Whether it's unemployment, California wildfires, or the dramatic capture of Saddam Hussein, you'll find it explored and illuminated in the Events of 2003. Here experts report on significant issues and developments in virtually all key fields and industries — from architecture to the environment to sports; from art to law to religion and more.

But what are the events without the people behind them? People of 2003 brings you biographies of those who had an impact on the year. Read about the remarkable influence chief strategist Karl Rove wields within the Bush administration, how Queen Latifah made the jump from rap artist to mainstream movie star, and he rising profile of maverick author and filmmaker Michael Moore. And say goodbye to the notables who passed away, such as actor Charles Bronson, Cuban salsa singer Celia Cruz, and dancer Gregory Hines.

The World in 2003 puts global information at your fingertips with coverage of hundreds of sovereign countries and dependant areas worldwide. You'll find quick-reference baseline data such as capitals, populations, flags, heads of state and government, and more, along with perceptive in-depth articles on a country-by-country basis. It's all here —from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe.