> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://guides.mapaction.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://guides.mapaction.org/core-products/reference-products/country-overview.md). # Country overview

Reference map of Sri Lanka

St Kitts and Nevis: Tropical Storm Philippe - Country overview

Perhaps one of the first maps that you may see in a response or if you are unfamiliar with a country. This map provides the simplest overview and orientation of a country, region or other geographical area providing an overview of the capital and other key cities, major roads and transport links and physical features such as rivers and lakes. ### Strategic or operational? Strategic and operational. ### Basemap, baseline or situational? Basemap. ### When might it be produced? These maps already exist but they can should be produced as early as possible. It should be a one off production, it can however be the basis for many other maps such as situational overview maps and many of the other thematic maps that can be produced. ### Intended audience Everyone. ### Influence on humanitarian decisions For new responders coming into a country that is new to them or at least unfamiliar it helps orientate them and familiarise themselves with the overall lie of the land. ### Methods Keep the map simple and only include key features such as the following: * National capital * Other major cities * Key roads, airports and seaports * Significant rivers and lakes Remember that this map can be used for many of the other maps so keep this in mind when you are designing. It is also an easy and useful map to add to a presentation slide for others to use or to add to a report to orientate the reader. You can keep the map title really simple, for example,"Reference map of Sri Lanka" or "Reference map of Eastern Europe". ### Data [Natural Earth Data](https://www.naturalearthdata.com/) is a clean simple dataset that is perfect to use for these maps. You may wish to supplement it with data from [OpenSteetMap](https://www.openstreetmap.org/) or [Humanitarian Data Exchange (HDX)](https://data.humdata.org/) where there might be more accurate data or administration boundaries that are being used by the humanitarian community. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://guides.mapaction.org/core-products/reference-products/country-overview.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.