This illustrated guide combines maps, photographs, charts, and illustrations to bring facts about physical and human geography to life. The information is organized in six continental sections and a reference section. Full colored maps, produced by digital imagery, with details about each country's physical geography, its people, and its important sites, are provided. Explanations are given for how the landscape or climate of each region has shaped the area's development. Topics include agriculture and industry, ethnic groups, everyday life, food, and recent history. Fact boxes provide at-a-glance access to key facts such as population, currency, language, and literacy rate. Facts, dates, statistics, a comprehensive gazetteer, glossary, and an index complete the classroom resource. (MM)