 Where in the world is Nepal and how
does its GNP compare to that of other nations that start with an N? You
can find the answer to that and to most other questions about the countries
of the world at the resources listed in this Sits to See article. INCLUDED:
Links to resources for grades 5-12, ranging from basic maps and summaries
to downloadable handbooks containing exhaustive details.
What is the capital of Albania? Which country exports the most bananas?
How does the population of Australia compare to the population of Austria?
Which is the poorest of NATO's member nations? What's new in Zambia? You
want me to write a 10-page report on political unrest in what country?
Answer those questions and many more at these sites that provide information
about the countries of the world.
CIA
World Factbook
The CIA's World Factbook -- one of the top research sites for grades 7-12
-- contains information on the geography, people, government, economy,
communications, transportation, military, and transnational issues of
every country in the world. In addition, the Factbook contains a number
of reference maps for regions and nations, and a database of national
flags. A unique feature of the site is the so-called field listing; users
can click any field (such as climate, for example) to get a listing of
the information about that field for all the nations of the world. That
feature is particularly helpful when comparing one piece of data -- such
as climate or mortality rate -- for several nations. Any text or graphic
from the Factbook can be copied or reproduced; in addition, the entire
Factbook is available for free download, making it an excellent resource
for a geography or international issues class.
BBC's
Country Profiles
One of the most comprehensive sites available for international data,
the BBC's Country Profiles includes detailed information about every country
-- and contested territory -- in the world. Organized by continent, and
sometimes by region, each country's profile includes the standard political,
economic, and social information. Also included are links to the country's
newspaper, radio, and television outlets, links to news articles about
the country, a timeline of important national events, and audio of the
national anthem. The site is particularly helpful when researching developing
nations in Africa and Asia, places where the BBC has a stronger presence
-- and, therefore, more exhaustive data -- than other organizations.
The
United Nation's Infonation
This site from the United Nations' Cyber School Bus, doesn't just provide
data for a particular country; it also allows users to compare a specific
piece of data -- such as population -- for up to six different countries.
In the basic version, which can be used by students in grades 7-12, the
user selects up to six countries from a pull down menu, and then chooses
to compare data about the population, economy, health, technology, or
environment of those countries. Students also can compare a specific statistic
within that category -- such as population density or total population.
The advanced version of Infonation, best for students in grade 9 and above,
also allows users to choose from among specific nation groupings, such
as developing nations, NATO countries, and geographical groupings (i.e.
Asian nations).
The
Library of Congress's Country Studies
This Library of Congress Web site provides access to some of the most
comprehensive information available about nations of the world. The Country
Studies series offers a description and analysis of the historical setting
and the social, economic, political, and national security systems and
institutions of countries throughout the world, examining the interrelationships
of those systems and the ways in which they are shaped by cultural factors.
Most of the studies are more than 20-30 printable pages long, making this
site most appropriate for students in high school and above who are preparing
an extensive report on a particular nation. Note that these studies are
copyrighted, so they can be used freely, but all were authored between
1988 and 1998, making some information out-of-date. A recent update to
the sites suggests, however, that new federal funding might be on the
way.
NationMaster
What country exports more bananas than any other? Which nation has the
most murders per capita? If you're trying to compare statistics, even
about the most obscure information, check out NationMaster.com. Select
several countries (or perhaps an organization such as the member nations
of NATO), and then choose to see the top five, bottom five, and so on,
in any of 30 different categories. Users can specify what statistic they're
looking for and what form they'd like the information displayed in. Although
part of this site is fee-based, all the information can be retrieved in
a simple bar graph and map format for free. Be sure to check out the "Top
Graphs" link to see what statistics other users are comparing. This easy-to-use
site is best for grades 7-12/
Learn about more great sites for students, parents, and educators
by visiting Education World's Site
Reviews Archives.
Article by Lorrie Jackson
Education World®
Copyright © 2005 Education World
03/09/2005
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