Countries of the World

OUR WORLD IN PICTURES

COUNTRIES

OF THE WORLD

WRITTEN BY ANDREA MILLS

CONTENTS WORLD MAP 6

NORTH AMERICA 8

DK LONDON Canada 10
Senior Editor Carron Brown United States of America 12
Senior Designer Sheila Collins Mexico, Guatemala, Belize 14
Editors Georgina Palffy, Anna Streiffert Limerick, El Salvador, Honduras, 16
Selina Wood, Sam Kennedy, Vicky Richards, Kelsie Besaw 18
US Editors Jennette ElNaggar, Heather Wilcox Costa Rica, Nicaragua 20
US Executive Editor Lori Cates Hand Panama, Cuba, The Bahamas 22
Senior Cartographic Editor Simon Mumford Jamaica, Haiti, Dominican Republic
Cartography Leanne Kelman, Ed Merritt, Martin Sanders St. Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, 24
3-D Illustrators Adam Benton, Adam Brackenbury, Simon Mumford
Managing Editor Francesca Baines Antigua and Barbuda, St. Lucia
Managing Art Editor Philip Letsu Barbados, Grenada, St. Vincent
Production Editor Kavita Varma
Senior Production Controller Jude Crozier and the Grenadines, Trinidad
Jacket Design Development Manager Sophia MTT and Tobago
Publisher Andrew Macintyre
Associate Publishing Director Liz Wheeler SOUTH AMERICA 26

Art Director Karen Self Venezuela, Suriname, Guyana 28
Publishing Director Jonathan Metcalf Colombia, Ecuador 30
Brazil 32
DK DELHI Bolivia, Peru, Chile 34
Senior Editor Sreshtha Bhattacharya Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay 36

Senior Art Editor Shreya Anand AFRICA 38
Editors Upamanyu Das, Shambhavi Thatte
Art Editors Noopur Dalal, Sifat Fatima, Baibhav Parida Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya 40
Egypt 42
Assistant Art Editor Bhavnoor Kaur Mali, Mauritania, Niger 44
Cartographic Editor Parnika Bagla Chad, Eritrea, Sudan, South Sudan 46
Senior Cartographers Subhashree Bharati, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Somalia 48
Mohammad Hassan, Zafar-ul-Islam Khan Senegal, Cape Verde, The Gambia 50
Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea 52
Cartographer Ashif Ivory Coast, Liberia, Burkina Faso 54
Manager Cartography Suresh Kumar Ghana, Togo, Benin 56
Project Picture Researcher Deepak Negi Nigeria 58
Assistant Picture Researcher Geetika Bhandari Equatorial Guinea, São Tomé and 60
Picture Research Manager Taiyaba Khatoon 62
Managing Editor Kingshuk Ghoshal Príncipe, Cameroon, Gabon 64
Managing Art Editor Govind Mittal Central African Republic, Congo, 66
Senior DTP Designers Pawan Kumar, Jagtar Singh 68
DTP Designers Mohd Rizwan, Ashok Kumar Democratic Republic of the Congo 70
Pre-production Manager Balwant Singh Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda 72
Production Manager Pankaj Sharma Tanzania, Kenya 74
Jacket Designers Suhita Dharamjit, Tanya Mehrotra Angola, Zambia 76
Namibia, Zimbabwe, Malawi 78
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EUROPE 80 AUSTRALIA 170
and OCEANIA

United Kingdom 82 Blue and yellow
84 macaw, Brazil
Ireland, Iceland 86 Australia 172
Papua New Guinea, New Zealand 174 Baseball,
Norway, Denmark 88 Pacific islands 176 Cuba

Sweden, Finland 90 Chihuahua,
Mexico
Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia 92 Olive oil,
Spain
Poland 94 POLAR REGIONS

Germany 96

The Netherlands, Belgium 98

France 100 Antarctica, The Arctic 178

Spain 102

Portugal REFERENCE 180
Malta, Luxembourg, Andorra, Monaco 104
Italy 106
Vatican City, San Marino, Liechtenstein 108
Switzerland, Slovenia 110 Overseas territories 181
112 Glossary 186
Austria, Czechia 114 Index 188
Acknowledgments 191
Slovakia, Hungary 116

Serbia, Croatia

Bosnia and Herzegovina, 118

Montenegro, Kosovo
Cyprus, North Macedonia, Albania 120
Greece 122
124
Bulgaria, Romania 126

Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova 128 MAP FEATURES

Russia

0 0 50 km 50 km City
National capital
ASIA 130 00 50 mile5s0 miles
NN
(approx(iampaptreoxsicmalaet)e scale)
North pointer
Turkey 132 Map scale
Azerbaijan, Syria, Georgia, Armenia 134
Lebanon, Israel, Jordan 136 Place locator
Iraq, Iran 138
Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait 140 Toubou camel
The United Arab Emirates, Qatar, 142 racers, Chad
144
Oman, Yemen 146
Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, 148
150
Kazakhstan 152
Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan 154
Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Maldives 156
India 158
Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal 160
Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia 162
Thailand, Vietnam 164
Philippines, Mongolia 166
China 168
Taiwan, North Korea, South Korea
Japan
Malaysia, Indonesia
Singapore, Brunei, East Timor

Traditional Curanto, Pahela Baisakh mask,
copperware, Cyprus Chile Bangladesh

Mainland Alaska, which belongs to Greenland
the US, is just 55 miles (88.5 km) from
mainland Russia at their closest point. (Denmark)

World Map STATE ALASKA NUNAVUT Jan Mayen
ABBREVIATIONS (US) (Norway)
YUKON NORTHWEST
IN Indiana The only island state TERRITORIES ICELAND
KY Kentucky in the US, Hawaii
TN Tennessee is a group of 137 BRITISH A L B E R T A MANITOBA Faroe Islands
AR Arkansas volcanic islands in COLUMBIA (Denmark)
MS Mississippi the Pacific Ocean.
AL Alabama CANADA NEWFOUNDLAND UNITED
PA Pennsylvania HAWAII & LABRADOR KINGDOM
WV West Virginia (US) IRELAND
VA Virginia QUÉBEC
NC North Carolina SASKATCHEWAN ONTARIO PRINCE
SC South Carolina
SU TN AI TT EE DSWASHIONRGETGONONENAVADAARUIZTOAWMHYOCMONONEMLTXEOAIIWNRCNGAOANDSEOOTBOUDENRKKTAAOHLAXKANRSDAOHTSKATHOSAAAKMSOAMTIOAINAWNRWAEMISISLSOLTIANTALMINONIISGKEYOOHRSWIGCOVIANVCPAAYNOERWKMABDRRENYULEMCLANWOAARWSNINHJNWAMNNDEOERIAEERCDECSWSVKEBTSEEeIIAYRCNSrNCmUMLOEHATVOuWUNAdNSDaHTSEA(CTUMOTKTPS)ISAHIREEDSMW(tFiPAqriaRueneDrcrloeeISn)&LANDIDAHOCHIGAN ANDORRA
CONSIN
Azores PORTUGAL
MEXICO MISSOURI (Portugal) SPAIN

CALIFORNI NA Madeira Gibraltar (UK)

LOUISIANA BATHHEAMAS Turks & Virgin Islands (US) (Portugal) M O R O C C O
FLORIDA British Virgin Islands (UK)
Caicos Anguilla (UK) Canary Islands Ceuta
Islands ST KITTS & NEVIS (Spain) (Spain)
(UK) ANTIGUA & BARBUDA
Cayman CUBA Puerto Montserrat (UK) WESTERN MALI
Islands (UK) Rico Guadeloupe (France) SAHARA
DOMINICA (administered by Morocco)
Martinique (France)
HAITI (US) ST LUCIA MAURITANIA
BELIZE JAMAICA BARBADOS CAPE
GUATEMALA DOMINICAN ST VINCENT & THE GRENADINES VERDE SENEGAL
EL SALVADOR HONDURAS REPUBLIC THE GAMBIA BURKINA
NICARAGUA GUINEA-BISSAU GUINEA FASO

COSTA RICA PANAMA VENEZUELA GRENADA SIERRA LLEIOBNEERIACIVOOARSYTGHANA
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
GUYANA
COLOMBIA French Guiana
SURINAME (France)
TOGO
Galápagos Islands
KIRIBATI (Ecuador) ECUADOR

PERU BRAZIL Ascension
(UK)
Cook Islands Pitcairn, BOLIVIA St Helena
(NZ) Henderson, PARAGUAY (UK)
Ducie & Oeno
French Polynesia E
(France) Islands
(UK)

Easter Island A
(Chile) HIL
TIN
URUGUAY

World map C Almost half of the inhabitants
N of South America live in Brazil,
the seventh most populous nation
E
in the world, and home to the
G
continent’s biggest city, São Paulo.

R

A Falkland
Islands
South
(UK) Georgia

The seven vast continents that stretch across the surface (UK)
of our planet are made up of many landscapes, including
mountains, plains, grasslands, forests, deserts, and South
tundra. The continents are divided into 196 countries, Sandwich
inhabited by 7.7 billion people. The people in each country Islands
have different ways to work, enjoy, and celebrate life.
(UK)

Area covered by land: North America South America Africa
57.5 million sq miles
(148.94 million sq km) Total area: Total area: Total area:
Area covered by water: 9.54 million sq miles 17.84 million sq km 11.73 million sq miles
139.4 million sq miles (24.71 million sq km) (6.9 million sq miles) (30.37 million sq km)
(361.13 million sq km) Population: 592 million Population: 430 million Population: 1.3 billion
World population: Countries: 23 Countries: 12 Countries: 54
7.7 billion

6

Svalbard

(Norway)

Russia ranges across both Asia
and Europe, with more than three-
quarters of its territory in Asia.

Y World Map

A N

N O RW FINLAND RUSSIA
S W EDE
ESTONIA
Kaliningrad LATVIA
DENMARK (RUSSIA) LITHUANIA

FRANCEC H I N A(MSNeplEaiBMliTlnaEOS)HLLNWI..AEVGICCATELOHTZRU...SCXMBISAMI.OTLTLAUMSYVSAN.NAC&TYI.LZRLHPCTEIEYRMABOARCOOHSZLHAANU.LTAIYL.SNAIOKBAENGENOAVRACA.DSNRBARME.IIOAYKAABMBCILUAA.EEELNLIBGUSIGMCAAATARYOKRNYARLPURUODEIRAPOLSNAURVSTAI NKJGOESEAERYRODRYMRAIIAEGNRNIAAISAQKAUBUWAAHDIRITIAINRQUTAUATARAERKKUMZNEABANEFIKZSGITSHAATNAANPNKAISKTHTAISAJSTINKAKINTYSRTAAGNYNZSTNAENPALBANBGHLUAMTDAENSOH N G O L I A
AZERBAIJAN
NORTH JAPAN
GRE KOREA
TUNISIA
SOUTH
KOREA

LGERIA INDIA MYANMAR TAIWAN Over 10,000 islands spread
(BURMA)
ARABIA across the Pacific Ocean are
known collectively as Oceania.

They form groups of island nations.

A MALIA OM L AVIEOTNSAM Northern
NIGER AN Mariana
CHAD SUDAN YEMEN Socotra THAILAND Islands
NIGERIA (Yemen) CAMBODIA
ERITREA PHILIPPINES (US)
C
BENIN GABON CENTRAL DJIBOUTI Laccadive Islands Andaman Guam MARSHALL
AFRICAN (India) Islands (US) ISLANDS
CONGO AMEROON REPUBLIC SOUTH (India)
SUDAN ETHIOPIA MALDIVES
Nicobar BRUNEI MICRONESIA
SRI LANKA Islands I MALAYSIA PALAU
UGANDKAENYA S O (India)
N SINGAPORE IA
EQUATORIAL GUINEA DEM. REP. RWANDA D NAURU
CONGO BURUNDI ON EAST
SÃO TOMÉ & PRÍNCIPE SEYCHELLES E TIMOR PAPUA NEW GUINEA KIRIBATI
TANZANIA
CABINDA (Angola) S SOLOMON Tokelau
ISLANDS (NZ)
MALAWI COMOROS Mayotte British Indian Christmas Island TUVALU
NAMIBIAANGOLA Ocean Territory (Australia)
MOZAMBIQUE (France)
(UK)
Wallis SAMOA
ZAMBIA VANUATU & Futuna
Coral Sea (France)
ZIMBABWE MADAGASCAR MAURITIUS NORTHERN Islands
BOTSWANA TERRITORY (Australia) F IJ I TONGA
Réunion
(France) New
Caledonia
AUSTRALIA (France)

ESWATINI (SWAZILAND) SOUTH QUEENSLAND
AUSTRALIA NEW SOUTH
SOUTH LESOTHO Africa is the continent with the most WESTERN WALES
AFRICA countries—a total of 54. The largest AUSTRALIA
is Algeria, and the smallest on mainland
Africa is The Gambia. VICTORIA AUSTRALIAN
CAPITAL
TERRITORY

TASMANIA NEW ZEALAND

Prince Edward Crozet Islands COUNTRY ABBREVIATIONS Chatham Islands
Islands (France) (New Zealand)
Auckland Islands
(South Africa) Kerguelen (New Zealand)
(France) Macquarie Island
(Australia)
The icy continent of Antarctica has no BEL. Belgium NZ New Zealand
permanent human population. Instead, BOS. & HERZ. Bosnia SM San Marino
SLVN. Slovenia
researchers temporarily live and work and Herzegovina SWITZ. Switzerland
at scientific research stations. KOS. Kosovo (disputed) UAE United Arab Emirates
LIECH. Liechtenstein UK United Kingdom
LUX. Luxembourg US United States of America
N. MAC. North Macedonia VAT. CITY Vatican City
MON. Montenegro
NETH. Netherlands

