What is the primary publication of the National Geographic Society, and what is its frequency?

The primary publication of the National Geographic Society is the magazine titled *National Geographic*, which is published monthly. It was formerly known as *The National Geographic Magazine* and is sometimes branded as *Nat Geo*.

When was National Geographic magazine first published, and what was its initial purpose?

The first issue of *National Geographic* magazine was published on September 22, 1888, eight months after the founding of the National Geographic Society. Its initial purpose, as stated by Gardiner Greene Hubbard, was to "increase and diffuse geographic knowledge".

How did the content and style of National Geographic magazine evolve from its early days?

Initially a scholarly journal for 165 charter members, *National Geographic* began to transition in January 1905 by including extensive pictorial content, starting with full-page photographs of Tibet. By 1908, over half of the magazine's pages featured photographs, and its first color photos appeared in the 1910s, marking a shift towards its well-known visual style.

What is the distinctive visual characteristic of the National Geographic magazine?

The magazine is recognized for its distinctive appearance, which includes a thick, square-bound glossy format and a prominent yellow rectangular border on its cover.

What topics are generally covered in the features of National Geographic magazine?

The features in *National Geographic* generally cover topics related to geography, history, nature, science, and world culture.

How did National Geographic cover countries beyond the Iron Curtain during the Cold War?

During the Cold War, *National Geographic* aimed to present a balanced view of the physical and human geography of countries behind the Iron Curtain by downplaying politics and focusing on culture in its articles.

What was the magazine's approach to covering the Space Race?

In its coverage of the Space Race, *National Geographic* focused on the scientific achievements involved, largely avoiding references to the race's connection with the buildup of nuclear arms.

What changes occurred in National Geographic's editorial focus after 21st Century Fox acquired a controlling interest?

After 21st Century Fox acquired a controlling interest, the magazine became more outspoken on environmental issues, covering topics such as deforestation, chemical pollution, global warming, and endangered species. While it previously featured lengthy expositions, recent issues tend to include shorter articles.

Which photographer captured the iconic 1985 cover image of an Afghan girl, and who was the subject?

The iconic 1985 cover portrait of a 12-year-old Afghan refugee named Sharbat Gula was shot by photographer Steve McCurry and became one of the magazine's most recognizable images.

When was the children's version of the magazine, National Geographic Kids, first launched?

The children's version of the magazine, *National Geographic Kids*, was launched in 1975 under the name *National Geographic World*.

What was the circulation of National Geographic magazine at its peak in the late 1980s?

At its peak in the late 1980s, *National Geographic* magazine had 12 million subscribers in the United States and millions more internationally.

What significant changes did National Geographic undergo in 2023 regarding its staff and distribution?

In 2023, *National Geographic* laid off all its staff writers, shifting to a freelance-based model, and announced it would cease U.S. newsstand sales starting in 2024. This followed earlier layoffs of top editors in September 2022.

How has the ownership of National Geographic magazine changed over time?

Until 2015, the magazine was fully owned by the National Geographic Society. Since 2015, National Geographic Partners holds controlling interest, initially with 21st Century Fox and subsequently with The Walt Disney Company after its acquisition of 21st Century Fox in 2017.

What was the significance of the February 1982 cover controversy involving the Giza pyramids?

The February 1982 cover, which featured altered images of the Giza pyramids, marked one of the first major scandals of the digital photography age and contributed to a perceived waning credibility of photography.

What controversy surrounded the *Archaeoraptor* fossil featured in the magazine in 1999?

In 1999, *National Geographic* published an article about the *Archaeoraptor* fossil, claiming it linked birds to dinosaurs. However, the fossil was later revealed to be a forgery.

How did National Geographic acknowledge its past coverage regarding race in 2018?

In March 2018, then-Editor-in-Chief Susan Goldberg stated that the magazine's historical coverage had been racist, noting that it often ignored non-white Americans and portrayed groups as exotic, thereby reinforcing racial clichés.

What role did National Geographic maps play during World War II?

During World War II, the National Geographic Society provided access to its photographs, maps, and cartographic details to U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt to aid in the war effort.

How were National Geographic maps utilized in the division of the Korean peninsula?

In 1945, U.S. Army colonels Dean Rusk and Charles Bonesteel used a National Geographic map to partition the Korean peninsula along the 38th parallel.

