An up-to-date survey of political, social and economic information on every country in the constantly-changing region of Africa south of the Sahara. This revised and updated edition provides introductory essays and detailed information on all the major organizations concerned with the region.

This edition has been revised and expanded to cope with the rapid tempo of economic, social and political changes taking place throughout the sub-Saharan region. It analyzes civil and political instability in Liberia, Somalia, Angola and Mozambique, and charts the domestic uncertainty facing many of the countries in the area. Part one, "Backgound to the continent", includes: a detailed chronology of recent political events 1994-1995 - a convenient reference guide to the year's main developments; analytical commentary on issues of topical interest; articles by leading contributors in the wider context of the continent's development and its relationship with the rest of the world, including "Africa in Retrospect and Prospect" by Gavin Williams, "Economic Trends in Africa South of the Sahara 1995" by Donald L. Sparks and "European Colonial Rule in Africa" by Richard Brown; and also includes a political map of contemporary Africa, calendars, time reckoning and weights and measures, major commodities of Africa and research institutes concerned with Africa. Part two, "Regional information", provides extensive coverage of international organizations and research bodies active in Africa. It outlines over 150 pan-regional and sub-regional organizations - their aims, activities, publictions and principal personnel, including the UN in Africa, the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization), the OAU (Organization of African Unity) and the ADB (African Development Bank) and ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States). Part three, "Country surveys", has individual chapters on every country containing: an introductory survey; expert articles on geography, population, recent history and economy; a statistical survey - the latest available statistics on area and population, agriculture, mining, forestry and livestock, fishing industry, finance, trade, transport, education and the media; and a directory, with essential names and addresses, and other key information on - the constitution, government, legislature, judiciary, political organizations, diplomatic representation, religion, the media, finance, trade and industry, transport, tourism, defence and education.