Population patterns influence economies, cities, schools, healthcare, migration and political priorities. The world population is not changing uniformly: some countries are young and growing while others are aging or shrinking. Population DistributionPeople are concentrated in regions with favorable climates, water supplies, productive agriculture and economic opportunities. Major population centers have developed around river valleys, coasts and urban corridors. Urbanization

Education is one of the most important long-term investments societies make. Around the world, systems differ in funding, curriculum, access and outcomes, but they share the challenge of preparing people for changing economies and societies. Access to Basic EducationPrimary and secondary education provide foundational literacy, numeracy and social skills. Access has expanded globally, but quality and completion still vary widely. Higher Education and SkillsUniversities, colle

Climate change crosses national borders because the atmosphere and oceans are shared systems. Understanding the science and international response is essential to understanding one of the defining global challenges of this century. What Drives Modern WarmingHuman activities, especially the burning of fossil fuels and changes in land use, have increased concentrations of heat-trapping greenhouse gases. Different Regions, Different RisksClimate impacts vary by geography. Coasta

International travel connects people, businesses and cultures across borders. Behind a holiday or business trip is a complex system involving airlines, airports, visas, hotels, tourism workers and border authorities. Airports as Global HubsMajor airports connect regional routes with long-distance international networks. Hub-and-spoke systems allow airlines to combine passengers from many origins into larger long-haul services. Visas and Border ControlsCountries set their own