ANTARCTICA

Europe Asia Australia Antarctica
and Oceania
Total area: Total area: Total area:
3.93 million sq miles 17.2 million sq miles Total area: 5,500,000 sq miles
(10.18 million sq km) (44.58 million sq km) 3.31 million sq miles (14,200,000 sq km)
Population: 747 million Population: 4.6 billion (8.56 million sq km) Population: 1,000–5,000
Countries: 46 Countries: 47 Population: 42 million Countries: 0
Countries: 14

7

ARCTIC Ellesmere
OCEAN Island

ASIA Beaufort
Sea
Banks Ba n
Island
NUNAVUT
Bering ALASKA Victoria
Sea (USA) Island

Aleutian Islands Denali YUKON Great
(Mount McKinley) Bear
6,190 m (20,310 ft) Lake
NORTHWEST
TERRITORIES Great

Slave
Lake

Gulf of C ANA
Alaska
ALBERTA
Hawaiia HAWAII Haida BRITISH SASKATCHEWAN MANITOBA
Gwaii COLUMBIA Lake
(USA)
Winnipeg
N Rocky

O‘ahu Islands
n
0 100 km Hawai‘i Vancouver WASHINGTON Missouri NORTH DAKOTA
Island MONTANA
0 100 miles
(approximate scale) Mountains SOUTH DAKOTA

WYOMING NEBRASKA

OREGON IDAHO UNITED

NEVADA COLORADO KANSAS

UTAH O F A M

CALIFORNIA ARIZONA NEW MEXICO

NORTH Cal MEXICO
AMERICA Baja
ifornia
P A C
IC
I F

O C E A

N

Denma rk Strait

Greenland

(to Denmark)

Davis Strait ATLANTIC
OCEAN
Island Labrador
Sea

NEWFOUNDLAND
AND LABRADOR

Hudson St Pierre & Miquelon
Bay (to France)
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
QUÉBEC

DA NEW BRUNSWICK

ONTARIO MAINE NOVA SCOTIA

Lake VERMONT NEW HAMPSHIRE
Superior MASSACHUSETTS
Lake Lake RHODE ISLAND N 0 500 km
M Huron Ontario NEW YORK
CONNECTICUT

MINNESOWTAISCONSI ICHIGAN NEW JERSEY 0 500 miles
N PENNSYLVANIA (approximate scale)
Lake Lake
Michigan Erie DELAWARE

IOWA ILLINOIS INDIANA OHIO WEST MARYLAND
Ohio VIRGINIA VIRGINIA

STATES KENTUCKY Anguilla
NORTH CAROLINA (to UK)

MISSOURI TENNESSEE SOUTH
CAROLINA
ERICA Mississippi GEORGIA British Virgin ST KITTS & NEVIS
Islands
OKLAHOMA ARKANSAS ALABAMA (to UK) ANTIGUA & BARBUDA

LOUISIANA THE Turks & Caicos Virgin Islands Montserrat (to UK)
BAHAMAS Islands (to USA) Guadeloupe (to France)

FLORIDA (to UK) Puerto DOMINICA
Martinique (to France)
TEXAS MISSISSIPPI DOMINICAN Rico
REPUBLIC (to USA) ST LUCIA

BARBADOS

io Grand G u l f o f CUBA ST VINCENT & GRENADA
e HAITI THE GRENADINES TRINIDAD &
R
Mexico Bonaire TOBAGO
Curaçao (to Neth.)
JAMAICA Navassa Island (Neth.)
(to USA)
Cayman Islands Aruba
(to UK) Guantanamo (Neth.)
Bay
(to USA)

BELIZE Caribbean SOUTH AMERICA
HONDURAS Sea

GUATEMALA NICARAGUA PANAMA

EL SALVADOR COSTA
RICA

Canada A N
E
0 250 500km N

0 250 500miles O C d s Alert
(approximate scale)
Is la n

Beaver land C e t h Ellesmere
Beavers live in and around Island
This Canadian coin lakes throughout Canada. T I iz a b
features a beaver. The beaver is the country’s
national animal. C n E l

A R ue e

Q

Beaufort

Sea Banks Resolute (Qausuittuq)
Island

Alaska Arctic Bay

Yukon is (USA) Inuvik Victoria Ba n
Canada’s smallest Island
and least-populated M ackenzie Mountains Mackenzie Igloolik
territory with unspoiled Cambridge Bay
mountains and glaciers. Dawson City R (Ikaluktutiak)

Totem poles Mount Logan Great Bear Kugluktuk
in Stanley 5,959 m Lake (Coppermine)
Park, Vancouver (19,550 ft)

YUKON
Whitehorse
PACIFIC NUNAVUT Naujaat Foxe
OCEAN Back (Repulse Bay) Basin
Baker Lake
PeaoNORTHWEST (Qamanittuaq) Coral Harbour
TERRITORIES (Salliq)
ATCHEWANc
Yellowknife

k Great Slave Rankie Inlet
Lake
y

Totem poles Fort Nelson Fort Smith

Canada is known for its RPruipnecret Mountains ce Lake Athabasca Churchill Hudson
totem poles, hand-carved Dawson Creek Fort Chipewyan Bay
and decorated with symbols
Fort McMurray Reindeer
of its indigenous people. Haida BRITISH Great Lake
They stand as memorials Gwaii COLUMBIA Grand Prairie Fort Severn
ALBERTA MANITOBA
to honor early communities. Thompson
Edmonton SASK Saskatchewan
These totem poles belong Red Deer Prince Albert C a n Big Trout Lake
to the Kwakwaka’wakw Lake
First Nations tribe. Vancouver Calgary Plains a dian
Island
Victoria Vancouver

Saskatoon Winnipeg ONTARIO
Sioux
UNITED Medicine Hat Lookout

Moose Jaw Regina Lake
STATES Superior
OF Winnipeg Thunder

AMERICA Bay Great

North American elk

The elk is one of the largest

of all deer species. It lives

in large groups in forests.

Valley of the Ten Peaks About 1 million elk live
Ten majestic mountain peaks tower in North America.

over Moraine Lake in this scenic spot

in Canada’s Alberta Province.

As the second-largest country on Earth, 3,855,103 sq miles
Canada stretches from the icy Arctic Circle (9,984,670 sq km)
through the snowcapped Rocky Mountains 37.7 million
to the grassy plains of the prairies. It has the Ottawa
world’s longest coastline and more lakes than English, French, other
any other nation. This vast expanse is divided languages (+7)
into 10 provinces and three territories.

Maple leaf
Maple trees grow across
Canada. The country produces
75 percent of the world’s maple syrup,
made from the tree sap. A maple leaf can
be seen on the Canadian national flag.

Inuit people Ice hockey
The indigenous inhabitants Canada’s most
of northern Canada, the Inuit are popular sport
Ba n well adapted to the cold. They often is ice hockey.
Bay use a sled, called a qamutiik, With 20 Olympic
medals—13 of them
to travel on snow.
gold—Canada is the
Island Dav most successful nation
in this sport.
is Strait

Iqaluit Niagara Falls
(Frobisher Bay) With a drop of 167 ft (51 m),
this group of three majestic waterfalls
Cape Dorset is located at the borders of Canada
and the US. About 30 million tourists
Hudson Strait Labr a visit Niagara Falls every year.
Ivujivik
Poutine
d or Se This dish of french fries covered in
cheese curds and gravy started out
abL r Nain Cartwright a
in Québec Province and is now
Kuujjuaq a d o r served throughout the country.

Inukjuak NEWFOUNDLAND
(Port
Harrison) Goose Bay & LABRADOR
St. Anthony
Churchill Falls ntains
Stephenville
Kuujjuarapik Labrador Gander St. Johns’ CN Tower stands
(Poste-de-la-Baleine) BEC 1,814 ft (553 m)
o u Newfoundland tall and has an
observation deck
James QU É n M
Bay overlooking Toronto.
l d a Gulf of
Eastmain Sept-Îles St. Lawrence
e i
Shi
t

Albany n PRINCE AOTCLEAANNT I C
EDWARD
Laure ISLAND
Moose Factory NEW Charlottetown
St. Lawrence
BRUNSWICK Moncton
Fredericton
Timmins Val d’Or Québec
Halifax

Wawa Cobalt Victoriaville NOVA
Sudbury Montréal SCOTIA

OTTAWA Québec Province is the largest
Canadian province and is home to
Lakes Lake Lake most French speakers in Canada.
Huron Ontario

Toronto Niagara
Hamilton Falls
London

Toronto towers

Canada’s largest city sits on the banks of

Lake Ontario with a stunning backdrop

of high-rise buildings and skyscrapers.

Geography: One-third is frozen Culture: Despite the cold Wildlife: Canada is home 11
land inside the Arctic Circle. climate, Canadians love being to brown bears, polar bears,
Southern Canada has mountains, in the great outdoors, playing seals, caribou, wolves, wolverines,
grasslands, forests, and lakes. sports, and going hiking. elk, and whales.
History: Canada was officially Natural wonders: From the Food and drink: Most
founded in 1867, although the breathtaking Rocky Mountains Canadians enjoy a typical
Inuit people have inhabited it for to the dramatic Niagara Falls, Canada Western diet of beef, chicken, fish,
about 5,000 years. has spectacular scenery. dairy products, and vegetables.

North America United States Grizzly bear
of America The northwestern
part of the US is
Hawaii Kaua‘i PAOCCIEFAICN
Located in the Ni‘ihau Lihu’e known for wild
populations
Pacific Ocean, of grizzly bears.
the state of They hunt
Hawaii is made salmon that are
up of 137 swimming upriver.

N Honolulu O‘ahu CANADA

Moloka‘i Kahului PACIFIC
OCEAN
Mauna Kea Maui Missouri River Minot
4,207 m (13,803 ft) Range NORTH DAKOTA
Seattle Spokane Great Falls
volcanic Hilo
0 200 km Hawai‘i Olympia WASHINGTON Rocky Helena MONTANA Bismarck
Portland Columbia River Billings SOUTH DAKOTA
islands. 0 200 miles
(approximate scale)
Salem
Cascade
Eugene Pierre
IDAHO Rapid City G r NeEBRAaSK t
OREGON Boise Snake R iver
Exploring space Twin Falls Casper
The American company SpaceX WYOMING Mount
has designed reusable rockets that Mountains Rushmore
make sending cargo and people
into space more affordable. The Great Salt Lake Cheyenne A
Falcon 9 rocket launched astronauts City
voyaging to the International Space Sierra Elko
Station (ISS) in 2020.
Ukulele Coast Basin Great Denver
This stringed instrument Reno NEVADA Salt Lake
from Hawaii can play Sacramento Colorado Springs
San Francisco Mount Whitney UTAH COLORADO
many styles of music, 4,421m
including jazz. San Jose (14,505 ft) Pueblo
Fresno Plains
Nevada Las Vegas Grand Canyon

Ranges Amarillo
CALIFORNIA Colorado River Albuquerque Santa Fe

San Bernardino ARIZONA NEW MEXICO Lubbock

Los Angeles Phoenix Roswell
San Diego

Tucson El Paso

N

MEXICO

Football Iconic landmark
Played since This famous sign overlooks Hollywood,
the 1880s, this the neighborhood in Los Angeles that is the
fast-paced team
game is now the center of the American film industry.

most popular sport in 3,796,742 sq miles
the country. (9,833,517 sq km)
332.6 million
The United States of America, or US, stretches Washington, DC
between the east and west coasts of the North English, Spanish,
American continent. Its 50 states have a other languages (+9)
diverse range of peoples, landscapes, and
cultures. The nation’s entertainment industry
and the technology sector’s innovative
products are popular around the world.

0 300 km Bering RUSSIA ARCTIC OCEAN
Sea
0 300 miles N Prudhoe Bay
(approximate scale)
Aleuti Denali Brooks Range
Alaska (Mount McKinley) Fairbanks
The largest state an 6,190 mAn(2c0h,3o1r0aftg) eAlaska
in the US is Isl Ran CANADA
separated from the a nds
rest of the country ge
by Canada. Kodiak Valdez North America

Gulf of Juneau
Alaska

PACIFIC OCEAN

0 300 km MAINE Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Carved into a rock face in Keystone, South
OLmKMiSFnKAiMaaiconarhoINunNngalxeSsnoNWTaaFEAospiaScSpolOChlelCsTiiiDkIttsAerOyaaeSdWstaDPrAMuJaRoleuuaiMnlCMtpWheeiSaiIStSrdIsypSdspSsCriorOsOininoGUNnSgnSRCgruIfiLIfihpeeIaieLecklMaLrldaediiIStLocgNarthoOkMiLg(0IeMaSoILainplunawdpiNnrsiaaosIauNxnisOnkiDTamhhegIEHpviALaeoNouiNtaLleRrllNkCAiaeoCiKssveEoDneklcEeSLlKaeeuNvelStnsCemerOTxEo)iolUinHbExaniFCctvunIgrOiKisBdntalLolEYnuneaWnr3kaki0ePOfteAa0oiLnilStroamttVtaHksiIrWelCbHRIeioNuoCGPsaENSrlGhISrEEuNgryNTaMWTmIihrArsNOoalYbbSNencNOiuMVYsOuatRErLptADsRogVCVKReReTCAnIhMSlYRHHiNaOeLOPGIarCrUAANhIlArNNToRTitRlHtfDIaAatAAoORledNlreLnibedcETIinDaNglhWNrNpanhoAmeEphCeyvHWnoiwooeaAtAlJnnoriMEBYsPucdnRPoooDgrSSrsoEruEkdLtHvsYoAiItdRnWaCReEAOHnMRNOcEANDeSEESCIASTCILCHAUNUTDSDEaoTkTfSofotau,rtfhoirsmneartmipoarndeTaeshlioedlfasectnnaottdpuspmeweiars.hrok
HRuidvseorn shows the faces
made history.
ICHIGAN n
N Statue of
Liberty
Missouri Rive
Mississippi River ia This 305 ft
r s (93 m) tall statue

ch in New York
in Harbor celebrates

a freedom in the
a US. It was a gift

l from France.
t

MAopupna

OKLAHOMTAulsaA ARKANSAS Memphis Atlanta CAROLINA AOTCLEAANNT I C
Birmingham Savannah
rkansas River

Oklahoma City Little Rock MISSISSIPPI ALABAMA GEORGIA

Montgomery

Dallas Jackson Jacksonville
Fort Worth
Shreveport Mobile Tallahassee FLORIDA Representing the people
The US is a nation with great
T E X A S Br azos R Baton Rouge New Orleans Tampa EverTglhaed e sOrlando
LOUISIANA St Petersburg Miami diversity. In 2019, Native
Austin American Sharice Davids was
iver Houston elected to represent Kansas in
Congress, breaking new ground
San Antonio Gulf of for women of diverse backgrounds
Mexico
Rio Corpus in American politics.
Christi
Grande

Mardi Gras New York City
The Mardi Gras in New Orleans, the This famous city is made
biggest carnival in the US, features up of islands. Manhattan
is its cultural center, home
colorful floats and parades. to famous sites such as
Times Square, Central
Park, and the Empire
State Building.

