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{{Short description|American scientific organization}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2020}}
{{Use American English|date=April 2025}}
{{Infobox organization
| name                     = National Geographic Society
| logo                     = National Geographic Society mark.svg
| logo_caption             = Logo as of 2021
| image                    = National Geographic Society Administration Building.JPG
| caption                  = The [[National Geographic Society Headquarters|National Geographic Society's Administration Building]] in [[Washington, D.C.]]
| abbreviation             = 
| formation                = {{start date and age|1888|01|13}}
| founder                  = 
| type                     = [[501(c)(3) organization|501(c)(3)]], [[charitable organization]]<ref name="Open990-NatGeoSoc">{{Cite web |title=NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY {{!}} Open990 |url=https://www.open990.org/org/530193519/national-geographic-society/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210321013434/https://www.open990.org/org/530193519/national-geographic-society/ |archive-date=2021-03-21 |access-date=2021-03-21 |website=www.open990.org}}</ref>
| tax_id                   = 53-0193519<ref name="Open990-NatGeoSoc"/>
| purpose                  = {{Plainlist|
* [[Education]]
* [[Environmental protection]]
* [[Historical preservation]]
  }}
| headquarters             = [[National Geographic Society Headquarters|1145 17th Street Washington, D.C., U.S.]]
| coords                   = {{Coord|38.9051|-77.0379|type:landmark_region:US-DC|display=title,inline}}
| region_served            = Worldwide
| leader_title             = Chairman
| leader_name              = [[Jean Case|Jean M. Case]]
| leader_title2            = CEO
| leader_name2             = [[Jill Tiefenthaler]]
| main_organ               = Board of Trustees
| subsidiaries             = [[National Geographic Partners]] (27%)
| website                  = {{URL|www.nationalgeographic.org}}
}}
[[File:National Geographic Society Flag.svg|thumb|right|Flag of the National Geographic Society]]
The '''National Geographic Society''', headquartered in [[Washington, D.C.]], United States, is one of the largest [[nonprofit]] scientific and [[education]]al organizations in the world.<ref name="claim">{{cite book |last=Yeadon |first=David |author-link= |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HwUKAQAAMAAJ |title=National Geographic Guide to the World's Secret Places |date=2004 |publisher=[[National Geographic]] |isbn=0792265645 |access-date=August 16, 2022}}</ref>

Founded in 1888, its interests include [[geography]], [[archaeology]], [[natural science]], the promotion of [[environmental protection|environmental]] and [[historical preservation|historical]] [[conservation movement|conservation]], and the study of [[civilization|world culture]] and [[World history (field)|history]]. The National Geographic Society's logo is a yellow [[page orientation|portrait]] frame—rectangular in shape—which appears on the [[Margin (typography)|margins]] surrounding the front covers of its magazines and as its television channel logo. Through [[National Geographic Partners]] (a joint venture with [[The Walt Disney Company]]), the Society operates the [[National Geographic|magazine]], [[National Geographic Global Networks|TV channels]], a website, worldwide events, and other media operations.

== Overview ==
[[File:Dancer of the Cafes NGM-v31-p269.jpg|thumb|A dancer of the cafes, [[Algeria]], 1917 photograph from ''National Geographic Magazine'']]

The National Geographic Society was founded on January 13, 1888 "to increase and diffuse geographic knowledge".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jan 13, 1888 CE: National Geographic Society Founded {{!}} National Geographic Society |url=https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/national-geographic-society-founded |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531170505/https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/national-geographic-society-founded/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 31, 2022 |access-date=2022-07-11 |website=education.nationalgeographic.org}}</ref> It is governed by a board of trustees whose 33 members include distinguished educators, business executives, former government officials and [[Conservation movement|conservationists]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Our Story |url=https://www.nationalgeographic.org/society/our-story/ |access-date=2022-10-09 |website=National Geographic Society |language=en-US}}</ref> The organization sponsors and funds scientific research and exploration. National Geographic maintains a museum for the public in its Washington, D.C., headquarters.

It has helped to sponsor popular traveling exhibits, such as the early 2010s ''[[Tutankhamun|King Tut]]'' exhibit featuring artifacts from the tomb of the young [[Ancient Egypt|Egyptian]] [[Pharaoh]]. The Education Foundation gives grants to education organizations and individuals to improve geography education.<ref name=ngef>{{cite web |url=https://www.nationalgeographic.com/foundation/about.html |title=National Geographic Education Foundation |publisher=National Geographic Society |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060603020441/http://www.nationalgeographic.com/foundation/about.html |archive-date=June 3, 2006  }}</ref> The Committee for Research and Exploration has awarded more than 11,000 grants for scientific research and exploration.

National Geographic has retail stores in Washington, D.C., London, Sydney, and Panama. The locations outside of the United States are operated by [[Worldwide Retail Store]] S.L., a Spanish holding company.

