An up-to-date handbook providing a brief overview of each country in the world. Maps and geographical details are given along with the contemporary social, economic, religious and political issues that shape each country. Further data is given on the main economic and social indicators of each country, such as GNP, life expectancy, and population growth and density. - Features maps and vital statistics of every country in the world - Double-page spreads provide concise overviews of the social, economic, and political issues shaping each country - Global Data tables, with up-to-the-minute information, show main social and economic indicators country-by-country