There are about 6 billion people in the world, many of whom live in poverty*. So it is somewhat astounding to discover that China will make 29 billion pens this year, rising to 35 billion next year. Like most office workers, I lose pens on a regular basis (so much for the paperless office), but 29 billion pens? That's something to write home about.

* _{You never see a pen in the picture of the desperate and impoverished. Flies, malnurished kids and dust. But no pens.}