This volume is one of a series of handbooks prepared by Foreign
Area Studies (FAS) of The American University, designed to be use-
ful to military and other personnel who need a convenient compilation
of basic facts about the social, economic, political, and military insti-
tutions and practices of various countries. The emphasis is on objec-
tive description of the nation's present society and the kinds of possi-
ble or probable changes that might be expected in the future. The
handbook seeks to present as full and as balanced an integrated expo-
sition as limitations on space and research time permit. It was com-
piled from information available in openly published material. An ex-
tensive bibliography is provided to permit recourse to other published
sources for more detailed information. There has been no attempt to
express any specific point of view or to make policy recommenda-
tions. The contents of the handbook represent the work of the au-
thors and FAS and do not represent the official view of the United
States government.

An effort has been made to make the handbook as comprehensive
as possible. It can be expected, however, that the material, interpreta-
tions, and conclusions are subject to modification in the light of new
information and developments. Such corrections, additions, and
suggestions for factual, interpretive, or other change as readers may
have will be welcomed for use in future revisions. Comments may be
addressed to:

The Director
Foreign Area Studies
The American University
5010 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20016

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