The middle, western, and southern regions of Africa have experienced more than their share of turmoil, civil wars, corruption, and disease. Each country has a rich and interesting history that has contributed to its current human rights status. Governments and economies contribute the most to each country's social progress. Civil wars have led to thousands of displaced people, making it hard to gather the monetary and human resources needed to build...

Central America and the Caribbean may be best known as world-class tourist destinations, but in spite of being top vacation spots, the countries of these tropical regions still suffer the lingering effects of Europe's plantation-style colonization including income inequality, corrupt leadership, and discrimination against native peoples and the descendants of slaves. The regions are home to the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere and one of...

In Eurasia, two countries have dominated the political, economic, and social landscape for centuries-Russia and Turkey. By sheer landmass, Russia is the largest country in the world and for decades after World War I, it was even bigger as the leader of the Soviet Union. This dictatorial, predominantly Christian empire included Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, and Ukraine. Other areas in Bosnia and Herzegovina,...

When it comes to social progress and sustainability, the Near East faces many challenges. In this region where three major religions-Christianity, Judaism, and Islam-originated, Islam is the mostly widely followed. Religious differences have caused tensions throughout the region's history-even among those of the Islamic faith. Religion is a driving force in the governments, and some leaders have used religion to justify authoritative control-limiting...

Introduces the pressing concerns of life and sustainable development in South America, including the issues of shelter and resources, nutrition and health, education and economic opportunity, and political rights.