What Friedman means by "The World is Flat"

What Friedman means by the world being flat it is not an issue of the geography of the world but how people in the world interact and work with other people. What he means is that nowadays not only can countries and companies can compete in the global economy but now you as an individual can do business halfway across the world. Back before technology really evolved it was impossible for a small company to do international business. Technology has made it possible for the individual to compete with the larger companies to a point. Now Individuals have the technology that the big companies had. That is what he means by the playing field is being leveled.