Geography: The Rocky Culture: This multicultural Wildlife: Coyotes,
Mountains dominate the west, country celebrates many cougars, bears,
rising out of the Great Plains. traditions, including Thanksgiving bison, and moose are
History: Native Americans and Halloween. native to the US.
had lived here for 15,000 years Natural wonders: The Grand Food and drink:
when European settlers arrived in Canyon in Arizona and the The US is famous
the 17th century. The US was Florida Everglades are examples for fast foods such as
founded in 1776. of the country’s natural beauty. burgers and hot dogs.

Tijuana Mexicali UNOFITAEDMESRTIACTAES
Ensenada
Mexico Nogales Ciudad Monarch migration
Isla Juárez Every year, millions of monarch
Guadalupe Gulf
Lower Hermosillo Sierra Madre butterflies travel more than
Isla 3,000 miles (4,800 km)
Cedros

0 250 km Guaymas Chihuahua s from the US
Concho Río G to Mexico.
0 250 miles San of rande S i e r r a M a d r e O r i e n t a
(approximate scale) Ignacio Ca

Cal Los Río
lifo Mochis
Nuevo Laredo
iforn
rnia Gómez
Palacio
i Torreón

a Occidental Durango Monterrey
Matamoros
Day of the Dead La Paz Culiacán
In this annual festival, families Mazatlán Laguna
Madre

and friends remember loved ones San Lucas Islas Tres Zacatecas San Luis Ciudad Victoria
who have died. Altars, prayers, and Cape Marías Ciudad
parades with elaborate costumes and Madero
makeup mark the occasion. Tepic Aguascalientes Potosí

Isla Roca Partida Puerto Vallarta Guadalajara León

This tiny dog breed Isla San Benedicto Lago de Querétaro
is only 6–9 in
Isla Socorro P Chapala Pico de Orizaba
(15–23 cm) high. Colima 5,636 m (18,491 ft) l
A
C Manzanillo Toluca Veracruz
MEXICO Puebla
IF CITY
IC Sierra
Mad
Chihuahua Acapulco re Oaxaca

The ancestor of this small OC del Sur

dog was first bred in Mexico. EAN

It takes its name from the

Mexican state of Chihuahua.

Guatemala MEXICO

Rigoberta Menchú

The human rights activist Rigoberta

Menchú has focused on improving BELIZE

the lives of indigenous people and Lago Petén Itza Guatemala City
The country’s capital sits almost
won the Nobel Peace Prize for La Libertad Flores 4,920 ft (1,500 m) above sea level. At the
her achievements in 1992. center of this ancient city lies the cathedral,
C a r i bSbeeaa n which has survived many earthquakes.
Volcán Huehuetenango San Luis
Tajumulco Cobán Livingston Mayan pottery
The Maya are remembered
4,220 m for their pottery and
(13,850 ft) ceramics, some of which
PACIFIC are elaborately decorated.
0 50 km smcailleesQ) uOetCzaElCtehCAnihmaaNnamEglstpoecenuSraiiancnntoglSaoJaonstéaGJCUurAtuiCTazIpETdSaMYealAlEaQCLLmuhASiiácqAhuLéiVmZAauDLcIlaOzaagaRpobaHadlOeNNBDPaUureRrrAiotSos

0 50
(approximate

42,042 sq miles The Central American nation of Guatemala
(108,889 sq km) is located south of Mexico. It is known for

17.2 million its volcanoes and rain forests and for the

Guatemala City remains of the ancient Mayan civilization

Quiché, Mam, other that can still be found there.
languages (+3)
14

Frida Kahlo Tacos North America
The 20th-century Mexican painter A popular food is the
Frida Kahlo was known for her traditional taco, a tortilla
many self-portraits and works filled with spicy meat

based on Mexican culture. and veggies.

Market shopping

Across Mexico, the best way to

shop for everyday items, from Chichén Itzá

fruit and vegetables to clothes, At the center of the ancient

is at the local market. Mayan city of Chichén Itzá

is the Temple of Kukulcan,

Gulf of a monumental step pyramid.
Mexico
Y uhcaantnaenl
C

Mérida

Chichén- Cancún
Itza
C aBmapyeoc f Campeche Yucatan N 758,449 sq miles Mexico is the third-largest
h e Carmen Peninsula (1,964,375 sq km) country in North America. Many
128.6 million ancient civilizations established
Minatitlán Chetumal Mexico City cities here. Now tourists come to
Spanish, other visit their ruins as well as the
Villahermosa languages (+8) country’s magnificent beaches.
ATEMALA
Tuxtla BELIZEComitán

Tapachula GU

Black orchid Belize

The national flower of Belize N MEXICO Garifuna Settlement Day
is the black orchid. Native to Celebrated on November 19, this
Central America, this species Corozal public holiday marks the arrival of the
Afro-Caribbean Garifuna people
thrives in tropical jungles
in Belize on this date in 1832.
and swamplands. Orange San Pedro People parade through the streets,
Walk
Doyle’s Delight making music and dancing.
1,124 m (3,688 ft) BELMOPAN Belize City
San Ignacio Turne e
Great Blue Hole Reef Islands

Measuring 984 ft GUATEMALA MoMuanytaains Dangriga n
(300 m) wide and
a

e

rrier b

407 ft (124 m) deep, b
this huge marine a
sinkhole on the Belize Car
Barrier Reef is popular Punta Gorda B a i
0 50 kme

S

with divers. 0 50 miles
(approximate scale)

Lying on the Caribbean Sea, 8,867 sq miles (22,966 sq km)
Belize is a small country on 399,600
the eastern coast of Central Belmopan
America. It has dense English Creole, Spanish,
tropical forests and a coral other languages (+3)
barrier reef nearly 186 miles
(300 km) long.

El Salvador Monumento al Divino
N Salvador del Mundo

This statue of Jesus

0 20 km Volcán de Santa Ana Christ has stood in San
2,381 m (7,812 ft) Salvador since 1942.
Shelled swimmer
The world’s largest 0 20 miles E M LAA HONDURAS
turtle, the leatherback, is (approximate scale)
found off the coast of the U AT RSanta Ana Chalatenango
country. It is named after G SAN Sensuntepeque
the texture of its shell. Ahuachapán
SALVADOR
Sonsonate Cojutepeque
PAC Lake San Francisco
La Libertad Ilopango San Vicente Gotera
Xuc dance
Originally created I FIC Zacatecoluca San Miguel
celebrate sugar
to Usulután La Unión
cane Gulf of Fonseca
OCEAN

harvests, this lively

folk dance is

now performed This tiny country is the
at carnivals. most densely populated

in Central America, with
most people living around
the central lakes. It has
8,124 sq miles more than 20 active
(21,041 sq km)

6.5 million volcanoes and often
experiences earthquakes.
San Salvador

Spanish

Honduras Bay Islands N Swan Islands
Roatán 100 km
0
La Ceiba
GUATEMALA u l f o f Hondu ras Trujillo 0 100 miles
Puerto Cortés
G Río Aguán (approximate scale)

Tela Brus Laguna CaSreibabean

San Pedro Sula Scarlet macaw
The national bird of Honduras
SadnetaCRopoásna Cerro Las Minas Yoro
2,870 m (9,420 ft) is the scarlet macaw, one of the

Nueva Ocotepeque Comayagua Juticalpa ío Patuca LePmueprirtao world’s largest parrots.

EL SALVA La Esperanza La Paz
of Copán TEGUCIGALPA
DO R Yuscarán

Ruins

Among the ruins Choluteca Growing bananas
are intricate stone NICARAGUA
carvings. This one Bananas have been a major
shows the city’s export since the late 19th century,
13th ruler.
but some banana crops are

destroyed by seasonal hurricanes.

43,278 sq miles Honduras sits between the Caribbean Sea
(112,090 sq km) to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the
9.2 million south. To the west of the country lie the
Tegucigalpa ruins of the ancient Mayan city of Copán,
Spanish, other which dates back to the 5th century.
languages (+2)

NI C A R Costa Rica
Cruz
A G U A North America

La Los Chiles

0 50 km

Liberia C 0 50 miles
(approximate scale)
Santa Canas o r d i l Caribbean Se
Cruz
Quesada l e r a

Puntarenas Alajuela SAN JOSTÉCaolaCrdeil Limón
Cartago
High and low I Quepos ntral a
Slow-moving sloths live high in the IF
treetops of Costa Rica, while beetles and C N Cerro Chirripó lemraandcea Bribri
other bugs scurry around the forest floor. PA 3,821 m
(12,536 ft)
Costa Rica is rich in animal PANAMA
life—more than half a C Cortes
million species live in
the nation’s cloud forests, Drake
rain forests, mangrove
swamps, arid plains, and O Golfito
tropical waters. Wildlife CE A N
is protected in one-third
of the country. 19,730 sq miles Boruca people
(51,100 sq km) An indigenous Costa Rican
5 million
San José tribe, the Boruca people are
Spanish, other known for their skilled carving of
languages (+3) traditional wooden devil masks.

Nicaragua
Ometepe Island HONDURAS
The largest island in Lake Nicaragua, Mogotón Cayos Miskitos
2,085 m (6,841 ft) a
Isabella
Ometepe has two volcanoes,

one of which towers over the Ocotal Puerto Cabezas
surrounding waters. Somoto Matagalpa
Cordiller Mosquito Coast
Potosí Esteli MatagalpaRío n
Chinandega Jinotega
a

P e

A Grande de b
O a

0 50 km C León b
C e

IEFA ri Nicaraguan coffee
N IC S

Boaco a Coffee is one of the
MANAGUA Juigalpa
0 50 miles Lake Río Escondido C
(approximate scale) Managua Granada Bluefields
slands most important crops in
Dennis Martínez Jinotepe Corn I Nicaragua, where trees grow
One of Nicaragua’s best-known
Rivas R best in the volcanic highland

athletes is Dennis Martínez, a pitcher in San Juan NLicaakreagua N soils. The seeds of the ripe
Major League Baseball from del Sur
the 1970s to 1990s. C A San Carlos red fruits are dried and
ío San
O S T A roasted to make coffee.

R I C Juan

50,336 sq miles This Central American country has a
(130,370 sq km) dramatic landscape of volcanoes and lakes.
6.2 million Lake Nicaragua, which covers more than
Managua 3,000 sq miles (8,000 sq km), is the largest.
Spanish, other languages (+2)
17

Panama About
14,000 ships
pass through the
canal every year.

The blue and red COSTA Volcán Barú
represent the country’s RICA 3,475 m (11,401 ft)

two main political parties. Almirante ATLANTIC

N ArmPuueellretos C o r d Colón O Ocean shortcut
David Lake
illera Central Gatún Panama Canal El CEAN The Panama Canal
San Miguelito opened in 1914. Some
50 miles (82 km) long,
Santiago Penonomé PANAMA Serr an Aligandí
CITY it allows shipping to
G of avoid the lengthy
ía del Darién en and dangerous

P journey around
A Chitré u lf South America.
C ri
IF Península Las Tablas Da
de Azuero
Festive clothing G u l f o f Garachiné
I C Panama Real

Girls in Panama are given OCEAN

their first pollera dress at the age 0 100 km

of 16. Worn at festivals and celebrations, this 0 100 miles COLOMBIA
(approximate scale)
decorative dress has colorful embroidery.

29,120 sq miles Known as the “Crossroads of the
(75,420 sq km) Americas,” Panama lies on the strip of
3.9 million land linking Central and South America.
Panama City An artificial waterway cuts across
English Creole, other the country, linking the Pacific and
languages (+3) Atlantic oceans.

Cuba Colorful snail Pinar del Río Artemisa HAVANA
Polymita snails are (LA HABANA)
The star symbolizes Cuba’s ChaYnucnaetlan Matanzas
independence from Spain in found only in the
1898 and the US in 1902. forests of Cuba. Cárdenas

Nueva Península de Colón
Gerona Zapata

Isla de la
Juventud

Cuban capital Vintage cars
Havana is the biggest For years the import of cars to Cuba
city in the Caribbean was banned. Many on the streets are
and a major port. The vintage American cars, used as taxis.
historic old town is very
popular with tourists.

