Research Guides: Country Information Guide: General Sources

Background Information

The following are some of the most frequently consulted reference information sources for background information on a country available electronically:

Europa World Plus This link opens in a new window
Provides detailed country surveys containing the latest analytical, statistical and directory data available for over 250 countries and territories. This resource also provides analytical essays on the following regions: Africa South of the Sahara Central and South-Eastern Europe, Eastern Europe, Russia and Central Asia, The Far East and Australasia, The Middle East and North Africa, South America, Central America and the Caribbean, South Asia, The USA and Canada, and Western Europe.

Political Handbook of the World
Online since 2005.
CIA World Factbook
Country entries include sections on Land, Water, People, Government, Economy, Communications, and Defense Forces. In the Government section for all countries, a new “Citizenship” field added to describe policies related to the acquisition of citizenship and to the recognition of dual citizenship.
under the “Country name” entry, etymologies (historical origins) added to explain how countries acquired their names.
U.S. Department of State Countries and Areas Archive
Describes US relations with other countries, bilateral economic relations, science and technology cooperation and assistance to, in terms of country development
Library of Congress Country Studies
Description and analysis of the historical setting and social, economic, political, and national security systems and institutions
BBC Country Profiles
Brief information on all countries
Countries (Washington Diplomat)
Information on diplomatic representation

Country Information Guide

Global Resources Center

Subject Librarian

Background Information