The Visual World Atlas

An overview of the state of the world for understanding global issues

Inside you will find:

• more than 110 thematic maps,

• more than 50 fact tables from world renown organizations,

• more than 130 photographs,

• a glossary and detailed indexes,

• rich encyclopedic content, reviewed by experts.

Table of contents
The Visual World Atlas	1
How to use this book	6
Introduction	8
Contents	9
Earth: a rocky planet	11
The solar system	12
The planet Earth	14
The structure of Earth	16
Continental relief features	20
Landforms on the ocean floor	26
Volcanoes	28
Earthquakes	30
Earth: a blue planet	33
The world ocean	34
Freshwater	40
Earth: a planet in balance	45
Climates	46
Cold environments	50
Arid environments	52
Climatic catastrophes	54
The biosphere	60
The conservation of species	64
Atmospheric pollution	66
Water and soil pollution	70
Earth: an inhabited planet	73
The political world	74
World population	80
Languages	84
Religions	86
Sports	88
Economics	92
Energy	98
Agriculture	100
Transportation	104
Inequalities	108
Freshwater resources	112
Health	114
Illiteracy	116
Conflits	118
The continents	123
North America	124
South America	130
Europe	136
Asia	142
Africa	148
Oceania	154
Antarctica	160
Glossary	163
Statistical data sources	166
Geographical index	167
Thematic index	174
Photo credits	178

Table of contents