Earlham Libraries Home: POLS 111: Introduction to Politics: Country information

Credo Reference - Alternative to Wikipedia

Credo Reference This link opens in a new window
The academic alternative to Wikipedia! Provides access to nearly 500 encyclopedias and dictionaries. Search by concept map. Includes thousands of searchable images.

Economist This link opens in a new window
Full access to The Economist website through Earlham.

Parline Database on National Parliaments
The PARLINE database contains information on the structure and working methods of 266 parliamentary chambers in all of the 188 countries where a national legislature exists.
Constitution Finder
Constitutions of many world countries. Managed by University of Richmond School of Law.
World Map - Types of Government
Also includes a list of current Presidents and Prime Ministers for each country

Find background information about your country's political situation.

Google searching: Be sure to use the Advanced Search, where you can limit your search to .edu, .gov, and .org sites.

Oxford Guide to Countries of the World by Peter Stalker
ISBN: 9780199580729
Publication Date: 2010
This A-Z guide provides a wealth of information for every country in the world. Each entry gives a brief history and outlines contemporary social, economic, political and religious issues. In addition, for each country there is a map and a quick-reference fact box containing data and statistics including languages, population, GDP, capital city, life expectancy, and more. It also features an appendix of indicator tables (showing income and poverty, health and population etc) and an appendix of regional groupings, such as members of the EU and the African Union, as well as an appendix of web links - one for each country.

BBC Country Profiles
Full profiles provide an instant guide to history, politics and economic background of countries and territories, and background on key institutions. They also include audio and video clips from BBC archives. Don't miss the tabs at the top of each country's profile - overview, facts, leaders, media, timeline.
CIA World Factbook
Fact Books for most countries of the world are produced annually. They provide a good overview, including maps, of most of the countries in the world. Be sure to look at the last section on each country's page, "Transnational Issues."
U.S. Department of State Background Notes

Commonwealth Online
Detailed information about the organization and its member countries.
Europa
Multilingual web site for the European Union and its units, such as the Parliament.
INCORE Internet Country Guides
A series of guides to Internet resources on countries in conflict.
NationMaster.com
Allows users to compare nations by generating graphical statistical data.
Overseas Development Institute
"An independent non-governmental centre for development research and a forum for discussion of the problems facing developing countries."
United Nations
Information about the structure and work of the UN as well as news, documents, departmental information, and other information resources.
World Bank Group
Economic and social development information which can be search by country and region. Provides access to over 6,000 World Bank publications and data sources.
World Trade Organization
Information about the organization, including documents, statistics, conferences, and press releases.
Freedom House
"Freedom House is an independent watchdog organization dedicated to the expansion of freedom around the world. Founded in 1941, Freedom House was the first American organization to champion the advancement of freedom globally." (From the Freedom House website)

See also the latest Freedom House Report.

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Subjects: Accounting, Ancient & Classical Studies, Business, Comparative Languages & Linguistics (CLL), French & Francophone Studies, International Studies, Japanese Studies, Politics, Public Policy, Social Services, Spanish & Hispanic Studies