Geography

Alto Paraguay Department Alto Paraguay Alto Paraguay is a sparsely populated department in northern Paraguay, covering parts of the Gran Chaco and Pantanal wetlands. Its capital is Fuerte Olimpo; economy focuses on catt…

Alto Paraná Department (Paraguay) Alto Paraná Department Alto Paraná is an eastern department of Paraguay with capital Ciudad del Este. It is a hub for cross‑border trade, hydroelectric power (Itaipu), agriculture and subtropical forest…

Altötting (district) Altötting is a Landkreis (district) in southeastern Bavaria, Germany, on the Austrian border; known for the pilgrimage town Altötting, the Inn River valley and historic towns such…

Älvsborg County (Älvsborgs län) — historic Swedish county (1634–1997) Älvsborg County Former administrative county in western Sweden, established in 1634 with seat in Vänersborg and merged into Västra Götaland County at the end of 1997.

Alytus County Alytus County (Alytaus apskritis) is a southern Lithuanian region centered on the city of Alytus. It is known for forests, lakes, spa towns, and cultural links to the Dzūkija regio…

Alzette — river of Luxembourg and northeastern France Alzette The Alzette (Luxembourgish Uelzecht, German Alzig) is a river rising in France and flowing through Luxembourg to join the Sauer; notable for towns along its course and its appearan…

Alzey-Worms: district of Rhineland-Palatinate — geography, history, economy Alzey-Worms Alzey-Worms is a rural district in Rhineland-Palatinate, western Germany, centered on Alzey. Known for vineyards, agriculture and historical towns, its eastern edge follows the Rhi…

Amambay Department (Paraguay) Amambay Amambay is a northern Paraguayan department centered on Pedro Juan Caballero, known for its hill range, mixed forests, cross‑border trade with Brazil and cultural ties to the Guara…

Amami Islands Subtropical island chain in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan, with Ryukyuan-influenced culture, endemic wildlife (including the Amami rabbit), subtropical forests and coral reefs, and a…

Amapá: Brazil’s Northern Rainforest State Amapá Amapá is a sparsely populated, rainforest-covered state in northern Brazil bordering French Guiana and the Atlantic. It became a Brazilian state in 1988 and is important for biodiv…

Amărăștii de Jos — commune in Dolj County, Romania Amărăștii de Jos Amărăștii de Jos is a rural commune in Dolj County, southwestern Romania. This article outlines its location, administrative role, economy, history and typical local features of Ro…

Amărăștii de Sus — commune in Dolj County, Romania Amărăștii de Sus Amărăștii de Sus is a rural commune in Dolj County, in the Oltenia region of Romania. The article summarizes its setting, administration, economy, history, cultural life and local…

Amaravati River — longest tributary of the Kaveri in western Tamil Nadu Amaravati River The Amaravati River rises at the Manjampatti Valley border, flows c.282 km through Kerala–Tamil Nadu uplands and plains, supports irrigation, a dam with hydropower, local ecosystem…

Amazon — river, rainforest, company, and cultural meanings Amazon Comprehensive overview of Amazon: the South American river and rainforest, the global e-commerce and cloud company, the mythical Amazons, and their environmental, historical, and c…

Amazon Basin: geography, ecology, history and conservation Amazon basin Comprehensive overview of the Amazon Basin: its geography, river system, rainforest biodiversity, human presence, ecological importance, threats and conservation efforts.

Amazon rainforest (Amazonia): geography, ecology, history and threats Amazon rainforest The Amazon rainforest spans the Amazon Basin across nine countries. This article outlines its geography, biodiversity, cultural history, ecosystem services, uses, and the principal…

Amazon River (Rio Amazonas) Amazon River The Amazon River is the world's largest river by discharge, flowing from the Andes east across South America's tropical forests to the Atlantic; central to biodiversity, culture, t…

Amazonas: the name and places of the Amazon region Amazonas Amazonas is the name given to several South American political subdivisions and to the greater Amazon region, linked by rainforest, river systems, indigenous peoples, and shared en…

Amazonas (Brazilian state): geography, rivers, people, economy and conservation Amazonas (Brazilian state) Amazonas is Brazil's largest state, home to vast rainforest, the Amazon River basin, Manaus, diverse Indigenous peoples, and important conservation and economic zones.

Amazonas (Venezuela): geography, peoples, ecology and economy Amazonas (Venezuela) Amazonas is a vast, sparsely populated state in southern Venezuela, known for extensive rainforest, high indigenous population, rich biodiversity and river networks centered on Pue…

Amazonas Department (Colombia) Amazonas Department Amazonas is the southernmost department of Colombia, a vast rainforest region drained by the Amazon River basin, with Leticia as its capital and a strong presence of indigenous com…

Amazonas Region (Peru): geography, history, culture and attractions Amazonas Region Peru's Amazonas Region is a mountainous and forested area in the country's north. Its capital is Chachapoyas. The region combines Andean highlands, cloud forests and Amazonian land…

Ambedkar Nagar district, Uttar Pradesh, India Ambedkar Nagar district Ambedkar Nagar is a district in eastern Uttar Pradesh, India, with headquarters at Akbarpur. Named for B. R. Ambedkar, it has a mixed economy of agriculture, textiles and small ind…

Amberg-Sulzbach Amberg-Sulzbach is a rural district (Landkreis) in the Upper Palatinate of Bavaria, Germany, noted for the Vils valley, mixed industry, forests and historic small towns; administra…

American River (California): course, history, ecology, and recreation American River The American River rises in the Sierra Nevada and flows west to the Sacramento River. Known for its Gold Rush history, Folsom Lake and Dam, salmon runs, and extensive recreational…

The Americas: geography, peoples, and historical overview Americas Continents and regions of the Western Hemisphere — North and South America, their islands, major cultural distinctions, and a brief history of naming and settlement.