Colorful houses with

crumbling facades are

Cuba is the largest island in common in Havana’s
older quarters.

the Caribbean Sea. It is also
one of the few socialist
republics in the world.
Tourism and agriculture
42,803 sq miles are its main industries,
(110,860 sq km) and sugar, tobacco, and
11.1 million citrus fruits are some

Havana of its major exports.

18 Spanish

USA f F l orida Grand Bahama Coopers The Bahamas
Pirate haven Island Town

o Freeport Pelican Great
Abaco
Straits Bimini Point
Islands
Berry Cherokee
Islands
New Providence Nicholls Town Spanish Wells ATLA N T I C Island iguana Black represents
was a pirate base Eleuthera The Andros rock iguana is the strength of
in the 17th century. NASSAU Island one of seven iguana the people of
these islands.
Andros New
Andros Town Providence
Island
Kemp’s Arthur’s species that live in
Bay Town the Bahamas.

Exuma Cat Mount
Cays Island Alvernia
63 m (207 ft)
Great George Cockburn OCEAN
Exuma Town
Town
Island

0 75 km DIesLalaodnnmdgaokne’dsCICRsolaluaonymHndiePlCllCaaIsrsysolsoaSakngnedeudg Corner 5,359 sq miles
Cro (13,880 sq km)
0 75 miles Passsage 337,750
(approximate scale) Acklins Nassau
Island Mayaguana English Creole,
Ragged MGayrageuaatna Little other languages (+2)
Island Inagua Inagua
Range The Bahamas is a nation of 700 tiny
tropical islands in the Caribbean
Jubilant Junkanoo Matthew N Sea. Only 30 of these islands are
Town
inhabited, with most people
The people celebrate Junkanoo festival every living on New Providence,
the largest island.
Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. People dress in

colorful costumes and dance through the streets.

Musical culture

A T From traditional son tunes played

Archi pié lago L A on guitars to upbeat Latin rhythms

de Sa N T of salsa and rumba, music

bana IC is a vital part of life
Morón in Cuba.

Santa Clara A r c h O C E
Cienfuegos
i p ié ag de A
Placetas
Sancti l o Ca N Popular sport
Spíritus Cuba’s national sport is
baseball, which was introduced Sugar country
Ciego de Ávila Cuba’s tropical

magüey to the country in the 1860s by climate is perfect for
AJracrhd i n students returning from the US. growing sugar cane,
Golfo de Nuevitas Baseball is played in schools, and sugar is one of its
Ana Maria Camagüey Las Tunas
streets, and stadiums. major exports.
e ipi él Manzanillo Cauto
sd e ag Holguín Banes
la o d
R e ei nlao s

Golfo de

Guacanayabo

Sierra Bayamo
Maestra
Palma Soriano

Pico Turquino Guantánamo
1,974 m Santiago de Cuba
(6476 ft) Guantanámo Bay Bee
CN 0 (US)
a r i b b e0 50 miles50 km W iPnadswsaarg e hummingbird
a n S e a(approximate scale) Just 2 in (6 cm) long, this
d tiny Cuban hummingbird is
the world’s smallest bird.
19

Jamaica N0 Montego Bay Caribbean Sea
Lucea
Montego Bay
Falmouth

20 km The Cockpit St Ann’s Bay

0 20 miles Country Dry Harbour Mountains
(approximate scale) Savanna-la-Mar

Bluefields Bay Mocho Christiana
Black Rive Mountains
DOMINICAN REPUBLICBlac k
River Mandeville
Black River
Jerk chicken
A favorite dish in Jamaica is May Pen

this grilled chicken, which Old Harbour
is marinated in a hot spice

mix for a fiery flavor.
r Bay C a r i b b e a n S eLoang Bay
Canal de St-Mar
Marley is depicted here on Birthplace of reggae
the walls of the Bob Marley Reggae is a slow, rhythmic style of music that was born in
Jamaica in the 1960s and quickly became popular worldwide.
Museum in Kingston. One of its best-known stars was singer and songwriter Bob Marley.

Super sprinter
Known as the “Lightning
Bolt,” the Jamaican sprinter
Usain Bolt is the fastest man on
Earth. He holds the 100 m world
record with a time of 9.58 seconds.

Haiti 0 50 km

0 50 miles
(approximate scale)
AT
LAN T I C O CE A N
Île de
la Tortue

Port-de-Paix

Cap-Haïtien

Gonaïves Fort-Liberté
Hinche
N

Tap tap bus Jérémie Grande St-Marc
Cayemite Canal de laÎlGe odenlâavGeonâvPe ORcT-MAUon-trouis
Eye-catching painted
buses called tap taps Massif d e la Ho PRINCE Citadelle Laferrière
provide a taxi service Cayes This imposing fortress was built on
for commuters in t t e Haiti’s northern coast in the 19th century
Port-au-Prince. to protect the newly independent country
Port-Salut Jacmel
against French invasion.
Île-à-Vache Pic de la Selle
2,680 m
Caribbean Sea (8,790 ft)

10,714 sq miles The Republic of Haiti occupies the western third of the
(27,750 sq km) island of Hispaniola. Once a French colony, it gained

11.1 million independence in 1804. Devastated by an earthquake

Port-au-Prince that struck close to the capital, Port-au-Prince, in 2010,

French Creole, this mountainous country is still recovering.
French
20

Blue mountains

Clouds of mist hang over

Jamaica’s longest mountain

range. The plantations here

produce some of the finest

Port Maria Annotto coffee in the world. Jamaican roselle
Ewarton Known for its health benefits,
B ay this flower is used to make sauces,

Port Antonio The capital city of Kingston is salads, and herbal teas.
surrounded by mountains on three sides.
Girls’ education
Blue In the past, many Jamaican
J aCmh aani cnae l girls did not get an education,
Río Magno
Spanish M Blue Mountain Peak but now most girls go
Town KINGSTON 2,256 m (7,402 ft) to school and more
than a third enroll
o u n t a
in college.
i n s

Morant Bay

PortlandBight Caribbean hermit crab
These land crabs protect their soft
HAITI
bodies with the empty shells
of other animals.

4,244 sq miles Jamaica is the third-largest
(10,991 sq km) island in the Caribbean,
2.8 million 146 miles (234 km) long and
Kingston up to 50 miles (80 km) wide.
English Creole, With beautiful beaches,
English tourism is its main industry.

Dominican Republic
Dominican Carnival Monte A N T I C
February is a time for Cristi Puerto Plata A T L E A N
celebration in the Dominican Esperanza Bisonó Santiago O C 0 50 km
Republic. The annual
carnival sees colorful Dajabón La Vega San Francisco Samaná 0 50 miles
parades and performances de Macorís (approximate scale)
that reflect local traditions. Pico Duarte
3,098 m (10,164 ft) Sabana
Cord Río Yuna de la Mar
i l l e r a Bonao El Seibo
Pedro
Santana Cent
SANTO San Pedro Higüey
DOMINGO de Macorís
Comendador ral La Romana Boca
de Yuma

Jimani Lake Neiba Baní ean Sea
Enriquillo
Isla Saona
Pedernales
Isla Beata Barahona r i b b El Limón Waterfall
Surrounded by tropical rain forest, the
N Ca

El Limón near Samaná cascades more than

164 ft (50 m) to a pool popular with swimmers.

The Dominican Republic makes 18,792 sq miles
up the eastern part of Hispaniola (48,670 sq km)
island. This country has the 10.5 million
Caribbean’s tallest mountain— Santo Domingo
Spanish, French
Pico Duarte—and its lowest Creole
point, Lake Enriquillo.

21

St. Kitts and Nevis
Calico vine
N St Paul’s Dieppe Bay Town The evergreen calico
Tabernacle vine thrives in St. Kitts’s

Sandy Point Town Cayon A T tropical rain forests. It traps
Old Road insects and releases them
Mount Liamuiga Town L covered in pollen.
1,156 m (3,792 ft)
Rock carvings BASSETERRE OCEAN
Prehistoric art by the indigenous St Kitts ANTIC
Kalinago people has been found Car
on rocks on St. Kitts. 0 5 km i bSbeeaa n
The NaNrreoww Castle
0 5 miles
(approximate scale) Charlestown N e v i s
Forest Brimstone Hill Fortress
s Built by Africans enslaved by British
settlers, the 18th-century Brimstone
Hill Fortress in the northwest of St. Kitts

overlooks the Caribbean Sea. It was built to

St. Kitts and Nevis are defend the island from the French navy.

two islands in the eastern
Caribbean Sea, separated by
a tiny channel of sea known
as The Narrows. Black sands 101 sq miles
(261 sq km)

found on both islands come 53,820
from the rocks of Mount Basseterre
Liamuiga, a volcano. English,

English Creole

Dominica N

Boiling Lake Penville ATLANTIC
A large hot spring forms Boiling Lake,
located east of the capital Roseau. Its Thibaud
water is heated by hot steam and gas
escaping from under Earth’s crust. C PoMrotrsnme oDuiatbhlotinsNorthern F Calibishie
Wesley
1,447 m (4,747 ft) OCEAN
Marigot
a orest
Whale watching
r The warm Caribbean waters off Dominica

iSbe Baroui Ce ntr al are a good place to spot whales. More
St Joseph Castle than 10 species of whales are found here,
b
a Bruce including the sperm whale (above).

e Mahaut Kalinago baskets
Reeds are woven by hand
a Morne Trois Rosalie into traditional baskets
by the Kalinago people
n National and sold as island crafts.
Park
0 5 km ROSEAU La Plaine

0 5 miles Loubiere
(approximate scale)

Soufrière Berekua

The island of Dominica is known as the “Nature Isle 290 sq miles
of the Caribbean.” About two-thirds of it is covered in (751 sq km)
rain forest, which is home to parrots and frogs. Dominica 74,240
is vulnerable to tropical storms and hurricanes. Roseau
French Creole, English
22

Antigua and
Barbuda
Bird sanctuary Goat Islands North America
Codrington Lagoon A Yacht regatta
National Park in Codrington The Antigua Classic Yacht
Barbuda is a natural The bright red Palmetto T
sanctuary for thousands throat pouch of the O Regatta began in 1967 at
of frigate birds. male frigate bird Point English Harbour. Today, the
attracts females. L race attracts many yachts
Barbuda C from around the world.
171 sq miles
(443 sq km) Spanish A
98,180 Point E
St. John’s
English, English patois N
A

Caribbean Sea T
N

I

C

N

St. John’s is the
capital and main port
city of Antigua.

Antigua Cedar Grove

Two large islands and several smaller ST JOHN’S
ones make up the Caribbean nation Five Islands Boggy Peak
of Antigua and Barbuda. Antigua alone Village 402 m (1,319 ft)
has 365 sandy beaches and is a
major yachting center. In 2017, Urlings All Saints Willikies
Barbuda was badly damaged by
powerful Hurricane Irma. English
0 10 km Harbour

0 10 miles Guadeloupe
(approximate scale) Passage

Bustling city St. Lucia
Castries, the capital of St.
Lucia, is a busy port visited
by many cruise ships.

Two triangles on the

St Lucia ATLANTIC OCEAN Julien Alfred flag symbolize
Channel In 2018, the young sprinter the Pitons.

Caribbean Sea Gros Islet Julien Alfred became the first
CASTRIES
athlete from St. Lucia to win

0 5 km a Youth Olympic medal.

The Pitons 0 5 miles La Ressource 238 sq miles
(approximate scale) (616 sq km)
166,485
Towering twin Castries
English,
mountains known as Anse La Raye French Creole

the Pitons are a famous Gros Piton is Soufrière Mount Gimie St. Lucia is known for tall
natural landmark in the taller of the 950 m (3,117 ft) mountains, volcanic beaches,
St. Lucia. Pitons, standing and coral reefs teeming with
Micoud life. This island’s economy
is dependent on tourism,
2,619 ft (798 m) Gros Piton bananas, and coconuts.
798 m (2,619 ft)
high.
Laborie N

Vieux Fort

St Vincent Passage

23

Barbados Global superstar

The Barbados-born pop

singer Rihanna has sold

The Barbadian flag depicts the 0 8 km millions of records across the
trident belonging to Neptune,
the Roman god of the sea. 0 8 milesATLANTIC OCEAN Checker Hall world and won nine
(approximate scale)
N Speightstown Grammy awards.

Boscobelle

Lower Belleplaine Mount Hillaby
Carlton 340 m (1,120 ft)
Holetown A

Bathsheba T
Endeavour
LOACNE
Church
Cave Hill Valley Village TIC
BRIDGETOWN AN

Wellhouse Barbados anole
An inhabitant of the island’s
Brerton Marchfield
rain forests, this green
St Patricks lizard blends in with
Oistins Scarborough leafy foliage.

Beach life
Palm-fringed beaches and
tropical seas attract millions
of visitors to Barbados.

166 sq miles Barbados became a British colony in the Sharp claws
(430 sq km) 17th century and gained independence in help the anole
294,560 1966. With its white-sand beaches and clear, cling to tree
Bridgetown turquoise waters, this sunny Caribbean branches.
Bajan, English island is a popular tourist destination.

Grenada Carriacou
0 10 km Hillsborough

Fragrant spice 0 10 miles e a n Petite
Grenada is one of the (approximate scale) e a Martinique
world’s largest producers of
Ca r i b b
S
nutmeg. This sweet spice, which Ronde Island

features on the left side of the ATLANTIC

national flag, was introduced to Sauteurs OCEAN

Grenada by traders in 1843. Gouyave Mount Saint Catherine Cascading waterfalls
(2,760 ft) The Seven Sisters Falls are one of several
Grenada840 m natural wonders found in the Grand Etang
Grenville
St. George’s sits on a Seven Sisters National Park on Grenada island.
horseshoe-shaped harbor. Falls N

ST GEORGE’S

133 sq miles Grenada is as famous for
(344 sq km) its spice production as it
113,100 is for its scenic beaches.
St. George’s This mountainous, tropical
English, English Creole country is made up of one
large island, Grenada,
and six smaller ones.

