What are the defining statistical, political, and cultural markers of the global landscape at the turn of the millennium? This reference volume, compiled under the editorial direction of John E. C. Wright, aggregates a vast array of data points to provide a comprehensive snapshot of the year 2001. By synthesizing information from government agencies, international organizations, and historical records, the text serves as a primary repository for researchers and general readers seeking to understand the state of the world during this specific historical window.

Experts and librarians frequently categorize this work as a foundational reference tool for historical research regarding the early 21st century. Readers often note the density of the data, which provides a reliable, objective baseline for comparative analysis of global conditions during that period.