The Gapminder web site offers cost-free animated versions of global statistics, available in a Flash application preloaded with statistical and historical data about the development of all countries of the world. Founded in 2004, Gapminder's mission is to promote understanding of global trends through interactive graphics and innovative tools for displaying statistical data. Users will find a comprehensive variety of data, including population trends, health and disease statistics, energy consumption, agriculture and food, wealth and poverty, mortality rates, CO2 emissions, climate change, communication trends, economic growth/decline, trade balance, and more.

The statistics come to "life" by using the tools. For example, set a start and end year and watch as the data is animated to reflect time trends. Click on the world map and watch -- data for the selected region blinks on and off.  

The framework that drives the Gapminder effort is the Trendalyzer software program developed by the founders, which allows users to incorporate interactive statistical data in their own presentations. The non-profit organization is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden.

Please note that this resource requires Flash.