, indicative of Brazil's culinary identity.
In major cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, unique items are also commercially available. Pizza de choclo, a pizza topped with corn from local crops, is a prime example of how ingredients imbed cultural identity into this beloved dish.
Pizza in India
In India, pizza is undergoing a shift thanks to globalization and rising urbanization. The traditional Italian pie has opened itself up to Indian flavors, curating a blend of East and West that caters to local palates.
Toppings such as paneer, tandoori chicken, and curry are commonplace, while crusts may come seasoned with spices for an extra punch. Restaurants may even utilize dough infused with traditional Indian spices, establishing a wholly unique flavor profile outside traditional methods.
This Indianization of pizza demonstrates how local ingredients can drastically reinterpret a classical dish while also eliciting positive reception and growing adaptability in the local cuisine.
Pizza's journey around the globe signifies more than culinary preferences; it symbolizes cultural exchange.
Through examining these emerging pizza cultures, one notes patterns and significances that portray pizza as an evolving canvas amid diverse baking landscapes. These innovations suggest pizza is not in a decay but instead is progressing on a global stage, defining an adventurous eating culture all its own.
The Role of Ingredients in Defining Quality Pizza
The discussion of what makes quality pizza often pivots around its ingredients. Each component contributes significantly to flavor, texture, and overall impact. Pizza stands apart as a dish that embodies the character of its origin, hinging on the ingredients used. This section explores how ingredients shape pizza excellence and why they matter in the quest for the best pizza country.
Local vs.
Imported Ingredients
The debate over local versus imported ingredients has long been central to the pizza dialogue. Local ingredients offer a freshness that can't be matched. They reflect the terroir, create connections to the region, and ensure seasonal variety. Moreover, local sourcing supports communities and reduces carbon footprints.
Quality often revolves around what’s nearby. Local flour, tomatoes, or cheeses not only bolster flavor but confirm the authenticity of regional styles.
On the flip side, imported ingredients hold their own significance, particularly for traditional recipes. Consider San Marzano tomatoes, prized for their flavor profile. Authentic mozzarella di bufala from Campania promises irresistible taste and texture. These ingredients maintain the integrity of classic pizza styles.
Key Considerations:
- Authenticity: Using regional produce or famous imports determines pizza type and flavor.
- Freshness: Local produce is typically fresh and thus delivers better taste.
- Cultural Aspects: Ingredients tell a story; using local blends paints a cultural portrait of the area.
The Importance of Freshness
Freshness plays a critical role in defining quality pizza. The aroma, taste, and how every bite unfolds moments of pure flavor are heavily influenced by this factor. Each ingredient should ideally be used at its peak to maximize impact.
The difference in dining experiences between a pizza made with decaying ingredients and one using freshly-cut basil or sun-ripened tomatoes is enormous. The delightful crunch of a well-cooked crust, paired with a sauce made from the freshest produce, makes for an indulgent experience.
Recent trends embrace culinary schemes emphasizing local, season-based practices, demonstrating a shift towards appreciating honest flavors sourced as close to home as possible. The hive of activity in local markets offers chefs access to exquisite choices, bringing seasonal hit ingredients to produce outstanding pizzas.
In summary, the emphasis on quality ingredients framed in a context of locality intertwines deeply with the culinary narrative of pizza. Each thread of this fabric weaves insights about culture, flavor, and pride, inviting consumers not just to eat pizza, but to engage with its heart.
Culinary Techniques and Their Impact on Quality
Culinary techniques play a vital role in the quality of pizza, impacting both its taste and texture. Understanding these techniques offers insight into what makes a pizza truly exceptional. The craft of making pizza is more than just combining ingredients; it requires skillful application of various methods to achieve desired outcomes. This relationship between cooking methods and the final product is significant, particularly when discussing pizza, as different countries have established traditional techniques that define their styles.
Traditional vs.
Modern Techniques
The divide between traditional and modern pizza-making methods sets the stage for a discussion on how techniques evolve over time. Traditional techniques, particularly those rooted in Italian heritage, emphasize simplicity and authenticity. Neapolitan pizza, for example, relies on specific climatic conditions for dough fermentation and the use of high-quality, local ingredients. Some notable traditional methods involve:
- Dough Preparation: Uses simple ingredients like flour, water, salt, and yeast. Commonly, the dough is left to rise naturally over many hours.
