Contemporary World Regional Geography provides a geographical study of world issues through analysis of nine world regions and the countries in each. It integrates the themes of "global connections" and "local voices" and is structured so that within each chapter the global and local tensions are discussed, as well as economic, political, cultural, social, historical, and environmental issues. Each chapter follows the same framework, allowing students to easily make comparisons from one world region to the next.

Interactive World Issues CD-ROM is packaged with every new text. This CD features five case studies (Oregon, China, South Africa, Mexico, and Chicago) and allows students to view videos, and complete inquiry-based exercises and mapping exercises.

Contemporary World Regional Geography is the recommended text for the popular world regional geography telecourse produced and distributed by Annenberg/CPB. The video tape series that is developed by Cambridge Studios for this telecourse ties directly to this text.