Full of clear and detailed maps, this beautifully designed world atlas is the perfect companion to discover our planet. Originally published in 1997 and now in its 10th edition, the Essential World Atlas includes all recent border, place name, and flag changes around the world, including the new nation of South Sudan and the annexation of Crimea. A series of 12 global thematic maps on subjects as diverse as Ocean currents and languages give a general introduction to the World today. These are followed by the main atlas which includes over 60 full colour regional maps featuring political and state borders; main population and administrative centres; main lines of communication, ports and airports.