Amhara Region, Ethiopia Amhara Region Amhara Region is a highland region of northern Ethiopia, the historic homeland of the Amhara people, notable for Lake Tana, the Blue Nile, Semien Mountains and several UNESCO World…

Ammerland: district in northwestern Lower Saxony, Germany Ammerland Ammerland is a rural district in northwestern Lower Saxony, Germany, noted for horticulture, rhododendron parks, spa tourism and its proximity to the city and district of Oldenburg…

Ampato (Andean stratovolcano in southern Peru) Ampato Ampato is a prominent stratovolcano in southern Peru's Andes, known for its high summit, glaciation, archaeological finds and proximity to active volcanoes in the Central Volcanic…

Amroha district (formerly Jyotiba Phule Nagar) Amroha district Amroha district in Uttar Pradesh, India: overview of geography, history, administration, economy, culture and transport, with key distinctions and contemporary profile.

Amu Darya (Oxus) — Major River of Central Asia Amu Darya The Amu Darya, historically called the Oxus, is a principal river of Central Asia formed by the confluence of the Vakhsh and Panj; it has shaped regional history, irrigation, and m…

Amundsen Sea: Antarctic embayment and its role in ice dynamics Amundsen Sea Arm of the Southern Ocean off Marie Byrd Land. Mostly ice-covered, it receives major West Antarctic ice drainage and is a focus of research because of rapid glacier change and sea‑…

Amur River (Heilongjiang) — Major River of Northeast Asia Amur River The Amur (Heilongjiang) is a major Northeast Asian river forming part of the China–Russia border. It flows east to the Pacific, supports diverse ecosystems, and has long geopolitic…

Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Remote Aboriginal-owned lands in northwestern South Australia, held by Aṉangu peoples; noted for desert landscapes, cultural significance, art centres, recognized native title and…

Anantapur district (Anantapuram) — Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh Anantapur district District in the Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh, India. Headquarters at Anantapur city. Semi-arid, historically important, noted for Lepakshi temple, Dharmavaram silk and Putt…

Anantnag District — natural landscape, heritage and administration Anantnag District Anantnag District in the Kashmir Valley of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India: geography, history, economy, administration, and notable sites including Pahalgam and Ma…

Anatolia (Asia Minor): Geography, History and Cultural Legacy Anatolia Anatolia, or Asia Minor, is the Asian part of modern Turkey. This article outlines its geography, climate, major historical peoples, cultural importance and notable sites from anti…

Ancash Region, Peru Ancash Region Ancash is a coastal‑Andean region in north‑central Peru, noted for the Cordillera Blanca, Huaraz valley, Huascarán National Park, mining, agriculture and important archaeological s…

Anchorage (maritime) — place where a vessel is anchored Anchorage A maritime anchorage is a location where vessels drop anchor to hold position. This article explains types, characteristics, history, uses, regulations and differences from berths…

Ancient Armenia: geography, kingdoms, culture, and legacy Ancient Armenia Survey of Ancient Armenia: its landscape on the Armenian Highlands, major kingdoms, cultural achievements, Christianization, monuments, and how historical Armenia differs from the…

Ancient Greece: history, society, and legacy Ancient Greece A concise overview of Ancient Greek civilization: its geography, political systems, cultural achievements, historical periods, and enduring influence on later societies.

Ancient Libya: geography, peoples and historical significance Ancient Libya Ancient Libya was the classical term for North Africa west of the Nile. This article outlines its geography, inhabitants, interactions with Greeks, Phoenicians and Romans, and how…

Ancohuma (mountain in Bolivia) Ancohuma Ancohuma is a 6,427 m glaciated peak in Bolivia's Cordillera Real of the Andes, noted for mountaineering, nearby Illampu, and its role in local watersheds and Andean landscapes.

Andalusia (Andalucía): Southern Spain's populous, historic region Andalusia Andalusia is a large autonomous community in southern Spain, noted for its Moorish heritage, flamenco culture, varied landscapes from coasts to mountains, and an economy driven by…

Andaman Islands An Indian archipelago in the Bay of Bengal known for tropical forests, coral reefs, distinct indigenous communities, colonial history, and a growing tourism economy under conservat…

Andaman Sea — Geography, Ecology, and Human Use Andaman Sea The Andaman Sea, a northeastern extension of the Indian Ocean, lies between Myanmar, Thailand and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is noted for its shallow northern shelf, coral…

Andelfingen District (Canton of Zürich, Switzerland) Andelfingen District Administrative district in the German-speaking part of the canton of Zürich, characterized by rural towns, vineyards, the Thur valley and local industry; seat at the town of Andelf…

Andelsbuch — municipality in the Bregenzerwald region of Vorarlberg, Austria Andelsbuch Andelsbuch is a market municipality in the Bregenzerwald area of Vorarlberg, Austria, known for its timber architecture, craft traditions and alpine landscape.