THE STATESMAN'S YEARBOOK 2017 This classic reference work presents a political, economic and social account of every country of the world together with facts and analysis. The 2017 edition includes: Revised and updated biographical profiles of all current leaders Extensive updates to country economic overviews Expanded and updated historical introductions Chronology of key political events from April 2015 to March 2016 Comprehensive coverage of major international organizations 2015 in 1,000 words - a summary of the key events that dominated the world during the year SPECIAL FEATURE: Barry Turner investigates democracy's origins and role in the modern world, plus a factsheet on democracy throughout history NEW: Civil and criminal justice rankings, plus updated corruption. DID YOU KNOW? Costa Rica abolished its army in 1948 Iceland was ranked first in a global gender gap index in 2015 Prior to its independence in 1971 Bangladesh was known as East Pakistan In Niger the average woman gives birth to seven children A professional comedian, Jimmy Morales, was elected president of Guatemala in 2015.