Anyone over the age of 45 remembers using an encyclopedia set to write elementary school reports. The CIA World Fact Book is a big improvement on World Book Encyclopedia country entries, offering regularly updated information on every nation in the world. Entries include a map, brief historical overview of the country, and sections devoted to geography, demographics, government, the economy, communications, transportation, and transnational issues. (Check out their Afghanistan listing to get a flavor for the structure and level of detail on the site.) The CIA is no longer selling printed versions of the Fact Book, and will be launching a revamped website in the near future.

The ReDistricting Game is a fascinating exercise in gerrymandering from the USC Annenberg Center. The following description is from their website.

“The game provides a basic introduction to the redistricting system, allows players to explore the ways in which abuses can undermine the system, and provides info about reform initiatives – including a playable version of the Tanner Reform bill to demonstrate the ways that the system might be made more consistent with tenets of good governance. Beyond playing the game, the web site for The Redistricting Game provides a wealth of information about redistricting in every state as well as providing hands-on opportunities for civic engagement and political action.”