Do you think you know everything about the world we live in? If yes, then think again, because your ‘world’ is about to change.

Our World in Pictures: Countries, Cultures, People & Places, published by DK, would be responsible for that since it is a visually rich encyclopaedia for curious kids aged 9–12 and beyond. Ideal for those who prefer learning about the world the “non-internet” way, this 192-page book offers an engaging tour of all 196 countries.

The book is organised by continents into seven chapters, taking readers on a geographic journey. Each country has a full-colour map highlighting major cities and landmarks, and vibrant photographs of flags, animals, traditional dress, architecture and cuisine.

The book answers fascinating questions like: What is Nollywood? Which country has three capitals? Why does Canada’s flag feature a maple leaf? When did Islamabad replace Karachi as Pakistan’s capital? What are the ancient roots of Syria? How and when did South Sudan get independence from Sudan? Why was Swaziland renamed Eswatini?

You’ll also discover that baseball — widely popular in the US — is Cuba’s national sport, and that schoolchildren in Japan and Chile routinely participate in earthquake drills. From capitals to population, this book offers a rich, visual journey through the countries of the world.

Whether you’re curious about how many languages are spoken in a country or want to uncover the origins of its name, Our World in Pictures is a dependable, visually rich guide you’ll want by your side. While some countries share a page with others, the book maintains a balance, ensuring that essential facts aren’t lost or oversimplified.

With over 1,000 vivid images and easy-to-digest facts, this book is a perfect blend of learning and visual discovery, something DK has been doing for a long time now. No matter how big or small the country is, it gets proper coverage in the book, and you bet the information will surely stick with you for years to come.

The book’s design emphasises a highly visual approach to learning, combining colourful diagrams with infographic text boxes. This layout facilitates an engaging and accessible reading experience, making complex information digestible for young readers.

Our World in Pictures: Countries, Cultures, People & Places is an excellent introductory resource for young readers to explore global diversity. If you are stumped during a classroom discussion and your friend knows more about a country, this book can give you the edge. So, vacation or no vacation, you can travel anywhere, anytime now.

Published in Dawn, Young World, June 14, 2025