Books in Discover Countries series

Home to some 1.2 billion people, India is the second most populous nation in the world. Rich in cultural interplay and heritage, it has more than ten official languages. Readers will find out about the Republic of Indias long history, its culture, and current standing through an engaging narrative, fact boxes, maps, graphic organizers, and colorful images.

Spain might bring to mind delicious paella and brightly dressed flamenco dancers, but even beyond the lively cultural traditions and cuisine, Spain is a country of great variation and beauty. Once one of the most powerful empires in the world during the 16th century, Spain today is a bustling modern country. From the undulating green hills of the North to the Moorish palaces of the South, this book journeys through the rich heritage and culture of Spain.

Poland has an incredibly rich history, spanning as far back as the 10th century. The Polish are known for many unique festivals such as Saint Johns Kupala in which people jump over firesa tradition that predates Christianity. Through photos, maps, and plenty of useful and intriguing information, this book brings the ninth largest country in Europe a little bit closer to home.

This title looks at Nigeria through a variety of themes such as location, landscape and climate, population and health, settlements, family life, religion and beliefs, education and learning, employment and economy, industry and trade, farming and food, transport and communications, leisure and tourism and environment and wildlife. Includes maps, statistics panels and simple graphs and charts; and a topic web showing links with this series to other subject areas.

Readers may know that Iran has one of the largest oil reserves in the world. In fact, they have the second-largest reserve of natural gas and the third-largest supply of oil worldwide. However, there is so much more to the rich history and culture of this country. Through this title, readers can explore Irans long, fascinating history as well as looking into its relationship with neighboring countries and the United States.

People first came to the continent of North America during the Ice Age. Some settled in the bleak lands of the Arctic, while others walked south as far as California and Florida. They formed different tribes with their own languages, customs and ceremonies. Native Americans is the story of these people - from the hunters and warriors who speared woolly mammoths and long-horned bison, to the farmers and foragers who searched for food in the mountains and on the coast. They depended on the land for everything: for wild plants to use in healing rituals; and for materials to make and decorate clothes, masks and costumes, and to build dwellings and boats. Many Native Americans believed that the sky, earth, plants, animals and rivers had powerful spirits. Some told stories of mythical creatures that formed the world and brought good harvests. They danced, sang and prayed to the spirits and had solemn pipe-smoking rituals and powwows to ask the spirits for a successful hunt or to bring peace to warring tribes. When Columbus came to the New World, life changed for the Native Americans. The new settlers often took land by force, and herded the people o

Australia is the sixth largest country in the world, with its size being only slightly less than the mainland of the United States. It got its start as a colony for prisoners, and it has some of the most poisonous and unique fauna in the world. Education, geography, climate, and culture are just a few areas into which readers will delve in this book as they journey though the Land Down Under.

Kenya is a multi-ethnic jewel in East Africa filled with vast mountains and beautiful scenery. Much of Kenyas native flora is not found anywhere else in the world. This book dives into this fascinating country that was once a British colony and was a dictatorship until the elections of 2002. The book is filled with helpful maps and sidebars to widely explore what makes Kenya unique and enrapturing place.

Kenya is a multi-ethnic jewel in East Africa filled with vast mountains and beautiful scenery. Much of Kenyas native flora is not found anywhere else in the world. This book dives into this fascinating country that was once a British colony and was a dictatorship until the elections of 2002. The book is filled with helpful maps and sidebars to widely explore what makes Kenya unique and enrapturing place.