What milestone occurred in 1910 regarding the magazine's front cover design?

In February 1910, the magazine's front cover design was updated to include a yellow oak leaf border illustration, a design that, with minor changes, remained its primary look until June 1959.

When did National Geographic begin publishing in color photography, and what technology was involved?

The magazine began featuring color photography in the early 1930s. Later, in the mid-1930s, photographers like Luis Marden began using 35mm Leica cameras with Kodachrome film, which became the preferred film stock for decades.

What was the significance of the July 1959 cover of National Geographic?

The July 1959 issue featured the first photograph on the magazine's cover, depicting the 49-star flag of the United States after Alaska's statehood, taken by B. Anthony Stewart.

When did National Geographic start publishing its first local language edition, and which language was it?

In April 1995, *National Geographic* launched its first local language edition in Japanese. Currently, it is published in 29 local editions worldwide.

What was the first map supplement provided by National Geographic Maps, and when was it published?

The first map supplement, titled 'The Western Theatre of War,' was published in the May 1918 issue of the magazine, serving as a reference for military personnel and their families.

How did National Geographic's sponsorship of expeditions contribute to geographical discovery?

The magazine's sponsored expeditions have led to significant discoveries, such as the mapping of Mount Saint Elias and the discovery of Canada's highest peak, Mount Logan, during an expedition led by Geologist Dr. Israel Russell in 1890.

What notable achievements did National Geographic Society-sponsored expeditions facilitate in the early 20th century?

The Society sponsored Robert E. Peary's expedition that claimed discovery of the North Pole in 1909, and Richard E. Byrd's first flight over the South Pole in 1929, documenting vast areas of Antarctica.

What was the magazine's first major award for its written content, and for which article?

In 2008, *National Geographic* won a National Magazine Award for reporting for Peter Hessler's article on the Chinese economy.

How many National Magazine Awards had the magazine won by 2011?

Between 1980 and 2011, *National Geographic* magazine had won a total of 24 National Magazine Awards.

What distinction did National Geographic receive from the American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME) in 2011?

In 2011, *National Geographic* magazine received the top ASME award, the Magazine of the Year Award, in addition to winning awards for photojournalism and essay in previous years.

What controversy arose from the October 1988 issue's cover photograph?

The October 1988 issue featured an ivory portrait of a male, whose authenticity and alleged Ice Age provenance have been questioned.

What was the outcome of the *Greenberg v. National Geographic* lawsuit regarding the magazine's electronic archive?

The magazine was sued over copyright issues concerning its electronic collection of past issues, *The Complete National Geographic*. Although temporarily withdrawn, the magazine eventually prevailed in the dispute, and the archive was later resumed.

What significant change in distribution occurred in the United States starting in January 2024?

Beginning with the January 2024 issue, *National Geographic* became available in the United States exclusively to subscribers, ending newsstand sales which had ceased in 2023.

How did National Geographic cover the Soviet Union and Communist China during the Cold War?

During the Cold War, articles about the Soviet Union and Communist China deliberately downplayed politics to focus on their respective cultures, presenting a more balanced view of their geography.

What is the current status of the Russian-language edition of National Geographic?

Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Russian version of *National Geographic* was discontinued in April 2022. Its former publication team subsequently launched a new publication called *Russian Traveler*.

What was the first milestone achieved in cartography by National Geographic magazine?

The first cartographic milestone was the publication of a topographic relief map of Africa in the April 1889 issue, created by Herbert G. Ogden. This was followed by the first fold-out map in October 1889 and the first map of a hurricane in May 1890.

When did National Geographic begin using 35mm film for its photography, and what film stock was notably used?

In 1938, the magazine began using 35mm film, specifically Kodak's Kodachrome, which became the preferred film stock for decades and was used for photographs of Austrian dancers in the April 1938 issue.

What was the first instance of underwater photography published in National Geographic?

The first natural underwater photographs were published in the January 1927 issue, depicting a Hogfish in the Florida Keys, captured by Charles Martin and W. H. Longley.

What milestone did Jane Goodall's research represent for National Geographic in 1961?

In 1961, Jane Goodall began her Society-funded research on chimpanzees in Tanzania's Gombe Stream Park. Her findings were published throughout the latter half of the 20th century, highlighting the magazine's support for significant scientific research.

