“ This edition has been revised and expanded to cope with the rapid tempo of economic, social and political changes taking place throughout the sub-Saharan region. It analyzes civil and political instability in Liberia, Somalia, Angola and Mozambique, and charts the domestic uncertainty facing many of the countries in the area. Part one, Backgound To the Continent , includes: a detailed chronology of recent political events 1997-1998 - a reference guide to the year’s main developments; analytical commentary on issues of topical interest; articles by leading contributors in the wider context of the continent’s development and its relationship with the rest of the world, including Africa in Retrospect and Prospect by Gavin Williams, and European Colonial Rule in Africa by Richard Brown; and also includes a political map of contemporary Africa, calendars, time reckoning and weights and measures, major commodities of Africa and research institutes concerned with Africa. Part two, Regional Information , provides extensive coverage of international organizations and research bodies active in Africa. It outlines over 150 pan-regional and sub-regional organizations - their aims, activities, publications and principal personnel, including the UN in Africa, the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization), the OAU (Organization of African Unity) and the ADB (African Development Bank) and ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States). Part three, Country Surveys , has individual chapters on every country containing: an introductory survey; articles on geography, population, recent history and economy; a statistical survey - the latest available statistics on area and population, agriculture, mining, forestry and livestock, fishing industry, finance, trade, transport, education and the media; and a directory, with essential names and addresses, and other key information on - the constitution, government, legislature, judiciary, political organizations, diplomatic representation, religion, the media, finance, trade and industry, transport, tourism, defence and education.