St. Vincent and
the Grenadines
Scented frangipani Owia The three diamonds in
The sweet-smelling frangipani St Vincent La Soufrière a “V” shape represent
flower flourishes in the tropical 0 10 km 1,234 m (4,049 ft)
Caribbean climate. St. Vincent.
Chateaubelair
150 sq miles 0 10 miles Georgetown
(389 sq km)
101,390 (approximate scale) Barrouallie North Union
Kingstown
English, English Caribbean SeaKingstown is an KINGSTOWN
Creole
dinesimportant port and Calliaqua
The Caribbean nation of St. Vincent
and the Grenadines is made up regular stopping point ATLANTIC OCEANBequia Channel
of 32 islands and is known for its for cruise ships. Bequia Port
volcanoes, waterfalls, and
coral reefs. Calypso and reggae N Derrick Elizabeth
music are popular here. Isle à Battowia

Quatre Baliceaux

Mustique

Petit Mustique

Savan e n a Island hub
Petit Canouan The nation’s busiest

Canouan Gr town, Kingstown has

Mayreau The historic buildings with

Union Tobago colorful facades and
Island Cays
cobbled streets bustling
Prune Sail Rock
Island with people.

Trinidad and Tobago

GwtSheoreorrsilwidozn’uzslsoihnlnoygltytssecipsnotircTppyeriiopnnpidecarhsdi.leainsdamaCMnTTmenraaoaisdonrtnbnonigisadyngnwrgaboiottadhhiv,Srm’eeidsswpfwvsoalpaearmeessntstcedptirenos ncoaMsotnG.ouDsr(00laafgpMoopPonruf’OosLtPhxRaSimaTPBraArOit2eaeI0FaNCskcBNmaalolSFaeCSen2ra)ro0rtcntuTnhhJmivaioesairnblsserdeisenopbunhseieRdaRnAniaorgaiCdme9Edle4laalC0rSGSAeomarrrraineCp(oMn3goa,dora0beer8rn4itCefetr)owNnTPPooiCTosbainrahcantteredgonlaeofTibnvSSornapcabualataraesigbdnlpooTrieRnoCrcouiantxgCarbihhdnocaarilrvoedlauogtltheville
The

AOTCLEAANNT I C

The Se Bonasse Point Fortin Mayaro with Caribbean
rpent’s Mouth Siparia Moruga costumes, music,

and parades.

1,980 sq miles Two main islands—Trinidad
(5,128 sq km) and Tobago—and several smaller
1.2 million ones make up this Caribbean nation
Port of Spain off the northeastern coast of Venezuela.
English Creole, It is rich in natural gas and oil.
other languages (+4)
25

A T L A N T I C O C E A NFrench
Guiana
Mouths of
the Amazon

(to France)

a SURINAME
GUYANA H i g h l a
ana

Amaz
Ca a n Se nd Amazo

LlanosLake o n
Maracaibo
s

n
b e VENEZUELA
Gu
r i b i B R

NORTH Basin
AMERICA
COLOMBIA

Gulf of BOLIVIA
Panama

ECUADOR PERU

Lake Lago
Titicaca Poopó

Gulf of ANDES
Guayaquil

Galápagos PACIFIC
Islands

(to Ecuador)

SOUTH
AMERICA

B N 0 400 km

Highlands 0 400 miles
r a z i l i a n Francisco (approximate scale)

Represa de
Sobradinho

São ATLANTIC

AZIL

Planalto de
Mato Grosso

A R G EParanáPARAGUAY OCEAN
Gran Chaco A N D E
URUGUAY

Cerro Aconcagua Pampas

S N6,961 m (22,838 ft)
O C E A N C H I L E TINA P
a t a Gulf of Falkland
San Islands
g o n Jorge (to UK)

ia Bahía
Grande
Isla de Chiloé

Cape
Horn

Venezuela

Angel Falls
South America
With a spectacular drop of
uela
Iglesia de San Francisco 3,212 ft (979 m), Angel Falls is
GUYAN AOne of the best-known churchesthe world’s highest waterfall.

of Caracas, Iglesia de San

Francisco is dedicated Ca r ib
San S e
to Saint Francis Gulf of Venez los b e a n
a
of Assisi. Coro
Maracaibo
San Isla de
Cabimas Felipe Margarita
Lake CARACAS Porlamar

Maracaibo é r ida Valencia Maracay Carúpano TRINIDAD
rdMilélerridaade M Trujillo Acarigua MJVuoaarlnrleodsdeeCordilleArnaadceola Costa
AND Cacao beans
Guanare TOBAGO A Venezuela is known
for its fine chocolate,
Co Barinas Maturín T
Tucupita made from cacao
L beans grown
CiudadO in plantations.
Guayana
Pico Bolívar la Pascua El Tigre A
C Upata
Guri
San Cristóbal 4,978 m Reservoir N
(16,332 ft) E
COLO El Dorado
San no s T
Fernando Ciudad Angel A
Río Orinoco Bolívar Falls
l IC
L Rí N

a

Río Meta Puerto Ayacucho o Caura
Río Orin
MBIA

The Orinoco River Guiana Highlands

is one of the largest
in South America

and flows for more than

1,243 miles (2,000 km).

Dancing devils o co La Esmeralda Record-breaking rodent
In a popular religious celebration, held L The world’s biggest rodent is the
on the annual Catholic festival of N I capybara, a relative of the guinea
Corpus Christi, people dress up Z
as masked devils and dance 0 100 km A pig. It is a good swimmer and lives
through the streets. R on the country’s lakes and rivers.

B

0 100 miles
(approximate scale)

352,144 sq miles
(912,050 sq km)
28.6 million
Caracas
Spanish, Amerindian
languages

Situated on the northern Caribbean
coast of South America, Venezuela
has beaches, mountains, and tropical
forests. The country is rich in
natural resources, including oil.

28

Suriname
Paramaribo is the largest
South America
city and home to almost Creole people

Squirrel monkeys N half of the population. The ancestors of the Creole
The country’s tropical people in Suriname came
rain forests are home to these Nieuw A T L A N T I C O C E A N
tree-dwelling monkeys. They live in large Nickerie Totness Nieuw Amsterdam from Europe and Africa
groups and feed on fruit and insects.
Groningen PARAMARIBO many generations ago.
63,251 sq miles
(163,820 sq km) Apoera Onverwacht Moengo They speak a language
609,560 Fr (eFnrcahncGe)uiana
Paramaribo G Bakhuis Brokopondo called Sranan Tongo.
Sranan (Creole), W.J. van
other languages Blommesteinmeer
(+7) Couran Maroni River
tyne R W iulnhtealimn Juliana Top
Among the smallest countries in UY Mo 1,230 m
South America, Suriname lies on (4,035 ft)
the northeastern coast of the A iver in a
continent. Once a Dutch colony, s Apetina
it became independent in 1975. A
N Kwamalasamutu MOoruanntjaei n s

0 50 km BRAZIL

0 50 miles
(approximate scale)

Rhinoceros dung beetle
This large, rare beetle is named
for the upright horns on its head.
Unusually, both male and female
beetles have horns.

A toucan uses its enormous VENEZ UELA Mabaruma Guyana
beak to reach for fruit.
Matthews GEORCGhEarTiOtyWNOACTELAANN T I
Toco toucan Ridge
Native to South America,
this brightly colored bird lives Cuyuni River
in Guyana’s tropical rain
C
forests. A weak flier, it hops from Kamarang SURINAMEBartica New Amsterdam Cricketing legend

tree to tree for food. Mount Roraima Pakaraima Mountains Linden Corriverton Sir Clive Hubert Lloyd

2,810 m (9220 ft) is a legendary
Guyanese batsman
Ituni who captained the

83,000 sq miles Glendor
(214,969 sq km) Mountains
750,200
Georgetown Kurupukari West Indies to two
English Creole, other
languages (+4) Annai Cricket World Cup
victories in 1975
Located in northeastern South America,
Guyana is mostly tropical rain forest. Lethem Essequibo River and 1979.
A former British colony, it gained
independence in 1966. The country MKoaunnutka u s
is the only one in South America with in

G u i a

n a Hig

A arai h l a n d s

c
Mountains

B R A ZIL N

English as its official language. 0 50 km

0 50 miles 29
(approximate scale)

Colombia

River of colors Changua
The river Caño Cristales
in central Colombia is A soup made from eggs and milk
famous for the rare called changua is a popular breakfast
water plants that grow in the Andes region of the country.

there. For a few months Pico Cristóbal Colón
a year, these turn a 5,775 m (18,947 ft)

spectacular bright red! Santa Marta Ríohacha

Barranquilla SdieerSraanNtVaeaMvalaldreatadupar Cotton-top tamarin
Native to the forests of
Cartagena
Gulf of

Darien Sincelejo

Montería northwestern Colombia,

N N PANAMA Cúcuta VE this small monkey takes
its name from the fluffy
0 100 km lQuibdó
0 100 miles ManizalesRío Atrato N white fur on its head.
(approximate scale) CEA Pereira Barrancabermeja E Z
Armenia Medellín Bucaramanga U
enta E

O L A

d

i

CCoorrddiilllleerraaRíPCo eAMangCtdIarlFeaOnIlacCc t a l

Tunja i e n Río Meta Puerto Carreño

BOGOTÁ r
O
Ibagne
Buenaventura r a Orocué
Cali e Villavicencio
l
Neiva i l
Co d Río Guaviare
r
Popayán Puerto
Inírida
Tumaco S San José del Guaviare
E
E Pasto D Florencia Río A
N
C U A Mitú
paporis
ADOR

Local fruit sellers Río Caquetá
Río P
For generations, brightly dressed
fruit sellers known as palenqueras utumaya

have marketed their produce in

the city of Cartagena. They

carry fruit in big bowls

balanced on their heads. PERU BRAZIL

Museum of Gold Amazon
The indigenous Muisca
people of Colombia crafted Leticia
fine figures and jewelry
out of gold. The Museum National sport
This modern monument
of Gold in the city of depicts Chaquén, the Muisca
Bogotá has more than god of sports, playing the
55,000 exhibits dating traditional throwing game of tejo.
back hundreds of years.

The Andes Mountains and two 439,735 sq miles
rivers, the Cauca and the Magdalena, (1,138,910 sq km)
pass through Colombia. Among this 49.1 million
country’s major products are coffee, Bogotá
bananas, emeralds, and coal. Spanish, other
languages (+3)

Ecuador

Root crop South America

A small root vegetable similar to a
potato, called olluco, grows in
the Andes Mountains and

is used in salads, soups,
and stews in Ecuador.

Quito old town N Valdez C OLOM
The Spanish founded Quito in the 16th century, (Limones)
building it on the former site of an Inca city. The modern Esmeraldas San Lorenzo Tulcán
city center has retained its historic Spanish architecture.
O B I A
C
Galápagos iguanas E Santo Domingo Ibarra Nueva Loja
The Galápagos are home to A de los Colorados QUITO Cayambe (Lago Agrio)
land iguanas (pictured left)
and unique marine Chone N
iguanas that are able to Manta Portoviejo Quevedo D
swim and graze on algae. P A C IFIC E Latacunga Puerto Francisco Río Nap
SAmbato Tena de Orellana
Chimborazo (Coca)
6,310 m (20,702 ft)
o

Guaranda Puyo
Babahoyo
Salinas Riobamba

Guayaquil Milagro Alausí Macas Río Pastaza

Azogues

Gulf of Cuenca U
Guayaquil
Machala R 0 50 km

Isla Darwin Galápagos Islands E 0 50 miles
(approximate scale)
Isla Wolf A group of 19 islands make Zaruma A
Loja
N Isla Pinta up the Galápagos. Because Zamora P
Macará N
Volcán Wolf Isla Marchena they are so remote, they have
1,707 m
(5,600 ft)

Isla Fernandina Isla Santiago evolved, unique wildlife.

Isla Isabela Isla Santa Cruz
Isla San Cristóbal
P
O A CI F I C PUERTO 0 50 km
C EA N BAQUERIZO 0 50 miles
MORENO (approximate scale)

Mount Chimborazo

The highest point in Ecuador

is Mount Chimborazo,

an inactive volcano with

snow on its peak, standing

Textile market 20,702 ft (6,310 m) high.

In a town near Ibarra in 109,483 sq miles
northern Ecuador, the locals (283,561 sq km)
weave colorful woollen 17 million
textiles. These are sold

at local markets as well Quito
as abroad. Spanish, other
languages (+2)

Ecuador, which sits on the Equator,
is marked by the Andes Mountains and
low-lying coastal regions. Lying about
620 miles (1,000 km) to the west in the
Pacific Ocean, the Galápagos Islands

also belong to Ecuador.

31

Brazil World’s largest snake
Weighing 550 lb (250 kg) and growing up to 16 ft
(5 m) long, the green anaconda can be found in
Brazil’s Amazon rainforest and the wetlands

called the Pantanal.

