Library of Congress Country Studies
The Federal Research Division of the United States Library of Congress launched a massive project to document global nations. This initiative began as a way to provide objective historical and social analysis for researchers worldwide. The series presents descriptions and analyses of history, society, economy, politics, and national security systems across many countries. It examines how these systems interact and are shaped by cultural factors. No copyright is claimed on the text itself, allowing free use by anyone who needs it.
Textual content from these books has been dedicated to the public domain without restriction. Researchers can copy the material freely for their own work or studies. However, certain images included within the volumes retain copyright restrictions that limit their reuse. Online information remains available for free and unrestricted use by scholars everywhere. As a courtesy, appropriate credit should be given to the series when using the material. The material may be copied into Wikipedia but requires explicit attribution under its rules.
The program received its final appropriation in fiscal year 2004 before stopping new production. In response to this one-time infusion, the Federal Research Division initiated action to produce five new Country Studies. They also created a number of shorter, updated Country Profiles during that period. All of that work continues, but no additional work can be initiated without renewed funding. Hard-copy editions of all books except those on Macau and Afghanistan remain available for purchase from the U.S. Government Publishing Office.
A comprehensive catalog exists for nations ranging from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe with varying publication dates. Some countries like Bulgaria have both a 1974 Area Handbook and a 1992 Country Study available. Iran includes Army Area Handbooks from 1964 and 1971 alongside standard studies. Liberia features a country study from 1985 plus earlier editions from the 1960s and 1970s. Former states such as Czechoslovakia, South Vietnam, Soviet Union, Yugoslavia, Zaire, and East Germany appear in the list. The collection covers over one hundred distinct territories across every continent.
Authors adhere to strict academic standards to ensure neutrality distinct from official government policy positions. The books represent the analysis of the authors rather than an expression of United States Government policy. This distinction allows researchers to trust the content as independent scholarly work. The Federal Research Division ensures that these volumes do not reflect official decisions or political stances. Such objectivity makes the series valuable for understanding complex global situations without bias.
Common questions
What is the Library of Congress Country Studies series?
The Federal Research Division of the United States Library of Congress launched a massive project to document global nations. This initiative began as a way to provide objective historical and social analysis for researchers worldwide.
When did the Library of Congress Country Studies stop producing new books?
The program received its final appropriation in fiscal year 2004 before stopping new production. No additional work can be initiated without renewed funding after that date.
Who owns the copyright on text from the Library of Congress Country Studies?
No copyright is claimed on the text itself, allowing free use by anyone who needs it. Textual content from these books has been dedicated to the public domain without restriction.
Which countries are included in the Library of Congress Country Studies collection?
A comprehensive catalog exists for nations ranging from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe with varying publication dates. The collection covers over one hundred distinct territories across every continent including former states such as Czechoslovakia, South Vietnam, Soviet Union, Yugoslavia, Zaire, and East Germany.
Does the Library of Congress Country Studies reflect official US government policy?
The books represent the analysis of the authors rather than an expression of United States Government policy. The Federal Research Division ensures that these volumes do not reflect official decisions or political stances.