Some of the most valuable resources to a researcher, because they are current, easily accessible and by and large free, are the web pages of the major International Organizations. The most useful single link that I have found is the page of links for the United Nations System. This will link you to the webpages of all of the organizations of the United nations system. All of these links are useful in researching the economic structure and system of a country but the most relevant for the economist, and likely to be among the most durable links, are the major multinational organization. Multilateral Agencies The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Now one of the most useful sites around. Particularly valuable are the downloadable full-text versions of the working paper and country reports series. This is a necessary first stop for any research project whether topical or country-based. Current data and some interested studies are available through the access to a free downloadable version of World Economic Outlook. The World Bank (IBRD) Another useful site for research on developed and developing economies. Clicking on "publications" will connect the reader with the Digital Library, an online library of full-text publications and summaries of major World Bank publications, feature articles and abstracts from World Bank journals. The World Trade Organization (WTO) Not as valuable a resource as the other United Nations organizations for the study of comparative economics, but a good place to check on issues like the environment, intellectual; property disputes, and regional trade issues. A first rate document dissemination facility (DDF). The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) A really excellent web page largely because of the access it gives both to the Human Development Report and to the a large number of national Human Development Reports. The HDR gives access to the Human Development Index, an important supplement to GDP statistics and indices of competitiveness in evaluating economic success. The nations Reports are useful because they generally include background pieces and descriptions of economic structure and recent economic history. Coverage is, however, patchy, very good for Europe east and west but poor for Asia and the Pacific. Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development Unlike the above sites the OECD is not a part of the United nations system but it is probably the best site available for information on developed countries, The statistical series are comprehensive and standardized, and the OECD Surveys give a wealth of information on economic systems, institutions, policies and prospects. Regional Commissions of the UN The Regional Economic Commissions of the United Nations are responsible for monitoring and analyzing economic developments by region. They provide useful country data and analysis, much of which can be obtained from their websites. Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) A good starting point for work on liberalization and reform in Africa. The site allows free access to the ECA's annual report, a useful library, and good links. Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) An excellent site for research on recent developments in both the transition economies of Eastern Europe and the member nation of the European Union. Much of the Annual Survey of the ECE, which covers both western and eastern Europe is accessible from this site as well as important selected charts and tables. Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) A good jumping off point for research on Latin America.. The Annual Survey is available here and is a thoughtful document, with useful statistical appendices and tables. Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) The Annual Survey provides a good overview of the region, and the downloadable publications are an excellent source for country by country analysis of financial sector reform in the wake of the Asian financial crisis. For studies on particular aspects of comparative economics the following websites of specific UN agencies with functional rather than general responsibilities are valuable: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) International Labour Organization (ILO) Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) UN Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) UN Environment Programme (UNEP) UN Foundation UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) UN Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD) UN Centre for Human Settlements (UNCHS (Habitat)) World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Other websites Columbia International Affairs Online European Bank for Reconstruction and Development Heritage Foundation Transparency International World Economic Forum