South America VENEZUELA Boa Vista GUYANA H SURI
Guiana
COLOMBIA ighla
Río JuruenaPico da NeblinaRío NegroSerrands
3,014 m Carvoeiro do Jatap
(9,888 ft) u

0 200 km Amazon Manaus

Modern masterpiece 0 200 miles A ma z o RíonMadeira sin
(approximate scale)
Río Juruá Rio P urus
This Roman Catholic cathedral in the capital city, R B a
PE Eirunepé
Brasília, has room for 4,000 worshippers. It was

designed by famous Brazilian architect Porto Velho

Oscar Niemeyer. The Amazon rainforest Rio Branco SCearcrhai md ob o

covers 1.2 million sq miles

(3.2 million sq km) in Brazil. UN CPhaa p

L adrae
O
B do
cis

s

Rio Carnival I Mato Grosso
V
The first carnival in Rio de Janeiro was IA Cuiabá
held in 1723. Since then, this annual celebration Pantanal
Campo
has grown to become the world’s largest street Grande

festival, attracting millions of visitors.

Its parades feature performers in

spectacular costumes, dancing

to rhythmic samba beats.

P ARAGUAY Paraná

N T I NA

R G E Iguaçu
Falls
A
Santa Maria

Soccer fever Porto Alegre
Brazilians love
soccer. The country’s URUG Bagé
national team has won the World
Cup a record-breaking five times. UAY

Covering almost half of South America, Brazil is 3,287,957 sq miles
the continent’s largest country. It is named after the (8,515,770 sq km)
Brazilwood tree, growing in the Amazon rainforest, 211.7 million
which spreads across more than 35 percent of the Brasília
country. Abundant natural resources give Brazil Portuguese,
a strong economy, and coffee and soybeans are Amerindian
important agricultural exports. languages, other
languages (+4)
32

NACH Indigenous peoples of the Amazon Blue-and-yellow macaw
NAME FRGENUIA The world’s largest rain forest provides a home for The Amazon rainforest is a
sanctuary for this big, bright
hundreds of indigenous peoples. The Xingu, made up of parrot that lives in the canopies of
trees and feeds on the bountiful fruits.

M a rPalcaannaal tqou a r á Macapá many ethnic groups, live and fish by the Xingu River.
Amazon
Ilha de Belém
Santarém Marajó

Río Xingu Tucuruí São Luís Fortaleza
Reservoir Parnaíba

Imperatriz Teresina

Río SToeRcíraornTatairndasgousaiaG r a d a s Mossoró
BPol ar bnoarl teomdaa
Juazeiro Natal
do Norte João
Pessoa
Palmas do Sobradinho
Tocantins Reservoir Juazeiro Recife

Espigão MestreSão Francisco Maceió
D i aCmhaanpt iandaa
Aracaju

BRASÍLIA Rio ands Salvador C E A N Rio de Janeiro
l O Christ the Redeemer, the iconic 98 ft
Goiânia Hig h pinhaço Ilhéus (30 m) tall statue, overlooks Rio and
its beaches, including Copacabana,
Brazilian Serra do Es Coffee production and the pointy Sugarloaf Mountain.
One-third of the world’s coffee
Uberlândia ATLANTIC

Uberaba beans is grown in Brazil.

Araçatuba Belo Horizonte Vitória Traditional producers toss the
beans on mesh screens to
ApuScaãCrouCarCaniSmataiãrbploaoinsPaasuloSantosMSaIegnrNutriaoaqçvuuadeai
r a Campos dos separate the branches and
Rio Goytacazes leaves from the ripe fruit.
de Janeiro

l

a

r Acrobatic martial art

rra Ge Capoeira is a martial-art form that combines

do Mar self-defense, acrobatics, and dance. It was
Florianópolis developed here in the 16th century
Se

rra

e

S by enslaved Africans.

Geography: The landscape Culture: Brazil has a rich culture Wildlife: About 10 million 33
includes the vast Amazon of diverse religions, carnivals, species of animals, including
rainforest and the Amazon River, dance, and music, including styles jaguars, piranhas, and tropical birds,
the world’s second-longest river. such as bossa nova and samba. live in the rain forest.
History: First inhabited by Natural wonders: As well as its Food and drink: The Brazilian
indigenous peoples, Brazil tropical rain forest, Brazil’s natural menu is vast and varied, with
was a Portuguese colony from beauty can be seen in the Sugarloaf fish and meat stews, barbecued
1500 to 1825. Mountain and Iguaçu Falls. meat, and black beans.

Bolivia Riberalta

Butterfly base Puerto Heath BRAZIL
The Narses metalmark butterfly is one Amazon
Magdalena
of hundreds of species of butterflies Santa Ana
that live in Bolivia. The Guembe Basin
Biocenter in Santa Cruz is the PERU N
world’s largest butterfly sanctuary.
Río Mamoré
Elevated city
At a height Lake Trinidad
of 11,975 ft Titicaca
(3,650 m), A Cordillera Occidental CochabambíoaGrande Ascension
La Paz is the LA PAZ R
highest capital Nevado Coro Coro
city on Earth. N

Sajama OruroCorDdilleraE San Matías The Liberator
6,520 m Santa Cruz The military leader Simón
(21,391 ft)
Lake Bolívar fought Spanish
Poopó San José armies to liberate six Central
CHILE SUCRE and South American nations,
Potosí
Oriental including Bolivia, from
Uyuni PARA G U A Y Spain’s rule in 1824.
S
100 km
Tarija 0

ARGENTINA 0 100 miles
(approximate scale)

424,164 sq miles A landlocked nation in South America,
(1,098,580 sq km) Bolivia ranges from the Andes Mountains
11.6 million to the Altiplano (high plateau) and the
Sucre and La Paz Atacama Desert to the Amazon rainforest.
Aymara, Quechua, On the border with Peru lies Lake Titicaca,
Spanish the largest lake in South America.

Peru ECUADOR Machu PicchuRío Napo
The Inca built the stunning
0 200 km N city of Machu Picchu high

0 200 miles up in the Andes during
(approximate scale) C O L O M B I A the 15th century.

Tumbes Amaz

Sullana
PACIFIC Iquitos on

Piura C Cajamarca Río Ucayali BRAZIL 496,224 sq miles
Chiclayo (1,285,216 sq km)
31.9 million
o Lima
Spanish, Quechua,
OCEAN Trujillo A Nevado Huascarán Aymara
Chimbote 6,768 m
rd Peru’s impressive landscape
(22,205 ft) Pucallpa is comprised of Pacific coastline,
i majestic Andes Mountains, and
Huaraz Amazon rainforest. The Inca
l Huánuco people once inhabited the Peruvian
mountains, and their legacy remains in
l ancient sites visited by tourists today.

e

r N

a Cerro de Pasco

Huacho O

c

Callao c Machu
LIMA Picchu
D Huancayo
MaldPouneardtoo
id AEyacucho

e

n

t

a

l Cusco OCroirednitlalel ra

Ica S BOLIVIA

Quechua people Juliaca Lake
The vast majority of Titicaca
indigenous people in Peru are Puno
Quechua, who follow their own Arequipa

traditions and speak their own languages. Tacna

CHILE

PERUt BOLIVIA

ChileAricar
Iquique
0 200 km e

s

De Paranal

S Observatory
Located in the
0 200 miles A t a cEa m a Calama Atacama Desert, this
(approximate scale) observatory has some
Rare blooms O D of the world’s most
The Atacama Desert is the driest place on C Antofagasta powerful telescopes
Earth. It rains here only every six years or E for observing the
so, but when it does, seeds in the sand quickly A Cerro Ojos
germinate into blankets of colorful flowers. N del Salado night sky.

6,880 m
(22,572 ft)

Copiapó
A
N

A

Easter Island La Serena
Coquimbo

N Underground snack
Meaning “stony ground,”
This remote volcanic island Viña del Mar this traditional Chilean dish
Valparaíso
is known as Rapa Nui by of meat, fish, and vegetables
SANTIAGO is cooked on hot rocks inside
its inhabitants. Rancagua I a deep hole in the ground.

Mount Terevaka Rano Ahu Juan Fernández Talca
510 m (1,673 ft) Raraku Tongariki Islands
Ahu Akivi
T

Hanga Roa PACIFIC Talcahuano Chillán
Concepción
FIC N High-life llamas
Rano Kau P A C I AN N The llama is a popular pack
Volcano O C E animal in Chile also kept for
Temuco its wool. This domesticated Stone statues
0 6 km Valdivia hardy creature is able to Chile’s best-known
landmarks are the
0 6 miles S E live at high altitudes. stone figures of Easter
(approximate scale) Island. The moai (meaning
Puerto Montt “statues”) were carved from
about 1000 ce onward.
Isla de NDE
Chiloé RG

Archipiélago A
de los Chonos A

Golfo de
Penas

N

Mapuche APreunnatas Strait of
Magellan
people
About 10 percent Cape Horn Passage
of the Chilean
population is indigenous Drake
Mapuche people.
They make beautiful
handcrafted textiles,
including ponchos, to sell.

Stretching 2,670 miles (4,300 km), this South American 291,933 sq miles (756,102 sq km)
nation is the world’s longest and thinnest country. 18.2 million
One side is bordered by the Andes Mountains, and Santiago
the other is the Pacific Ocean, where Easter Island Spanish, Amerindian languages
lies some 2,290 miles (3,680 km) away.

Argentina BOLIVIA

South America The sun represents the May 0 200 km G r a n o PAR Ceibo flowers
Revolution of 1810 when Argentina 0 200 miles C h a c The ceibo tree grows
became independent from Spain. (approximate scale) S across the country, and
its vibrant red flowers
Lionel Messi Cerro Aconcagua San Miguel de Tucumán AGUAY have been a national
Argentina is passionate 6,959 m
about soccer. The symbol since 1942.
captain of the national (22,831 ft)
soccer team, Messi, Santiago del Estero
has won the Ballon N
d’Or—the highest D
prize in the sport— E Paraná Posadas
a record-breaking San Juan
six times. Mendoza BRAZIL

Córdoba Santa Fe

San Rafael Rosario Concordia
URUGUAY
N Río Salado as Argentine tango
The tango is a dramatic style
a m p BUENOS AIRES
of Latin dance that began
P La Plata in Buenos Aires in the 19th
century. It is now popular
CHILE Neuquén RíRoíNoeCgolorado Bahía Mar del River
A Blanca Plata Plate throughout the world.

ro

Esquel The capital Buenos
Rawson Aires lies on the banks
P a t a gonia
of the Plate River.

Comodoro
Rivadavia

Gulf of
San Jorge

Empanadas El Calafate OACTELAANN T I C Perito Moreno glacier
These popular baked Bahía The 19-mile (30 km) long
pastries can be made Grande Perito Moreno glacier ends
with a variety of fillings. at the country’s largest lake,
In Argentina, beef is Río Grande Lago Argentina.
a favorite.
Drake Passage
1,073,518 sq miles
Colorful La Boca (2,780,400 sq km)
A traditional neighborhood of 45.5 million
Buenos Aires, La Boca is famous Buenos Aires
for its colorful houses, street Spanish, Italian,
musicians, and bustling Amerindian languages
market stalls.
Argentina is the second-largest
country in South America. In the
center of the country is a vast area of
grassland called Pampas. To the south
lies a drier region known as Patagonia.

Paraguayan harp Paraguay

First played by traditional 0 100 km

folk musicians in rural areas BO L I V IA
of the country, the harp
has become Paraguay’s Capitán Pablo
Lagerenza
national instrument. South AmericaÑandutí lace
General Eugenio co Boreal 0 100 miles
CAormdailmlebraaydeMariscal
N A. Garay C h Estigarribia
A
a an Chaco (approximate scale) The Spanish brought to

RGE r Concepción BRAZIL Paraguay the traditional,
to this handcrafted lace called
Pedro Juan
Caballero Ñandutí, meaning “spiderweb.”
Today artisans use it to make

G embroidered clothing in

Yacaré caiman N TI eye-catching colors.
and swamps are home
Rivers NA Rosario

caiman. It was once heavily hunted ASUNCIÓN Salto del
Coronel Guairá
but is now a protected species. Oviedo
Villarrica Ciudad
del Este
Caazapá
Cerro Tres
Pilar San Juan Kandú
Paraná Bautista 842 m
(2,762 ft)
Encarnación

157,047 sq miles Forests, hills, grasslands,
(406,752 sq km) and swamps are found across
7.2 million Paraguay, which is landlocked
Asunción by three countries. The nation’s
Guaraní, Spanish, exports include crops such as
German cotton, coffee, and oilseeds.

UruguayN Artigas
ARGENTINA
Cuchilla deSalto Rivera The blue and white
Cuchilla G stripes symbolize the nine original
Haedo B R regional departments of Uruguay.

