LibGuides: Finding Country Info: Reference Sources

Reference Sources

Europa World This link opens in a new window
An excellent source for basic country information. Covers recent history plus the current political and economic system in each country of the world. Includes some statistics, information on political parties and political structure, and media information. In print from 1989-2003 at Main Library JN1 .E85.

Political Handbook of the World
Basic country information plus governmental and political history, political parties and organizations, legislatures and cabinets, and key communications outlets. From CQ Press.

CIA World Factbook This link opens in a new window
Information on the history, people, government, economy, geography, communications, transportation, military, and transnational issues for 267 world entities. From the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency. In print from 1981- at Main Library G122.U56.

Human Development Report/Global Human Development Indicators (HDI)
Country profiles and data presented in the annual Human Development Report from the United Nations Development Programme. The HDI is a summary measure for assessing long-term progress in three basic dimensions of human development: a long and healthy life, access to knowledge and a decent standard of living.
Freedom in the World
Comparative data and reports on global political rights and civil liberties. Compiled annually by Freedom House, a U.S. NGO that tracks and advocates for democratization in the world. Freedom House also publishes the following reports: Freedom of the Press, Freedom on the Net, and Nations in Transit (reform in the former Communist states of Europe and Eurasia).
Fragile States Index
Annual ranking of weak and failing states from from The Fund for Peace and the journal Foreign Policy. The Fragile States Index uses 12 social, economic, and political indicators of pressure on the state. The indicators assess such issues as Uneven Development, State Legitimacy, Group Grievance, and Human Rights.