Library of Congress Country Studies: A Comprehensive Global Resource
For researchers, historians, and students of international relations, the Country Studies series serves as an expansive repository of geopolitical knowledge. Published by the Federal Research Division of the United States Library of Congress, these works provide deep-dive descriptions and analyses of nations across the globe, examining the intricate systems that define a country's identity and operation.
The series is designed to explore the historical settings and the social, economic, political, and national security institutions of various countries. By analyzing the interrelationships between these systems, the studies highlight how cultural factors shape the development and stability of different nations.
Key Facts
- Publisher: Federal Research Division of the Library of Congress.
- Scope: Analysis of history, society, economy, politics, and national security.
- Legal Status: Text is in the public domain and free for unrestricted use.
- Availability: Accessible online and as hard copies via the U.S. Government Bookstore.
- Funding Status: Last appropriation occurred in fiscal year 2004; no new work can be initiated.
Research Standards and Usage
The authors of the Country Studies adhere to accepted standards of scholarly objectivity. It is important to note that these books represent the independent analysis of the authors and are not official expressions of United States Government policy, decisions, or positions.
Copyright and Public Domain
Because no copyright is claimed on the text, the series has been dedicated to the public domain. This allows researchers to copy and use the material freely. However, users should be aware that not all images within the studies are in the public domain. While the online information is unrestricted, providing appropriate credit to the series is encouraged as a courtesy.
Integration with Wikipedia
The material from Country Studies may be integrated into Wikipedia. However, because Wikipedia has strict rules regarding plagiarism, explicit credit and proper citations must be provided when using this source.
Accessing the Collection
Most researchers access the collection through the Library of Congress online portal. For those preferring physical media, hard-copy editions can be ordered from the Superintendent of Documents at the U.S. Government Publishing Office (U.S. Government Bookstore), with the exception of the regional studies on Macau and Afghanistan.
Funding and Current Status
The program's funding ceased after the fiscal year 2004 appropriation. This final infusion of funds allowed the Federal Research Division to produce five new Country Studies and several shorter Country Profiles (condensed versions of the full studies). While this existing work remains available, the lack of renewed funding means no additional studies can be initiated.
Summary of Resource Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Content Focus | Historical, social, economic, and political systems |
| Text Copyright | Public Domain (Free use) |
| Image Copyright | Varies (Not all are public domain) |
| Hard Copy Source | U.S. Government Publishing Office |
| Last Funding Year | 2004 |
Countries with Published Studies
The following is a list of countries and regions for which studies have been published by the Library of Congress:
- Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan
- Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria (1974 Area Handbook; 1992 Country Study)
- Cambodia, Caribbean Islands, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Ivory Coast, Cyprus, Czechoslovakia (former)
- Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Estonia, Ethiopia
- Finland, Georgia, Germany, East Germany (former), Ghana, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary
- India, Indonesia, Iran (including 1964 and 1971 Army Area Handbooks), Iraq, Israel, Italy
- Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan
- Latvia, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia (1985 study and 1960s/70s editions), Libya, Lithuania
- Macau, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia
- Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, North Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar
- Romania (1972 Area Handbook), Russia, Rwanda (1968 Army Area Handbook)
- Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Singapore, Somalia, South Africa, South Korea
- South Vietnam (former), Soviet Union (former), Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria
- Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkmenistan, Turkey, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yugoslavia (former), Zaire (former)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the text of the Country Studies free to use?
Yes, the text is in the public domain and is available for free and unrestricted use by researchers.
Are the images in the Country Studies also public domain?
No, while the text is public domain, not all of the pictures used in the series are free of copyright.
Can I buy a physical copy of these studies?
Yes, hard copies can be ordered from the U.S. Government Bookstore, though studies on Macau and Afghanistan are not available in this format.
Are new countries being added to the series?
No. Since the last appropriation in fiscal year 2004, no additional work can be initiated due to a lack of renewed funding.
Do these studies represent the official view of the U.S. Government?
No, the books represent the analysis of the authors and should not be construed as an official U.S. Government position, policy, or decision.