Paysandú Tacuarembó AZIL Sea lion colony
One of South America’s
Río Ne g ro largest sea lion colonies
is found in Cabo Polonio
Melo National Park on
Uruguay’s eastern coast.
Fray Bentos Duranzo ra nd e

Hardy herders Mercedes Treinta
Since the 18th century, horsemen called y Tres
gauchos have herded cattle and sheep Trinidad
across the grassy plains of Uruguay. SdaenMJoasyoé Florida Cerro Catedral
SCaoclroanmiaendteol 513 m (1,683 ft)
Mate is traditionally
drunk through a metal 0 50 km Canelones Santa Lucía

straw with a filter to 0 50 miles P l Riv e r MONTEVIDEO N
keep out leaves. (approximate scale) ate
Maldonado E A
Herbal brew
The national AT LANTIC OC

beverage of southern The second-smallest country 68,036 sq miles
South America is mate, on the continent, Uruguay has (176,215 sq km)
a beautiful coastline and 3.4 million
an herbal drink made fertile grasslands. Half of the Montevideo
from the dried leaves of population live in the capital Spanish
city of Montevideo.
the yerba mate tree.
37

Mediterranean Sea Nile
Delta

EUROPE M o u n t a i n s TUNISIA EGYPT

EAN Atlas ALGERIA LIBYA Libyan
Desert

ATLANTIC OC MOROCCO Ahaggar aT i b e s t i
r
Madeira
(to Portugal)

Canary Islands a CHAD
(to Spain) h NIGER
Lake
Western S a Massif Chad
Sahara
MALI S a h e lde l’Air
(administered by Morocco)

MAURITANIA

Taoudenni Niger BURKINA FASO NIGERIA
Basin
BENIN EQUATORIAL
SENEGAL T GUINEA
CAPE Niger CAMEROON
VERDE SAO TOME & CONGO
OGO PRINCIPE
GABON
THE GAMBIA GUINEA IVORY GHANA
GUINEA- COAST
BISSAU (CÔTE D’IVORE)
SIERRA
LEONE

LIBERIA

ATLANTIC Cabinda
(to Angola)

OCE

AN

AFRICA

AS I A

Red

Nubian
t Rift ValleyDesertSea
Gre
ERITREA N0 500 km
Nile
DJIBOUTI Horn of 0 500 miles
Africa (approximate scale)
SUDAN
Ethiopian ETHIOPIA SOMALIA

Highlands

Sudd

Gr KENYASOUTH SUDAN SEYCHELLES
e aCENTRAL

AFRICAN
REPUBLIC
Lake UGANDA Kilimanjaro
5,895 m
Albert Lake (19,308 ft)

Victoria I

Congo RWANDA N
Congo B a s i n
D
BURUNDI
I
D E M . R E P. Lake COMOROS
CONGO at Tanganyika TANZANIA A
Mayotte
Rift Valley Lake (to France) N OCEA MAURITIUS

Malawi MOZAMBIQUE MADAGASCAR Réunion
(to France)
MALAWI Mozambique Channel

ANGOLA ZAMBIA

Zambezi ZIMBABWE N

NAMIBIA BOTSWANA

Namib Kalahari ESWATINI
Desert (formerly Swaziland)

Desert LESOTHO

SOUTH
AFRICAOrange River

Cape of
Good Hope

Strait of SPAIN
Gibraltar

MoroccoThe red on the flag stands Toubkal RABAT Tangier M edit err a nean
4,167 m (13,671 ft) Casablanca Kenitra Fez
for strength and bravery. Sea
AN Safi

O C E Agadir Marrakech MAi dt dl e Oujda
High Atlas la s

Africa TLANTI C Laayoune Anti-Atlas Er-Rachidia
Tan-Tan Atlas Mountains
Ad Dakhla Boujdour
A Sinara
Western N ALGERIA 0
200 km

Lagouira Sahara 0 200 miles
(approximate scale)
(disputed territory
administered by
Morocco)
The Atlas Mountains span 1,600 miles
M A U R I T ANIA (2,500 km) from Morocco across
Algeria to Tunisia.

Two tagines Valley of roses
The special lidded The M’goun Valley in
clay pot and the the Atlas Mountains is
tasty stew of meat home to the wild roses of Morocco
and vegetables Up to 4,400 tons of roses are grown here
slowly cooked every year for the global perfume industry.
inside it are both
called “tagine.” 172,414 sq miles Morocco has both a Mediterranean and an
(446,550 sq km) Atlantic coast and sandy desert dunes. Its
35.6 million cities are famous for their walled, mazelike
Rabat medina quarters, while traditional villages
Arabic, Tamazight and ski resorts nestle in its high mountains.
(Berber), French

Algeria 0 200 km 919,595 sq miles
(2,381,740 sq km)
0 200 miles 43 million
(approximate scale) Algiers
The crescent moon Arabic, other
and star is a symbol Mostaganem Chlef ALGIERS Mediterranean Sea languages (+4)
of the Islamic faith.
(ALGER) Algeria is the largest country
MOR in Africa and sits between the
O CCO Oran la teaux i n s Sétif Annaba Mediterranean Sea and
Batna Constantine the Sahara Desert. It has vast
Béchar Hauts P o unta deposits of oil and natural
A TUNISIA gas and is among the world’s
tlas M biggest producers of dates.

Tindouf Grand Erg Occidental Ouargla Martyrs’ Memorial
This massive concrete monument has
MAURITANIA ’ E r g I g u i d i Reggane Grand Erg Oriental stood tall over the city of Algiers since
I-n-Salah 1982. It commemorates Algeria’s
LIBYA independence from France in 1962.
Sahara
Ahaggar
Mount Tahat
3,003 m (9,852 ft) Djunet

MA Tamanrasset

LI NIGER

N

Desert fox

The fennec fox lives in the Sahara
Desert. This nocturnal hunter uses
its large, batlike ears to give off body
40 heat and keep cool in the desert.

Major mosque Tunisia
The center of Muslim worship in the Mediterranean Sea
capital city of Tunis is the Zitouna Mosque, Jebel
with its 144 ft (44 m) minaret towering over Chambi Bizerte
the rooftops of the old part of the city. 1,544 m
(5,065 ft) El Kef TUNIS
63,170 sq miles
(163,610 sq km) ALGERIA Nabeul
11.7 million
Tunis Kasserine Sousse
Arabic, French Kairouan Monastir

Although a small country that is Tozeur Gafsa El Jem Roman mosaic
largely desert, Tunisia also has rich
farmland where cereal crops, olive Sfax Tunisia was part of the
trees, and fruits grow in abundance. Roman Empire and is full
Traditional foods and crafts are sold at Chott el Gabès Golfe de Gabès of relics, such as this owl
colorful city markets called souks. Jerid Medenine Île de Djerba mosaic found at El Jem.

Tataouine
Je ara Plain
N Dahar

Remel el Abiod
LIBYA
0 50 km
Popular sport
0 50 miles Soccer is hugely popular
(approximate scale) in Tunisia. The boy wearing the
striped shirt supports Club Africain,
a top league team in Tunis.

0 200 km TUNISIAAz Zawiyah TRIPOLI M e d i tSeerar Libya

0 200 miles A Nalut (ŢARABULUS) a n e a
(approximate scale)
Mistratah n
ALGERI Sirte
EGYPT(Surt)Gulf ofBenghaziN
Sirte (Banghazi)
Waddan Tobruk The colors stand for
Tuareg riders Awbari Birak Ajdabiya Libya’s main regions: Fezzan,
Tuaregs are Idhan Cyrenaica, and Tripolitania.
nomadic people Ghat

who live in the Murzuq Jalu Al Jaghbub

Sahara Desert. NIGER Great Sand Sea Early art
Their traditions and In the Tadrart
Al Kufrah Acacus Mountains,
folklore are kept alive, Pic Bette Libyan near the city of Ghat,
2,286 m Desert prehistoric rock art
including this camel race CHAD features wild animals,
camels, and, seen
through the desert dunes (7,500 ft )

at the Ghat Festival.

here, human hunters.

679,362 sq miles Libya is dominated by the
(1,759,540 sq km) sands of the Sahara Desert.
6.9 million Early people created fine rock
Tripoli art inland some 10,000 years
Arabic, Tuareg ago, and ancient Greek and
Roman ruins dot the coast. The
country is rich in oil and gas.

41

Egypt Gulf of Marsa Matruh
Sallum
City of minarets On the ball Al‘Alamayn
Built amid ancient cities, Egyptian super striker Mohamed Sidi Barrani
Egypt’s teeming capital, Salah is a two-time winner of the DQeaptrt a r a i o n
Cairo, is more than 1,000 African Footballer of the Year Libyan e s s
years old. Its historic Plateau
center has spectacular Award. He also plays for
Islamic architecture, England’s Liverpool Siwah
showcased in the Football Club.
14th-century Sultan
Hassan Mosque. Great Sand Sea Al Bawiti

Qasr al
Farafirah

LIBYA Libya Al Qasr

Sweet fruits Gilf Kebir Desert
Dates have been cultivated and Plateau n
eaten in Egypt since ancient times.
More than 15 percent of the world’s The Libyan Desert is a
dates are grown here, making Egypt mostly rocky expanse covering

one of the top producers. two-thirds of Egypt.

Magnificent treasures Sailing on the Nile
More than 5,000 years ago, Egypt depends on
a great civilization was the Nile River for
growing along the banks water for farming.
of the Nile River. We know For thousands of
about life in ancient Egypt years, it was also
from the extraordinary the country’s main
discoveries of archaeologists, transportation
such as this well-preserved highway. Today,
coffin for an elderly woman tourists travel on it
named Nesmutaatneru. in wooden sailboats
called feluccas.
Hieroglyphs are an
ancient form of writing
in which pictures and
symbols represent
sounds and ideas.

Lying in the northeast corner of 386,662 sq miles
Africa, Egypt is more than 90 percent (1,001,450 sq km)
desert. Most Egyptians live in the valley 104.1 million
of the fertile Nile River. Thousands of Cairo
years ago, Egypt was home to one of Arabic, English,
the world’s first great civilizations. French, Berber

42

Med i terranean S e a Egyptian acacia
This flowering tree
Alexandria Nil e Delta grows widely in Egypt.
(Al Iskandariyah) In ancient times, the wood
Damietta (Dumyaț) The Nile Delta from it was used to make
has nutrient-rich
Kafr ash Port Said soil that is good boats and furniture.
Tanta Shaykh for farming.
Suez Canal ISRAEL
Al Isma‘iliyah
Az Zaqaziq
Great Bitter Lake
Giza
(Al Jizah) CAIRO Suez Sinai

Pyramids of Giza (AL QAHIRAH)

Al Fayyum Beni Suef Mount Sinai JORDAN
(Bani Suwayf) (Jabal Musa)
2,285 m
Nile Gulf of (7,497 ft)
Nile
Al Minya Maaza Suez At Tur SAUDI Lantern displays
Mallawi Plateau ARABIA During the Islamic holy
month of Ramadan,
Asyut colorful lanterns
called fanous are
Sohag Hurghada Red put up in homes
(Suhaj) (Al Ghardaqah) and public places
across Egypt.
Safaga Al Qusayr
(Bur Safajah) Shipping shortcut
Qina The Suez Canal is a 120-mile
(193-km) waterway that connects
Valley of the Kings Luxor the Mediterranean Sea to the Red
Sea. Built by the French in the
Kharga Isna Sea 1860s to allow a direct route
(Al Kharijah)
Marsá ‘Alam Diving in the Red Sea between Europe and Asia,
Edfu Divers flock to the Red Sea to enjoy it is now owned
(Idfu) the underwater world of shipwrecks, by Egypt.
corals, and thriving marine life—
Aswan Baranis including oceanic whitetip sharks!
Lake
Nasser N

Abu Simbel 0 100 km

SUDAN (Hala’ib 0 100 miles
Triangle) (approximate scale)

Mysterious tombs Halaib
One of the Seven Wonders of
the World, the Pyramids of Giza in The largest of the
Cairo are more than 4,500 years pyramids is made
old. They were built as giant from 2.3 million
tombs for ancient Egyptian stone blocks.
pharaohs (rulers).

Geography: Egypt consists of Culture: Everyday life is largely Wildlife: Jackals, fennec
vast swaths of desert, green centered on the family and foxes, and scorpions are desert
river valleys, mountains, and Red Muslim traditions. Egypt also has dwellers. Vipers and cobras are
Sea and Mediterranean coastline. a thriving media and arts scene. sometimes seen in the Nile Valley.
History: Egypt’s ancient Natural wonders: The Nile is Food and drink: Egyptian cuisine
civilization lasted for around the world’s longest river—it blends spices, lentils, and rice to
3,000 years. From the mid-600s, flows over a distance of more than make a variety of dishes often served
Egypt was ruled by Muslim Arabs. 4,100 miles (6,600 km). with minced or grilled lamb.

Mali

Africa Dogon dama Striking, geometric designs
The Dogon people of Mali create often decorate bògòlanfini.
elaborate masks and costumes
Patterned textiles
for the dama dance ceremony,
which is held to honor Bògòlanfini is a traditional Malian handwoven
deceased village elders.
cotton fabric. Its bold, colored patterns are
An ancient
Arabic manuscript created with natural dyes made

on astronomy from river mud and local plants.
from Timbuktu

E rg c h ALGERIA
C he
N
MAURITANIA Taoudenni

Precious manuscripts SAHARA
Timbuktu is home to scholarly
manuscripts—on subjects such as Tessalit
medicine, art, and religion—that
date back to the 13th century. Araouane â d Adrar des
A Ifôghas
MAURITANIA o u
a
z

Timbuktu Niger

SENEGAL Kayes Nioro Hombori Tondo Gao
1,155 m (3,789 ft)

Bafoulabé Sokolo Mopti FASO Ménaka
Kita Ségou Djenné
NIGER

GUINEA BAMAKO KoutialaBani BURKINA Great Mosque of Djenné
Bougouni Sikasso The towering mosque at Djenné

creates a spectacular backdrop to

IVORY COAST 0 200 km a weekly market where traders sell
The Great Mosque was food, fuel, and household goods.
0 200 miles
(approximate scale)

constructed in 1907

using mud bricks.

478,841 sq miles
(1,240,192 sq km)
19.6 million
Bamako
Bambara, Fulani,
other languages (+3)

Between dry desert and tropical
savannah, Mali is a large, flat
country. The Niger River, which
runs through it, is used for fishing,
transportation, and trade. Mali’s
main exports are gold and cotton.

44

The Grand Mosque Mauritania
is a landmark of
Nouakchott city.

