This volume consolidates data collected by numerous international and government agencies, and private and nongovernmental organizations. The 91 data tables include some 800 indicators for 153 economies with populations of one million-plus people, organized within six thematic areas: living standards and development progress; gender, health, and employment; natural resources and environmental changes; new opportunities for economic growth; elements of a good investment climate in states and markets; and evidence of globalization. Each section begins with an introductory overview of the theme, and each table is accompanied by a page providing definitions, explanation about the data, and notes on the data sources. Color- coded reference maps of the world's countries by income and the world's regions by income are conveniently located inside the front and back covers. Annotation ⓒ2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)