Bosnia and Herzegovina

by Douglas A Phillips

Published 1 January 2004
Concise, yet packed with information, these user-friendly volumes are introductions to modern nations of the world.

Portugal

by Charles F. Gritzner and Douglas A Phillips

Published 1 January 2007
Portugal is located on the west coast of the Iberian Peninsula and shares its border with Spain. Much like Spain, Portugal was a powerful seafaring nation in the 15th and 16th centuries and established several overseas colonies, including Brazil. Today, Portugal has an industrialized economy, made up primarily of light industry, and is a member of the European Union. A full-color overview of a fascinating nation, ""Portugal"" is an accessible guide to students who want to learn more about this country's culture, geography, and economy.

Thailand

by Douglas A Phillips

Published 1 January 2007
Thailand is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. It is known as ""the land of smiles,"" where the people extol a charm and grace that is unmatched. These elements serve to beckon visitors who want to explore this incredible land and its people. Thailand has developed its economy at a surprising pace in the last decades of the 20th century and the dawn of the 21st. Even with the Asian financial crisis, Thailand's economy has recovered and continues to step forward. And accompanying this economic surge has been the implementation of a new constitution. However, Thailand also faces major challenges. Prostitution, drugs, and HIV/AIDS are significant social issues, along with rebuilding efforts in the wake of the devastating 2004 tsunami. Environmental problems include deforestation, and water and air pollution. Will the civilian governments be able to address these issues as well as the rise of Islamic militants and separatists in the south of the country? ""Thailand"" is a thoroughly researched, crisply designed book that investigates these issues, as well as the tantalizing physical, cultural, and social features of this emerging nation.

Bangladesh

by Douglas A Phillips and Charles F. Gritzner

Published 1 January 2007
Bangladesh, located in south-central Asia, is the most densely populated nation in the world. Known as Bengal prior to the British-led partition of India in 1947, Bangladesh fell under control of Pakistan. It was henceforth called East Pakistan until 1971, when it achieved independence, thanks largely to help from India. Bangladesh's landscape is dominated by the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers and often experiences massive floods during the monsoon season because most of the country is at or near sea level. ""Bangladesh"" offers a wealth of practical information for those seeking to learn more about this country's rich history and dramatic climate.


; Excellent introductory texts.; These information-packed volumes provide comprehensive overviews of each nation's people, geography, history, government, economy, and culture; Full-colour illustrations and full-colour maps throughout Comprehensive overviews of each nation's people, geography, history, government, economy, and culture

Finland

by Douglas A Phillips

Published 1 January 2008
A difficult environment with a harsh Arctic climate has made life for the Finns extremely challenging. But they have overcome more than just their environment. Religious divisions that developed between the Catholic and Orthodox churches also divided the country during the Great Schism. Later, the country was a battleground for fighting between the historical powers of Sweden and Russia. Today, Finland is a communications titan, and the country is no longer situated on the fringes of human activity. The use of technology has helped the Finns move to a point of virtual centrality in the European community. This full-color survey of the Finnish geography, history, government, economy, people, and culture will assist student researchers in investigating this Nordic country.


Nicaragua

by Professor Charles F Gritzner

Published 1 January 2010


Colombia

by Charles F. Gritzner

Published 29 February 2008
The only country in South America to border both the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, Colombia is the continent's fourth-largest country and has the second-largest population behind Brazil. The country's terrain is also one of the most physically diverse in South America, with snow-capped volcanoes, swampy marshes, tropical savannahs, and lush rain forests dotting its landscape. The country is variously made up of people of European, African, and Native American descent, and both the Spanish language and Catholic religion bring these diverse groups together. "Colombia" takes students on an in-depth journey through this geographically and ethnically varied nation. Handsomely illustrated with full-color photographs and peppered with maps and concise facts at a glance and history at a glance features, this new book is a comprehensive exploration of the people, culture, history, geography, environment, economy, and government of Colombia.

The United States

by Charles F. Gritzner

Published 30 January 2008
The United States is the world's third-largest country in terms of both size and population, which is one of the world's most ethnically and socially diverse. It also has the most powerful and technologically advanced economy in the world, and its per-capita income ranks among the world's highest. Its climate is equally as rich and varied: although mostly temperate, there are a number of other climates, including tropical, arid, and polar. In addition, the country's terrain varies widely and includes plains, piedmont, mountains, and deserts. These facts and much more are highlighted in ""The United States"". This appealing new book is filled with eye-catching features, such as full-color photographs and detailed maps, making it the ideal exploration of the people, culture, history, geography, environment, economy, and government of this multifaceted nation.

Panama

by Charles F. Gritzner and Linnea C. Swanson

Published 30 May 2008