The Political Handbook of the World contains a separate article on every country in the world as well as more than 100 intergovernmental organizations, including UN-related agencies. Each article provides a comprehensive historical perspective (developed over 70 years of publication) as well as up-to-date information on recent political developments. Maps provide close-ups of disputed territories. Country articles are divided into the following sections: Basic information: Covers political status (i.e., monarchy, democracy, etc.), area, population, major urban centers, official languages, monetary unit (including U.S. exchange rate), current national leaders (including date they assumed office and political party affiliation) and names of their immediate predecessors.
The Country: Brief geographic overview, religious and ethnic makeup, status of women, major industries and agricultural emphasis, and recent economic developments. Political background: Complete coverage of all recent governmental changes as well as highlights of modern political history.
Constitution and government: Origin and key features of the constitution and description of government's structure and organization.
Foreign relations: Regional and international issues, alliances, disputes, foreign policy.
Current issues: Headline-making developments and trends over the previous year, including key issues in politics and public policy.
Political parties: Background, platform, activities, and leaders of all legal parties as well as illegal and/or unrecognized political groups and movements, exile groups, guerrilla movements, etc. Generally considered the most authoritative and up-to-date source of its kind.
Parliament\legislature: Legislative structure and most recent election results by party affiliation.
Cabinet lists: Current officials with party affiliation. News media: Description of press restrictions and other related issues; circulation and political orientation of major newspapers; news agencies; description of radio and television services and number of radios and televisions in service. Diplomatic representation: Ambassador to the U.S., U.S. ambassador to the country under discussion; permanent representative to the UN; non-UN intergovernmental organization memberships.
