Book Review: Atlas Nacional de México

Summary

This review evaluates the National Atlas of Mexico, a three-volume cartographic work published in 1990 by UNAM’s Institute of Geography. The reviewer considers it a masterpiece combining professional craftsmanship, artistic style, and high printing quality, evidenced by some 50 historical facsimile maps. The atlas contains seven chapters covering general/historical cartography, history, society, natural phenomena, environmental aspects, economy, and Mexico in the world. The review focuses on Volume I, which has 46 double pages and 246 maps, mostly depicting demographic and social spatial differences based on the 1980 census. It notes minor technical problems, such as confusing map design, absolute values, restrictive migration definitions, and the misuse of “fecundidad” for “natalidad.” Overall, the atlas is a highly valuable instrument for revealing Mexico’s regional disparities.