social indicators

". . . includes data [with emphasis on economics] from over 180 countries, presented in a series of rankings and country profiles"--Amazon.com.

Guide to 50 different cities and communities around the country that offer the good life for families.

Argues that algorithms used to sort resum?s, grant or deny loans, monitor our health, and other uses, are unregulated, reinforce discrimination, and threaten to undermine democracy.

The country of South America has a rich and interesting history that has contributed to its current human rights status.

"When it comes to social progress and sustainability, the Near East faces many challenges. In this region where three major religions, Christianity, Judaism, and Islam originated, Islam is the most widely followed. Religious differences have caused tensions throughout the regions history even among those of the Islamic faith. Religion is a driving force in the governments, and some leaders have used religion to justify authoritative control limiting democracy, individualism, and freedom. ... Nonetheless, some countries are progressing toward tolerance and greater personal rights. The Near East is also characterized by great economic differences, from very rich oil-producing countries to very poor nations experiencing political instability. ... Moreover, fresh water is scarce in this part of the Earth. Because of these religious, economic, and environmental issues, the Near East is weaker in terms of social progress and sustainability compared to other areas, but if balance and tolerance can be maintained, this area, which is rich in culture and religious history, may thrive and prosper"--Amazon.com.

Examines the social and economic conditions of Central America and the Caribbean, and discusses challenges for the future.

"In Eurasia, two countries have dominated the political, economic, and social landscape for centuries, Russia and Turkey. By sheer landmass, Russia is the largest country in the world and for decades after World War I, it was even bigger as the leader of the Soviet Union. This dictatorial, predominantly Christian empire included Armenia, Azerbaijan, ... Moldova, and Ukraine. Other areas in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Montenegro were under Soviet influence. Often in conflict with Russia, Turkey stood apart with its democratic government and mostly Muslim population. In the early 1990s,the Soviet Union broke up, leading to several independent nations ... Several countries in Eurasia face economic struggles with high unemployment and health problems, with dangerous levels of pollution and alcoholism. Turmoil in the Middle East and between Ukraine and Russia have contributed to instability in the region. Since the harsh Soviet regime of the 1900's, however, social progress is heading in a positive direction as more people experience increased personal freedoms and tolerance"--Amazon.com.

"The countries of northern and eastern Africa have fought hard over the years to become independent countries. Because of this struggle, individual rights and freedoms as well as standards of living have suffered in many of these countries. The economies of these countries often dictate the social progress they have made. In some countries where urbanization has increased, access to safe drinking water and medical care have also increased, for example. Since some of the countries in northern and eastern Africa are considered the poorest in the world, many nonprofit and governmental agencies have partnered with their governments to assist them. Some programs help them obtain food; others assist with medical resources; while still others help to provide money to fund the building of much-needed infrastructure"--Amazon.com.

Examines the social and economic conditions of Middle, Western, and Southern Africa, and discusses challenges for the future.

Examines the social and economic conditions of Europe and discusses challenges for the future.