Europe’s second-largest country (after Russia), Ukraine lies inthe center of the continent. The country is midway between the Atlantic Ocean to the west and Russia’s Ural Mountains to the east. Romania, Moldova, Hungary, Slovakia, and Poland are on its western border; Belarus and Russia are to its north; and Russia is also its neighbor on the east. The country lies north of the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.

Americans find Australia both exotic and familiar. If you travel in Australia, many things will make you think you are still at home. At other times you will feel as if you are in some sort of a fantasy land.

Sudan, the largest country in Africa, has been called one of the most politically unstable nations in the world. Throughout its long history, Sudan has experienced turmoil, and in the second half of the 20th century alone, millions of Sudanese were killed or displaced by civil war. The country was once a great empire, ruled by Nubia. Today, it is a bloody, war-torn country ruled by a power-hungry military government. The Sudanese had a brief respite from civil war in July 2002 when a ceasefire was declared between the Sudanese government and the Sudan People's Liberation Army. In 2004, another war that began in the northwestern region of Darfur caused outcry from the international community. Still, the Sudanese government remains defiantly indifferent to the calls to stop the violence. Although the UN's International Criminal Court has charged Sudan's leader with war crimes and crimes against humanity, little has changed. As a result, the UN estimates that 1.1 million people are without food and water and another million without healthcare. Sudan covers the history of this country torn apart by war and explores its people, culture, and government.

Once at the center of one of the world's most ancient civilizations, Syria has seen its share of turmoil. Occupied by many empires throughout its history, Syria became part of the vast Ottoman Empire in 1516.  Following the breakup of the Ottoman Empire during World War I, Syria was put under French mandate by the League of Nations. It became independent in 1946, but continued to experience political instability until Hafez Assad gained power in a bloodless military coup on November 13, 1970. Since then, Syria has played a part in the Arab conflict in Israel and continued involvement in Lebanese and Palestinian affairs. Assad led the country for 30 years until his death in 2000. His son, Bashar, then became president and is credited with leading the country into the 21st century. However, Syria's alliances with violent Islamic military groups and Iran and its pursuit of advanced nuclear weapon capabilities have resulted in the United States placing sanctions on the country. In Syria, learn the storied history of this country that continues to be a major player in the Middle East and its politics.

This book, part of the "Modern World Nations" series. Chapters cover geography, history, people and culture, government and politics, the economy, and possibilities for the future. The text is dense and presented in very long sentences and paragraphs, so even though the book is small and might appeal to younger readers, the narrative will probably work best for the older end of the age range. The book also includes several elements to help students doing research, including a list of pertinent facts, history highlights, a bibliography, suggestions for further reading and research, and a detailed index.

This book, part of the "Modern World Nations" series. Chapters cover geography, history, people and culture, government and politics, the economy, and possibilities for the future. The text is dense and presented in very long sentences and paragraphs, so even though the book is small and might appeal to younger readers, the narrative will probably work best for the older end of the age range. The book also includes several elements to help students doing research, including a list of pertinent facts, history highlights, a bibliography, suggestions for further reading and research, and a detailed index.

This book, part of the "Modern World Nations" series. Chapters cover geography, history, people and culture, government and politics, the economy, and possibilities for the future. The text is dense and presented in very long sentences and paragraphs, so even though the book is small and might appeal to younger readers, the narrative will probably work best for the older end of the age range. The book also includes several elements to help students doing research, including a list of pertinent facts, history highlights, a bibliography, suggestions for further reading and research, and a detailed index.

This book, part of the "Modern World Nations" series. Chapters cover geography, history, people and culture, government and politics, the economy, and possibilities for the future. The text is dense and presented in very long sentences and paragraphs, so even though the book is small and might appeal to younger readers, the narrative will probably work best for the older end of the age range. The book also includes several elements to help students doing research, including a list of pertinent facts, history highlights, a bibliography, suggestions for further reading and research, and a detailed index.

This book, part of the "Modern World Nations" series. Chapters cover geography, history, people and culture, government and politics, the economy, and possibilities for the future. The text is dense and presented in very long sentences and paragraphs, so even though the book is small and might appeal to younger readers, the narrative will probably work best for the older end of the age range. The book also includes several elements to help students doing research, including a list of pertinent facts, history highlights, a bibliography, suggestions for further reading and research, and a detailed index.

This book, part of the "Modern World Nations" series. Chapters cover geography, history, people and culture, government and politics, the economy, and possibilities for the future. The text is dense and presented in very long sentences and paragraphs, so even though the book is small and might appeal to younger readers, the narrative will probably work best for the older end of the age range. The book also includes several elements to help students doing research, including a list of pertinent facts, history highlights, a bibliography, suggestions for further reading and research, and a detailed index.

This book, part of the "Modern World Nations" series. Chapters cover geography, history, people and culture, government and politics, the economy, and possibilities for the future. The text is dense and presented in very long sentences and paragraphs, so even though the book is small and might appeal to younger readers, the narrative will probably work best for the older end of the age range. The book also includes several elements to help students doing research, including a list of pertinent facts, history highlights, a bibliography, suggestions for further reading and research, and a detailed index.

This book, part of the "Modern World Nations" series. Chapters cover geography, history, people and culture, government and politics, the economy, and possibilities for the future. The text is dense and presented in very long sentences and paragraphs, so even though the book is small and might appeal to younger readers, the narrative will probably work best for the older end of the age range. The book also includes several elements to help students doing research, including a list of pertinent facts, history highlights, a bibliography, suggestions for further reading and research, and a detailed index.

Provides information about Great Britain, with emphasis on its geography, culture, history, economy, and government.