The authors wish to acknowledge the contributions of the writers of the 1982 edition of Indian Ocean: Five Island Countries, edited by Frederica M. Bunge. Their work provided general background for the present volume.
The authors are grateful to individuals in various government agencies and private institutions who gave of their time, research materials, and expertise in the production of this book. These individuals include Ralph K. Benesch, who oversees the Country Studies--Area Handbook program for the Department of the Army. The authors also wish to thank members of the Federal Research Division staff who contributed directly to the preparation of the manuscript. These people include Sandra W. Meditz, who reviewed all drafts and served as liaison with the sponsoring agency; Marilyn Majeska, who managed editing and book production; Andrea Merrill, who reviewed tables and figures; Barbara Edgerton and Izella Watson, who performed word processing; and Janie L. Gilchrist, David P. Cabitto, and Stephen C. Cranton, who prepared the camera-ready copy.
Also involved in the preparing the text were Mimi Cantwell, who edited chapters; Beverly Wolpert, who performed the prepublication editorial review; and Joan C. Cook, who compiled the index.
Graphics were prepared by David P. Cabitto, and Tim L. Merrill prepared map drafts, apart from the topography and drainage map prepared by Harriett R. Blood. David P. Cabitto and the firm of Greenhorne and O'Mara prepared the final maps. Special thanks are owed to Marty Ittner, who prepared the illustrations on the title page of the various chapters, and David P. Cabitto, who did the cover art.
Finally, the authors acknowledge the generosity of individuals, who allowed their photographs to be used in this study.
Data as of August 1994