Book excerpt: * 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. * Extensive "World Facts" section comprises demographic and socioeconomic information, geographic comparisons, and a glossary.