An up-to-date handbook providing an overview of every country in the world. Maps and geographical details are given along with the historical and contemporary social, economic, religious and political issues that shape each country. Also provides economic and social indicators, such as GDP and life expectancy, and hundreds of useful web links.

This A-Z guide provides a wealth of information for every country in the world. Each entry gives a brief history and outlines contemporary social, economic, political and religious issues. In addition, for each country there is a clear map and a quick-reference fact box containing data and statistics including languages, population, GDP, capital city, life expectancy, and more. The inclusion of at least one web link for every country is a new feature to this edition and web links are conveniently accessible via the Guide to Countries of the World companion website. Invaluable supplementary material includes detailed indicator tables showing income and poverty, health and population etc, and list of international organizations, such as the EU and the African Union, with essential information about these groupings. Revised and fully up to date with the latest key facts, this accessible guide is ideal for students and teachers of geography, politics, economics, world religions, and world history at all levels, as well as anyone wanting a home reference book to accompany an atlas.