The World Today Series: Africa provides necessary information on all the countries on the African continent, providing an overview of political and economic histories, current events, and emerging trends. Published annually, this work covers the latest changes and news in African affairs. Each country is examined in terms of several categories: Basic Facts, Land and People, The Past: Political and Economic History, The Present: Contemporary Issues, and The Future. In addition to country chapters, the book features extended essays on Africa’s Historical Background and The Colonial Period, as well a new essay this year on Africa in 2012. With its combination of factual accuracy and detail set alongside informed projections about the future of Africa’s many diverse and distinctive countries, the book is designed as an authoritative resource for students, researchers, practitioners in international development, media, government officials, and potential investors.