In this work: 90 pages of stunning world thematic maps cover the vital natural and human topics of today; striking satellite images open each continent; oceans are mapped from coast to coast, revealing incredible illustrations of depth and seafloor topography; each continent receives special economic coverage assessing regional and global activity; a place-name index includes 55,000 entries; and, extensive 'World Facts' section comprises demographic and socioeconomic information, geographic comparisons, and a glossary.