Contains information of the major aspects on the government and political party system of each of about 200 countries of the world. Major topics covered include:

• Key facts: Political status, area, population, major urban centers, official language, monetary unit, heads of government, heads of state, ambassadors, and U.S. and U.N. representation.
• Government and political history: Historical trends, regime changes, constitutional history, and regional and global policy issues of concern.
• Current Issues: Headline-making events, trends, controversies, and challenges.
• Political parties and organizations: Leading and minor parties, quasi-partisan and extra-systemic organizations, alliances, party histories, ideology, and leadership.
• Legislatures and cabinets: Recent national election results, legislative leaders, cabinet ministers.
• Communications: Names, circulation, and political affiliation of major national media; news agencies; television coverage and Internet usage.