World Studies Hybrid 2/6 Due 2/9

1. Visit the site Gapminder.org and explore the Gapminder World tab. Select 5
countries (each from a different continent) and compare their position on the
graph.
2. US- First. High life expectancy and high income per person. (77/$45k)
3. Czech Republic- Second. High life expectancy, slightly lower income per
person. (77/$25k)
4. China- Third. High Life expectancy, low income per person. (76/$11k)
5. Angola- Fourth. Low life expectancy, low income per person. (60/$9k)
6. Afghanistan- Fifth. Low Life expectancy, low income per person. (57/$2k)
2. Do some background research on the countries to explain their level of
development as indicated by life expectancy and income per person. In other
words, explain 2 possible reasons for each countrys level of development.
US- Business powerhouse, rose among world powers in the 1880s. High population,
lots of room and many different cultures. Turned into a service business country
around the 50s and 60s.
Czech Republic- Medium country, set back by the split of Czechoslovakia into the
Czech Republic and Yugoslavia, as well as both World Wars. Making progress in the
EU, life expectancy and IPP rising steadily.
China- High levels of industrialization, not very many service industries. Came out of
isolation in the early 1900s, a huge setback on the industrial front. Very large rising
country, one of the world superpowers. High levels of pollution and highest
population.
Angola- Independence from Portugal in 1975. Intense civil war from 1975 to 2002.
Surrounded by poor, but rising countries. Majority of wealth is distributed amongst a
small amount of the population. Not very much industry.
Afghanistan. Almost continuous war from the early 70s with both the Soviet Union,
terrorist sects and the US. Not a lot of fertile ground, mostly mountains and hilly
areas.

3. Screenshot the graph with your 5 selected countries displayed, type up your
reasons for their position on the graph.

4. Watch this video produced by Gapminder, 200 countries, 200 years, 4 minutes.
List three important conclusions about the development of the world.
1. The industrial revolution was the catalyst for economic and health growth around
the world.
2. Even in the early 50s, only a small amount of countries were rich and healthy
3. Weve made more progress in 60 years than the last couple hundred thousand.

5. Title these items Gapminder and add these items to the Unit 2 Population &
Migration page of your website by 2/9.
6. An optional extension assignment: ISIS is increasingly in the news, yet
Americans know relatively about this organization. Watch the PBS Frontline report
The Rise of ISIS and add your own original insight outlining your thoughts on the
US response. Warning: The content of the video has graphic and disturbing
imagery.