The 1991 CIA World Factbook

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

25

Title

The 1991 CIA World Factbook

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

The 1991 CIA World Factbook serves as an authoritative reference for United States Government officials, offering comprehensive data on 247 nations, dependent areas, and entities. Produced annually by the Central Intelligence Agency, this volume provides essential statistics on geography, people, government, economy, communications, and defense forces. Designed for practical utility rather than literary narrative, it features clear formatting, extensive cross-referencing, and up-to-date information as of early 1991, making it an indispensable tool for policymakers, researchers, and international observers seeking a...

Summary up to 500 words

Published in October 1991 by the Central Intelligence Agency, The World Factbook 1991 serves as a comprehensive repository of global political and economic data tailored for U.S. government officials. This volume meticulously surveys 247 entities, comprising 157 United Nations member nations, 13 non-UN nations, six dependent areas, and various miscellaneous territories. Each entry adheres to a standardized format, beginning with geographic specifics such as total area, land boundaries, and coastline, followed by detailed sections on climate, terrain, natural resources, and land use. The demographic profiles provide critical statistics on population, birth and death rates, literacy levels broken down by gender, ethnic divisions, religion, language, and labor force composition. Government entries outline constitutional frameworks, administrative divisions, leadership structures, and electoral results, notably highlighting the 1990 Nicaraguan elections where Violeta Barrios de Chamorro defeated Daniel Ortega. Economic data encompasses GDP, inflation rates, unemployment figures, budget balances, and external debt, vividly illustrating the severe crises faced by nations like Nicaragua, which experienced hyperinflation of 11,800% in 1990. The publication also details communications infrastructure, including railroads, highways, ports, and telecommunications, alongside defense entries listing military branches and expenditures. Significant updates in this edition include expanded literacy data, a new appendix on international organizations with establishment dates, and special maps of the Soviet Union and its ethnic groups. The Factbook explicitly maintains neutrality regarding disputed territories while adhering to U.S. diplomatic protocols, noting that inclusion does not constitute official recognition. Information sources span multiple U.S. agencies, ensuring reliability and breadth. Available in various formats including microfiche and diskettes, the publication functions as an organized reflection of the geopolitical and statistical realities of the early 1990s.

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Categories

• Politics
• World history
• Geography
• Political Science