The global normalcy index
Is the world returning to pre-pandemic life? Find out with our interactive tracker
Since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic in early 2020 many have wondered when the world will return to “normal”. But whether things will ever go back to the way they were is unclear: remote working looks set to continue, for example, and going to the movies may never be as popular as it used to be. The emergence of the Omicron variant in late November, has rendered two shots of vaccine less effective against covid-19, threatens to undo much of the progress the world has made in inoculating its citizens.
More from Graphic detail
![](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.economist.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1424,quality=80,format=auto/media-assets/image/20240727_WOT495.png)
Can America afford its debts?
Public debt stands at 98% of GDP. Neither Democrats nor Republicans are helping
![](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.economist.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1424,quality=80,format=auto/media-assets/image/20240720_WOT468.png)
American politicians are the oldest in the rich world
A country ranking shows that concerns about age go beyond Joe Biden and Donald Trump
![](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.economist.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1424,quality=80,format=auto/media-assets/image/20240720_WOT413.png)
The attempt on Trump’s life is shocking, but not surprising
Too many Americans think violence is justified to prevent him from becoming president