This volume presents a global view of today's most pressing issues through an analysis of the twelve major regions of the world. Environmental degradation, natural catastrophe, population pressures and human conflict all impact in different ways and to different degrees on the society and environment of these regions. Economic and political restructuring within each region is covered, and topics include: natural resources; agriculture; industry and services; the role of the military; and the impact of global economic change. This work is intended as an introduction for students studying the changing geography of the world, but should also provide a useful overview to students researching specific regions, seeking comparative analysis of regions, or following general courses on the economic and political geography of both the post-industrial and the developing worlds. Over 250 photographs, maps and figures complement a range of boxed case-studies, key points, questions and guides to further reading.