The proposed reference book aims to acquaint readers with the state of the system of dependent (non-self-governing) countries, also called the world colonial system. Its emergence, development, expansion and crisis in the most characteristic periods are examined: after the Great Geographical Discoveries, after the discoveries of the Modern Age, during the greatest expansion of the system, during the redistributions of the world after the two world wars, during the growth of independence movements. Each period is examined with maps and tables containing the main data on the dependent countries. In a special section, the modern state of the system of dependent countries is clarified and their description is given with maps and text. All data are arranged by continents and in alphabetical order. The reference book is intended for a wide range of readers interested in geopolitical issues.