- Cooking Method: Wood-fired ovens produce high temperatures that create the classic charred crust while maintaining soft insides.
In contrast, modern techniques adapt to today’s busy lifestyles. Some contemporary practices include:
- Ready-Made Dough: Many pizzerias opt for premade or frozen dough, which saves time but may sacrifice quality.
- Gas Ovens: Though efficient, these do not replicate the intense heat of wood-fired ovens.
Reflecting on these different techniques highlights how they impact flavor, texture, and even authenticity. Although modern methods offer convenience, they can lack the depth of taste that traditional pizza-making exemplifies.
Influence of Technology in Pizza Making
Technology has transformed various culinary arts, and pizza making is no exception. Advances in equipment and techniques introduce efficiency but also influence the quality of the end product. A few key points on this topic include:
- Oven Innovations: High-tech ovens equipped with digital controls can improve consistency but might lack the authenticity achieved by traditional ovens.
- Ingredient Sourcing: Technology allows for better supply chain management, enabling access to far-fetched, high-quality ingredients. However, this can lead to less emphasis on local sourcing.
- Cooking Appliances: Innovations such as pizza stones or air fryers offer variations in cooking but might change the texture of the pizza.
Although culinary techniques can adapt with technology, their integration must be approached cautiously to ensure that quality is not compromised. Striking the right balance between adherence to tradition and the benefits of modern innovations is essential to advance the realm of pizza without sacrificing the richness of its heritage.
Cooking pizza is as much an art as it is a science; the techniques used shape each flavorful slice.
In summary, understanding the impact of culinary techniques on pizza quality has broad implications; it informs choices about how pizza is made and enjoyed across individuals and cultures.
Pizza Competitions and Festivals
Pizza competitions and festivals play a crucial role in the evolution and appreciation of pizza as a cultural and culinary phenomenon. They highlight the skills of pizzaiolos while also serving to promote community and tradition. Through these events, enthusiasts explore various styles of pizza and learn about different techniques. These gatherings can help unify distinct pizza cultures, contributing to the ongoing dialogue about what defines the best pizza.
Like many food-related competitions, pizza contests foster innovation within the industry. Chefs compete to showcase the most appealing and delicious creations, relying on numerous ingredients and styles. They strive not only for taste but also for presentation. Victory in such competitions can lead to recognition, job opportunities, and provides an avenue for culinary artists to demonstrate their passions and expertise in a public forum.
Global Pizza Competitions
Global pizza competitions serve as a significant platform for promoting the skillful artistry involved in pizza making. Renowned competitions such as the World Pizza Championship in Parma, Italy, or the Las Vegas Pizza Challenge attract the best pizzaiolos from across the globe. Competitors come with meticulously crafted recipes that often blend tradition with modern creativity. Notably, the inclusion of expert judges who evaluate each entry on criteria like taste, texture, and creativity ensures a rigorous standard, enhancing the prestige of these competitions.
Participating in these events can push pizzaiolos to refine their skills. They experiment with ingredients, presentation styles, and flavors that challenge preconceptions about pizza. Some may opt for innovative toppings unlike those typically seen, while others stubbornly adhere to tradition. All these aspects contribute to the broader conversation about what constitutes an excellent pizza, making these competitions of utmost significance.
Cultural Festivals Celebrating Pizza
Various cultural festivals centered around pizza celebrate its vast influence and diversity. For instance, Pizza Fest in Naples, Italy, serves not only as a tribute to its historical roots but also as a means to involve community members in the celebration of one of their most famous culinary exports. These festivals give people the chance to taste various pizzas and discover new preparations. Typically, they offer workshops and tasting events enabling culinary exploration.
In the United States, San Diego's Pizza Festival gathers pizza lovers from varied backgrounds. By showcasing local pizzerias alongside food trucks, it helps raise awareness of emerging talents in the industry. Here, attendees sample pies with flavors that resonate with regional tastes, giving insight into evolving trends in pizza culture across the country.
