This book offers a collection of twenty-three essays that examines viewpoints on death and dying from around the world. Causes of death are examined, including increases in mortality due to AIDS in Africa, drug abuse in Scotland, and suicide in Ireland. Chapters discuss access to palliative end-of-life care and assisted suicide. Readers will evaluate the influences of the world''s major religions and their beliefs, traditions, and rituals surrounding death. They will also learn about funeral practices throughout the world. Essay sources include Open Society Institute, A.P. Online, New Vision, Hiroko Nakata, Francesca Crippa Floriani, JoAnne M. Youngblut, and Dorothy Brooten.