Includes bibliographical references.

1. Land area and population -- 2. Travel and transport -- 3. Natural resources and energy -- 4. Globalization and internationalism -- 5. Food and consumables -- 6. Minerals, natural poroducts and petrochemicals -- 7. Manufactured goods and services -- 8. Wealth and poverty -- 9. Employment and productivity -- 10. Housing and education -- 11. Communication and media -- 12. Health and illness -- 13. Death and disaster -- 13. War and crime -- 14. Pollution and depletion -- 15. Extinction and endangerment.

Here, sophisticated software combines with comprehensive analysis of every aspect of life to represent the world as it really is. Digitally modified maps - known as cartograms - depict the areas and countries of the world not by their physical size, but by their demographic importance on a vast range of subjects, ranging from basic data on population, health, wealth and occupation to how many toys we import and who's eating their vegetables. This compelling reference is an invaluable resource for anyone involved in understanding the new world order: how trends and statistics determine our planets future and success.