The Society's media arm is [[National Geographic Partners]], a joint venture between [[The Walt Disney Company]] and the Society, which publishes a journal, ''[[National Geographic (magazine)|National Geographic]]'' in English and nearly 40 local-language editions. It also publishes other magazines, books, school products, maps, and Web and film products in numerous languages and countries. National Geographic's various media properties reach more than 280 million people monthly.<ref name=statedept>{{cite web |url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/p/io/unesco/members/48805.htm |title=National Geographic Society |publisher=U.S. Department of State}}</ref> Its efforts are supported by a wide range of individual, charitable, governmental and corporate donors, including the [[Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation]], [[Gates Foundation]], [[Lockheed Martin]], [[Pfizer]], [[National Endowment for the Humanities]] and many others.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016 |title=The Power of Philanthropy |url=https://media.nationalgeographic.org/assets/file/2016_Annual_Report_DONOR_LIST_FINAL.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220510054615/https://media.nationalgeographic.org/assets/file/2016_Annual_Report_DONOR_LIST_FINAL.pdf |archive-date=2022-05-10 |access-date=2022-05-10 |website=National Geographic}}</ref>

== History ==
[[File:Natgeo old.png|thumb|Historical emblem of the National Geographic Society|left]]
The National Geographic Society began as a club for an elite group of academics and wealthy patrons interested in travel and exploration.<ref>{{cite web |author=Site designed by Shannon Roberts |url=https://www.mccombs.utexas.edu/news/pressreleases/fahey07.asp |title=National Geographic CEO Says Nonprofit's Mission is Bringing the World to Readers |publisher=Mccombs.utexas.edu |date=April 24, 2007 |access-date=June 6, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100528153618/http://www.mccombs.utexas.edu/news/pressreleases/fahey07.asp |archive-date=May 28, 2010  }}</ref> On January 13, 1888, 33 explorers and scientists gathered at the [[Cosmos Club]], a private club then located on [[President's Park#Lafayette Square|Lafayette Square]] in Washington, D.C., to organize "a society for the increase and diffusion of [[geography|geographical]] knowledge." After preparing a constitution and a plan of organization, the National Geographic Society was incorporated two weeks later on January 27. [[Gardiner Greene Hubbard]] (co-founder of [[AT&T Corporation|AT&T]]) became its first president and his son-in-law, [[Alexander Graham Bell]] (also co-founder of AT&T), succeeded him in 1897.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/2010/01/0127national-geographic-society-founded/|title=Jan. 27, 1888: National Geographic Society Gets Going|magazine=WIRED|access-date=September 8, 2017}}</ref>

In 1899, Bell's son-in-law [[Gilbert Hovey Grosvenor]] was named the first full-time editor of National Geographic magazine and eventually elected as the President of the society in 1920. Grosvenor resigned as editor and president in 1954 and served as chairman of the organization's board until his death in 1966.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gilbert H. Grosvenor {{!}} National Geographic, Explorer, Geographer {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Gilbert-H-Grosvenor |access-date=2025-06-06 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en}}</ref> Members of the Grosvenor family have played important roles in the organization since. Bell and Gilbert Hovey Grosvenor devised the successful marketing notion of Society membership and the first major use of photographs to tell stories in magazines.
[[File:A notable gathering on the steps of Hubbard Hall, 1909.jpg|thumb|left|A notable gathering on the steps of Hubbard Hall, 1909]]
The chairman of the National Geographic Society currently is Jean Case. Michael Ulica is president. Jill Tiefenthaler is the chief executive officer. The editor-in-chief of National Geographic magazine is Susan Goldberg. [[Gilbert Melville Grosvenor]], a former chairman, received the [[Presidential Medal of Freedom]] in 2005 for his leadership in geography education.

In 2004, the [[National Geographic Society Headquarters]] in Washington, D.C., was one of the first buildings to receive a "Green" certification<ref>[http://news.nationalgeographic.com/kids/2004/04/greenbuilding.html] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040502040722/http://news.nationalgeographic.com/kids/2004/04/greenbuilding.html|date=May 2, 2004}}</ref> from [[Global Green USA]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://globalgreen.org/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080626195420/http://globalgreen.org/index.html|url-status=dead|title=Global Green|archive-date=June 26, 2008}}</ref> The National Geographic received the prestigious [[Prince of Asturias Award]] for Communication and Humanities in October 2006 in [[Oviedo, Spain]].

National Geographic Expeditions was launched in 1999 to fulfill one of its missions and for the proceeds to go towards its mission.<ref>{{cite web |title=National Geographic Expeditions: Travel Weekly |url=https://www.travelweekly.com/Readers-Choice/2019/Tour-Operator/National-Geographic-Expeditions |website=www.travelweekly.com |publisher=Norhtstar Travel Group |access-date=June 9, 2020 |language=en}}</ref>

In 2006, the society purchased ''Hampton-Brown'', an English-as-a-second-language educational material publisher, using a good part of its endowments. However, the publisher did not generate much profit. By 2009, the society's endowments were about $200 million.<ref name="bbg">{{cite news |last1=Gillette |first1=Felix |title=Inside National Geographic's HBO-inspired Murdoch Makeover |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2016-05-17/inside-national-geographic-s-hbo-inspired-murdoch-makeover |access-date=June 16, 2020 |work=Bloomberg.com |date=May 17, 2016 |language=en}}</ref>

