Reliable and up-to-date information on this region is often time consuming to collate, difficult to find and in the indigenous language. "Central and South-Eastern Europe 2003" presents a one-volume work of impartial and up-to-date information on the politics, economics and geography of the region's 16 countries, bringing description and analysis of the issues affecting the region together with statistics and directory information.
The diverse collection of information ensures the reader has a complete picture of the region targeting political, geographical, economic and sociological information, as well as providing a variety of statistical data. This information is divided into four sections: Introductory Essays; Country Surveys; Political Profiles of the Region; and Regional Information.
The introductory essays are written by internationally respected authorities on Central and South-Eastern European affairs. They analyze topical issues of regional significance ranging from political and economic issues to environmental surveys.
More in-depth information is provided within the Country Surveys. Each country chapter includes background details on physical features, climate and population; a map; an at-a-glance chronology; essays covering history, economy and political affairs; an extensive statistical survey providing the latest available demographic and economic figures, including previous years' figures; a directory of useful names, addresses, fax and telephone numbers, e-mail and internet addresses plus further information on the Constitution, national and local government, political organizations, diplomatic representation, the judicial system, religion, the press, publishers, broadcasting and communications, finance, trade and industry, major companies, transport, tourism, culture, education, social welfare, the environment and defense; and a select bibliography.
The Political Profiles of the Region section provides over 125 concise biographies on the region's most powerful and influential political figures.
Regional information is supplied in the form of data on the principal international organizations operating in the region, as well as details of research institutes specializing in Central and South-Eastern European affairs and suggestions for further reading.