World affairs: almanac.

• Position: INTERNATIONAL

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CRITICAL THINKING

Use the sample entry on p. 13 to preview the format of the almanac.

[right arrow] Why do you think these 13 statistical categories were selected for inclusion in the almanac? Which ones do you think are most important?

[right arrow] Which of the categories do you think are LikeLy to change most over time? Which do you think change Least? How are the categories related to one another?

[right arrow] Do you think these categories paint a thorough picture of each nation? Explain.

[right arrow] If you could produce an almanac, what other data would you include and why?

WRITING PROMPT

Use the almanac data and continent maps to write a brief essay comparing and contrasting two nations from the same continent. Overall, do you think the two countries are more similar or dissimilar?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

In which nations is there a great disparity in Literacy rates for men and women? What factors might account for the disparity? On which continents do you find the 10 nations with the fastest-growing populations? (Africa and Asia) What challenges might such rapid increases in population bring?

What are some nations that are...