Books in Countries of the World series

Visit Ireland, ancient land of "a hundred thousand welcomes." Learn of the mythic history of this island on the western outskirts of Europe. Share in the many stories, myths, and songs that Ireland has given the world. What is the "Celtic Tiger" and why is it roaring so loudly? Travel west to the "Gaeltacht," where Gaelic is still the language of the land.National Geographic supports K-12 educators with ELA Common Core Resources.Visit www.natgeoed.org/commoncore for more information.

Join National Geographic's quest to find the heart and soul of Mexico. Journey through a land of incredible biodiversity: from the Rio Grande to the Sierra Madre. Visit Mexico City, the vast metropolis built on an ancient lakebed. Study the country's history of earthquakes and volcanoes and its current struggles to protect animal habitats. Explore Mexico's history as the center of the Olmec, Maya and Aztec civilizations in Beth Gruber's lively text. Learn how Mexico's borders once extended north to southern Wyoming, west to California, and east to Louisiana. Witness the cultural and political aftereffects of Spanish Catholicism and discover how the hacienda system of agriculture led to revolution. The author also explains the importance of family and traditions in Mexican culture and the country's rich artistic heritage. Finally, readers will come to understand the disappointments of the Revolution, the limits of the single-party system, social inequalities, the economy, emigration to the United States, and the effects of the tourist boom on the environment.National Geographic supports K-12 educators with ELA Common Core Resources.Visit www.natgeoed.org/commoncore for more information.

National Geographic requests the pleasure of your company on a journey to the faraway island nation of "Nippon." Japan's name means "origin of the sun" (often translated as Land of the Rising Sun)—a term born of Japan's location to the east of the ancient empires of China. Take a trip through history to discover the influence that the Chinese exerted on their island neighbors throughout antiquity. Enjoy the scenic island landscape, richly celebrated in Japanese art and literature. Scale the heights and get to know the hilly topography—mountains cover over 75 percent of Japan's landscape. Visit the National Parks that now preserve the country's treasured natural heritage. Meet Japan's industrious people, mainly plains and lowland dwellers. Visit the teeming cities on the river deltas and coastlines, which are among the most populous places on the planet. Follow the remarkable rise of Japan's modern economy, based mainly on the manufacture of high-quality, high-tech consumer goods. Learn how exports to the world's largest markets—including the United States—have made Japan a global economic power; and how the country's average income levels and standards of living are now among the highest in the world. Experience this ethnically homogenous culture, with its unique language and alphabet, and observe the rites and rituals of its two main faiths—Buddhism and Shinto, a religion which originated in Japan.National Geographic supports K-12 educators with ELA Common Core Resources.Visit www.natgeoed.org/commoncore for more information.

At the ends of the Earth, discover the South Pacific paradise of New Zealand. Experience awe-inspiring alpine mountains, plunging fjords, pristine beaches, dense rain forests, and active volcanoes. Immerse your imagination in the ancient tribal culture of the Maori. Meet the fearsome All Blacks, the national rugby team who greet opponents with their traditional Hacka war dance. Travel across New Zealand’s North and South Islands, where sheep outnumber people.National Geographic supports K-12 educators with ELA Common Core Resources.Visit www.natgeoed.org/commoncore for more information.

Let National Geographic take you to Italy, a land steeped in history, art, architecture, and culture. Journey to the homeland of the Ancient Roman Empire, the tragic site of Pompeii, and the birthplace of the Renaissance. From the fabulous works of art that adorn the Vatican in Rome, to the churches of Florence, to the canals of Venice, experience a unique country alive with its own sense of style and drama. Along the way, you will discover the warmth of the Italian people and learn about their world renowned cuisine. Travel to the snowy Alpine peaks in the north; to Milan, one of the grand capitals of world fashion; to the southern city of Naples; and on to the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. Fine photography and maps will leave you with an indelible impression of a land that has given the world the gift of beauty, elegance, and style.

Visit a diverse land where lush landscapes hide mysterious lost cities.Learn of the struggle for Colombia’s soul as cocaine cartels, guerrillas, and the forces of law and order battle for dominance. Explore a South American country bordered by five countries and two seas. Experience Colombia’s cultural flavor—a rich brew of Spanish, indigenous, and African influence.National Geographic supports K-12 educators with ELA Common Core Resources.Visit www.natgeoed.org/commoncore for more information.