This text draws upon printed, academic and popular accounts as sources of information. Thus, the perspective may be skewed, treating area culture and religion from a more refined, educated light. The use of these materials will reduce the amount of bias found if one limits oneself to this website alone. Each Country Study begins with a statistical listing. For purposes of familiarity and comparison, and to offer a context, the following table lists data for countries with which many military personnel may be familiar.
Communication points out how quickly and readily information is transmitted to the whole populace.
Along with the literacy rate, it suggests the abilities of a country to foster open thought and dialogue. This statistic relates the number of deaths in the first year per 1,000 live births.