Library of Congress Country Studies

The Country Studies Series presents a description and analysis of the historical setting and the social, economic, political, and national security systems and institutions of countries throughout the world.

The series examines the interrelationships of those systems and the ways they are shaped by cultural factors.

The books represent the analysis of the authors and should not be construed as an expression of an official United States Government position, policy, or decision.

The authors have sought to adhere to accepted standards of scholarly objectivity.

The material may be copied into Wikipedia, but its plagiarism rule requires explicit credit be given.