This resource maps out how the nations of the modern world became what they are today through photographs of the geography and people of foreign lands, through discussion of ancient and contemporary works of art and events, and through scores of maps detailing geographical features, historic and modern places, natural habitats, rainfall, locations of ethnic and linguistic groups, natural resources, and centers of industry and transportation.

Countries and territories covered:

Regional coverage includes

• Geography and Climate
• History and Movement of Peoples

22 countries and five territories receive separate discussions of

• Government
• Modern History
• Cultural Expression
• Daily Life

SCOPE Incorporates every conceivable focus of interest from holidays to health care, national anthems to gross national product, natural resources, ethnic groups, voting age, performing arts, provincial capitals, leaders of the past and present, native plants and animals, and far more. Newly commissioned political and geophysical maps represent past and present realities. The 27 countries and territories included comprise one of the fastest growing and economically powerful regions of the world, which is home to more than one-third of humanity.

BENEFITS In one incomparably rich and varied reference work find the detailed facts, the geographical and historical context, and the visual resources needed to place the world and its peoples in perspective.