The Korean Peninsula has been known by two names to the Western world. Traditionally it was the “Land of the Morning Calm.” Lying at the eastern edge of the world’s largest continent, and at the doorway of the giant China, this name shows the Korean pride in being the stable, productive, and creative country that got the early sun as it rose over Japan and worked its way toward China and the world further west. But it is also known as the “Hermit Kingdom.”

Jamaica is an island nation and a close neighbor of the United States. It is a masterpiece of tropical splendor and extraordinary vistas. The natural landscape is filled with the multicolored hues of exotic plants and flowers and is subdued by the various green shades of dense rain forests, woodland and grass-covered meadows, and misty valleys. Countless cascading waterfalls tumble down from the mountainous interior, feeding the rivers, which spread out like hundreds of fingers across the island.

Senegal is a very special place. Few who have visited this West African country forget its unique sounds, smells, sights, and people. Although its people are of ancient lineage, today they show the mark of outside influences.

Rich natural resources such as gold and diamonds, vast stretches of lush rain forest, and abundant timber make this huge country spectacularly beautiful. Unfortunately, due to these same resources, it is also one of the poorest nations in the world. In this information-packed book, students will be introduced to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a country valiantly struggling to recover from historical abuse and ongoing war, a geographic paradise in the midst of political turmoil kept alive by the presence of the United Nations and 17,000 peacekeeping troops.

Perched on the northernmost rim of the inhabited world, Iceland is a country of remarkable beauty and starkly contrasting landscapes.

Atop the hill overlooking Athens, Greece’s capital city, lies the Acropolis. This famous cultural relic is more than simply one of the country’s best known archaeological monuments. It also serves as a majestic reminder of an era when Greek civilization dominated the known world.

Chile has a little of everything. It is rich in copper, fruits, forests, and fish. It is a country of dramatic scenery and many climates. Cool waters stroke its shore and icy glaciers crown its peaks. Sighs of volcanoes and jolts of earthquakes shake its ribs. Squeezed between the heights of the mountains and the depths of the sea, Chile is a geologic marvel. Despite this physical diversity, a sense of nationhood among its people unifies the country.

Bangladesh, located in south-central Asia, is the most densely populated nation in the world. Known as Bengal prior to the British-led partition of India in 1947, Bangladesh fell under control of Pakistan. It was henceforth called East Pakistan until 1971, when it achieved independence, thanks largely to help from India. Bangladesh's landscape is dominated by the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers and often experiences massive floods during the monsoon season because most of the country is at or near sea level. "Bangladesh" offers a wealth of practical information for those seeking to learn more about this country's rich history and dramatic climate.

Often called “the Pearl of the Persian Gulf,” Bahrain is actually a group of islands connected by causeways. Before the beginning of the petroleum industry, the region’s economy was fueled in part by an abundance of pearls gathered by divers from the surrounding seabed.

The author clearly takes great pride in his country's assets, especially its natural beauty. He begins with a detailed chapter on physical geography followed by one that sketches Croatian history from prehistoric times to the present. Other chapters cover the government and economy, the people and culture, and the regions.

This text provides information on customs and immigration procedures, together with revised harbour charts and updated descriptions of more than 75 ports of entry and many lesser harbours and anchorages.

Russia is the world's largest country - it is nearly twice the size of both China and the United States, and it stretches over 11 time zones. Much of Russia consists of vast plains, and the nation has an abundance of natural resources, including vast deposits of oil, iron ore, gold, and timber. This updated edition of "Russia" is enhanced by vital new information that will expertly guide students through the history, geography, culture, and economy of this immense - and immensely intriguing - country.

This title does an adequate job of covering basic information. Chapters are devoted to India's physical environment, history, cultures, government, economy, major cities, and future outlook. Each chapter contains some color photographs.