When is an atlas a page-turner? When it makes the female half of the world visible in reliable statistics and glorious graphics. Nobody should be without this book.' Gloria Steinem

'A wonderfully illuminating and clear sighted book. Essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the reality of women's lives worldwide.' Melissa Benn

'A fascinating atlas. It is not only an invaluable reference book, but also throws up questions about why a woman's lot is not as good as a man's.' The Independent

To improve the state of women is to improve the state of the world. Global events continue to reveal the importance of understanding how women live across continents and cultures.

Using maps and graphics in this new revision of her eye-opening book, Joni Seager uses up-to-the-minute research and data to show what shifts have occurred in the ten years since the first edition was published - the strides made by women and the distance still to be travelled. She explores the current status of women in relation to such key issues as:

Equality * Government * IT literacy * Feminism * Women's health * Motherhood * Women at work * Household trends * The global economy * Domestic violence * Refugees * Lesbian rights