Illustrated Atlas of the World

The "Illustrated Atlas of the World" is a unique combination of a full-color illustrated encyclopedia, world maps, and geographic tables. The book's three sections--Our Planet Earth, International Maps, and Geographic Tables & Index--complement one another with maps, illustrations and diagrams, text, and statistical tables and charts. Designed as an inclusive collection of knowledge about our world, it is an all-in-one reference work of lasting value for any home, school, or office. Our Planet Earth Section--Illustrated Encyclopedia -Full color -Clear, concise text -Describes our world from the formation of the universe to the environmental challenges of today: *Astronomy--the solar system, satellite technology, structure of the universe *Geology & Earth Science--how mountains are formed, the oceans, weather *Origins of Life--the emergence and spread of life *Geography--regions of the earth from the poles to the deserts *Environments--resources and energy, human impact on the environment *Maps & Cartography--map history, how to use maps and atlases -Indexed for easy use for all ages International Map Section -Carefully designed and researched, easy to use and understand continent and country maps: *Continent Maps--physical map emphasizes terrain and political map focuses on cities, provinces, states, and countries for each continent *Country Maps--reference maps show relationship between places and physical setting for the world's nations -Bold, easy-to-read type; distinct boundaries; large scale; easy-to-identify rivers, lakes, roads -Shaded relief shows terrain in three-dimensional style -Includes world time zone and transportation route map Geographical Information Section -Invaluable aid for study, current events, or travel planning -Facts on every world nation--population, government, area, and more -Country and continent comparison tables--largest and smallest countries, highest mountains and waterfalls, world metropolitan areas, and more -Populations for world's major cities Index -More than 75,000 place-names -An instant locator for places on the maps or a quick-reference spelling guide -Latitude and longitude included for pinpoint locating of places on maps -Special Feature--index acts as a quick-reference gazetteer with symbols indicating geographic nature of places--from land features, such as mountains and deserts, to travel features, such as ruins and historic sites. International Project The "Illustrated Atlas of the World" reflects the cooperative efforts of three publishing houses in three countries--Rand McNally & Company in the United States, Istituto Geografico De Agostini in Italy, and Mitchell Beazley Publishers Limited in the United Kingdom. The result is a well-conceived, carefully researched, and artistically created all-in-one atlas that will meet your reference needs at home, at work, or at school.