The atlas opens with beautifully rendered, up-to-date, thoroughly indexed, political and physical maps of the world. Satellite mosaics depict the Earth from …

The atlas opens with beautifully rendered, up-to-date, thoroughly indexed, political and physical maps of the world. Satellite mosaics depict the Earth from hundreds of miles above. World thematic maps follow, presenting plate tectonics, climate and weather, oceans, population, religion, energy, and the economy. Health and education, environmental stress, and conflict and terror are also covered, providing a review of the increasingly complex issues we face today.

Informative, intriguing, and accessible, National Geographic Concise Atlas of the World visually portrays important aspects of the world in a way only maps can. Full-color physical and land cover maps enhance and enrich readers' understanding of the Earth's natural features. Each continent—and the United States—is mapped with political boundaries and corresponds to a comprehensive place-name index of more than 10,000 towns, cities, and countries across the globe. Likewise, full-color physical maps enhance and enrich readers' understanding of the Earth's natural features, such as mountain ranges, lakes, plains, deserts, and rivers. New continental maps cover water availability and natural events such as earthquakes, volcanoes, and tsunamis. Country profiles provide national flags and valuable facts for all 193 independent nations of the world. Key information is provided about time zones, metric conversions, and geographic terms.