The Shape of Things to Come provides valuable new insights into the programs and investments that can make countries "healthier"-more stable and peaceful, more democratic, and better able to provide for the needs of their citizens. It places all countries into one of four major age structures with attendant characteristics, benefits and risks associated with governance, security and economic development.

Report detailing how the risks of civil conflict between either governments or state factions are in fact closely tied to demographic factors and the dynamics of human population.

The world has made remarkable progress towards expanding access to education over the past several decades, a formidable achievement given the growth of the school age population during this period. Historically, girls have lagged behind boys in school enrollment; women represent two-thirds of almost one billion illiterate adults worldwide. Although school enrollment rates have increased for both sexes, in many countries girls still lack equal access to education.

Population growth around the world affects Americans through its impact on the economy, the environment, and safety and health, and the habitability of the world our children will inherit. While tracing cause and effect is difficult the evidence is accumulating that current rates of population growth pose significant and interacting risks to human well-being and are a legitimate concern for Americans.