What was the significance of the December 1970 article on pollution?

Published in December 1970 and photographed by James P. Blair, the article 'Pollution, Threat to Man's Only Home' marked a shift in the magazine's focus towards photojournalistically stronger images, moving away from purely aesthetic photography.

What was the first all-digital photography featured in a National Geographic article?

The first article to feature all-digital photography was 'The Future of Flying,' published in the December 2003 issue, which showcased the F/A-22 Raptor and was photographed by Joe McNally.

What did the National Geographic Society's flag achieve in 1962 and 1969?

In 1962, the Society's flag was transported by John Glenn on the first U.S. orbital space flight aboard NASA's Mercury-Atlas 6. In 1969, Apollo 11 astronauts carried the flag to the moon.

When did National Geographic launch its official website?

The official website, nationalgeographic.com, was launched on the World Wide Web in 1996.

What was the first instance of a woman writing and photographing for National Geographic magazine?

Eliza R. Scidmore was the first woman to write an article, 'Young Japan,' and capture photographs for the magazine, both appearing in the July 1914 issue.

What was the magazine's circulation in the US as of 2024?

As of June 30, 2024, the magazine's combined U.S. and international circulation was approximately 1.65 million. The U.S. circulation specifically was reported as 1,980,103 in 2024.

What is the current status of National Geographic's Instagram page?

As of November 2024, *National Geographic*'s Instagram page has 280 million followers, making it the third most followed account that does not belong to an individual celebrity.

What was the magazine's stance on environmental issues after its acquisition by 21st Century Fox?

Following the acquisition of controlling interest by 21st Century Fox, *National Geographic* became outspoken on environmental issues, publishing articles on deforestation, chemical pollution, global warming, and endangered species.

What award did National Geographic win in 2020 for its digital presence?

In 2020, *National Geographic* won the Webby Award and the Webby People's Voice Award for News & Magazines in the Apps, Mobile & Voice category for its website, and also won the Webby Award for Magazine in the Web category.

What was the first major design change to the National Geographic cover after its initial yellow border design?

In the February 1910 issue, the cover design changed to feature a yellow oak leaf border, which became the standard design until June 1959. Later, in 1979, the oak leaf border was removed, making the yellow border more prominent.

What was the first instance of National Geographic publishing a map of a hurricane?

The first map of a hurricane, depicted as a drawing, was published in the May 1890 issue, illustrating the September 1888 Atlantic hurricanes.

How did National Geographic's coverage of specific countries or themes evolve over time?

Occasionally, entire issues of *National Geographic* were dedicated to a single country, a past civilization, a threatened natural resource, or other specific themes, reflecting a deeper dive into particular subjects.

What was the first sponsored scientific expedition documented by National Geographic, and what discovery did it lead to?

The first sponsored scientific expedition, led by Geologist Dr. Israel Russell in 1890, resulted in the mapping of the Mount Saint Elias region and the discovery of Mount Logan, Canada's highest peak. The findings were published in the July 1902 issue.

What was the magazine's response to the 2014 annexation of Crimea?

After the annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014, *National Geographic* published maps that marked the Crimean peninsula as 'contested,' which deviated from international norms.

National Geographic Wiki: National Geographic: Charting Our World

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

When you are ready...
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮

About National Geographic

Iconic Publication

National Geographic, often known as Nat Geo, is a distinguished American monthly magazine published by National Geographic Partners. Established in 1888 as a scholarly journal, it has evolved into a globally recognized popular magazine renowned for its extensive use of photography and its coverage of geography, history, nature, science, and world culture.

Distinctive Identity

The magazine is instantly recognizable by its signature thick, square-bound glossy format, prominently featuring a distinctive yellow rectangular border on its cover. This visual identity has been a hallmark of the publication for decades, symbolizing its commitment to quality and exploration.

Global Reach

Initially a journal for 165 charter members, National Geographic now reaches millions worldwide each month. It is published in numerous local-language editions, extending its influence and mission of increasing and diffusing geographic knowledge across diverse cultures and continents.

A Legacy of Exploration: History

Genesis and Evolution

Founded in October 1888, just nine months after the establishment of the National Geographic Society, the magazine began as a scholarly journal. Its transformation into a visually rich publication commenced in 1905 with the inclusion of full-page photographs, a style that would define its future. The magazine's commitment to presenting a balanced view of global geography and culture, even during the Cold War, solidified its unique position.

