LibGuides: Model UN: Research Your Country

Questions to ask about your country

Below are some questions you will want to answer as you do your research.

Who are my country's trading partners? Your country will most likely vote with and favor resolutions that help its trading partners. If you can't find out how your country feels about a resolution, look to see how its trading partners view the issue.
Who are my country's neighbors? Countries often vote with and favor resolutions that help their neighbors (unless historical events say otherwise, see #3 below). If you can't find out how your country feels about a resolution, look to see how its neighbors view the issue.
What historical events have shaped my country?
What treaties or other international agreements has my country signed having to do with my assigned topic?

Websites

CIA - The World Factbook
The standard source for basic information about a foreign country, produced by the CIA. Look up your country to discover it's trading partners and geographic neighbors. You will probably want to print or bookmark this information to take with you to the Model UN.
Permanent Missions to the UN
From the dropdown box, click on the option for "Member States maintaining permanent missions as Headquarters." Then find your country and look for a link to its website. Mine it for background information, statements, and press releases.
BBC Country Profiles
Another excellent source for information about a foreign country, compiled by the BBC News. Includes links to news stories about the country and media outlets in the country.
Country Research
A guide to conducting research on foreign countries by the University of Colorado at Boulder Libraries. See if you can find a link to the Foreign Affairs Office of your country. If so, you may find statements outlining how your country feels about a particular issue.
Country Studies Series
Extensive historical information on selected countries from the Library of Congress. If your country is represented, use these guides to get a historical understanding of the issues facing your country. You will likely need more up-to-date information from a source like the CIA World Factbook.
Embassy.org
Links to the website of embassies located in Washington D.C. Find your country's embassy website and mine it for country information as well as to get an idea of how your country wishes to portray itself abroad.

Paper Resource

Europa World Year Book by Europa Publications Limited.
Extensive country information, updated annually. Check link for campus availability.