Description: Perfect as the basis for reports, this on-going series describes major world nations and their unique positions in the world community. Each book covers the title nation's geography, climate, terrain, natural resources, urban environments, history, governmental structure, economy (including agriculture and industry), transportation systems, arts, life styles, and leisure activities. Each book ends with a chapter on the nation's potential and future.

As an island nation off athe coast of mainland Asia, Japan has been able to maintain a stable identity for many centuries, building a rich culture of great originality. Modern Japan is one of the world's most advanced and wealthy nations. Despite its small size, its economy ranks in the world's top three, along with those of the United States and Germany. Today, it is best known for high quality, high-tech goods, such as cars, computers, cameras, and televisions. Still Japan is a land where ancient religions and age-old traditions are part of everyday life. Businessmen who wear suits on weekdays, put on kimonos for festivals and holidays. For centuries Japan was an isolationist nation, only receiving some influences from near neighbors, such as China and Korea. In the 20th century though, Japan went through a period of nationalism which resulted in the creation of a vast empire in the Pacific and leading to the nation's participation in World War II as a member of the Axis, which resulted finally in its defeat by the U.S. and its allies and occupation for a number of years.

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