This work covers all the global and regional changes of the post-Cold War world, including the ex-Soviet republics, the fragmentation of Yugoslavia and Czechoslovakia, the emergence of a new South Africa, newly-sovereign countries, the changing role of NATO, and various global alliances. Updated to mid-1995 it covers such events as the appointment of the new French President, the expanded European Union, the creation of the World Trade Organization, the swing to the right by the US Congress, and the release of Aung San Suu Kyi. Also included, for every country, is up-to-date social, economic and demographic data, a list of key political figures, an outline of political history and a locator map. Tables provide lists of country leaders, members of organizations, election results and comparative statistics.