The CIA World Factbook 2009

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From Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, The CIA World Factbook 2009 offers complete and up-to-date information on the world’s nations. This all-inclusive reference guide has been updated for 2009 with detailed information on politics, populations, military expenditures, economics, and much more. It includes:
     • Useful maps with new geopolitical data
     • Details on prominent political parties, and contact information for diplomatic consultation
     • A full description of the population of each country, with information on literacy rates, HIV prevalence, and age structure
     • A complete economic overview, from household income to gross domestic product
     • Information on transportation and communication infrastructure.
     • New data on military expenditures and capabilities
     • User-friendly headings, sub-headings, an index, and a list of physical coordinates of major places for easy reading

There are also appendices offering useful abbreviations, a list of international organizations and groups, international environmental agreements, the conversion of weights and measures, and more. Originally intended for use by government officials, this amazingly useful reference guide is a must for every student, traveler, journalist, and businessperson.

Central Intelligence Agency

The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), is an independent agency responsible for providing national security intelligence to senior US policymakers. The CIA is separated into four basic components: the National Clandestine Service, the Directorate of Intelligence, the Directorate of Science & Technology, and the Directorate of Support. They carry out “the intelligence cycle,” the process of collecting, analyzing, and disseminating intelligence information to top US governmental officials. They are located in Langley, Virginia.