[en] The technical, political and social issues surrounding nuclear power are outlined in this paper, and a flow diagram of a fuel cycle for nuclear power from so-called light water reactors help put the material into context. The resources properties and implications of uranium and thorium are discussed, and a section on uranium enrichment follows. The reactors themselves are hilighted, and the types light water reactors, heavy-water-moderated-reactors, gas-cooled reactors, and breeder reactors--are expanded upon by descriptions of main features and trends and variations. Reactor safety and operational accidents are reviewed. The technological and institutional issues of nuclear wastes are presented along with the cost, economically, of nuclear power. Other topics include nuclear power and weapons proliferation, nuclear power for less industrialized countries, the public acceptance of nuclear power, ethical issues, and magnetic controlled fusion