In Germany, about 33 percent of children born in 2010 were born out of wedlock, compared to only 15 percent in 1993.​—ÄRZTE ZEITUNG and THE LOCAL, GERMANY.

According to 2010 census data, 69.4 percent of children in the United States live with two parents, 23.1 percent live with their mother only, 3.4 percent live with their father only, and 4.1 percent do not live with a parent.​—U.S. CENSUS BUREAU, U.S.A.


Natural disasters cost the global economy an estimated $380 billion (U.S.) in 2011. The Japanese earthquake was the “costliest disaster of all time, with losses of $210 billion​—not including the nuclear incident at Fukushima.”​—NEW SCIENTIST, BRITAIN.


Worldwide, the most frequently stolen food item is cheese. Just over 3 percent of the world’s retail supply is lost every year, mainly as a result of shoplifting and employee theft.​—CENTRE FOR RETAIL RESEARCH, BRITAIN.