World Political Reference Atlas

This is the first atlas in the world which contains not only traditional information about countries and dependencies but also data about world’s all autonomies.
The basic part of the atlas consists of regional political maps with highlighted administrative subdivisions. Territories with broad autonomy are depicted in different colourings – be it Swiss cantons, Arab emirates, Iraqi Kurdistan or kilils of Ethiopia, each has its own laws, parliament or something else, and so different background colour is given to them in maps of this atlas.
To describe diversity of different countries better, the atlas includes thematic maps of continents and the world: physiographic, political, historical, population distribution, religion, ethnic and language maps (also map of official languages), map of writing systems, globalisation map and map of political organisations. The atlas also includes territorial claim maps for Arctic and Antarctic.
The reference chapter contains the most important information about 800 territories of the world. Information is illustrated with flags, many of them published for the first time. Special symbol marks entities which issue postage stamps. Even experienced stamp-collectors may be amazed to learn that monastic state of the Mount Athos has its own stamps. Also the latest information on languages, religions, ethnic composition, largest cities, GDP and economy specialisation is published. The last item may surprise some experts of the international economy e.g. in finding out that Samoan exports are turning from traditional coconut goods to automotive wire harnesses and lawless Somalia boasts not only piracy but also international telecommunication services.
The atlas ends with index which contains more than 57 000 geographical names.
It must be added the atlas conforms with all the latest events in the international politics be it independent South Sudan or new regime and new official flag in Libya.
World Political Reference Atlas will suit both experts of geography, politics and economy and everybody who is interested in live issues of the world.