Immigration is a topic that is as important among anthropologists as it is the general public. Almost every culture has experienced adaptation and assimilation when immigrating to a new country and culture; usually leaving for what is perceived as a "better life." Not only does this diaspora change the country of adoption, but also the country of origin. Many large nations in the world have absorbed, and continue to absorb, large numbers of immigrants. The foreseeable future will see a continuation of large-scale immigration, as many countries experience civil war and secessionist pressures. Currently, there is no reference work that describes the impact upon the immigrants and the immigrant societies relevant to the world's cultures and provides an overview of important topics in the world's diasporas. The encyclopedia is organized into three main sections: Diaspora Overviews, Topics and Diaspora Communities. The Diaspora Overviews section covers over 20 cultures that have prominently emigrated throughout the world, including the history behind their social and political reasons for leaving their native culture. The Topics section discusses the impact and assimilation that the imm