Graphic: the world in numbers in 2009

Washington has never seen anything quite like it. Not since the Union army passed through the American capital during the Civil War has the city experienced such an invasion. From across America four million people are expected to descend on Washington for Barack Obama's inauguration on Capitol Hill and his parade to the White House.

The rest of America and the world will be following his inauguration speech for evidence that America's first black president can fulfill his promises for change.

Waiting for him in the Oval office is a daunting in-tray.

Foremost is America’s deepening economic crisis. The record $700 billion recovery package, which will come before Congress after it reconvenes on January 6, may still not be enough to pull America out of recession and create enough new jobs to offset the losses predicted in 2009. By the end of March, America's carmakers will be back in Washington with a new bailout plan to save Detroit. Many will wonder whether election promises, like a move to limit carbon emissions, will be viable during the economic downturn.

The world is not going to give the new President a honeymoon period either. He faces a number of pressing foreign policy issues that will test his mettle.

The bloodshed in Gaza has forced the Middle East back to the top of the international agenda. The Obama Administration is hoping that the fighting will be over by the time it comes into office, but securing a permanent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas must be a priority for his foreign policy team led by Hillary Clinton.

The outcome of Gaza could decide the result of general elections in Israel on February 10. Benjamin "Bibi" Netanyahu, the leader of the rightwing opposition Likud Party is ahead of Tzipi Livni, the Kadima Party leader, in the polls. A national unity government could still negotiate peace with Syria and the Palestinians, but a rightwing coalition could set back the modest gains of the past few years. An even greater danger is that Israel will carry out its threat to attack Iran's nuclear facilities.

Experts warn that Iran will have enough fissile material to build one nuclear bomb in 2009, the 30th anniversary of the Islamic revolution. The move may come too late for President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. He pushed through the atomic project but his disastrous handling of the economy may open the way for moderate candidate to replace him in elections this summer. There is still hope that the Obama presidency may yet be able to open dialogue with the Iranian regime.

Mr Obama can take some comfort that Iraq -- the country that once threatened to plague his presidency -- is now relatively stable. British forces will begin their withdrawal in March and American troops will pull out of all Iraqi cities by the summer. Still the country remains volatile and violence threatens to marr the election campaign ahead of provincial polls at the end of January.

Beyond the Middle East, Afghanistan looms large. The Pentagon is deploying 30,000 reinforcements this year in a bid to win back the initiative from the resurgent Taleban. US commanders want to reclaim the area around Kabul and to control Afghanistan's ring road, the country's key artery. The US is expected to try to replicate the "Awakening" policy used in Iraq to arm and train local tribes against militants.

The Pentagon also faces a tough campaign with its own Nato allies, who have been asked to provide more troops for Afghanistan, but have so far been reluctant to match the American push. The matter will dominate Nato's 60th anniversary summit in April.

Africa too will demand international attention early in 2009. Zimbabwe's leader President Robert Mugabe turns 85 in February but is clinging to power as the economy collapses and hundreds die of cholera. Look out for an escalation of violence in Somalia, where foreign navies are gathering force and have United Nations backing to pursue pirates on land and sea.

Europe's troubless seem minor by comparison, but here too there are looming problems. The Kremlin, weakened by falling oil prices, is nevertheless intent on projecting its power abroad and tightening its control at home. Expect new laws restricting criticism of the state and the first signs that Vladimir Putin, the Prime Minister, is planning to return as President.

There could also be confusion within the European Union. Czech President Vaclav Klaus has taken over the rotating European Union presidency, in spite of his outspoken anti-EU views. President Sarkozy of France, the outgoing EU president, shows no signs of wanting to give up his place on the world stage

There are a few distractions to lighten the start of 2009. The Oscars are held on February 22 with Brad Pitt and his wife Angelina Jolie most likely to win nominations. A day later the art collection of the late fashion designer, Yves Saint Laurent, will be sold at auction in Paris. The works include paintings by Picasso, Matisse and Degas.

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