to Country Profiles introduced. New color maps and flags now
accompany each country profile. Category headings distinguished by
shaded backgrounds. Number of categories expanded to nine--the current
number--with the addition of an Introduction (for only a few
countries) and Transnational Issues (which includes Disputes--
international and Illicit drugs). The World Factbook introduced onto
the Internet.

1998--The Introduction category with two entries, Current issues and
Historical perspective, expanded to more countries. Last year for the
production of CD-ROM versions of the Factbook.

1999--Historical perspective and Current issues entries in the
Introduction category combined into a new Background statement. Several
new Economy entries introduced. A new physical map of the world added
to the back-of-the-book reference maps.

2000--A new "country profile" added on the Southern Ocean. The
Background statements dramatically expanded to over 200 countries and
possessions. A number of new Communications entries added.

2001--Background entries completed for all 267 entities in the
Factbook. Several new HIV/AIDS entries introduced under the People
category. Revision begun on individual country maps to include
elevation extremes and a partial geographic grid. Weights and Measures
appendix deleted.

2002--New entry on Distribution of Family income--Gini index added.
Revision of individual country maps continued (process still ongoing).

2003--In the Economy category, petroleum entries added for oil
production, consumption, exports, imports, and proved reserves, as well
as natural gas proved reserves.

2004--Additional petroleum entries included for natural gas
production, consumption, exports, and imports. In the Transportation
category, under Merchant marine, subfields added for foreign-owned
vessels and those registered in other countries. Descriptions of the
many forms of government mentioned in the Factbook incorporated into
the Notes and Definitions.

2005--In the People category, a Major infectious diseases field added
for countries deemed to pose a higher risk for travelers. In the
Economy category, entries included for Current account balance,
Investment, Public debt, and Reserves of foreign exchange and gold. The
Transnational issues category expanded to include Refugees and
internally displaced persons. Category headings receive distinctive
colored backgrounds. These distinguishing colors are used in both