Extensive coverage of the political, economic and social affairs of the region. This impartial up-to-date survey of the countries and territories that make up the region includes:

* incisive analysis by acknowledged experts

* the latest statistics on the major economic indicators and population

* invaluable directory material.

General Survey

* leading authorities on the region analyse topics of regional importance including: An Economic Survey of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS); International Relations of Russia and the CIS; The Politics of Energy in the Caspian Sea Region; Uneven Progress towards Democracy in the Region; Poverty and Social Welfare; Organized Crime; The Politics of Water in Central Asia; and Environmental Degradation.

Country Surveys

Individual chapters on every country containing:

* an introductory survey, containing essays on the geography, recent history and economy of each country, which includes a map and full chronology

* an extensive statistical survey of economic indicators, which include area and population, health and welfare, agriculture, forestry, fishing, mining, industry, finance, trade, transport, tourism, media and education.

* a full directory containing names, addresses, contact numbers and e-mail and internet addresses for the following areas: the constitution, the government, legislature, local government, political organizations, diplomatic representation, the judiciary, religion, the media, finance, trade and industry, transport, tourism, culture, education, social welfare, the environment and defence

* a useful bibliography, providing sources for further research.

Who's Who in Eastern Europe, Russia and Central Asia

* biographical details on more than 160 of the leading political figures in the region.

Regional Information

* detailed information on the following: regional organizations; research institutes; a select periodicals bibliography and a select books bibliography.