Current Background Notes are available on our Background Notes page.
Previous editions of Background Notes from 2001-2009 are available through the links at left.
Background Notes from 1996-2000 are available on the archive site for the Clinton Administration.
Background Notes from 1990-1995 are available on the Department of State Foreign Affairs Network (DOSFAN) archive site.
The Office of Electronic Information, Bureau of Public Affairs, manages this site as a portal for information from the U.S. State Department. External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein.