Now updated for the year 2000, this is the fifth edition of Kurian's highly regarded and widely used reference tool, which was cited as an ALA Outstanding Reference when originally published. Rankings are an essential resource for doing research, and help in evaluating the position of a country compared to its counterparts. New rankings for this edition cover Personal Computers, Fax Machines, Internet Hosts, Cellular Phones, Economic Freedom Index, Global Competitiveness, Business Environment, Largest Businesses, Stock Market Capitalization, and Music Sales. This is a handy reference no library should be without.

Accompanying CD-ROM has listings of world rankings in multiple areas.

This is the fourth edition of Kurian's highly regarded and widely used research tool, cited previously by the American Library Association as the Outstanding Reference of the Year. The Fitzroy Dearborn Book of World Rankings, 4th edition is designed as an international scorecard that compares and ranks more than 190 nations of the world according to their performance in more than 300 key areas. Sections covered include Geography & Climate, Vital Statistics, Population Dynamics, Race & Religion, Media, and many more. More than 50,000 variables measure national achievement by using no fewer than 300 specific performance yardsticks, making this one of the most comprehensive databases ever attempted in the field of international affairs. Outstanding Reference Source - American Library Association

Comparisons, statistical tables, economic and social development, social and economic conditions - covers development aid, economic growth, trade, agricultural production, industrial production, power consumption, labour force participation, labour force, employment, transport, domestic consumption, housing, education, research and development, etc.