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

A world map is more than a picture of continents. Geography influences trade routes, climate, population distribution, security, resources and the strategic importance of countries and regions. The ContinentsAsia is the largest and most populous continent, while Africa has one of the world’s fastest-growing populations. Europe, North America, South America, Australia and Antarctica each have distinctive physical and political characteristics. The Major OceansThe Pacific, Atla

The United Nations is the central forum for countries to discuss problems that cross borders. Understanding how it works helps explain diplomacy, peace and security, humanitarian action and international cooperation. The General AssemblyThe General Assembly brings together UN member states and provides a forum where countries debate global issues. Each member has one vote, making it important for diplomatic legitimacy, although most Assembly resolutions are recommendations ra

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

The global economy is a network of national economies linked through trade, investment, finance, energy and technology. A change in one major economy can affect businesses and households far beyond its borders. GDP and Economic GrowthGross domestic product measures the value of goods and services produced within an economy over a period. Growth indicates expansion, although GDP alone does not measure inequality, environmental quality or wellbeing. Inflation and Interest Rates