The world at a glance.

• Position: World Economic Map - Brief article

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Number of independent nations 195

Total population 6.9 billion

Population under age 15 27%

Fertility rate 2.6 children per woman

Per capita GDP $10,400 (U.S.: $46,000)

Annual birth rate 20 births per 1,000 people

Annual death rate 8 deaths per 1,000 people

Gender ratio at birth 1.07 males to 1 female

Life expectancy 67 years for males;

71 years for females

Literacy rate 87% for males;

77% for females

Students attending primary school 81% of males; 78% of females

Students attending secondary school 51% of males; 47% of females

SOURCES: 2010 WORLD POPULATION...