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The graph below shows GDP growth rates from 2008 to 2009. The circles in blue represent positive growth and the circles in red reflect negative growth. Position your mouse over the circles for more information about GDP growth and use the dropdown menu titled Bubble Size to flip between 2008 and 2009 figures. Already-slowing GDP growth for many countries in 2008 fell drastically in 2009, turning the economy map entirely red and indicating the worst global economic contraction since the Second World War.

In this graph, hover over the bars for information on year-over-year consumer price changes. The one good indicator in 2009 — lower national inflation — also has a dark side as analysts now use a negative consumer price index (CPI) as a proxy for poor economic demand. Use the legend on the left-hand side to highlight one, two or all three years.

This graph shows changing unemployment rates from 2002 to 2009. Place your mouse over the line for unemployment rates and use the legend on the left-hand side to select by country. The jobs picture, which was uniformly rosy last summer, wilted within six months as unemployment rates among industrialized nations soared in 2009.