What does our
world look like if we don’t measure it in physical terms of miles and
meters? What if we measure our
territories by coffee consumption and rainfall volume? You can see what that looks like by clicking on worldmapper.com, the World Mapper
website. The site has almost 700 maps covering 31 categories Each one is different.
These maps give
us a way to understand statistics –for example how adult literacy compares in almost
200 territories - by looking at a brightly colored map. Want to see changes in population? Look at maps from 1500, 1960 and estimates
for 2050. The pinks and reds, the colors of the continent of Africa
that were small in 1500 are at the center of the map of 2050.
Think of any
sets of numbers you want to compare and imagine how today's traditional map would change. Which countries would be large and which
would be small, how would our world look?
A recent article in The Globalist (theglobalist.com)
examined the similarities between India, which is usually compared to China,
with Brazil, a third member of group of
countries known as the BRICS. The piece
was written by Ruchir Sharma author of the book “Breakout Nations: In Pursuit
of the Next Economic Miracles”.
He writes of the
similarities in the cultures of the two countries where long standing close
relationships are a fundamental element of society. Tradition and values are shared within the
group and it is likely that members of ones group are given special
consideration in all matters, opening up the possibility of favoritism and
corruption.
One way to
discover if his idea can be confirmed is to review the most recent Corruption
Perception Index prepared by Transparency International. (transparency.org). Their 2011 report ranked the perceived levels
of corruption in over 100 countries.
New Zealand was rated the least corrupt with a score of 9.5 (the best possible
is 10 with the worst being zero).
As far as India and Brazil, the results do not reveal
the similarity suggested by the author. Brazil
ranked #72 with a score of 3.8 while India was #95 at 3.1 (The other BRICS
nations, China and South Africa, were #75 at 3.6 and #64 at 4.1 respectively).
This report is
just one tool that can be used to compare countries of the world. The authors premise that there is a special
bond between India and Brazil is worth considering and watching to see what we
observe.
Earlier this week I ready Nataly
Kelly’s post “Speak to Global
Ms. Kelly points out that
customers are more likely to purchase something from a site written in their
own language than one than one that rquires
translation. Further research reveals
that even in the EU Countries where English usage is common, people still prefer to
browse sites in their mother tongue.
Good information to have.
Her post is a reminder that
before we travel, or welcome associates and clients, it is essential to learn
some words in their language. How do
they say hello, my name is? Please,
Thank you, You’re welcome?The simple words and phrases of
daily life and business.
Words let us share our ideas and
opinions; to build connections and friendships.
By the language of others we
communicate more than the message we struggle to pronounce. Even if our accent or pronunciation isn’t
correct our effort shows our honor and respect for the people to whom we’re speaking.
One year and almost one month ago (July 9, 2011) South Sudan officially became
an independent nation. The day was
filled with hope and a sense of possibility for positive changes. A year later there’s little good news. According to a BBC report ( http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-18550314 ) there was an official parade marking anniversary with suitable
ceremonies but the news behind the celebration was less joyful. Tensions still exist with Sudan, their
neighbor with whom they share a border and turbulent history. Inflation is rising, oil revenues held up in
a dispute with Sudan, and corruption still inhibits trade.
Even the hopes for Olympic participation and success weren’t realized. According to the South Malaysia Star, South
Sudan’s Olympic athletes were ruled
ineligible to participate. http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2012/7/21/sports/11703404&sec=sports - A sober beginning to
year two of this new nation.
What we wonder lies ahead? Will July 9, 2013 be marked by true celebration
of that new beginning envisioned a year ago or will we see another day with
little reason to rejoice? Let's hope for good news.
