Economic map of the world.

Per Capita GDP * (in U.S. Dollars) * $20,000 Oand above * $12,500 to $19,999 * $5,000 to $12,499 * $2,000 to $4,000 * Less than $2,000 * Figure not available SOURCE: The World Factbook 2013 (C.I.A.) * GDP stands for gross domestic product. It's often used as a measure of a nation's wealth.

Per capita means per person. Per capita GDP is the value of all items produced by a country in a year, divided by the population.

The World at a Glance

Number of independent Nations

196

Total Population

7.1 billion (U.S.: 316 million)

Population Under Age 15

26% (U.S.: 19%)

Per Capita GDP *

$12,700 (U.S.: $50,700)

Fertility Rate 2.5 children per woman (U.S.: 2 per woman)

Annual Birth Rate 20 births per 1,000 people (U.S.: 13 per 1,000)

Annual Death Rate

8 deaths per 1,000 people (U.S.: 8 per 1,000)

Gender Ratio at Birth

1.07 males to 1 female (U.S.: 1.05 males)

Life Expectancy

Males: 68 years Females: 73 years (U.S.: 76/81)

Literacy Rate

Males: 89% Females: 80% (U.S.: 99/99)

Students Enrolled in Primary School

Males 92% Females: 90% (U.S.: 95/96)

Students Enrolled in Secondary School

Males: 64% Females: 61% (U.S.: 89/90)

LESSON PLAN 3

World Affairs Annual: Atlas

CRITICAL THINKING

As a class, brainstorm some reasons people use maps. Maps can help us find locations, understand the physical environment and its effects on people, and explore geographic relationships. They can also provide insights into the causes of historic or current events.

* Have students preview the world economic map and six regional maps in this issue. What is the purpose of each map? What kinds of questions could each one help you answer?

* How do certain map features (i.e. map key, compass rose, scale of miles, etc.) support the purpose of the map?

WRITING PROMPT

Choose one of the 12 nations featured in "World Leaders to Watch" on page 10 and locate it on one of the regional maps. Write an essay exploring how you think the nation's geography affects the challenges it faces today.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Which of the continents' maps have undergone the most change in the past 50 years? Which have remained the most stable?

The Middle East and Oceania are regions, not continents. Why do you think they're included in the atlas? What attributes tie the nations in a region together?

Why do you think Africa has fewer major cities than other continents? Do you think this will change? Explain.

What continent would you put in the center of a world map? Why?

Two million refugees have fled Syria...