IBGE has released the fourth edition of its Geographic School Atlas. Its main innovation is the way of presenting world thematic maps, by placing Brazil in the center of the planisphere map.

IBGE has released the fourth edition of its Geographic School Atlas. The book brings as the main innovation the way of presenting world thematic maps, placing Brazil in the center of the planisphere map. New themes were included, such as “Our Place in the Universe”, which consists of a brief report about the Universe, the Solar System, the Earth, besides the history of man’s voyages into space.   

The publication is rich in photos and illustrations, besides several Brazil and world thematic maps, which add to the understanding of the topics approached. Satellite images show the main regions of the planet, of geological formations, relief and types of vegetation. They also show the difference among the characteristics of each geographic feature. The world vegetation map, for instance, offers a summarized description of each class.     

The data and topics in the Brazil and world thematic maps have been updated in this edition, so that GDP, Internet access and use of mobile phone can be found there. Besides, there is brings information related to the environment, for example, carbon dioxide emission and use of natural resources, and also summarized information about several IBGE surveys and studies, which will facilitate researches by students and the public in general. There is information about the use of pesticides and fertilizers, including a map of rural settlements, of distribution of waste collection and urban sanitation, among others.      

The evolution of the political division in Brazil is illustrated with maps of Hereditary Captaincies, of the old Empire and Republic periods and with recent ones, showing the changes which have occurred in the country throughout the years.

The physical and political state maps, which used to be grouped by Major Region, are now shown for each Federative Unit, thus increasing the level of information presented. The section of country flags now brings GDP data, besides others which were present in previous editions, such as capitals, languages, area and population.   

The first edition of the IBGE Geographic School Atlas was released in 2002 and it is considered a reference in Brazilian schools. It was distributed by MEC, through partnerships, to a million schools all over the country. Since the release of the Atlas until today, about 35 thousand units have been printed. The estimate for this new edition is 20 thousand books.

The Geographic Atlas costs R$ 40 and it is available in book shops in IBGE and around the country, as well as in our virtual shop, www.ibge.gov.br/lojavirtual/livrarias.php  .