Almanacs & Fact Books

Almanacs are sources of information that are generally published on an annual basis. Use almanacs when you are looking for statistical information (e.g. the number of people who own t.v. sets in Brazil), tables (e.g. the incidence of AIDS-related deaths from 1980 to 1995), or lists (e.g. Nobel Prize winners).

Almanacs

50 States.com
http://www.50states.com/
So, you used to know the capital of Iowa, but now forgot? Stop worrying. It's all right here in 50 States.com, along with State birds, songs, and tax forms.

Guinness World Book of Records
http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/
A collection of the really gross and unnecessary ways we humans compete. And read about. For years and years.

Information Please Almanac
http://www.infoplease.com/
Search Information Please Almanac's general almanac, encyclopedia, and/or dictionary. This is a classic reference source. If I were stranded on an island deserted by all but very inquisitive patrons, the print version of Information Please is one of the ten reference sources I'd want with me!

The Old Farmer's Almanac
http://www.almanac.com/
Famed for its uncanny ability to predict winter weather (hey, kids - it gets cold in January), the Old Farmer's Almanac is a collection of old fashioned wisdom. Check here for gardening tips, solar eclipse timetables, or to learn how to increase your fishing catch by following the cycle of the moon.

Factbooks

CIA Factbook
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook
This site offers country profiles updated yearly.

World Factbook
http://www.bartleby.com/151/
Geographical handbook compiled by the U.S. Government, featuring full-color maps and flags of all nations and geographical entities. Each country profile tracks a variety of demographic data.