This text provides a country-by-country guide to the 20th-century history of every independent nation. Each of the world's 100 largest countries receives detailed treatment, with analysis of political, economic, social and cultural trends, and a data panel that includes a map, the country's current flag, a short chronology of events since 1900, national statistics and a list of heads of government. Smaller countries are discussed separately in sectional gazeteers, and there is also coverage of nations whose claims to statehood are currently in dispute.