Additional resources for further exploration
The U.S. Census Bureau's Statistics in Schools provides resources for teaching and learning with real life data. The following link focuses on geography activities for grades K-5.
https://www.census.gov/schools/activities/geography.Grades_K-5.html
Explore the "World Stats and Facts" page to explore topics like country statistics at a glance, endangered travel destinations around the world, families of countries (e.g., the Balkans), and more.
http://www.factmonster.com/ipka/A0770070.html
Scan this page to see the many uses of geographic statistics in the administration of elections, health care, and other crucial areas at the national level.
http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/guide-method/geography/beginner-s-guide/index.html