Ownership and Partnerships

For over a century, the National Geographic Society wholly owned and managed the magazine. However, since 2015, a controlling interest has been held by National Geographic Partners, a joint venture that has seen further integration with entities like Disney Publishing Worldwide following acquisitions.

Adapting to Change

While circulation peaked in the late 1980s, the magazine has navigated the evolving media landscape. Recent years have seen shifts, including a move towards a freelance writing model and the discontinuation of U.S. newsstand sales, reflecting broader industry trends.

The Art of Seeing: Photography

Visual Storytelling

National Geographic is celebrated globally for its exceptional photography, which often forms the narrative backbone of its articles. The magazine pioneered the use of color photography and has consistently set high standards for photojournalism, capturing the beauty and complexity of the world.

1890: First photograph of a natural scene (Herald Island).
1908: Photographs constitute over half the magazine's pages.
1914: First color photograph published (Autochrome process).
1938: Adoption of 35mm Kodachrome film, revolutionizing field photography.
1959: First photograph featured on the magazine's cover.
1985: Steve McCurry's iconic "Afghan Girl" portrait becomes a global symbol.
2003: First article featuring entirely digital photography.

Influential Images

Beyond technical milestones, National Geographic has produced images that have profoundly impacted public perception and cultural discourse. The magazine's commitment to capturing compelling narratives through visuals has made it a benchmark in the field of photojournalism.

Mapping the World: Cartography

Cartographic Excellence

The National Geographic Society's Cartographic Division, established in 1915, has been integral to the magazine's mission. Supplementing articles, these maps provide detailed geographical context, often becoming valuable historical documents themselves.

1889: First topographic relief map published.
1889: First fold-out map detailing the Meadow Creek Mountains.
1890: First map illustrating hurricane paths.
1891: First color map, depicting South America.
1918: First supplement map, "The Western Theatre of War," for WWI personnel.
2001: Release of an eight-CD-ROM set containing all maps from 1888 to December 2000.

Historical Significance

National Geographic maps have played significant roles in historical events, from informing President Roosevelt during WWII to marking strategic boundaries. Their accuracy and detail have made them trusted resources for governments and the public alike.

Global Voices: Language Editions

Worldwide Presence

National Geographic is published in numerous local-language editions, fostering a global community of readers. The first local edition was in Japanese, launched in April 1995. Currently, it is available in dozens of languages across continents.

The magazine maintains active editions in languages including Arabic, Bulgarian, Chinese (Mainland and Taiwan), Czech, Dutch, French, Georgian, German, Hungarian, Hebrew, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Kazakh, Korean, Lithuanian, Polish, Portuguese, Slovene, Spanish, Thai, and English (UK).

Discontinued editions include Mongolian, Greek, Ukrainian, Azerbaijani, Latvian, Farsi, Brazilian Portuguese, Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, Finnish, Romanian, Estonian, Indian English, Russian, Turkish, Croatian, and Serbian.

Cultural Exchange

These localized editions not only translate content but also often feature locally relevant stories and photography, enriching the global narrative and promoting cultural understanding. Some editions, like the Chinese and Persian versions, even adapt the iconic yellow border logo.

Milestones of Impact

Writing & Photography

From its inception, National Geographic has been at the forefront of journalistic and photographic innovation, documenting human endeavors and the natural world.

Key Milestones: Writing & Photography
Year	Milestone	Notes
1888	First Publication	October issue, cost 50 cents.
1908	Photography Dominance	Over half of pages feature photographs.
1914	First Color Photo	Autochrome of a Ghent flower garden.
1985	Afghan Girl	Iconic portrait by Steve McCurry.

Key Milestones: Expeditions
Year	Milestone	Notes
1890	First Expedition	Survey of Mount Saint Elias, discovery of Mount Logan.
1909	North Pole Discovery	Robert Peary's expedition reported.
1929	South Pole Flight	Richard E. Byrd's aerial survey.
1961	Jane Goodall's Research	Study of chimpanzees in Tanzania.

Design & Digital

From its iconic yellow border to its robust online presence, National Geographic has consistently evolved its design and digital strategy.

