This issue in focus.

• Author: Zack, Ian

Dear Teachers,

We know you have a hard time getting your students focused on the great big world "out there": The farther away important events occur, the more remote they can seem. We're here to help. Our 2014 World Affairs issue will, we hope, bring the world a little closer to your classroom throughout the year.

The issue is packed with regional maps showing America's challenges around the globe; a color-coded world economic map; and an almanac with stats on 196 countries, covering everything from GDP and literacy rates to the percentage of young people in the population. Plus, our fun and informative Snapshots graphs will have your students debating why Big Macs cost so much...