African Studies Reference Books
Encyclopedias, Dictionaries, & General Histories | Country information
Encyclopedias, Dictionaries & General Histories
Encyclopedias and other reference works provide background information and overviews of topics. Typically they summarize what is known in the field and can be a good starting point for research. For information about specific countries also see the section on Country Information.
Africana : The Encyclopedia of the African and African American Experience
Encyclopedia of Africa South of the Sahara
Encyclopedia of African History
Encyclopedia of African History and Culture
Encyclopedia of African Literature
Encyclopedia of African Nations and Civilizations
Encyclopedia of African Peoples
Encyclopedia of Precolonial Africa : Archaeology, History, Languages, Cultures, and Environments
Country information
Country studies / Area Handbook series
Available online since 1988, this is a U.S. government-produced series of monographs on individual countries throughout the world. There is a volume for most African nations. This series is well-written and contains extensive bibliographies.
World Factbook
Heavily statistically based descriptions of countries, including data on economics, language, religion, and population. Produced by the United States Central Intelligence Agency. Also available online.
Political Risk Yearbook
An analysis of the business and political climate of various countries. Designed primarily for use by business the analysis can be useful in identifying trends in politics and economics. Coverage is for selected countries only:
Background notes series
Prepared by the United States Department of State, these publications provide information about the land, people, history, government, political conditions, economy, and foreign relations of countries. Also available online via the U.S. Department of State.
(e-reference)