Going beyond the scope of a basic atlas, this compact volume features detailed full-color maps of all the countries and continents along with a wealth of demographic, economic, and historical information. Fifteen pages of thematic world maps illustrate subjects such as population density, life expectancy, and environmental data. Tables and lists throughout the book highlight points of particular social, historic, or geographic significance, and an easy-to-use index helps pinpoint towns and cities, natural features, and other important points of interest.