As we consider 2011 and what direction the future will take, it is useful to look at the world as a whole and remember that the world we live in today gives us very useful clues as to how the world of tomorrow will look.

Population size and growth are not the only factors to consider, however, they give you a very good idea of where things are headed.

Consider the below chart that shows that 50% of today’s world population lives in just six countries! Wow, only six countries! Clearly, the USA is the most developed of the six – and the others have a long way to go in terms of development – to catch up. This adds up to lots of growth… check it out for yourself: