View the world in living colour in this all-encompassing reference book for the 21st century. Dynamic and fun to browse, the 448-page Answer Book tackles every sort of question in the world. From galaxies light-years away to the soil beneath our feet, from ancient China to jam-packed modern cities, from international trade to the medical advances of the 21st century, here is a book of knowledge about our universe, our world, our history, and our future, brilliantly illustrated and carefully researched, as only National Geographic can deliver. Every spread is designed to pop with as many ideas and images as possible. This title includes such elements as: top ten lists, key dates, and major ideas; Click-It features that recommend websites for further investigation; a glossary of pertinent words; cross-references to related topics elsewhere in the book; and, Fast Facts, with quick hits of fascinating stats and information. Chapters are arranged by major topic, each detailed with lively text and visuals. The book begins with Picturing the World, packed with marvelous maps. The Universe covers celestial bodies, space exploration, and the latest on extraterrestrials. Planet Earth talks about the active geology underlying the continents, as well as landforms, water, and atmosphere. Life on Earth surveys the plant and animal kingdoms and the threats they face, while Climates and Habitats explains weather, environments, and the impact of man. The Human World is all about us: our language, religions, cultures, foods, industries, cities, and more. World History traces global events over millennia, while Science and Technology ponders the history of thought and the best of human innovation. The final chapter, Countries of the World, puts a mini-atlas at your fingertips, with handy information on every nation. Throughout this global adventure, you'll encounter ancient cultures and people of the modern melting pot. Get the facts on threatened rain forests, melting ice caps, and other fragile habitats. Find out about endangered species. Check current figures and superlatives, from population to mountain height. Every spread has something new to offer. Open to one page, follow where it leads you, repeat, and repeat. You won't want to put this book down.