FAO's latest estimates of hunger around the world offer striking evidence that progress toward the World Food Summit (WFS) goal is possible. They also show conclusively that without redoubled national and global commitment the goal of reducing the number of hungry people by half by the year 2015 will not be reached. This fifth edition of The State of Food Insecurity in the World details recent trends in developing countries and countries in transition. It also offers an analysis of factors that have contributed to progress and setbacks in efforts to reach the WFS goal. Other articles examine the impact on food security of factors as diverse as the HIV/AIDS pandemic, improved management of water resources and increasing integration of developing countries into international markets and trade agreements. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations