Google Labs' Public Data Explorer lets you view and create charts based on public data such as mortality, fertility and unemployment rates. The charts and maps animate over time making the changes easier to follow and understand. I love the interactivity of these charts.
This employment chart, which is very relevant in Ireland at the moment, clearly shows the rapid increase in unemployment over the last 3 years linked no doubt to the rapid decline in the economy over the same period!!!
It is quite easy to find out from this chart that, in Ireland, over the last 50 years, the average family size has decreased from 4 to 2 children while the life expectancy has increased from 70yrs to 80yrs (approximately). Astonishing to see that the life expectancy in Afghanistan and Zimbabwe is almost half that value!
Patricia Donaghy is an ICT Teacher in Dublin, Ireland. You can read some more information 
