Astute Press: 629 books

The Islamic Republic of Iran is one of the largest countries in the Middle East. Known as Persia to the world until 1935, Iran (the official name between 1935 and 1979, and the name by which the country is now called) is actually the 18th largest country in the world. Iraq is located to the west and...

Sweden's lovely and friendly west coast city, Gothenburg (also known as Göteborg) is the country’s second largest city (after Stockholm) and has over half-a-million residents. The city has a small city centre and most of its attractions can be seen during a relaxing stroll. Popular walks in...

Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark is known as a "friendly old girl of a town." Located on the Øresund strait, the city is close to Sweden and offers good shopping, culture and nightlife.  Copenhagen acts as a link between mainland Europe and Scandinavia and has impressive buildings,...

Located in the Atlantic Ocean, about 500 km off the coast of Senegal and Mauritania in Western Africa, is the archipelago of the Republic of Cabo Verde, popularly known as Cape Verde. This sunny collection of ten islands have been growing in popularity among tourists who visit from far afield. The...

If you are looking for a world-class wintersports location in western Canada then Whistler, British Columbia is your ticket. This Winter Olympics location is a scenic mountain area with snowy winters yet moderate temperatures. Visitors return here year after year.   TABLE OF CONTENTS:...

Surrounded by some of Norway’s most dramatic natural beauty, Stavanger is a favorite with nature lovers. The city – voted the 2008 European Capital of Culture – is also one of the most vibrant cities in Norway for its festivals, nightlife, and culinary scene.   Table of Contents:...

Lapland is not a country but it is actually a region that stretches across Finland, Russia, Norway and Sweden. Nearly all of Lapland falls within the Arctic Circle. The largest part of Lapland is in Finland, where approximately a quarter of the country is Lappish.  For thousands of years people...

Helsinki is an intimate city located on the Gulf of Finland in the country’s south, surrounded by water on three sides, and consisting of thousands of tiny islands, inlets and skerries. Regarded as a modern city that is known for its high quality design and technology, Helsinki can easily be explored...

Umea is the largest city in northern Sweden. Once just the unassuming capital of the Vasterbotten province, this university-town has recently gained international prominence after it was named as the European Capital of Culture for 2014. Umea is set in picture-postcard natural surroundings and has...

  Enjoy your trip to Italy with the Pompeii Travel Guide: Sights, Culture, Food, Shopping & Fun.   The Quick Trips to Italy Series provides key information about the best sights and experiences if you have just a few days to spend in the exciting destination of...

Basilicata is the beautiful, less-touristed region of  southern Italy, located between Calabria and Puglia (Apulia). It occupies the space of the "in-step" of the Italian peninsula's boot shape and lies between the Tyrrhenian and Ionian Seas.   Table of Contents: Basilicata...

Myanmar (also known as Burma) is an emerging tourist destination in Southeast Asia. It lies on the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea coast with Bangladesh and India to the west, China to the north, and Laos and Thailand to the east. The country vividly recalls the exotic air of adventure that once romanticised...

Situated in the heart of Southeast Asia, the tiny island nation of Singapore blends the contemporary high tech modern world with a rich history and a multicultural heritage.  Singapore is one of Asia’s most famous and popular destinations for business or pleasure. Located in the heart of Malaysia,...

Shanghai means “the city by the sea” and this Chinese city of superlatives is located on the Huangpu River on the east coast of China. The Huangpu River journies to the Yangtze River and divides Shanghai on its way. To the west is Puxi, the older part of the city. To the east is Pudong, a spectacular...