Where does CountryWatch get their information?
How do I notify CountryWatch if I see an error or if I disagree with the content?
Why do you only cover recognized countries?
How often is the information updated?
How do I cite CountryWatch as an online resource?
 How accurate and reliable is CountryWatch content?
What is the methodology for creating CountryWatch content?
Who creates CountryWatch content?
How do I republish or use CountryWatch content? 



Editor’s Note on CountryWatch Research

A number of governmental, scholarly, journalistic, and independent sources are used to develop to the CountryWatch Database.  The vast majority of CountryWatch analysis, information and research methodology can be described as both proprietary and unique.  However, CountryWatch also coalesces and compiles relevant data sets from reputable sources and publishes that data as part of its database offering. 

A full listing of the main bibliographic materials used by CountryWatch is available for perusal on the CountryWatch website. References to supplementary research resources used only in particular (sub-)sections, or only regarding certain countries, are cited directly following the content containing such referential material.   Likewise, the use of limited non-copyrighted material is expressly noted at the close of each relevant section. 

Country Reviews;  Youth Edition and Global Guide --

In regard to the content in the CountryWatch Country Reviews, Youth Edition and the Global Guide, the analysis is originated by the CountryWatch Editorial Team using an extensive collection of research resources.

These research resources include a mixture of: international agencies, regional trade blocs, geo-strategic alliances, and hemispheric institutions; governmental departments across the world; non-governmental agencies focusing on subjects ranging from national security to media freedom and human rights; scholarly journals ranging from those with area-specific focus to more thematically oriented periodicals; scholarly handbooks and yearbooks dealing with countries, territories and governance; cultural and geographic databases; online almanacs; encyclopedic sources; as well as a vast array of both mainstream and indigenous news services. In some instances, legal cases, juridical instruments, policy statements, constitutional provisions, particularized statistics and polling data may be cited as well.

The Country Reviews also include limited data points, such as global rankings published in the Country Reviews, are derived from respected research institutions, such as the United Nations and the World Bank.

Featured Country, Political Intelligence Briefing, Intelligence Wire, Elections Report --

The coverage of events and developments on the international scene, such as the Featured Country, Political Intelligence Briefing, Intelligence Wire, and Elections Report, is originated solely by the CountryWatch Editor.  Stated differently, the analysis in these sections is completely original and proprietary, although links of references to other relevant material may be provided as well.  The four publications are dynamically, regularly and personally updated by the Editor of CountryWatch and  are intended to provide an alternative lens to the global landscape, albeit with more extensive coverage than one would find in a mainstream news story.  

CountryWatch News Wire --

The CountryWatch News Wire is composed of international news stories across the world.  These news stories are crafted and published by a variety of reputable media and journalistic enterprises, such as United Press International, PanAfrican News, Pacific News, Caribbean News Agency, Interfax, Radio Free Europe and National Technical Information Service.  These news stories run the gamut in terms of subject matter and ideological orientation and provide a unique perspective to the global spectrum, which is to be distinguished from the regularly syndicated news stories available in the mainstream media. 

CountryWatch Forecast --

The CountryWatch Forecast Suite has been crafted and developed by the CountryWatch Economics Team, using a proprietary methodology and an extensive list of research resources, which are fully cited on the CountryWatch
Forecast website. 

In regard to this economic content, the main research resources are the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. To be more specific, the CountryWatch Economic Team bases its  macroeconomic data on the International Financial Statistics Database of the International Monetary Fund.  The Economics Team also supplements that principle resource with relevant data from the World Bank. As such, CountryWatch is in conformity with International Monetary Fund data. Other macroeconomic resources that the CountryWatch Economic Team draws upon to create this suite of products include: United States Department of Energy, United Nations Statistical Division, and Global Development Finance by the World Bank. In many cases, country-specific economic data sets garnered from national banks as well as  government and financial institutions have also been used.

CountryWatch Data –

CountryWatch Data is primarily derived from and by the CountryWatch Economic Team using the same repository of research resources as is used in the CountryWatch Forecast Suite.  The human and social data sets are derived and compiled from the same repository of research resources as is used in the CountryWatch Reviews.

CountryWatch Maps –

Finally, CountryWatch Maps include a mixture of geographic and thematic maps licensed from the reputable Magellan Company along with  as GIS-generated maps derived from CountryWatch Data.

The methodology used to create the Country Reviews draws upon a mixture of academic research and journalistic practice. In essence, the writers, researchers and editors in the CountryWatch Editorial Department are tasked with updating information on every country in the world on an annual basis, while also attending to evolving events, and simultaneously ensuring that the historic, environmental, socio-cultural, economic, political and business contexts are addressed. Accordingly, they must craft each Country Review in such a manner that these objectives are attained. A keen awareness of the relevant research literature is vital, along with a particular skill for 'reporting' information within the wider political, economic, cultural and ecological landscape.

