Top 10 explainers of 2013

The questions that sparked the most head-scratching this year

Dec 22nd 2013

By The Economist

EVERY weekday The Economist explains a new subject, topical or timeless, profound or peculiar. As the end of the year approaches, we look back at the explanations that have proved most popular with readers during 2013. (Normal service will resume on January 6th.)

1. What is the difference between Sunni and Shia Muslims?

2. How does Bitcoin work?

3. How does copyright work in space?

4. Why are your friends more popular than you?

5. How did Estonia become a leader in technology?

6. Why are there so many tunnels under London?

7. Why don't Americans ride trains?

8. How can you buy illegal drugs online?

9. How might your choice of browser affect your job prospects?

10. How many people convert to Islam?

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