Afghanistan to Zimbabwe: Country Facts That Helped Me Win the National Geographic Bee » (Andrew Wojtanik - 2004 National Champion)

When Andrew Wojtanik was preparing to compete in the 2004 National Geographic Bee, he tried to find a single source that would list all the facts he felt he needed to know about every country in the world in a simple outline form. When he couldn't find one, he decided to make his own book. His hard work paid off. Not only did he win a $25,000 college scholarship, the National Geographic Society signed him up to publish his book!

Bee participants, hopefuls, and anyone else interested in geography will find a wealth of essential facts about each of the world's 193 independent countries (including Taiwan). The countries are arranged in alphabetical order. Facts about each are listed under bulleted headings, the same for each country. These categories include: continent, area, population, population density, capital city, key physical facts such as highest and lowest points, major mountain ranges and rivers, key regions, lakes, environmental hazards, climate, etc. Political information includes date of independence, bordering countries, administrative divisions, languages, religions, currency, major exports, current leader, major cities, natural resources, major agricultural products and more.

Each country features a country map prepared by National Geographic cartographers. The maps list major cities, rivers, mountains, and other features, as well as the names of bordering countries. To complete the package there is a world political map and a list of geographic comparisons.

Leslie Carter - VOYA

After winning the 2004 National Geographic Bee, Andrew Wojtanik was asked to write this study manual about the 192 countries of the world. Organized alphabetically by country, it provides facts about the physical, political, environmental, and economic conditions of each country. Included are peaks higher than 8,000 feet, rivers more than 100 miles long, and cities with a population of more than 1 million. Continent maps indicating each country's location open the guide, and a more detailed political map accompanies each country study. Wojtanik advises those students applying for the bee to use the guide as a companion tool along with a good, detailed atlas. The book will also stand on its own as a geographic reference tool. The glossary explains such terms as mistral, patois, and Coptic. There is also an appendix giving geographic extremes in the world such as the largest rain forest and the lowest point. Much of the information in the guide will not change quickly, but the inclusion of the current leaders of each country will make its usefulness in that area outdated almost overnight. Nevertheless this book will be a useful reference for both geographic bee contestants and geography researchers. VOYA CODES: 4Q 3P M J (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses; Will appeal with pushing; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9). 2005, National Geographic, 384p.; Glossary. Maps. Biblio., Trade pb. Ages 11 to 15.