This new edition includes the fact-packed 48-page 'World Geography' section, which provides maps, charts, graphs and diagrams on key themes, such as the Universe and Solar System, geology and landforms, climate, the environment, population, agriculture, energy and minerals. Introduced by a stunning satellite image of the globe, the 129-page section of up-to-date digital world maps provides a balanced coverage of the world. Scales and projections have been chosen to maximize legibility and minimize distortion over the largest regions. Each map is accompanied by a locator diagram and adjoining pages indicator for ease of use. The hill-shading on the physical maps provides an exceptionally vivid portrayal of landforms.The 'Images of Earth' section provides spectacular satellite views of 15 major cities and regions around the world. Topical current affairs maps are provided for 'World: Regions in the News', including Iraq, Afghanistan and Israel/Palestine. The 55,000-name index includes geographical features as well as towns and cities, with both letter-figure grid references as well as latitude and longitude co-ordinates, for speed and accuracy of use.