Life expectancies around the world range from over 80 years at birth in a dozen countries to under 50 years in 19 countries. We wonder: Which of the following countries has a life expectancy at birth closest to that of an infant born in the capital of the United States, Washington, D.C.?
November 2008
Europe: Who Shrinks — And Who Doesn't
The population of the EU-27 is projected to grow just 2.1% by 2060, from 495.4 million today to 505.7 million. While some European countries’ populations will decrease quite significantly, others are expected to post sizable increases. We wonder: Which current EU country is forecast to be the most populous in 2060?
Who's the Unfairest of Them All?
Extremes in income distribution, whether within or among countries, can be found the world over. Within the United States, the richest 10% of the population have nearly 16 times as much income as the poorest 10%. However, such extremes are more muted in Europe. Globally, which of the following groups of countries has the highest inequality?
More Land for Food?
With prices for foodstuffs rising to new levels around the world, the question of whether — or where — agricultural land could be expanded to increase the supply of key staples has become a pressing matter. We wonder: Which of the following regions has the most potential to expand its arable land?