About Country Information
Need reliable country information for your assignments? Start here with sources that provide facts, policy perspectives, and historical context.
Which Source Should I Use?
- Looking for facts and statistics? Check the CIA World Factbook(opens in a new window).
- Need U.S. policy background? Try the Congressional Research Service Reports(opens in a new window).
- Want current economic and political analysis? Use EIU ViewsWire(opens in a new window). (EMU subscription — log in with your EMU NetID if off campus.)
- Interested in democracy, elections, and civil liberties? Explore Democracy Web – Country Studies(opens in a new window).
Additional Sources for Country Information
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CIA World FactbookScan quick country profiles (geography, population, government, economy, and more).
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Congressional Research Service ReportsFind nonpartisan research overviews on countries and current issues.
Note: The overviews are U.S. policy-oriented and vary in country depth. -
Countries and Their CulturesInformation about the predominant and variable cultural forms, mores, and modes of expression in virtually every country.
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Country StudiesExplore book-length surveys with chapters on history, society, economy, and government.
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Country Studies | Democracy WebDetailed country profiles focused on democracy, elections, civil liberties, and historical political developments—good for understanding how government and society interact.
Note: Some content may be framed through a democracy‐and‐human‐rights lens; it may not include the most recent economic statistics. -
EIU ViewsWireRead concise analyst updates on country risks and current events.
Note: EMU access may require login/off-campus sign-in. -
Nations of the World | Library of CongressConcise, classroom-oriented country overviews with a focus on political systems, elections, civil liberties, and historical context.
Note: Framed around democracy/human-rights themes and not heavy on current statistics; pair with a data source (e.g., CIA World Factbook) for up-to-date numbers. -
U.S. Bilateral Relations Fact Sheets (formerly called Background Notes)Official snapshots of the United States’ relationship with each country, including policy priorities, assistance, key facts, and contacts.
Note: U.S.-centric viewpoint; check the “Last updated” date for currency.