Below is a fascinating presentation by Dr. Hans Rosling at the TED conference in 2006.  It's fascinating for two reasons: First, it debunks a lot of the pre-held notions most of us have about the third world. Second, his presentation of the data is absolutely mind blowing.  Not a lot of bells and whistles, just really compelling and easy to grasp.  It's worth the 20 minutes to watch it.