This renowned reference title provides essential statistical and directory material on these vast North American nations and the issues surrounding it. Completely revised and updated, this ninth edition brings together statistical, factual and directory information on these two vast nations and their constituent states, provinces and territories.

It includes:

* comprehensive geographical, historical, economic and political information

* contributions from acknowledged regional experts.

Introductory Essays

* leading experts on the area analyze topics of interest and importance to the region as a whole, including: The North American Free Trade Agreement and the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America; Challenging China: The North American Agenda and the Pacific Rim and Environmental Issues in North America.

Each country is dealt with in greater detail within its own section. Part Two: USA, Part Three: Canada

Each country chapter includes:

* introduction

* essays, including: US Defence Policy; The Bush Doctrine and US Foreign Policy; the Politics of Oil Dependency in the USA; the Role of Religion in US Politics; `Big Food', `Big Tobacco' and `Big Pharmas' in US Manufacturing; Health and Social Welfare Policy in the USA; Diversity and Equality in the USA; the History of Canada post-1980; Federal Energy Policy in Canada; Aboriginal Peoples; Canadian Government Finances and Foreign Trade; Canada's Economy and Canadian Social Policy

* directory and Statistics.