Book excerpt: Now in its 146th edition Whitaker's Almanack is the definitive reference guide containing a comprehensive overview of every aspect of UK infrastructure and an excellent introduction to world politics. Available only as ebooks, Whitaker's Shorts are selected themed sections from Whitaker's Almanack 2014: portable and perfect for those with specific interests within the print edition. Whitaker's Shorts 2014: International contains extensive data (including timelines and maps) on every country of the world, the European Union, international organisations, the North and South Poles, plus information on overseas travel.