The United States is a nation of counties--3,071 of them, to be exact. This reference book offers a brief profile and history of each and every one of them. The authors provide the following information for each county: name, county seat, population, land area, location and prominent geographical features, name derivation, date of establishment, and products and industries. Selected entries include history, a sampling of famous residents, interesting facts or oddities, population and area rankings and name comparatives. Connecticut and Rhode Island's counties were officially abolished a few years ago, but information about the former counties is included. Louisiana's parishes are also included. Alaska does not have counties, but its organized boroughs are listed in an appendix.