World affairs annual 2014.

• Position: Iran

In the 26 pages that follow, you'll find news maps and the latest data on the world's 196 countries-everything from languages and literacy rates to the percentage of young people in the population. To better understand the data, read the explanations accompanying the sample entry for Iran below. On each news map, you'll find photos and summaries of challenges the U.S. is facing around the world. And in our Snapshots section you'll learn, among other things, which countries have the most expensive gas and where kids go to school the longest. We hope you'll keep this issue for year-round reference and that it will help you make sense of what's going on in the world as we head into 2014.

Area & Population

Landmass in square miles and number of people. To calculate population density, divide population by area. For example, Iran has about 120 people per square mile.

Urban Population

The percentage of a country's population living in urban areas. Urbanization is on the rise as people move to cities in search of work.

Political System & Head of Government

Type of government and current leader. Hassan Rouhani was elected Iran's president in 2013.

Literacy Rate

Percentage of people who can read and write. The first number is for men, the second for women.

Per Capita GDP

The value of all goods and services produced within a country in one year (gross domestic product) divided by population. It's a way to gauge a nation's wealth.

Date of Origin

The year a nation was established, gained independence, or took on its modern form.

Percentage of Population Increase

The birth rate minus the death rate (without factoring in immigration) for the most recent year available.

Major Languages

Nearly 7,000 languages are spoken in the world. Farsi is Iran's official-and most widely spoken-language.

Percentage of Population Under 15

In Iran, 25 percent of the population is under 15. Compare that with Germany, where it's just 13 percent.

Life Expectancy

The age to which a newborn infant can expect to live. The first number is for men, the second for women.

HDI (Human Development Index)

A measure of economic and social well-being on a scale of 0 to I (1 is the highest). HDI factors include life expectancy, education levels, and average income.

LESSON PLAN 4 World Affairs Annual: Almanac

CRITICAL THINKING

As you explore the tables and charts in the 2014 almanac, invite students to think about the stories behind the statistics.

* Discuss the sample entry on page 13...