National Geographic Society,

National Geographic Society,
nonprofit scientific and educational organization, established in 1888 for the purpose of increasing and diffusing geographical knowledge. The society sponsors research projects and expeditions, particularly in the areas of archaeology, biology, and geography. Noteworthy studies and expeditions sponsored by the society include those of British-Kenyan Louis S. B. Leakey on early humans and humanlike creatures in east Africa and those of French marine explorer Jacques Yves Cousteau on aquatic life. The society has organized and funded a network of geographic alliances across the United States aimed at improving and expanding geography education in the classroom.

The society publishes National Geographic, a monthly journal for society members, as well as other magazines, books, and maps. The society also produces classroom and television programs, and educational games; and offers educational trips to its members. The society's headquarters is in Washington, D.C.


Geography may be divided into two fundamental branches: systematic and regional geography. Systematic geography is concerned with individual physical and cultural elements of the earth. Regional geography is concerned with various areas of the earth, particularly the unique combinations of physical and cultural features that characterize each region and distinguish one region from another. Because the division is based only on a difference in approach to geographic studies, the two branches are interdependent and are usually applied together. Each branch is divided into several fields that specialize in particular aspects of geography.