Country Information Research Guide

This guide provides lists of sites that include background information on countries of the world. 

State Department Country Profiles: “The publications listed below include facts about the land, people, history, government, political conditions, economy, and foreign relations of independent states, some dependencies, and areas of speical sovereignty." (U.S. Department of State)

Central Intelligence Agency World Factbook: One of the leading sources of country profiles and background information. 

Britannica Online (MVCC ID required): One of the best sites for basic back ground information on nations of the world.  Includes online maps, images of flags, historical summaries, geographic overviews, and cultural summaries. 

Yahoo directory of national governments

BBC Country Profiles “Full profiles provide an instant guide to history, politics and economic background of countries and territories, and background on key institutions.” (BBC News)

EBSCO Images (MVCC ID required): This is a link to the image search provided in Academic Search Premier that provides current and historic maps of countries and cities.  When you click on this link, you will be taken to a sample search for maps of "Italy."  To search for another country, delete Italy from the search box and enter the location you'd like to see. 

Google Maps: Enter the name of the country, and you will be taken to a map of the country. 

Travel Notes: Country background information

Recordings of national anthems

Words to national anthems from around the world