The methodology used to create our Forecast products and models is based on our own proprietary projection system, which is fully documented.  This documentation for the CountryWatch Macroeconomic Forecast Model can be found on the CountryWatch Forecast website. It has been developed in accordance with generally accepted macroeconomic theory and assumes a Keynesian macroeconomic framework. Likewise, documentation for the CountryWatch Energy Forecast Model, complete with methodology and calculations for both fossil fuel and non-fossil fuel markets, can be found on the CountryWatch Forecast website.

All CountryWatch content is created, produced and published by a small cadre of experts with scholarly backgrounds in relevant disciplines of International Affairs, Comparative Politics, Economics, Cultural Anthropology, as well as interdisciplinary terrain, such as Area Studies, Cultural Studies, Political Economy and Public Policy. Strong academic backgrounds  among the writers, researchers and editors in the CountryWatch Editorial Department has meant that voluminous quantities of content can be researched and produced within the strictures of best practices.

Meanwhile, the various (inter)disciplinary approaches have resulted in a generative research climate at CountryWatch, in which neo-liberal models of economic development have to be weighed against human development considerations. Indeed, the tension between states and markets has become a constituent aspect of the work we do, precisely because of the differing philosophical approaches taken by the members of our Editorial Department.

It should also be noted that the Editorial Department at CountryWatch also boasts vast international experience. This global sphere of experience is not limited to the corporate arena, but also extends to the realm of 'on the ground' development and aid work, as well as 'real life' experiences living internationally. As such, the Editorial Department at CountryWatch is particularly sensitized to global problems and transnational issues, and it is committed to publishing the most comprehensive data and information possible on all the countries of the world in a consistent format.

Denise Youngblood Coleman, Ph.D.
Editor in Chief and Executive Vice President
CountryWatch Inc.

What browsers are not compatible with CountryWatch?
We support Internet Explorer 5.0 and above, Netscape Navigator 7.0 and above, Firefox, Opera, and Mozilla on PC platforms. On Macintosh computers we support Safari, Netscape 7 and above, Firefox, Camino, and Internet Explorer 5.2 and above.


Is the CountryWatch site ADA compliant?
Yes, we used Hermish to test our site for ADA compliancy.  View our Section 508 Compliance Statement.

If I setup links to CountryWatch content will those URL's remain persistent.
While we cannot gurantee that we will never change the location and/or name of content pages for technical reasons or for consolidation, all links with the exception of the following are persistent:  CountryWire articles, Search Engine results.


Where can I find helpful information to help resolve problems with my login to CountryWatch?
The main help page for all login methods is here. If you are specifically having problems with IP address authentication which is common when behind a proxy server visit here.


How do I subscribe?
Contact us at 1-800-879-3885 (US and Canada) or 1-713-355-6500 and ask to be connected to the sales department or you can email us via the contact us page, select "Sales".


Why should I pay for a subscription to CountryWatch when I get information free from other sources?
CountryWatch provides reliable, up-to-date news and information on 193 countries of the world. The Country Reviews are consistently formatted which makes it easy to navigate and also to cross reference and do comparative analysis between more than one country. Additionally, CountryWatch provides over 75-pages worth of information on each country.


What is included with the different levels of service, Standard, Premium, Elite and Suite?
CountryWatch Standard Access (for individual users only) includes Country Reviews for all 193 countries and the Country Wire. CountryWatch Premium Access provides everything Standard provides and adds CountryWatch Data and CountryWatch Map Gallery. One step above the CountryWatch Premium Access is the CountryWatch Elite Access which contains everything in Standard and Premium, plus you get access to CountryWatch Macro-Economic Forecast. CountryWatch Suite also provides access to our all new CountryWatch Energy Forecast along with access to everything in the other subscription packages.


Are usage statistics available for our organization?
Usage statistics are available to our current customers via Netracker Software however a statistic profile will have to be built for your account. Please contact your Sales Representative or Customer Support to set up your account. 1-800-879-3885 (US and Canada) or 1-713-355-6500 or you can email us via the contact us page, select "Customer Service". Be sure to include your Access Code. This process usually takes 3-5 business days to complete.


Where does CountryWatch get their information?
CountryWatch uses a number of government, academic, media and independent sources to compose its reviews. For specific source materials call us at 1-800-879-3885 (US and Canada) or 1-713-355-6500 and ask to be connected with the editorial department or use the contact us page, click the "Content" option.


