WHY GEOGRAPHY MATTERS

A renowned geographer warns that Americans rank near the bottom of western countries in geographic literacy and shows how our ignorance puts the nation at risk. His case studies demonstrate how better information can be a significant advantage for navigating the future.

Praise for the First Edition:

“Remarkable… A friendly and accessible reader for those who have a basic grasp of some of the concepts of geography and who want to understand where the world is headed. It is also an urgent call to educators across the United States to restore the study of geography to the nation’s schools.”—David J. Smith, Christian Science Monitor

“A provocative, fast-paced book that interprets the world through the dynamic discipline of geography…If you think that geography makes your eyes glaze over, try this book and you’ll discover insights you’ve never encountered before.”—David Miller, Senior Editor, National Geographic Maps

“Harm de Blij packs so much useful information and so many thoughtful insights into Why Geography Matters that the book is indispensable to those seeking to understand our complex, changing world… de Blij demonstrates persuasively how the tools and findings of geographers are indispensable in understanding the world today..”—Willard DePree, Former United States Ambassador to Mozambique and Bangladesh