One could be forgiven for thinking that the world is going down the plughole.

However, an illuminating Survey from Our World In Data shows that this is not so. The organisation’s survey, which covers the years from 1820 to 2019, illustrates ‘The World as 100 People’. I found it elsewhere online and felt duty bound to share it. Note that the world’s population has increased seven-fold during that time, from 1.1 billion to 7.7 billion people. Click here for an enlarged version:

This is worth sharing with family and friends, especially children, who are panicked at school and worried about an apocalyptic future.

Also worth noting is Newsweek‘s 2024 Future Possibilities Index which places the United Kingdom at the top of the list of countries best placed to succeed in the coming years. Denmark comes second and the United States comes third. Click here for an enlarged version:

Admittedly, Newsweek‘s survey is along the lines of ‘building back better’, but it covers six economic criteria for success — Exabyte (high tech), Wellbeing, Net Zero, Circular, Bio Growth and Experience.

It is 61 pages long but comes with an executive summary at the beginning.

It is well worth reading, as it is something to be happy about in the doldrums of winter. Enjoy!