The World Factbook 1998

There seem to be quite a few, indeed increasing numbers of, such world factbooks of various kinds, of various shapes and sizes, and for various purposes, but the very name of the CIA as its source must give this title a certain prominence (or notoriety depending on your standpoint). Certainly it gives a good summary and overview of each country in the world, within rigidly standardised categories of geography, people, government, economy, communications, transportation, military and transnational issues. An attractive presentation is enhanced by an outline three‐colour map of each country at the head of its entry, with a colour...