The 2010 CIA World Factbook

"The 2010 CIA World Factbook" by the United States Central Intelligence Agency is like taking a trip around the world without leaving your chair, offering a yearly snapshot of countries’ vital stats, from population counts to economic activity and the shape of governments. At the beginning of this data-packed book, you’ll discover changes and improvements made since last year, like a fresh coat of paint and more details in the pictures and numbers that describe everything from a country's size to its money situation. Think of it as a trusted guide for anyone trying to make sense of what’s happening across the globe, whether they’re in the government, doing research, or just curious about the world. Importantly, it is designed to help explain complicated information about other countries, acting as a reference for people who want to learn about different places and how they connect.