Country Profiles

Encyclopedic resources about population, climate, geography, and history.

CIA World Factbook

• https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/
• From their site: “The World Factbook provides information on the history, people, government, economy, geography, communications, transportation, military, and transnational issues for 266 world entities. Our Reference tab includes: maps of the major world regions, as well as Flags of the World, a Physical Map of the World, a Political Map of the World, and a Standard Time Zones of the World map.”

Library of Congress Country Studies

• http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/cshome.html
• Has very detailed information about every country’s history, which is helpful since the World Factbook is lacking in historical information.

BBC News

• http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/country_profiles/default.stm
• Profiles each country and has basic facts, but has helpful information about political leaders and current events.

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Development

Articles and statistics about the state of development in each country.

Eldis

• http://www.eldis.org/go/country-profiles
• Abstracts and full reports about the key issues in health policy and development. The academic and technical language makes for challenging reading but the in-depth information is useful.

UNICEF

• http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/index.html
• Specific information about issues facing children in each country.

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Cultural Tips

Advice on acceptable social rules, standard customs, and etiquette in different nations.

Cultural Crossing

• http://www.culturecrossing.net/index.php
• Short, very general tips for different countries

Kwitessential

•  http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/country-profiles.html

• Detailed tips on customs and cultures

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Religious atmosphere

Information about unreached people groups, persecution, and religious freedom.

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Launching a Short-Term Missions Program: Short-term missions trips can build up your congregation. These trips offer exposure to the body of Christ in new places, and they can expose young and old alike to the joys and challenges of missions work. In these articles, you'll find practical ways to construct a ministry that is characterized by a strong vision and comprehensive training. You'll also learn to ask important questions of your team members and your hosts before you embark on your trip.

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