Extensive coverage of the political, economic and social affairs of the region. This impartial up-to-date survey of the countries and territories that make up the region includes: incisive analysis by acknowledged experts the latest statistics on the major economic indicators and population invaluable directory material. General Survey leading authorities on the region analyse topics of regional importance including: An Economic Survey of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS); International Relations of Russia and the CIS; Separatism and Islamist Militancy in the North Caucasus; The Politics of Energy in the Caspian Sea Region; Poverty and Social Welfare; The Politics of Water in Central Asia; and Environmental Degradation. Country Surveys Individual chapters on every country containing: an introductory survey, containing essays on the geography, recent history and economy of each country, which includes a map and chronology an extensive statistical survey of economic indicators, which include area and population, health and welfare, agriculture, forestry, fishing, mining, industry, finance, trade, transport, tourism, media and education a full directory containing names, addresses, contact numbers and e-mail and internet addresses for the following areas: the constitution, the government, legislature, local government, political organizations, diplomatic representation, the judiciary, religion, the media, finance, trade and industry, transport, tourism, culture, education, social welfare, the environment and defence in-depth coverage of autonomous, sovereign and separatist territories, including comprehensive information on the constituent units of the Russian Federation a bibliography, providing sources for further research. Who’s Who in Eastern Europe, Russia and Central Asia biographical details of more than 160 of the leading political figures in the region. Regional Information detailed information on the following: regional organizations; research institutes; a select periodicals bibliography and a select books bibliography.