| Synopsis: |
This work includes 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; and invaluable directory material. In General Survey, leading authorities on the region analyse topics of regional importance including: "International Relations of Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States; Politics of Energy in the Caspian Sea Region; Militant Islam in Central Asia and the Caucasus; The Economics of the Commonwealth of Independent States; Russia's New Federalism; Poverty and Social Welfare in the Commonwealth of Independent States; Trends in Religious Policy; Organized Crime in the Russian Federation and the CIS "and "Environmental Degradation: Past Roots, Present Transition and Future Hopes."In Country Surveys, individual chapters on every country contain: 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; and a useful bibliography, providing sources for further research. In Political Profiles, there are biographical details on the leading figures in the region. In Regional Information, there is detailed information on the following: regional organizations; research institutes; a select periodicals bibliography and a select books bibliography. |