Key Milestones: Design & Digital
Year	Milestone	Notes
1910	Cover Design	Introduction of the yellow oak leaf border.
1959	Title Evolution	"Magazine" dropped from the title.
1996	Website Launch	nationalgeographic.com goes live.

Accolades and Recognition

National Magazine Awards

National Geographic has garnered numerous prestigious National Magazine Awards, recognizing excellence in reporting, photojournalism, and overall editorial quality. It has received multiple awards for general excellence and specific categories like essay and tablet editions.

Multiple awards for Reporting (e.g., Peter Hessler on China's economy).
Awards for Photojournalism (e.g., John Stanmeyer on malaria).
Recognition for General Excellence and Magazine of the Year.
Awards for best tablet and website editions.

Industry Recognition

The magazine's commitment to high-quality content has been consistently acknowledged by industry bodies. Its visual storytelling and journalistic integrity have earned it a reputation as a leading publication worldwide.

Navigating Challenges: Controversies

Photographic Integrity

National Geographic has faced scrutiny regarding photographic manipulation. Notable instances include the alteration of the Giza pyramids on its 1982 cover and the Archaeoraptor fossil scandal in 1999, highlighting the challenges of maintaining credibility in the digital age.

Representation and Bias

In 2018, the magazine's editor-in-chief acknowledged historical issues with racist coverage, including the marginalization of non-white Americans and the perpetuation of racial stereotypes. This admission marked a commitment to addressing past shortcomings.

Cartographic Sensitivity

The magazine's cartographic representations have also drawn attention, such as the controversial mapping of Crimea as "contested" following its annexation, reflecting the complexities of geopolitical reporting.

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio

Click here to open the "National Geographic" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about national_geographic while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.

Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

Explore More Topics

Discover other topics to study!

metallurgy

union femenina de colombia

sociology

edward johnson general

mugger crocodile

parliament of india

pro football hall of fame

john spottiswoode

praeneste fibula

iron

References

A full list of references for this article are available at the National Geographic Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Important Disclaimer

Information Accuracy and Scope

This content has been generated by an AI based on publicly available data from Wikipedia. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and adherence to the source material, it is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The information may not be entirely comprehensive, up-to-date, or free from interpretation.

This is not an official publication of National Geographic. The information provided is not a substitute for consulting official National Geographic resources or engaging with qualified professionals in journalism, photography, or cartography. Always refer to primary sources for critical information.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors, omissions, or actions taken based on the information presented herein.

National Geographic

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

About National Geographic ℹ️

🌟 Iconic Publication

🗂️ Distinctive Identity

🌐 Global Reach

A Legacy of Exploration: History ⏳

📜 Genesis and Evolution

🤝 Ownership and Partnerships

📰 Adapting to Change

The Art of Seeing: Photography 📸

🖼️ Visual Storytelling

💡 Influential Images

Mapping the World: Cartography 🗺️

📍 Cartographic Excellence

🏛️ Historical Significance

Global Voices: Language Editions 🗣️

🌍 Worldwide Presence

🤝 Cultural Exchange

Milestones of Impact 🚀

✍️ Writing & Photography

🧭 Sponsored Expeditions

🎨 Design & Digital

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

🏅 National Magazine Awards

⭐ Industry Recognition

Navigating Challenges: Controversies ⚠️

📸 Photographic Integrity

🌍 Representation and Bias

🗺️ Cartographic Sensitivity

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

True or False? 🤔

❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

Gamer's Corner 🎮

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Explore More Topics

📜 Discover other topics to study!

References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Important Disclaimer ⚖️

📜 Information Accuracy and Scope

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

About National Geographic

Iconic Publication

Distinctive Identity

Global Reach

A Legacy of Exploration: History

Genesis and Evolution

Ownership and Partnerships

Adapting to Change

The Art of Seeing: Photography

Visual Storytelling

Influential Images

Mapping the World: Cartography

Cartographic Excellence

Historical Significance

Global Voices: Language Editions

Worldwide Presence

Cultural Exchange

Milestones of Impact

Writing & Photography

Sponsored Expeditions

Design & Digital

Accolades and Recognition

National Magazine Awards

Industry Recognition

Navigating Challenges: Controversies

Photographic Integrity

Representation and Bias

Cartographic Sensitivity

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Important Disclaimer

Information Accuracy and Scope