W. Frank Steely Library

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» Virtual Reference: Countries of the World

Country Studies
This website contains the online versions of books previously published in hard copy by the Federal Research Division of the Library of Congress, under the Country Studies/Area Handbook Program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Army. Because the original intent of the Series' sponsor was to focus on lesser known areas of the world or regions in which U.S. forces might be deployed, the series is not all-inclusive. At present, 101 countries and regions are covered.
Independent States in the World
A listing of current names of countries, compiled by the U.S. State Department.
Portals to the World
This website is a project from the Library of Congress that features a number of links to information regarding countries around the world. All links were chosen by Library of Congress Subject experts.
Alphabetical Guide to Specific Country and Continent Information
From the University of Kentucky Libraries. Provides links to a wide variety of web sites for each country, including official government pages, news sources, travel information and more.
Population Reference Bureau: the Source for Global Population Information
Maintained by the Population Reference Bureau. You can search by topic or through its clickable world map. Topics include Demographic Statistics, Economics, Education, Environment, Gender, Policy and Reproductive Health.
Nation Master
"A massive central data source and a handy way to graphically compare nations. You can generate maps and graphs with ease on all kinds of statistics. You also can select exactly which countries you want to include."
CIA World Factbook
For each country, includes a map, physical geography, demographic statistics, political/economic facts, and transportation, communications, and military information.
Enviromental Sustainability Index
The ESI is a composite index tracking a diverse set of socioeconomic, environmental, and institutional indicators that characterize and influence environmental sustainability at the national scale.
Human Rights
The Country Reports on Human Rights Practices are submitted annually by the U.S. Department of State to the U.S. Congress. The reports cover internationally recognized individual, civil, political, and worker rights, as set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
PBS Programs
From the PBS programs listed, choose Commanding Heights. This site promotes better understanding of globalization, world trade, and economic development.

updated on 04/19/07


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