Geographica

Geographica is a remarkable reference tool that takes the reader on a journey from outer space and Earth's place in the universe to the nations, cities, towns and villages in every corner of the globe. The early part of the book is organized in topics, written by leading experts in the field and accompanied by the best photographs available. Next, the core of the book contains maps and detailed text, based on the most updated information available from the world's leading agencies, on the world's 192 nations which belong to the UN along with 65 dependencies and overseas territories. Entries for each nation feature an introductory essay on the region and its people, physical features, land use, economy and resources, locator map, a fact file for quick access to a country's key data -- language, population, currency, climate, government, infant mortality, literacy, etc. -- and much, much more. The final section is a clear, thorough index of place names with page numbers for text and maps. Most importantly, the organization and writing in Geographica reflect the goal of its creators, to offer the reader "a journey into the past and an appreciation of the present as it has evolved".