Background Information and Fact Sheets

The resources in this section are intended as starting points, and include basic facts and figures about poor country debt, achievements so far, and what remains to be done. They are regularly reviewed, so that educators can be confident that the information they contain is up to date and factually accurate. A glossary of common terms has also been included in the interests of jargon-busting!

Click on the titles to be taken to a more detailed description of the resource, and a download (where appropriate).

Glossary of Terms
A list of Acronyms & Abbreviations commonly used when discussing global debt, plus some Definitions of debt-related words and phrases.

An Introduction to Debt
Suggested age range: 11 - 15 years
A brief introduction to the debt crisis, giving some history as well as facts about the current situation.

The G8 and the Debt Campaign
Suggested age range: 12 - 16 years
Clear and informative summary of what the G8 is and how it works, the formation of Jubilee 2000, and recent G8 decisions on debt.

It's a Question of Debt
Suggested age range: 12 - 16 years
A summary of the background to the debt crisis, and a brief description of its impact on today's world.

A Jewish View of Debt and the Jubilee
Suggested age range: 12 - 16 years
A relatively brief but comprehensive look at the ethics of debt and the origins of the idea of Jubilee, from a Jewish perspective.

Some Islamic Perspectives on Poverty and Debt
Suggested age range: 12 - 16 years
An article exploring attitudes and action on social justice, poverty and debt from a Muslim perspective.

Please also check the Videos, DVDs and Presentations section for further introductory material.