ESTERN SAHARA Ben ALG E R I A N Desert rock Africa
Bîr ‘Aïn A singer, poet, and musician,
W Tili Noura Mint Seymali performs
Mauritanian folk music
Kediet ej Jill Mogreïn ghet blended with modern rock.
915 m (3,002 ft) Zouérat
Kâ
Nouâdhibou Ouarâne
MALI
Thriving metropolis A kchârAţâr
Just a coastal village in 1960, Nouakchott has
expanded rapidly to become the nation’s main city, C Akjoujt Richat Structure
with wide boulevards and impressive buildings.
I NOUAKCHOTT SAHARA

AANNT Boutilimit Tidjikja El Mreyyé
Rosso Aoukâr
L
E

T SENEGAL Kaédi Ki a Oualâta
C

A
O

Timbedgha Néma

MALI

397,955 sq miles Dominated by the Sahara 0 250 km
(1,030,700 sq km) Desert, Mauritania is a hot,
4 million arid country on the Atlantic 0 250 miles
Nouakchott coastline of western Africa. (approximate scale)
Arabic, other Many people in this vast nation
languages (+3) are farmers or herders. Fishing, The ardin is a type
mining, and oil production of Mauritian harp.
are key industries.

These pyramids were built in the village of Niger

Malbaza. Popular with visitors, peanut

pyramid-building is being revived. E R I A

ALG LIBYA

Assamakka Plateau du N
Djado
Ténéré
Massif
Arlit de l’ Aïr

SAHARA
Peanut pyramids MALI Séguédine Communal wells
Peanuts are a major crop in As there is little rainfall
Niger. Sacks of peanuts are piled nereGdraend Er g in Niger, nomadic desert
high to make pyramids, as B ilm a people rely on groundwater
symbols of prosperity. CHAD from wells. Some local
Monts Bagzane tribes unite to build wells
2,022 m
Ayorou Agadez (6,634 ft) Te
Tahoua
N Erg du

NigerNIAMEY

B UFRAKSI NOA Maradi Ngourti shared by the community.
Zinder Nguigmi
0 250 km Gaya
BENIN IGER I A
0 250 miles
(approximate scale)

489,191 sq miles This Saharan nation is named
(1,267,000 sq km) after the Niger River, which
22.8 million passes through its capital
Niamey city, Niamey. In rural areas,
Hausa, Djerma, nomads herd and trade
other languages (+4) cattle, sheep, goats, and
camels. They live off and sell
milk, meat, and hides.

Chad LIBYA Prehistoric paintings
Ancient rock art, including
Tibesti
Zouar hundreds of drawings of
camels and cattle, is found

in the Tibesti Mountains.
Africa N
0 250 km
IG E REmi Koussi
SUDAN0 250 miles3,415 m (11,204 ft)
(approximate scale)
Ounianga Erdi
S A H A R A Kébir

Faya Ennedi

N’Djaména is a port on N Erg du Djourab Fada
the Chari River, and the
Mao Koro Toro
largest city in the country. Bol Biltine

Lake Moussoro
Chad
Ati Abéché

N’DJAMÉNA Mongo

Bongor Am Timan High-level racing

Pala ChariLaï SaCrEhNTRREAPLUABFLRICICAN The Toubou herders
Moundou of the Tibesti Mountains
CAMEROON compete in camel races to
find the most skilled riders.

Ennedi Massif

Over the centuries, erosion 495,755 sq miles Chad is located at the heart of
by wind and water has (1,284,000 sq km) north Africa, surrounded by six
sculpted dramatic rock 16.9 million other nations. The Sahara Desert
formations in this sandstone

plateau in northeast Chad. N’Djaména lies in the north of the country.

French, Sara, Most people live in the tropical
Arabic, Maba south, where they farm the land.

Eritrea N

Prickly pear SUDA Hagar Nish DahR e d lak SArchie apelago
Despite its prickly exterior, Plateau

this cactus plant grown Ak’ordat Keren Massawa
in Eritrea has sweet Zula
orange or red fruit Teseney ASMARA Holiday islands
that can be eaten raw. (ASMERA) Many small islands make up
the beautiful Dahlak Archipelago
45,406 sq miles Mendefera off the coast of Eritrea. Tourist
(117,600 sq km) boats and scuba divers visit the
6 million ETHIOPIA Mount ‘Ĭdi clear waters and coral reefs.
Asmara N Soira ‘Aseb
Tigrinya, English, 3,013 m DJIBOUTI
other languages (+8) 0 100 km (9,885 ft)

A mountainous country situated 0 100 miles
on the Red Sea in northeastern (approximate scale)
Africa, Eritrea takes its name from the
Greek for “Red Sea.” Eritrea gained Two-towered landmark
independence from Ethiopia in 1993, Sitting on a hill in the capital, Asmara,
though conflict continued until 2018. is the colorful Enda Mariam Cathedral.
Christianity and Islam are the two major
religions practiced in Eritrea.

46

Jabal al ’Uwaynat Sudan
1,934m (6,345 ft)

EGYPT
Dancing dervishes N LIBYA Wadi Halfa Africa0 250 km
Islam is the largest Libyan
religion in Sudan. Desert Nubian Red Sea0 250 miles
Every Friday at Omdurman, DesertNile Blue Nile (approximate scale)
near Khartoum, Muslim mystics White Nile
called dervishes come together CHAD El’Atrun Dongola Port Sudan
to chant and dance. Da rfur Merowe
Haiya
718,723 sq miles Omdurman Ed Damer
(1,861,484 sq km)
45.6 million El Geneina KHARTOUM KassalaERITREA
Khartoum Marrah El Fasher El Obeid Wad Medani Walls of sand
Arabic, Nubian,
Beja, Fur, English Hills En Nuhud Rabak Gedaref Huge dust storms called
Nyala HIOPIA haboobs often sweep
Sudan has had an unsettled past, and
in 2011 it split into two nations. Its El Muglad through Sudan. Sand carried
population is diverse, with many from the Sahara Desert blows
different ethnic groups. Sudan’s capital, Kadugli Ed Damazin ET across the land at high speed.
Khartoum, is the meeting point of the
Blue Nile and White Nile rivers. SOUTH SUDAN

Sudanese cuisine

Farmers grow a variety of grains, South Sudan
including corn, sorghum, and millet.
These are used in
0 200 km
popular local dishes.
SUDAN Boma National Park
0 200 miles
(approximate scale)
Melut Among Africa’s largest
Bentiu national parks, Boma
Raga Aweil Malakal
ETHIOPIA
Whit Nile provides a grassland
habitat for antelope,
CEANFTRRIRCAALENP.
N Wau S u d d Nasir elephants, giraffes,
Rumbek e and lions.

Tambura Bor Kinyeti
3,187 m
Yambio Maridi (10,456 ft)

DEM. REP. JUBA Kapoeta Longhorn cattle are
KENYA highly valued.
Kisra is a flatbread CONGO U G Nimule
made from sorghum ANDA

and wheat flour.

After a long civil war, Cattle keepers
South Sudan voted to The Dinka people in South
become independent Sudan lead a traditional
from Sudan in 2011. The herding life.
country has a more
248,777 sq miles African feel than largely
(644,329 sq km) Arab Sudan. Its grassy
10.6 million plains and swamps are
Juba havens for wildlife.
Arabic, Dinka, other
languages (+6) 47

Ethiopia

Bubbling hot spot
A sizzling temperature of
49°C (120°F) is not unheard of
in the low-lying Danakil Depression.
It has volcanic rocks, a lava lake,
and hot green ponds, such as
Dallol, that are highly acidic.

Aksum E R I T Red
Mek’ele Sea
Ras Dashen R
4,620 m
(15,157 ft) EDAaDneaskei
SUDAN Gelada
The Ethiopian
A Highlands are the
home of grass-eating
DJIB
Pastoral people Lake Tana Gonder Weldiya l OUTI
The Mursi people (T’ana Hayk’) Tendaho r

live as nomads Bahir Dar t
in the Omo River
valley. They raise Dese wash GAudlefno f

cattle for meat Debre Mark’os
and milk.
Asosa Debre l l e y gelada baboons.
Gimbi ADDIS ABABA Birhan Males display a red,
Dire Dawa a
SO Gambela HEitghhiolaJpinimadans(ADHIoSsAaB’iEnBaAAR)wiafsta Va Harer heart-shaped patch
UTH SUDAN on their chest to
Nazret Og attract a mate.

Goba d e n

Omo Lake Shebeli Gode 0 100 km
Abaya 0 100 miles
Gr e a t
IA
N Negele SOMAL (approximate scale)

KENYA Yabelo Doolow
Moyale
Addis Ababa, meaning

African Union headquarters “new flower,” is located in

the heart of Ethiopia.

The African Union, an organization that

promotes cooperation on the continent, Mesob baskets
has its headquarters in Addis Ababa. Women weave these

flat-bottomed baskets

in brightly colored

patterns. The lidded

baskets are used to

store food and as

tables to eat off.

Ethiopia is a country in the
Horn of Africa, dramatically
split by the Great Rift Valley
in the Afar region. One of the
oldest cultures in the world,
it is the only part of Africa
that was never colonized.
426,373 sq miles Ethiopia is where the coffee
(1,104,300 sq km) plant came from, and coffee is
108 million grown in its mountainous
Addis Ababa highlands. It is the country’s
Amharic, Tigrinya, main export.
other languages (+5)

48

Saline lake Djibouti
Salt slabs are extracted from
Lake Assal, the world’s largest

salt reserve. At 508 ft (155 m) Whale sharks

below sea level, it is the lowest Red Sea Djibouti’s coral
reefs are the habitat
point in Africa. ERITREA
of whale sharks.
Moussa Ali G u l f o f Scuba diving with
2,021 m (6,631 ft) A d e n the huge, harmless
N Khôr ‘Angar
P I A Balho
ETHIO
SOMALIAGâlâfi TadjourahObock sharks is a popular

Camel caravans 0 50 km Lake Assal tourist attraction.
Groups of camels are used
to transport heavy loads to Yoboki Arta DJIBOUTI

markets for sale. 0 50 miles Dikhil
(approximate scale)

Assamo

8,958 sq miles The small country of Djibouti
(23,200 sq km) has a wild landscape of coral
921,800 reefs, volcanoes, and salt
Djibouti lakes. Most of the population
Somali, Afar, lives in the nation’s coastal
French, Arabic capital, Djibouti. This
growing port city is located
on one of the world’s busiest
shipping routes.

Trading port BOUTI Somalia
Somalia’s capital
Mogadishu is a port
city on the Indian

Ocean. It is one of DJI Gulf of Aden Caluula
Africa’s most densely Boosaaso
populated urban areas. Hargeysa
Berbera Shimbiris Karkaar Hurdiyo
2,407 m Mountains
(7,897 ft)
Burco Raas
SOMALILAND Xaafuun
LAND
0 200 km Garoowe PUNT Bandarbeyla

0 200 miles P I A Eyl
(approximate scale)
246,200 sq miles Gaalkacyo Wooden headrest
(637,657 sq km) N ETHIO Somali nomads use headrests
11.8 million Dhuusa for sleeping. These are carved
Mogadishu Marreeb
Somali, Arabic,
English, Italian Beledweyne out of wood and painted with
Shebeli
Somalia runs along the eastern coast Juba
of the Horn of Africa. The landscape Luuq intricate patterns.
is hot and dry. Some believe this Baydhabo
country was once the fabled Land KENYA
Bu’aale MOGADISHU Jawhar Traditional dance
(MUQDISHO) Dhaanto is a traditional
Marka I NODCIEAANN
dance performed
Jamaame to local music by
Kismaayo groups of Somalis.

Buur Gaabo

of Punt, an ancient kingdom where
goods such as gold, myrrh, and
frankincense were traded.

49

Senegal MAURITANIA

Fighting climate change N Richard-Toll Podor
As part of the Great Green
Wall project to restore fertility Saint-Louis
to Africa’s dry Sahel region, Ferlo
Senegal has planted A TOLCAENATNI C Louga
11.4 million trees in its
northern half. DAKAR Thiès Dara Barkedji Des e r
Rusfisque Koungheul
African Mbour Touba Ranérou
Renaissance Monument Mbaké
Diourbel Mboune
This huge 160-ft (49-m) Fatick
tall monument was erected
Kaolack
in 2010 to mark the 50th Ka rine
anniversary of Senegal’s
independence from France. THE Tambacounda
GAMBIA

Bignona Wassadougou

Kolda

Ziguinchor

GUINEA-BISSAU

Spicy stew
The traditional mafé stew
mixes tomatoes, peppers,
and peanuts with beef
or lamb to create its

distinctive spicy flavor.

Cape Verde Santo N0 50 km
Antão Pombas

MToanrIrteal fThaSrlãiadgooeVsicenSTtãeaoMrrNianSifcdaaonelltladaoueLuziSaRãoibNeiicroalaBuravaEspargos 0 50 miles
(approximate scale)

Sal
Santa Maria

d o Boa Vista
Ba
Pico do Fogo A r la Sal Rei Mindelo
At 9,281 ft (2,829 m) TLANTIC S ot vento The port city
tall, Pico do Fogo is the OCEAN of Mindelo is
highest peak in Cape Verde. avento surrounded by
This active volcano last Ilhas do Maio
erupted in 2015. São Tarrafal
Nova Sintra Filipe Vila do Maio dramatic mountains.
Brava Santiago PRAIA
Fogo It is known for its deep
Pico do Fogo
natural harbor, fine beach,

2,829 m (9,281 ft) and colorful carnivals.

Praia, the largest city, is
located on Santiago Island.

Lying far off the coast of 1,557 sq miles
northwestern Africa, Cape (4,033 sq km)
(or Cabo) Verde is made up of 583,000
10 islands and many smaller Praia
islets. Its landscape features Portuguese Creole,
forested hillsides, beaches, Portuguese
and active volcanoes. It is
also famous for its unique
music, known as morna.

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