Databases
Websites
Web-based sources can be very helpful for gathering current information about countries. Remember, however, to consider bias and the purpose for the site.
- BBC Country Profiles
Provides a profile of the country as well as an RSS feed of current news stories.
- CIA World Factbook
Very detailed. Includes: Maps, Introduction to the country, Geography, People and Society, Government, Economy, Energy, Communications, Transportation, Military, and Transnational Issues
- United Nations
Click on the Member State, then "undata" to access the country profile.
- United Nations Country Data
Provides very specific data about how countries are meeting UN goals.
- United Nations Human Development Reports
Country profiles in relation to the Human Development Indicators.
- US State Department Bilateral Relations Fact Sheets
These publications include facts about the land, people, history, government, political conditions, economy, and foreign relations of independent states, some dependencies, and areas of special sovereignty.