new general reference atlas in the exciting new Collins range. This atlas provides a comprehensive and topical view of todays world and the issues facing it. It allows the user to discover the world through highly detailed reference maps, beautifully illustrated thematic spreads and thousands of detailed world and continental statistics. This new general reference atlas in the popular Collins range provides a comprehensive picture of todays world and major global issues. It is created in the new distinctive and dynamic Collins style. 92 pages of highly accurate and up-to-date reference maps are presented in the beautiful new full-page Collins map style. They provide detailed and balanced coverage of the whole world. 26 highly illustrative world and continental thematic spreads complement the reference maps and provide detailed information on, and interpretations of, major geographical themes and global issues. A vast amount of geographical information is presented through maps, satellite images, photographs, statistics and graphics.Topics include climate and climate change, world population and cities, the environment, the world economy, the growth in telecommunications, and world conflict. Major global issues including the AIDS epidemic, the international drugs trade and water resources are also covered, and dramatic examples of environmental change are presented through comparative satellite images. The illustrated spreads are backed up by detailed world and country-by-country statistics on key socio-economic indicators. New Internet links to the most appropriate websites provide opportunities for the reader to investigate issues further. The comprehensive index contains over 50,000 place names and includes special gazetteer-style entries which provide key facts about selected places and geographical features around the world.