Amnesty International 
Amnesty International is a worldwide movement of people who campaign for internationally recognized human rights for all. Human rights reports for many of the world's countries are available here.
BBC News Country Profiles 
Full profiles provide an instant guide to history, politics and economic background of countries and territories, and background on key institutions.
They also include audio and video clips from BBC archives.
Country Risk 
Sites on this web site contain narratives on countries: history, politics, culture, economy, and so on. A little dated, but extensive research.
Department of State
The mission of the Dept. of State is to "advance freedom for the benefit of the American people and the international community by helping to build and sustain a more democratic, secure, and prosperous world composed of well-governed states that respond to the needs of their people, reduce widespread poverty, and act reponsibly within the international system." This site provides extensive country and regional information.
E-Diplomat, The
Read detailed reports on diplomatic living conditions in posts around the world. Reports are a little dated, but most information is still valid.
Every Culture
Web site offers information on demographics, linguistics, economies, social stratification, ethnic relations, etc. for hundreds of countries.
Global Edge from Michigan State University
Global Edge Countries is your source for statistical data for 201 countries around the world. In addition to statistics, historical, economic, cultural info, and political conditions are available.
Human Rights - US Department of State
The protection of fundamental human rights was a foundation stone in the establishment of the United States over 200 years ago. Since then, a central goal of U.S. foreign policy has been the promotion of respect for human rights, as embodied in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
International Religious Freedom 
From the U.S. State Department, "The International Religious Freedom report is submitted to Congress annually by the Department of State in compliance with Section 102(b) of the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) of 1998. This report supplements the most recent Human Rights Reports by providing additional detailed information with respect to matters involving international religious freedom. It includes individual country chapters on the status of religious freedom worldwide."
Library of Congress Country Studies
On-line version of the Country Studies/Area Handbook Program, with emphasis on lesser known regions of the world. Social, economic, and political commentary.
NationMaster
NationMaster is a vast compilation of data from such sources as the CIA World Factbook, UN, and OECD.
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