How do I notify CountryWatch if I see an error or if I disagree with the content?
Use the "Content" option on the contact us page or call 1-800-879-3885 (US and Canada) or 1-713-355-6500 and ask to be connected with the editorial department.


Why do you only cover recognized countries?
At CountryWatch, the criterion for coverage of a geopolitical area “as a country” is dependent upon whether or not it has been recognized by the United States’ Department of State.  Consequently, CountryWatch covers 193 independent and sovereign states in the world, including the world’s newest country, East Timor.

Inclusion in the United Nations does not necessarily mean that one is an independent and sovereign state.  For several years, Switzerland upheld its tenet of neutrality by holding only “observer” status at the United Nations (this has since changed). Meanwhile, there are several bodies represented at the United Nations, such as groupings for indigenous movements, which do not translate into independent sovereign status. 

CountryWatch has been attentive to independence movements across the world. As such, when independence from Indonesia was declared, and when sovereign status as well as international recognition was achieved, CountryWatch was pleased to add East Timor to its list of countries covered, on the very day  of official independence.

Other territories, such as Taiwan, have met many requirements of independent nation state status, but continue to be regarded as dependencies of sorts. In fact, until 1971, Taiwan was a member of the United Nations, but since then has been replaced by China.  This occurred as a result of China's controversial "One China" policy which asserts sovereignty over Taiwan. 

At CountryWatch, certain territories  are covered in special sections or appendices within an existing Country Review.  Puerto Rico, for example is treated within the United States Country Review. Meanwhile, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao are each treated in a similar manner within the China Country Review. West Bank and Gaza are treated within the Country Review for Israel and Somaliland is covered within the Country Review for Somalia. 

CountryWatch recognizes the imprecise and politicized nature of such cases, and as has been illustrated in the case of East Timor, the editor is vigilant about staying abreast of political developments, should sovereign status become a reality at some point in the future.

CountryWatch acknowledges and understands that the United States Department of State’s recognition of a country is reflective of the particular political agenda of the United States and its allies. Use of the Department of State listing is not intended to be an explicit endorsement of any country’s political priorities and CountryWatch encourages users to consider the complex range of parameters included in designating any place or area to be a sovereign country.

Dr. Denise Youngblood Coleman
Editor-in-Chief
February, 2005


How often is the information updated?
Each Country Review is updated once per year or as major events occur. The Country Wire is updated throughout the day as news stories become available.


How do I cite CountryWatch as an online resource?
Commentary
For items in a "Works Cited" list, CountryWatch suggests that users follow recommended patterns for indentation given in the MLA Handbook, 4th edition.

Individual Works
Basic form, using an Internet protocol:
Author/editor. Title of Print Version of Work. Edition statement (if given). Publication information (Place of publication: publisher, date), if given. Title of Electronic Work. Medium. Available Protocol (if applicable):Site/Path/File. Access date.

Examples:
Youngblood-Coleman, Denise, editor. Country Review: France. 2003. Houston, Texas: CountryWatch Publications, 2003. Country Review:France. Online. Available URL: http://www.countrywatch.com/cw_country.asp?vCOUNTRY=61 October, 12, 2003.

Note:
This is the citation format used when the print version is not used in the reference.


 How accurate and reliable is CountryWatch content?
There is always a possibility that inconsistencies, typos or outright errors may occur in our content. That said, given the vast quantity of data, information and analysis that CountryWatch produces, the degree to which such problems have occurred has been extremely rare in the past. In cases of errata, CountryWatch is committed to quickly correcting problems and working with clients to ensure that they are not adversely affected.


What is the methodology for creating CountryWatch content?
The methodology used to create the Country Reviews draws upon a mixture of academic research and journalistic practice. The methodology used to create our Economic data and Forecast products and models are based on our own proprietary projection system. For methodological information or documentation, call us at 1-800-879-3885 (US and Canada) or 1-713-355-6500 and ask to be connected with the editorial department or use the contact us page, click the "Content" option.


Who creates CountryWatch content?
CountryWatch content is created, produced and published by a small cadre of experts with scholarly backgrounds in relevant disciplines and extensive international experience.  For more  information, call us at 1-800-879-3885 (US and Canada) or 1-713-355-6500 and ask to be connected with the editorial department or use the contact us page, click the "Content" option.


How do I republish or use CountryWatch content?
All CountryWatch content is protected by prevailing copyright. No portion of CountryWatch content can ever be reproduced or republished without expressed written consent from CountryWatch’s Editor in Chief. Any unauthorized usage of CountryWatch content is a violation of this copyright. To contact the Editor in Chief to request permission to use a portion of CountryWatch content, call us at 1-800-879-3885 (US and Canada) or 1-713-355-6500 and ask to be connected with the editorial department or use the contact us page, click the "Content" option.