For introductory courses in World Regional Geography. Organized around the central theme of human development, this text is authoritatively written by experts on each region of the world. Each author employs this human development theme to create a substantive volume on world regional geography that presents a vital, issue-oriented overview of the topic. This approach enables instructors to provide a deeper understanding of the character of the worlds people than the more traditional descriptive approach. A rich art package assists students in gaining a personal feeling for the inner essence of each world region. - Completely rewritten Part IV, Russia and the Eurasian States - Co-authored by Beth Mitchneck of the University of Arizona and Ellen Hamilton of the World Bank. - Provides students with the latest information available for that region of the world. - Completely rewritten Chapter 14, Japan. - Enables students to see the incredible economic and social changes that have occurred in this region of the world. - Thoroughly revised and updated - Combining Chapters 2 and 3 provides a more accessible and easily read text. - Gives students a clearer understanding of the issues and