Description:A completely revised and updated new 12th Edition of the classic five-volume reference to all countries of the world, their dependencies, and the United Nations. Provides a 2 1/2 -million word portrait of the 176 countries of the world, under 50 uniform subject headings, and includes a complete, up-to-the-minute volume on the United Nations and its agencies. Covers new countries, new members to the United Nations, and population projections to the year 2005. Contains 70ew material, and has been completely reset for easy readability. Includes 187 black-and-white maps and 5 color endsheet maps.