The Columbia Gazetteer of the World

the long version

"Taking into account the doubling of the world's population and massive geopolitical changes, this classic reference work has almost tripled in size. The first new edition since 1952 has greater inclusion of developing nations, as reflected by over 5,000 entries from Brazil alone. Entries include political divisions (states, provinces, capitals), the physical world (oceans, mountains, volcanoes), and special places (military bases, dams, national parks). The Columbia Gazetteer is a truly monumental work that will continue to serve as the starting place for any geography search."--"Outstanding Reference Sources : the 1999 Selection of New Titles", American Libraries, May 1999. Comp. by the Reference Sources Committee, RUSA, ALA.