A comprehensively revised new edition of this detailed illustrated reference book, with concise, up to date geographical information about all the countries of the world.Arranged in alphabetical order, the entry for each country now features a physically coloured map showing major towns, roads, rivers, mountains, deserts and other topographical features, together with a locator map to show the position of the country or island within its region. The national flag is also illustrated, and accompanied by an explanation of its origin.The smallest countries or islands, such as the islands of the Indian Ocean, are grouped together within their region, with a shared map.The newly expanded and informative text describes the principal features of the country's landscape, climate, history, politics and economy. Ready-reference tables list a selection of up-to-date statistics including the population of the country, its area, capital, languages, ethnic groups and religions, enabling comparisons to be drawn between nations. The larger countries also feature information panels highlighting, for example, the highest mountain or longest river.Main map scale: