Globalization describes the growing connections among economies, societies and people through trade, technology, finance, migration, culture and communication. It has created major opportunities while also increasing interdependence. Trade and Supply ChainsProducts can cross multiple borders before reaching consumers. This specialization can lower costs and increase choice, but disruptions in one region can affect businesses elsewhere. Technology and InformationThe internet a

A world map is more than a picture of continents. Geography influences trade routes, climate, population distribution, security, resources and the strategic importance of countries and regions. The ContinentsAsia is the largest and most populous continent, while Africa has one of the world’s fastest-growing populations. Europe, North America, South America, Australia and Antarctica each have distinctive physical and political characteristics. The Major OceansThe Pacific, Atla

International travel connects people, businesses and cultures across borders. Behind a holiday or business trip is a complex system involving airlines, airports, visas, hotels, tourism workers and border authorities. Airports as Global HubsMajor airports connect regional routes with long-distance international networks. Hub-and-spoke systems allow airlines to combine passengers from many origins into larger long-haul services. Visas and Border ControlsCountries set their own

Modern economies depend on trade networks that connect factories, farms, ports, warehouses, retailers and consumers across borders. A single product can involve many countries before reaching its final buyer. From Production to ConsumerInternational trade can involve raw materials from one country, components from another and final assembly somewhere else. Shipping, customs, insurance, finance and digital systems connect these stages. Ports and Shipping RoutesContainer ports