Be sure to check out the sites on the Research Links page - Lots of Great Links and Information.
NEW December 2006 Univ.of Texas Maps.
http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/
A huge variety of maps exist on this site. Check it out.
CIA World Factbook
www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/
One of the best resources for finding information on any country: geography, maps, history, culture and current governmental information, heads of state and lots more.
CountryReports.org
www.countryreports.org
FirstGov for Kids-Global Village
http://www.kids.gov/k_village.htm
Learn about other kids and other countries. Sites from the State Department, OPIC for Kids (U.S. Foreign Policy), Languages and Religions around the world, a World Flag Database, and the Peace Corps (with good information about locations where they serve) and many more good link s.
Census Bureau
http://www.census.gov/
Countries and Regions - US State Department
http://www.state.gov/countries/
Background Notes - US State Department
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/
Country Commercial Guides
http://www.usatrade.gov/website/ccg.nsf/ccghomepage?openform
The Country Commercial Guides (CCG) are prepared by US Embassy Staff once a year and contain information on the business and economic situation of foreign countries and the political climate as it affects U.S. business. Each CCG contains the same chapters, and an appendix, which include topics such as marketing, trade regulations, investment climate, and business travel.
Flags Of the World
http://www.geographic.org/
Flags, Coat of Arms, Maps and More.
Culture Grams
http://onlineedition.culturegrams.com/
Select a region or country first. Some of the information is on a "fee" basis, but you can get some of the information for FREE