THE Collins Discovery World Atlas doesn't just map the world in exquisite detail but it brings the planet and its inhabitants to life.
Maps and atlases are often thought to be dry and dusty, charting contours, continents and seas, but telling us nothing really about the often wonderfully exotic places they show.
Collins' new offering sheds light on some of the major problems facing the world today such as the Aids epidemic, drug taking and environmental catastrophes.
More than 40 million people are currently living with HIV/AIDS and so far there have been 20 million deaths.
Colombia produces more than 70 per cent of the world's cocaine and international trade in illegal drugs is thought to be with $400 billion.
The Arctic Ocean produces up to 50,000 icebergs per year.
An earthquake registering 8 on the Richter scale is equivalent to 1 billion tons of TNT explosives.
The Collins Discovery World Atlas. Now on sale at £17.99
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