If you need help, please contact Baharak Yousefi, Librarian for History, International Studies, Graduate Liberal Studies, Political Science at or byousefi@sfu.ca or Ask a librarian

Handbooks

A handbook is a single-volume reference book that provides concise factual information on a specific subject and is organized systematically for quick and easy access. 

• Statistical handbook on poverty in the developing world
• Handbook of peace and conflict studies
• Political handbook of the world

Factbooks, guides, etc

CIA World Factbook
Provides almanac-style facts on 267 world entities.

A Guide to Countries of the World
Quick reference. Each entry provides a brief history of the country and outlines its political, economic, and social issues.

Statistics and data

World Bank Open Data  
Data about development in countries around the globe

UNdata  
Compilation of United Nations and agency statistics, covering economic, social, financial and development topics.

OECD iLibrary
Country studies, forecasting publications, reports, periodicals, and socio-economic databases.

Europa World (database; single user access)
Economic, political and geographic information and statistical data of countries and territories as well as profiles of organizations