These latest sets in the publisher's long-running Cultures of the World series include countries rarely covered in books for students, making them valuable for filling in collection gaps and updating previously held titles. Plentiful color photographs accompany substantial amounts of information on each country's geography, history, political system and culture. The tone is clear, direct, and uniform, if somewhat lacking in personality. In Eritrea, the country's economic challenges are covered respectfully, and the many pictures help students to see that the people are not defined by their poverty. It's unfortunate that the maps in this series are all located at the end, particularly when dealing with rarely discussed countries, but the back matter in each volume includes a great deal of important information such as time lines and even a recipe or two.

Strong visuals and a comprehensive text give readers a vivid picture of one of the newest nations in Africa. The political struggles against Ethiopia, drought, famine, and a large number of refugees still living in Sudanese camps are problems that have plagued the country for decades, and this book speaks realistically about these issues. Individual chapters deal with the economy, geography, and daily lives of different groups. Bib., glos., ind.