This resource presents profiles of 229 nations and self-governing territories around the world and their political, economic, and business aspects, including South Sudan and Saint Maarten in this edition and updated profiles. The main section contains alphabetical entries on each country, with an overview of current political and economic events; maps; key facts such as their capital, ruling parties, language, basic area, unemployment, 2010 inflation figures, and population; key indicators such as their gross national product, foreign debt, exchange rate, and imports/exports from 2005 to 2010; an evaluation of the politics, economy, and general stability of the country and its region; and a detailed profile of its history, political structure and parties, population, labor market, media, trade, industry, agriculture, tourism, climate, energy, entry requirements, and other aspects. Countries in political crises are noted, and a business directory includes travel information and contact information for hotels, chambers of commerce, banks, and other resources. An additional section overviews the regions of Asia, Africa, the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East and key indicators, currencies, and maps. Annotation ©2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com) Read Less