The Middle East and North Africa (Europa's Regional Surveys of the World S.)

This comprehensive and systematic survey of the Middle Eastern world from Algeria to Yemen presents statistics, directory material and informative essays on topics relating to contemporary and historical events in the region as a whole. It examines and analyzes in detail the events and developments in the region leading up to and during the past 12 months. There is comprehensive information on the major organizations active within the region, listing their functions, along with the names of principal personnel. Individual chapters cover every country in the region. Each chapter includes an economic and demographic survey using the latest available statistics, and an extensive directory provides information on each country, including the constitution, government, diplomatic representation, the media, trade and industry, and religion. Much of the information is drawn from government sources. Specially commissioned for this edition is "The Islamist Threat to Egypt" by George Joffe and "The Islamist Movement in the Middle East and North Africa" by Malise Ruthven. Section two, "Regional organizations", features comprehensive information on the United Nations and all other major regional organizations active in the Middle East and North Africa, from the Arab League to OPEC and the Arab Monetary Fund, including all their subsidiaries. It also provides details of aims and functions, together with a directory of principal officials, accompanied by an index. In section, "Country surveys", individual chapters for every country are organized to provide quick references to statistics, names and addresses in government and in public life. Useful facts and figures are supplied, as well as descriptive chapters on the politics, economics and geography of the country. A list of relevant periodicals and research institutes is also provided. Individual chapters include: detailed surveys on geography, recent history and the economy; an economic and demographic analysis, using the latest available statistics on population, agriculture, industry, finance, trade, transport, tourism and education; and a directory of useful names and addresses, and other key information covering the constitution, government, legislature, judiciary, political organizations, religious groups, the media, finance, trade, industry, tourism and energy. The book also features a calendar of key developments and events covering the past 12 mionths from October 1994 to October 1995. It should be of interest to academic and public libraries, government departments, embassies, international organizations, news offices and business libraries worldwide.