Mapping

Software*

QGis download
QGis documentation
GRASS (Geographic Resources Analysis Support System)
more free/open source GIS 

Open Source GIS with QGIS 2.0 workshop (Harvard CGA)- import (basemaps, CSV,  KML, import scanned map)
QGis workshop - how to import KML files
StatSilk - tutorials for interactive maps w/ stats (their software)

planiglobe - online map creation

Sources of data and shapefiles

OpenStreetMap Wiki
MapCruzin (sources) <---------- br="" nbsp=""> GADM database of Global Administrative Areas
StatSilk (sources)
(Walter) Wambachers' OSM Boundaries (German)
Right-click political region names until you get to the boundaries you want to download (boundaries appear as yellow highlights), go to the menu in the bottom-left corner, select "shp" and select "export"

Other

Digital Geography blog

*sure, you can try to just use google maps/engine if you're really good at getting it clear enough. But first, their exported  files to print suck; second, it can disappear at any second without warning (that's what companies that host your stuff for free do); and third, if you're serious about your data, you should worry about your ability to analyze it too, not just give it to google's people. 

Find someone to do it for you