Global & Cultural Studies: Web Resources

Updated on a bi-weekly basis, the CIA World Factbook provides information on the history, people, government, economy, geography, communications, transportation, military, and transnational issues for 267 world entities.

Use this source as an instant guide to history, politics and economic background of countries and territories, and background on key institutions. Also includes audio and video clips from BBC archives.

Provides 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.

A list of resources compiled by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

A compilation of links to statistical yearbooks by country.

A portal for finding statistics on European countries. Use the suggested topics on the homepage or select "Browse statistics by theme" under the "Data" tab.

The main content of this site is tabulated population statistics: current, historical, estimates, projections, cities, agglomerations, etc., but it also includes geopolitical data like the administrative divisions of countries (provinces, counties and such) of all nations of this world.

An easy-to-use mapping and graphing tool that utilizes international statistical information. Use this website to compare country information and create tables and charts.

A list of additional databases and resources compiled by the UN.

Contains over 60 million data points cover a wide range of themes including Agriculture, Crime, Education, Employment, Energy, Environment, Health, HIV/AIDS, Human Development, Industry, Information and Communication Technology, National Accounts, Population, Refugees, Tourism, Trade, as well as the Millennium Development Goals indicators.

Easy-to-use mapping tool that organizes world statistics and charts by tables, maps and diagrams.

The Center undertakes independent, high-quality research in economics and other disciplines, including aid effectiveness, climate change, global health, migration, and more.

This site examines social, political, economic and environmental issues. The issues discussed range from trade, poverty and globalization, to human rights, geopolitics, the environment, and more.

Human Rights Watch is an independent, international organization that works to uphold human dignity and advance the cause of human rights.

Provides access to social and economic data by country, mostly focusing on how economics affect global issues.

A wealth of data related to agriculture, energy, health, poverty, labor, and more. Use the "Data" tab at the top of the homepage to get started. Note: The raw data can be tricky to interpret. Contact a librarian if you need help.

Provides information about global health initiatives and information about health matters within individual countries.

The WDL makes it possible to discover, study, and enjoy cultural treasures from around the world on one site, in a variety of ways. Some of these cultural treasures include manuscripts, maps, rare books, musical scores, recordings, films, prints, photographs, and architectural drawings.