The following is a selected list, with brief definitions and explanations, of terms that appear frequently in these volumes. Not included below are UN organs and related agencies, which are discussed under their own headings elsewhere.

adult literacy: the capacity of adults to read and write, as defined by divergent national criteria of age and ability.

ad valorem tax: a levy based on a fixed percentage of an item's value; ad valorem taxes include sales taxes, property taxes, and the majority of import duties.

African Development Bank: IGO founded in 1963 and with its headquarters at Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire; coordinates its members' development finances and provides loans.

animism: the belief that natural objects and phenomena have souls or innate spiritual powers.

Asian Development Bank: IGO founded in 1966 and with its headquarters at Manila, Philippines; seeks to encourage economic growth in Asia and...