The World Bank estimates the combined output of the world's economies was $59 trillion in 2006.

Developing countries are rapidly becoming a significant part of the global economy, producing 41 percent of that output, according to the Bank's "World Development Indicators 2008".

Using new measurements that account for the differences in price levels between countries, the Bank reports China now ranks as the second largest economy in the world.

In addition, five of the 12 largest economies are developing countries.

The report presents a comprehensive picture of the world, showing among other things, what countries spend on health and infrastructure, and who has access to clean water and/or the internet.

These statistics, the World Bank indicates, illustrate the state of governance worldwide, the welfare of people internationally and the health of the planet.

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