Afganistan
19% of homes in Afghanistan have television. (The New York Times, 2007)
China
73% of the world's beer is consumed in China (The Wall Street Journal, 2007).
For the first time in over 100 years, in 2008, China became the world's biggest producer of gold. South Africa held the title of the world's biggest gold producer for about a century (The Wall Street Journal, 2008).
According to a report published in the Associated Press, China consumes 32% of the world's rice. Also Chinese use 47% of the world's cement. And the Chinese smoke about 33% of the world's cigarettes.
From poor to less poor: the average Chinese in 1985 consumed 44 pounds of meat. In 2008, the average Chinese consumed 110 pounds of meat (The Washington Post).
In 2002, the number of Chinese billionaires was 0. In 2007, the number of Chinese billionaires was 106.
Iceland
The U.N. Human Development Index considered Iceland to be the most desirable country to live in. The Index based this statement on the following:
1. People living in Iceland have a long life expectancy.
2. People living in Iceland are well educated.
3. People living in Iceland make good income.
Yes, a frozen, dark, tiny island could be the perfect place for you!
India
Japan
Kenya
Mexico
Gum on Sidewalk: In Mexico City, the average square yard of a sidewalk contians about 70 discarded gums.