Hammond"s Essential World Atlas distills the best aspects from Hammond"s flagship world atlas publication into an affordable, handy paperback edition. Features: * Completely up-to-date map section. * Map section contains both physical and political maps. * State-of-the-art, large format digital mapping technique that uses relief shading in a fresh, vivid color palette for a spectacular three-dimensional effect. * World thematic section on current global issues most affecting the world today, illustrated with full-color photos and eye-catching graphics. * Full-color continent comparisons including four-color photos. * Satellite imaging section adds a compelling visual perspective of the world"s geographic features. * The latest world information, including the new countries (Serbia and Montenegro), new European union members (Romania and Bulgaria), most recent population figures (the U.S. passed the 300 million mark) and new country flags (Venezuela and Democratic Republic of Congo). * Detailed 45,000-entry index.