Packed with information on nearly 200 countries - organized by continent - and illustrated with all new state-of-the-art relief maps, this conveniently-sized paperback atlas is an essential resource for understanding the world today. Its extensive coverage includes information on the geography, history, and economy of each country, as well as culture, language, and religion. Environmental concerns are also addressed with information on plants and animals, endangered species, and conservation. Continental regional locator globes further aid curious young geographers, as do supplemental articles on global issues such as the world's changing climate, the preservation of natural resources, and population distribution. An informative map and map-making section discusses innovations in cartography.