Atlas of the World, 9th Edition

The National Geographic Atlas of the World illuminates today’s complex global issues like no other mapping resource. Now, in its stunning Ninth Edition, this critically acclaimed atlas conveys up-to-the-minute geopolitical and environmental changes and brings to light the most timely and relevant topics gripping our planet today. Through the detailed, accurate maps, informative fact boxes, charts, and beautiful, engaging design that are its hallmark, this state-of-the-art atlas covers the vital developments of our world in the reliable, authoritative, and innovative style that has made National Geographic a leader in cartography.

Highlights of the Ninth Edition

• New, large-format regional maps highlight topics of current interest ranging from areas of volatile civil strife such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iraq to hotspots of environmental concern such as Greenland and the Amazon Basin.

• New world thematic spreads examine critical issues facing our world today in 20 key areas, including urbanization, human rights, biodiversity, energy, and more.

• New ocean floor maps dramatically illustrate more features and detail than any other atlas, and meticulous maps of the moon, Mars, the Milky Way, and beyond bring readers face-to-face with places that are otherwise unreachable.

• New breathtaking satellite imagery, created with the latest imaging technology, vividly conveys each continent’s topography.

• Free gift! Frameable two-piece, antique-styled wall maps!

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is the National Geographic Atlas of the World, Ninth Edition, available?

The atlas will be available for shipping in October 2010, but you can preorder a copy now.

What’s new in the National Geographic Atlas of the World, Ninth Edition compared to the National Geographic Atlas of the World, 8th Edition?

The National Geographic Atlas of the World, Ninth Edition, builds on the award-winning excellence of its predecessor, but adds new political and thematic maps of our Earth, solar system, and even the universe. New maps highlight regions in the news, including Iran and Iraq, the Arabian Peninsula, Afghanistan and Pakistan, the Korean Peninsula, the Horn of Africa, Greenland, and the Amazon Basin. These innovative maps, based on the latest digital databases and satellite imagery, provide the reader with an instant appreciation of a region’s physical geography (high mountains, expansive deserts) and cultural geography (transportation network, major cities). Readers can learn about all of the 194 countries of the world and the continents in which they’re located through 20 new world thematic maps, new continental physical maps, carefully compiled regional maps, and a completely revised flag and facts section. New ocean floor maps, included in this atlas for the first time, dramatically illustrate more features and detail than any other atlas.

How up-to-date is the National Geographic Atlas of the World?

It is the most up-to-date atlas on the market, with details on new countries, political boundaries, place-names, roads, highways, high-speed railroads, airports, spaceports, and national parks. For example, the time zone map reveals changes made by Russia in early 2010, and the Nations section (Flags and Facts) describes the five islands of the Netherlands Antilles: Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, St. Eustatius, and St. Maarten—each island becomes a separate territory of the Netherlands upon the scheduled dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles in October 2010.

Why should I own the National Geographic Atlas of the World?

This Atlas not only shows the world, but also explains it. The atlas is an invaluable resource to students, vacationers, libraries, schools, global corporations, and any person needing insight to the places and people of our interconnected world.

Why do I need an atlas when maps are readily available online?

Online maps are limited in detail, design, and size. Though they are good for finding locations and directions, the National Geographic Atlas of the World presents the world in depth, with political maps, thematic maps, satellite imagery, pictures, and descriptive text—all on oversize pages that are easy to read. All of these elements together provide an integrated view that includes location, human-environment interaction, unique places, regional characteristics, and the movement and communication of people and their ideas. Web maps are made small and simple for fast reference, and they cannot compare to the bold, multifaceted maps that people linger over when viewing the pages of this atlas.

How big is the National Geographic Atlas of the World, and how many pages does it contain?

The atlas is 18.5 inches (47 cm) by 12.5 inches (32 cm). When open, the atlas pages measure more than 3 feet (1 meter) by 2 feet (0.6 meters), fully showcasing the color maps, graphs, charts, stunning photographs, and brilliant satellite imagery. There are 432 pages in the atlas—more than any previous National Geographic atlas.

What distinguishes the National Geographic Atlas of the World from other atlases?

Many atlases maintain the same, basic content year after year, except for a new cover. While the Ninth Edition of the National Geographic Atlas of the World does have a new compelling cover and slipcase, readers also will find brand new content on every plate and page. The Earth is constantly changing, and so too is cartographic technology. The Ninth Edition atlas reveals tens of thousands of changes and more than a hundred brand new maps that represent our rapidly changing world. New panoramic satellite images are unparalleled for their high resolution, size, and vivid color. There are 1,300 maps, charts and graphs, illustrations, photos, tables, and flags in the new National Geographic Atlas of the World.

How many place-names are in the index?

There are more than 150,000 geographic place-names in the index of the atlas, including a new, separate index for undersea features, the moon, and Mars.

What is your policy on disputed borders and place names?

The Ninth Edition atlas seeks to show boundaries and places as they exist on the ground—often referred to as our “de facto map policy.” A de facto (meaning “in reality”) policy guides our rendition of disputed borders and place-names. A detailed explanation of our de facto map policy is in the atlas, complete with examples that help the reader understand a complex political world.

Buy the National Geographic Atlas of the World, Ninth Edition, at the Nat Geo Store »