As we enter a new millennium, we are witnessing a period of dramatic environmental, political, and social changes to the structure and shape of our world. The time has come for a new way of representing our knowledge and understanding of the Earth. Using innovative computer technology and the latest cartographic data, the Dorling Kindersley Children's Atlas provides an amazingly fresh view of our home planet. Its unique three-dimensional maps, created from a computerized terrain model of the globe, have a clarity and accuracy never before seen in print. Each of the continents is introduced with a stunning physical map giving an overview of its geography, vegetation, and climate, while more than 50 superbly detailed large-scale maps focus on the world's countries, mapping their rivers, mountains, lakes, roads, and main cities. Over 1,000 photographs, diagrams, and illustrations help capture the particular flavor of each region and its people, depicting everything from historic buildings and local food to dramatic landscapes and traditional clothing. The unique combination of high-quality mapping, beautiful images, and informative text is a brand-new way of presenting geographical information for use both at home and at school.