Profiles are arranged alphabetically by country, and begin with the leader’s name
and title, accompanied by a recent photo except where none was available. The
introductory sections provide a brief summary of the nation’s status, including location,
geography, and characteristics of society. A map of the country, in context
with neighboring nations and/or bodies of water, accompanies each entry.
(Researchers seeking more detailed information on any aspect of the country and
its people may refer to the full country entry in the appropriate volume of WEN.)
Sections profiling the leader’s personal background may include date and place of
birth, education, influences, and occupations and pursuits prior to entering political
life. The leader’s rise to power, leadership, and his or her domestic and foreign policy
positions are discussed in subsequent sections. Finally, the leader’s official mailing
address is provided, along with a list of sources used in preparing the profile.
The profiles were researched and written by knowledgeable experts, whose names
and institutional affiliations appear at the end of each entry.
An index by name completes the volume.