World Almanac New Edition with Updated Facts and Reference Content

Praise for the previous editions:

“For the most information in one source, The World Almanac® remains the champion.” —American Library Association

“The World Almanac® is the most useful reference book known to modern man.”—Los Angeles Times

“The most versatile single volume, and probably the biggest bargain on the shelf.”—Esquire

The World Almanac® and Book of Facts is America’s top-selling reference book of all time, with more than 80 million copies sold. Published annually since 1868, this compendium of information is the source for all your entertainment, reference, and learning needs. Praised by The Wall Street Journal as a “treasure trove” of political, economic, scientific, and educational statistics and information. The World Almanac® contains thousands of facts not publicly available elsewhere. It has even been featured as a category on Jeopardy! and is routinely used as a go-to general study guide for aspiring game show contestants. Teachers can also use this fascinating reference to teach skimming and scanning techniques. The 2010 edition of The World Almanac® and Book of Facts answers your trivia questions. It covers history, sports, geography, pop culture, and more.

World Almanac® Features:

New and Timely Features

• 2009 Time Capsule – The World Almanac® lists 10 items that came to symbolize the year 2009. It ranges from serious items, like a $4,500 “cash-for-clunkers” voucher. It also includes silly items, like Jon and Kate’s divorce papers.
• The Bush Legacy — President George W. Bush’s time in office has ended. But his administration’s influence is still felt in U.S. policy and around the world. The World Almanac® offers a concise survey of the biggest changes during his tenure. These changes still affect the economy, health care, the courts, scientific research, and environmental policy. They also shape education and much more. Includes a review of major Bush-era policies and rules overturned in President Obama’s first months in office. It also covers the ones that weren’t.
• Swine Flu Coverage — Based on the latest scientific and public health information, The World Almanac® gives you key facts. It explains the 2009 swine flu outbreak. It tells you what to expect this flu season. It shows how to protect yourself. It also compares this new virus to past epidemics.
• Decade in Review — Each year, The World Almanac® highlights major events, old favorites, and lasting trends. It covers the past 10 years, from pop culture to politics, and from science to sports.

Returning Fan Favorites

• U.S. Colleges and Universities — Back by popular demand, The World Almanac® has updated its popular list of statistics. It covers public and private U.S. colleges and universities. It is an essential tool for college-bound students and their families. Complete with student enrollment, tuition costs, and room and board information on thousands of schools.
• Population Statistics for Cities over 10,000 People — Also back by popular demand, this unique compilation of essential population statistics, area codes, and ZIP codes for thousands of places in the U.S., is newly revised and updated with the latest census data.
• The World at a Glance — Fully revised and updated, this annual feature highlights surprising stats and curious facts that define the changing world today.
• Offbeat News Stories —The World Almanac® editors found some of the wackiest news stories of the year that are not only hilarious, but true! Find out which country requires its astronauts to be scar-less and cavity-free, and read about the scientific study that attempted to prove whether dogs are smarter than cats.
• World Series Results — Relive the 2009 World Series play-by-play and game-by-game. With 2009 individual batting and pitching statistics to give baseball junkies a jump-start on next year’s fantasy baseball draft.
• Year in Pictures — Striking images from around the world in 2009, covering news, pop culture, and sports. In full color!

Also available:

• The World Almanac® and Book of Facts 2010 10-pack paperback classroom set (ISBN: 978-1-60057-129-9. List price: $129.90)
• The World Almanac® and Book of Facts Standing Order Plans
• Teacher Resources (available for free at www.worldalmanac.com)

SPECS:
The World Almanac® and Book of Facts 2010
DECEMBER 2009
ISBN: 978-1-60057-126-8. Hardcover. List price: $34.95.
Black-and-white photographs. Three full-color inserts.
World Almanac®, an imprint of Infobase Publishing.