'the most convenient and reliable starting point for information on public affairs' - George J. Mitchell, US Senator. Each copy comes with FREE online access to www.statesmansyearbook.com . Site license upgrades are also available for libraries who wish to network the data. New this year: a chronology of the 'credit crunch.'

Now in its 147th edition, The Statesman's Yearbook continues to be the reference work of choice for accurate and reliable information on every country in the world. Covering political, economic, social and cultural aspects, the Yearbook is an essential resource.

Presents easy-to-understand information on 200 countries and dependencies from around the world. Entries discuss a variety of topics in detail, from banking and securities to climate, from government data to demographic statistics. Also includes biographical essays on national leaders.

Whatever you need to know about the world, from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, have the facts at your fingertips with this complete gazeteer of the globe. Each of the world's 192 nations is surveyed and mapped, including full coverage of the world's newest nations. Informative profiles of overseas dependencies and territories, every fact and stat, plus a full glossary, makes this comprehensive and browser-friendly guide a must-have for any reference collection.