From tiny Vatican City to the vast Russian Federation, from the deserted polar wastes to bustling Hong Kong, the DK Geography of the World maps every corner of the globe. But this book is more than an atlas - it details each country's physical geography, its people, and its important places, explains how the landscape or climate has shaped the country's development, and outlines its place in today's world.

Each region of the world is introduced with a detailed full-color map produced using digital imagery. Information on physical features, climate, and flags is included. Each map is followed by an in-depth survey of each country in the region, covering topics such as 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, literacy rate, and more.

Detailed illustrations combine with maps, photographs, and charts to bring topics from cocoa growing to acid rain and countries from Zaire to Canada to life. Facts, dates, and statistics, and a comprehensive gazetteer, glossary, and index complete the volume.