This two-volume set for general readers and students contains entries on 200 countries, including all UN member states, prominent stateless nations, and dependent states and territories. Volume I covers Asia and Oceania, Central and South America, and Europe. Volume II covers the Middle East and North Africa, North America and the Caribbean, and Sub-Saharan Africa. Each entry includes information on official and unofficial symbols of the country, including flags, national seals and mottoes, national colors, flowers, and animals, and national anthems (with complete lyrics), as well as national heroes, sports teams, foods, festivals, holidays, cultural symbols, and significant events in the formation of each nation's identity. Entries also give basic facts on each country's population, spoken languages, religions, capital city, government, currency, patron saints, and well-known landmarks, in addition to Internet identifier, vehicle identification plates and stickers, and national airlines. Each volume contains a color insert illustrating flags and coats of arms. The set also includes an appendix of international organizations, and a bibliography of print and non-print resources. Minahan has written other reference books on international statehood and identity. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)