This far-reaching reference is designed with many entry points and a visually engaging format to satisfy the curious browser, the student researcher, and the earnest knowledge seeker alike. A multifaceted reference book for the 21st century, ''The Answer Book'' will fascinate with up-to-date, authoritative, and endlessly interesting information about the world today. From earth sciences to astronomy, from climate and habitats to human arts and cultures, from ancient history to cutting-edge technology, and including brief descriptions, flags, and statistics of all the countries of the world, it delivers exactly the kind of quick-dip information that modern readers crave. Maps, charts, diagrams, graphs, photographs, illustrations - some 600 pictures in total - combine with hundreds of fast facts and short pieces on the people, places, wildlife, weather, history, and current events that matter in our world today. ''National Geographic Answer Book'' is a vital reference for school, an handy resource for the office, and a fabulous browsing companion at home.