Through such events, cultural nuances associated with pizza are examined, appreciated, and sometimes even transformed to cater to a diverse audience. Ongoing chuanges in the way pizza and its culture are celebrated reveal a lot about the dish itself—
“Pizza festivals not only promote community relations, but they also foster creativity, showcasing pizzas that bond ingredients from various culinary traditions.”
Thus, pizza competitions and festivals play an essential role not just in the growth of this dish, but also in delineating the shared love people have for it around the world. These gatherings showcase culinary skills and allow for vital conversations about taste and tradition in the relentless quest for the best pizza.
Trends Influencing the Pizza Industry
The pizza industry is dynamic and continually evolving, shaped by consumer preferences, economic factors, and global concerns. Understanding current trends is crucial to grasping how pizza adapts to meet modern expectations. These trends include health-conscious choices and sustainability in pizza production, two significant areas that heavily influence the culinary landscape surrounding this beloved dish.
Health-Conscious Choices
Increasingly, consumers are making health-conscious decisions about food. This shift affects how pizza is prepared and perceived. Many pizzerias are responding to these demands by offering alternative crust options, such as whole wheat or gluten-free.
Additionally, toppings are changing. There is a growing trend towards the inclusion of organic vegetables, lean meats, and plant-based options. For instance, brands like Mod Pizza have gained attention embodying these values. These adjustments address dietary needs and preferences in health-oriented customer bases. More nutritional information about ingredients is also becoming available to aid customers' decisions.
Furthermore, many pizza outlets are starting to embrace lower-fat cheese and non-dairy alternatives. This move reflects the broader interest in veganism and more plant-based diets. Today's consumers want more than just taste; they also crave nutritional benefits without compromising the indulgent experience pizza usually provides.
Sustainability in Pizza Production
Sustainability has emerged as a significant consideration within the pizza industry. Environmental issues and sustainability practices are increasingly prioritized by consumers. Many are looking for ethically sourced ingredients and waste-reduction practices. Pizzerias focusing on local sourcing contribute to a reduced carbon footprint, supporting local economies.
In addition to ingredient sourcing, there are trends in packaging and operations aiming to decrease environmental impact. Many pizzerias are adopting eco-friendly packaging without compromising quality. Using recyclable materials or compostable containers speaks to a growing customer base concerned about waste.
Adopting energy-efficient ovens or utilizing renewable energy sources is another way establishments are addressing sustainability. More business owners acknowledge their role in environmental conservation, creating a marketing advantage as well.
“Sustainability in pizza production is not a trend; it’s a movement, shaping how we think about food choices.”
Ending: The Quest for the Best Pizza
The debate of which country offers the best pizza is not simply about comparing crusts, toppings, or innovations in pizza-making. Instead, it encapsulates a broader conversation about food culture, preferences, and the cultural heritage steeped in every slice.
Subjectivity of Taste and Preferences
Taste is unique to each individual. What one person considers a top-tier margherita may be deemed lackluster by another. This disparity arises from several factors: regional influences, childhood memories associated with specific styles, or even personal dietary choices. Moreover, global exposure has diversified our palates, introducing people to unique takes like Brazilian pizza or Japanese styles where ingredients take on unexpected forms. This leads to a broader spectrum of preferences shaping people’s idea of pizza excellence.
Because a single country cannot universally satiate the vast cravings among pizza lovers, seeking the best pizza country remains an elusive concept. Achievements are made both in Italy with its traditional techniques and in the United States, where creativity freely enhances the concept.
Final Thoughts on Pizza's Impact
Pizza's appeal lies not just in its taste but also in its significance as a cultural artifact. Countries across the globe celebrate this dish in varied forms, showcasing local ingredients and methods while maintaining a connection to its origins.
The role of networking through online platforms, such as reddit.com or specialized Facebook pages, serves to share experiences and innovations, creating a communal bond between any pizza lovers. Pizzas not only satisfy culinary cravings but also invite social interactions and shared moments, emphasizing their role in both family gatherings and public festivals.
Ultimately, the quest for the best pizza presence opens a dialogue about diversity, experimentation, and the kindness provided through food. The ideal pizza becomes an abstract idea embedded within preferences instead of a strict culinary standard. In an ever-changing culinary landscape, what truly matters is the joy that pizza brings to those who love it, creating unique flavors and connections all across the globe.
