How to Use This Map

With nearly one million indicators, this map helps you find the global connections your county and state have to the rest of the world. Think about why these connections matter for business, policy, and education. The data is rich and can be used in many ways. To get started, consider the questions below.

Overview

This map shows data at the national, state, and county level.

The "key indicators" in the upper left corner of the map are some of the most relevant numbers if you are looking for a quick snapshot of what is global in your county.

If you are unsure of the county name you are researching, you can find it here by typing in the name of a city or a zip code. It will also link you to the webpage for any county in the United States.

To assist you in creating your own story from the data, we have created this worksheet. 

A Globally Competent Workforce: The Economic Argument

We live and work in a global marketplace. For proof, look at the data in the map for your state or county:

Under Economics:

• How many people are employed by companies importing and exporting goods?
• How many jobs are related to exports? (See our infographic.)
• What is the estimated sales value of imports and exports of goods (total)?
• You can also look in the categories of "Estimated Value of Exports" and "Estimated Value of Services Exports" to see specific sectors in which your state or county specializes.

These statistics should allow you to say that culturally competent employees who speak a second language are critical to the success of your local economy. With 95% of consumers and three-quarters purchasing power outside of our borders, international markets are critical to creating and sustaining local jobs.

Outside links for more information and statistics:
• Business Roundtable State Trade Profiles
• U.S. Chamber of Commerce

A Globally Competent Citizenry

The United States has 40 million people who are foreign born, more than any other time in our history. There is a correlating increase in languages spoken within our borders. The national security sector has reported in recent testimony before the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, that the intelligence community is recruiting heritage speakers. Language and cultural perspectives are in high demand in business and other sectors, too. The U.S. Census data underscores that the United States is rich in human capital—a strength we should continue to leverage and build upon. How is a global citizenry reflected in your community?

What linguistic and cultural resources does your community have? Look under Demographics for:

• What percent of the population in your state or county is foreign born?
• Has this increased over time? Look at the indicator “% of Total Population that is Foreign-Born”
• Are non-English languages spoken in your community? What are they? Look at "Languages Spoken at Home: % Speaking."

Outside links for more information:
• NAFSA: Resources to help you make the case and become a champion for international education
• US Census Quickfacts

Education Data

Education data that measures global competence is incomplete. There are no data-centered assessments measuring student global competency. The lack of data is in many ways an indicator that, up to the present, the true value of global competency has not been recognized.

The data that does exist centers on language, AP exams, and in-person exchange programs.

Looking at the education indicators for "K-12 Language Enrollment," "AP Exams Taken," and "Postsecondary Language Enrollment," think about:

• Are the languages being taught in your schools those that are being spoken in the community?
• Are there language programs in your schools to encourage and nurture students who are exposed to a language in their home?
• Do the languages being taught align with the top export markets for your state? (Look at your state infographic for this information.)
• What about for national security—are critical languages being taught?

Do students have opportunities to learn with, not just about, their global peers?

• How many students take part in study abroad programs?
• Are there Sister City partnerships in your area?

Perhaps the most essential question of all: What is the cost of not having the knowledge and skills needed for the global economy?

Get Involved

To learn more about how to make the case in your community or to get involved.

Global Competence Toolkit