Reference Shelf

Country Profiles, from BBC News, provide an instant guide to history, politics and economic background of countries and territories.

The Country Studies Series, from the Library of Congress, presents a description and analysis of the historical setting and the social, economic, political, and national security systems and institutions of countries throughout the world.

Political and economic information for over 250 countries and territories, from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe. Entries include detailed historic overviews and statistical data.

Over 660 articles and bibliographies covering the wide range of disciplines related to the histories and cultures of the United States from pre-colonial days to the present.