Philip's Concise World Atlas is ideal for home and family reference. The 128 pages of the latest digital world maps provide a balanced coverage of the world. Scales and projections have been chosen to maximise legibility and minimise distortion over the largest regions. Each map is accompanied by a locator diagram and adjoining pages indicator. Fully updated for 2001, Philip's Concise World Atlas includes 6 pages of detailed world statistical data, plus the superb 48-page section 'The Earth in Space'. Beautifully illustrated with informative photographs, maps and diagrams, this section covers such topics as the Universe, star charts and constellations, the Solar System and Earth, earthquakes and volcanoes, forces of nature, oceans and ice, atmosphere and climate, natural environments, population, international organizations, agriculture, energy and minerals, trade and commerce, world economics, travel and communications, and the world today. A glossary of terms is also included for ease of reference. The 55,000-name index includes geographical features as well as towns and cities, with letter-figure grid references for speed and accuracy of use.Also included is a special map highlighting key regions currently in the news.