Governments around the World

Fred M. Shelley is professor of geography and environmental sustainability at the University of Oklahoma.

• PrefaceIntroductionChapter 1: Democracies and RepublicsAfghanistan: Islamic RepublicBotswana: Parliamentary RepublicCanada: Parliamentary Democracy with Constitutional MonarchyFrance: RepublicRussia: FederationTaiwan: Multiparty DemocracyUnited States: Federal RepublicChapter 2: Communist StatesChina: Communist StateNorth Korea: Communist State with Dictator LeaderChapter 3: MonarchiesBhutan: Constitutional MonarchySaudi Arabia: Absolute MonarchySpain: Parliamentary MonarchyUnited Kingdom: Constitutional Monarchy, Commonwealth RealmChapter 4: Transitional StatesBosnia and HerzegovinaEritreaLibyaChapter 5: TheocraciesIran: Theocratic RepublicVatican City: EcclesiasticalChapter 6: Other Government TypesAntarctica: Antarctic Treaty SystemMauritania: Military JuntaPalestine: De Facto StatePuerto Rico: CommonwealthSomalia: Failed StateUzbekistan: AuthoritarianChapter 7: Transnational OrganizationsThe African UnionThe Arab LeagueThe Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)The European UnionThe North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)The United NationsAppendix A: Opposing ViewpointsWhat will Cuba be like in 2022?What will North Korea look like in 2024?What should be the Political status of Puerto Rico?What can the Eurozone crisis teach us about economic interdependence?Are free trade agreements such as NAFTA still relevant to national interests?Appendix B: List of All Countries and GovernmentsFacts and Figures SourcesIndex

A helpful reference for anyone needing information on individual countries and governments.