Author Description

This comprehensive survey of the countries of East and South-East Asia, Australia and New Zealand, along with 22 Pacific islands, fully revised to reflect current economic and political developments, is an essential resource for the Asia-Pacific region. Calendar of Political Events A calendar of events provides a convenient reference guide to the year's main political developments. General Survey Written by leading experts, this collection of essays provides incisive analysis of regional issues. Country Surveys Individual chapters on each country containing: - essays on geography, history and the economy - an economic and demographic survey of the latest available statistics on population, health and welfare, agriculture, forestry, fishing, mining, industry, finance, trade, transport, tourism, communications and education - a comprehensive directory of names and contact details covering the most significant political, financial and commercial institutions - a country-specific bibliography. An entire section is dedicated to the Pacific islands, including specially commissioned essays examining the contemporary politics of the islands, their economies, security concerns and the environmental issues confronting them. Regional Information - includes all major international organizations active in the region, their aims, activities, publications and principal personnel - a detailed survey of major commodities in Asia and the Pacific - a directory of research institutes specializing in the region - select bibliographies of books and periodicals covering the Asia-Pacific region - an index of regional organizations