Books in Countries of the World series

Vietnam is a country of ancient temples, beautiful beaches, and bustling cities. France, China, and Japan have all left their mark on Vietnam, but this nation has kept a character all its own. Books in the Countries of the World series teach readers about countries' unique features through engaging content and pictures. Readers will learn about Vietnam's incredible celebration of Tet, the lives of its textile workers, and its communist government. This book includes a table of contents, activity sections, sidebars, a glossary, and references to learn more.

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 lake bed. 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 the country’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.

Visit the bustling, noisy, modern Jewish homeland of Israel. Explore Israel’s contentious history since its creation in 1948. Walk the streets of Jerusalem, holy city of three religions; visit Bethlehem, birthplace of Christ. Learn about the unique Israeli social experiment of the Kibbutz. Study the context of Israel’s embattled place on the Middle East map.National Geographic supports K-12 educators with ELA Common Core Resources.Visit www.natgeoed.org/commoncore for more information.

Step inside Sweden, land of contradictions. Discover the secrets of one of the world’s most equitable economies. Meet King Carl XVI Gustaf, Sweden’s head of state. Meet the rugged Nordic race who inhabit this land of ice, snow, and midnight sun. Let Sweden’s starkly beautiful lake and forest landscapes fill you with serenity.National Geographic supports K-12 educators with ELA Common Core Resources.Visit www.natgeoed.org/commoncore for more information.

Visit Russia, the world’s largest country, spanning two continents. Review a vast national history, from the Tsars to the Soviet Union to today’s Russian Federation. Explore a richly diverse topography—coniferous forests, semideserts, steppes, tundra—with an array of climates to match. Meet the Russians, Tatars, Ukrainians, Bashkir, Chuvash, Chechens, and Armenians that comprise Russia’s population. Experience the wonders of Russian culture, from the Bolshoi Ballet to Tolstoy and Pushkin.National Geographic supports K-12 educators with ELA Common Core Resources. Visit www.natgeoed.org/commoncore for more information.

Welcome to sunny Spain, where rugged coasts lead inland to wild sierra. Discover the proud regional peoples that populate this land of diverse heritages. Visit Madrid, where the works of Spain’s artists grace a wealth of museums. Step into Spain’s storied past, via Roman aqueducts, Gothic cathedrals, and Moorish castles.National Geographic supports K-12 educators with ELA Common Core Resources.Visit www.natgeoed.org/commoncore for more information.

Wander the charmed streets of Lisbon, once the heart of a powerful empire. Hear the haunting strains of fado, the music that tugs on nostalgia’s heartstrings. Discover the land of explorers who once conquered the world. Revel in traditional folk festivals; enjoy bountiful markets offering fish, fruit, and flowers. Meet the passionate Portuguese who savor life slowly.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.National Geographic supports K-12 educators with ELA Common Core Resources.Visit www.natgeoed.org/commoncore for more information.