Africa 2017-2018 (World Today Series) - Comprehensive Country Guide

In this review of Africa 2017-2018 (World Today Series) the reviewer finds a focused, reference-style volume aimed at readers who need reliable, country-by-country context on contemporary Africa. The single biggest reason to buy is its systematic coverage: each nation is treated with a consistent set of sections that combine basic facts, political and economic histories, current issues and forward-looking commentary, making it especially useful for researchers, students and professionals who require a compact but authoritative survey of the continent.

Key Features

• Country-by-country structure: Each nation is presented with consistent sections that make cross-country comparison straightforward and time-efficient for research tasks.
• Historical and colonial context: Extended essays on Africa's historical background and the colonial period provide depth that clarifies contemporary political and economic trends.
• Contemporary issues focus: Dedicated sections on The Present explicate current events and challenges in a way that supports media, policy and development analysis.
• Future-oriented analysis: The Future sections offer informed projections and emerging trends useful for planners and potential investors considering long-term engagement.
• Accessible reference format: The mix of basic facts and narrative overviews suits classroom use and quick consultation without needing multiple sources.

Who It's For

This volume is aimed at students of international relations, researchers in development studies, journalists covering African affairs and government or NGO professionals who need a reliable, single-volume snapshot of each African country. The organized layout and consistent sections make it a practical desk reference for people who consult country profiles regularly.

Those who should look elsewhere include readers seeking exhaustive scholarly monographs on a single country or up-to-the-minute daily news coverage; this book provides context and analysis rather than live reporting or deep, single-country archival research.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comprehensive, uniform country chapters that simplify comparative work across Africa.
• Inclusion of historical and colonial essays that strengthen understanding of modern issues.
• Balanced coverage of political, economic and social topics useful for policymakers and academics.

Cons

• As an edited reference dated 2017-2018, it is not a substitute for the very latest developments or daily news feeds.

Specifications

Our Verdict

Africa 2017-2018 is a well-organized, value-minded reference for anyone needing reliable country summaries and contextual essays on the continent. It is best for students, researchers and professionals who value structured, comparative information and informed projections rather than real-time updates, and it offers good utility for academic and policy work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book cover every African country?
Yes, each country on the African continent is examined through dedicated chapters with consistent section headings.

Is the content current for news and daily developments?
No, the book provides context and analysis through 2017-2018 and is not a substitute for up-to-the-minute news sources.

Who is the author or editor?
Francis Wiafe-Amoako is credited as the author/editor associated with this World Today Series volume.