Books in the Global Studies - Asia series

A one-stop source for essential information on the history, geography, politics, religion, economy, and culture of the fourth-most-populous country in the world. Indonesia examines precolonial periods of the country's development, as well as its independence movement.

An all-encompassing and engrossing look at India-a land as diverse as its religions and as vibrant as its vast population. With a population second only to China's and the birthplace of Hinduism and Buddhism, it is hard to dispute India's central role in both the history of Asian culture and in the defining position it enjoys today.

This authoritative, thorough volume covers a broad range of topics from history to culture to current struggles in these fascinating countries.

A unique, revealing look at the history and contemporary culture of the Philippine Islands and their multicultural and foreign-influenced facets.

An informative guide to the recently emerged states of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, providing coverage of a broad range of political, economic, and cultural issues.

The Koreas delivers border-to-border coverage of North and South Korea, with chapters dedicated to history and geography, social and cultural customs, and economics and politics. It's not hard to understand why Koreans describe their lives as han, which means "living with a great and sustained sorrow."

Part of ABC-CLIO's Asia in Focus series, this authoritative resource is designed to help a wide variety of readers understand the complexities of the world's most populous country-a nation of ancient glory and rising importance, yet one that remains elusive and not generally well known.Packed with recent scholarship and fascinating details, this concise, multifaceted volume offers an updated look at China's geography and history, from the political and technological dominance of the imperial period to the communist revolution and the present state. The work also vividly captures the "e;living"e; China of today-its economy, politics, and culture-with extensive coverage of topics ranging from education, languages, arts, and cuisine to industrialization, gender issues, population control efforts, and human rights controversies that have impacted the country's relationship to the global community.

This volume focuses on an often misunderstood nation with vast economic and cultural influence in the United States and around the world. It combines thoroughly up-to-date coverage of Japan's history, geography, politics, economics, and society, with a range of helpful reference tools.Delving deeper than typical reference books, Asia in Focus: Japan is the ideal authoritative introduction to Japanese life for students, businesspeople, travelers, and other interested readers. The volume offers a contemporary look at the Japanese economy, extensive cultural coverage, and a rich collection of photographs. This resource also dispels long-running stereotypes and misconceptions to show Japan's surprising diversity and creativity.

The only handbook on Vietnam that combines colorful, discursive chapters and supporting reference materials. Beginning with a lengthy introduction to Vietnam's past, this book traces the historical context that serves as a foundation for the present-day society and culture of this Southeast Asian nation.