Overview
In the thirty years since its declassification, The World Factbook, produced annually by the CIA, has become the ultimate, authoritative source of information on all the nations of the world. It provides current data for more than 250 countries, from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe.
Topics addressed include the political climate, recent international disputes, natural resources, environment, population, inflation rate, GDP, agriculture, industries, defense expenditures, national holidays, literacy rate, religion, legal system, labor force, and much more. Key data are grouped under the headings of geography, people, government, economy, communications, and defense forces. The World Factbook also offers a multitude of maps—one of each country and more than a dozen others for regional perspective. In addition, readers will find handy appendixes on the United Nations system, international organizations, weights and measures, international environmental agreements, and standardization of geographic names. The World Factbook provides the indispensable reference for individuals possessing a curiosity or concern about the world in which we live.