The very high literacy rates in industrialized countries are misleading, as many adults in these countries have low levels of literacy. The International Adult literacy survey (1998) of OECD countries concluded that 23% of adults had 'very poor' skills. And a further 27% had a 'weak' skills. Both of these groups are defined as having a 'low level of literacy'

Literacy is seldom universal across the whole population. In developing nations the literacy rate of males is significantly higher than that of females. The International Adult literacy survey also indicated a gender discrepancy. With two exceptions (United States and Canada) the proportion of males with at least moderate literacy is greater than t that of females.

To gain a balanced perspective when comparing countries, literacy definitions should be consulted as these vary between countries.

In August 2004, another signature Latin Academy event made history when the internationally renowned recording artist Carlos Santana was honored as the 2004 Latin Recording Academy Person Of The Year. The honor recognized Santana's professional, cultural and social accomplishments. The star-studded tribute dinner and concert took place at the Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles. Organized in partnership with the MusiCares Foundation, Carlos Santana became the fifth Latin Recording Academy Person Of The Year honoree. Previous honorees have been Emilio Estefan Jr., Vicente Fernández, Gilberto Gil, and Julio Iglesias.

Creating yet another signature event series, The Latin Recording Academy expanded its nation-wide Latin GRAMMY Street Parties into an extremely successful second year, bringing the music and brand to the top U.S. Hispanic markets during the month of August. Latin GRAMMY Street Parties came to Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, New York and Miami, taking the Latin GRAMMY experience to the streets prior to the telecast of the 5th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards on Sept. 1 in Los Angeles.

The Latin Recording Academy's educational outreach programs have grown to include the e-Latin GRAMMY Carreras Y Musical events, which have reached more than 10,000 high school age participants in at least 11 countries. Using interactive satellite technology, this Latin Recording Academy program educates students about the Latin recording industry, allowing them to discuss with musicians and members of the music industry what it's like to work in the business and what it takes to be successful in the field. This is in addition to the well-established domestic and international Latin GRAMMY education-related events that took place in Buenos Aries, Los Angeles and Miami in 2004.

The active and selfless participation of the numerous Latin Recording Academy members in countries around the world ensures that our programs and activities are current and relevant to the industry, while it also guarantees the integrity of the awards process as a peer honor that celebrates the achievements of all styles and genres of Latin music. The Latin Recording Academy and its members have accomplished much during the organization's short life, but this is a work in progress. Through the efforts of its staff and volunteer leadership this organization will continue to grow by strengthening its position as the premiere international Latin music awards and by becoming the industry’s most important resource for those interested in showing their support for Latin music and its makers. This is already happening as journalists, corporate sponsors, government and private organizations all reach out to the organization for direction, support and leadership.

Small countries with a high per capita GDP are indeed, as Bob points out, focused on providing financial services and, as Hobit says, dependent on trans-border labor. In Luxembourg, for example, 22% of its GDP is from financial sector services and 83% from the services sector overall. Foreign and trans-border workers account for more than 30% of its labor force.

However, among other factors that put it above the USA in terms of per capita GDP is that its external debt is very low, as is its inflation rate (2%), unemployment (3.6%), and budgetary and trade deficits. In comparison, the USA has high levels of unemployment (6%), budgetary, current account and trade deficits and external debt, and its public debt is more than 62% of its GDP.

Birth and fertility rates, together with crude death rates, determine population growth.

Historically, birth rates have fallen with economic development. It is no coincidence that countries with the highest birth, fertility and population growth rates are also among the poorest. Not one appears among the top 50 countries in terms of purchasing power parity.

What are the development implications of having a younger population?

Governments would need to budget for education and related social infrastructure accordingly. In poorer countries, unemployment rates may rise, aggravating social tensions; in addition, fertility and birth rates may go up, requiring relevant planning to address related issues, such as teenage pregnancy.

The greater development issue for many countries is the profile of their populations. Many countries are increasingly graying, with a growing proportion of populations over 64.

What are the problems of an aging population?

Governments would need to increase budgets for healthcare, live-in institutions and other support systems for the aged, even as production is likely to be impacted by a proportionately smaller working population.

This policy of subsidizing corn has lowered the cost of U.S. beef and poultry production, as most US meat is now corn-fed rather than grazed. Subsidized corn is also sold and consumed as filler and as corn syrup, appearing in as much as 25% of American supermarket products, according to one source: When Corn is King. Some critics have linked the United States' corn subsidization policy, and the resulting profusion of corn syrup-sweetened products, to the rising epidemic of obesity in that country.