M. Moscow Post . Un-ta, 1977. — 248 s. The paper systematically presents material on the history and theoretical problems of creating a soil map of the world and continents, discusses general problems of soil geography and the laws of the formation of the soil cover of the land of the globe. The soil cover of continents and the globe as a whole is described in detail on the basis of scientific representations and new kratographic materials. Land resources of the world, their use and potential, as well as problems of soil cover protection are considered. The history of the creation of a soil map of the world . Basic laws of the geography of the world's soils . Structure of the World's Soil Cover. Land cover of Asia. Land cover of Europe . Land cover of Africa . Land cover of Australia and New Zealand. Land Cover of North America . South American soil cover . Land resources of the world, their use and potential.