This volume is one of a series of handbooks designed to be useful to military and other personnel who need a convenient compilation of basic facts about the social, economic, political, and military institutions and practices of various countries. It is intended to be an objective description of the nation's present society, especially since the resolution of 1959, and the kinds of possible or probable changes that might be expected in the future. It was compiled from information available in openly published materials. A bibliography of sources of more detailed information is provided in the appendix, as well as a glossary of Spanish words. (Author)