Political Handbook of the World 1997

Political Handbook of the World annually provides up-to-date political information on all the world's countries in a balanced, accurate, and comprehensive manner. A singular and authoritative reference work for over 65 years, each new volume builds on the research and scholarship of previous editions, offering rare insight into stories making headlines, judiciously outlining contemporary conflicts and analyzing current foreign policy within the informed context of past events and decisions. It is considered to be the single-volume reference work of choice for libraries, diplomats, academic faculties, international corporations, and others needing accurate, timely information. Each nation's entry features: extensive political background - economic and social characteristics - foreign relations activities and policies - current issues of domestic and international importance - history and leadership of political parties and movements - descriptions of prevailing constitution and government - names of heads of state, governments and cabinet members - description of news media. In addition, Political Handbook of the World 1997 contains maps of disputed territories, indices of geographic and organization names and prominent political figures, and data on population, urban centres and monetary units.