National Geographic Ventures, its commercial arm, launched a music division, National Geographic Music and Radio, in 2007.<ref name="c21m0" /> The society formed in October 2007 National Geographic Entertainment division to include its entertainment units.<ref name="vty">{{cite news |last1=Bertet |first1=Elsa |title=National Geographic creates division |url=https://variety.com/2007/scene/markets-festivals/national-geographic-creates-division-1117975159/ |access-date=June 16, 2020 |work=Variety |date=November 1, 2007 |language=en}}</ref>

In 2013, the society was investigated for possible violation of the [[Foreign Corrupt Practices Act]] relating to their close association with an Egyptian government official responsible for antiquities.<ref>[https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-investigates-national-geographic-over-corrupt-payments-to-egypts-keeper-of-antiquities-8909454.html "US investigates National Geographic over 'corrupt payments' to Egypt's keeper of antiquities"], David Usborne. The Independent. October 28, 2013. Retrieved January 28, 2017</ref>

On September 9, 2015, the Society announced that it would re-organize its media properties and publications into a new company known as [[National Geographic Partners]], which would be majority-owned by [[21st Century Fox]] (21CF) with a 73% stake. This new, for-profit corporation, would own ''National Geographic'' and other magazines, as well as its affiliated television networks—most of which were already owned in joint ventures with 21CF.<ref name=verge-ngp>{{cite web|title=National Geographic magazine, is now a for-profit business thanks to Fox|url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/9/9/9296815/national-geographic-magazine-is-now-a-for-profit-business-fox|website=The Verge|date=September 9, 2015|access-date=September 9, 2015}}</ref> As a consequence, the Society and 21st Century Fox announced on November 2, 2015, that 9 percent of National Geographic's 2,000 employees, approximately 180 people, would be laid off, constituting the biggest staff reduction in the Society's history.<ref name="washingtonpost.com">{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/national-geographic-society-sets-biggest-layoff-in-its-history/2015/11/03/2966e1b4-8252-11e5-a7ca-6ab6ec20f839_story.html|title=National Geographic Society sets biggest layoff in its history|first=Paul|last=Farhi|date=November 3, 2015|newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref><ref name="theguardian.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/nov/03/national-geographic-layoffs-21st-century-fox-merger|title=National Geographic lays off staff following 21st Century Fox merger|first=Mahita|last=Gajanan|work=the Guardian|date=November 3, 2015}}</ref> Later, [[The Walt Disney Company]] assumed 21CF's share in National Geographic Partners, following the completion of [[Acquisition of 21st Century Fox by Disney|Disney's acquisition of most of 21CF assets]] on March 20, 2019. On June 29, 2023, National Geographic laid off the remaining staff writers for their magazine and announced their publications would no longer be sold at physical newsstands in the United States in 2024.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Farhi |first=Paul |date=2023-06-29 |title=National Geographic lays off its last remaining staff writers |language=en-US |work=[[The Washington Post]] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/media/2023/06/28/national-geographic-staff-writers-laid-off/ |access-date=2023-06-30 |issn=0190-8286}}</ref> In a statement to the press, a spokesperson for the society said that the company will continue to publish a monthly magazine "dedicated to exceptional multi-platform storytelling with cultural impact" through the work of freelance writers and the few remaining editors on staff.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Clayton |first=Abené |date=2023-06-29 |title=National Geographic reportedly lays off its last staff writers |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2023/jun/28/national-geographic-staff-layoffs-report |access-date=2025-06-06 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>

=== List of original founders ===
The 33 original founders of the National Geographic Society in 1888:<ref>{{cite web |url=http://newswatch.nationalgeographic.com/tag/national-geographic-founders/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121002001936/http://newswatch.nationalgeographic.com/tag/national-geographic-founders/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 2, 2012 |title=National Geographic founders |access-date=January 9, 2014 |publisher=National Geographic Society }}</ref>

{{div col}}
* [[Cleveland Abbe]]
* [[Frank Baker (physician)|Frank Baker]]
* [[Marcus Baker]]
* [[John Russell Bartlett (naval officer)|John Russell Bartlett]]
* [[Charles J. Bell (businessman)|Charles J. Bell]]
* [[Rogers Birnie]]
* [[William Dall]]
* [[Arthur Powell Davis]]
* [[Clarence Dutton]]
* [[Henry Gannett]]
* [[Samuel Gannett]]
* [[Grove Karl Gilbert]]
* [[George Brown Goode]]
* [[James Howard Gore]]
* [[Adolphus Washington Greely]]
* [[Edward Everett Hayden]]
* [[Henry Wetherbee Henshaw]]
* [[Gardiner Greene Hubbard]]
* [[Willard Drake Johnson]]
* [[George Kennan (explorer)|George Kennan]]
* [[George Wallace Melville]]
* [[Clinton Hart Merriam]]
* [[Henry Mitchell (oceanographer)|Henry Mitchell]]
* [[Robert Muldrow II]]
* [[Herbert Gouverneur Ogden]]
* [[John Wesley Powell]]
* [[William Bramwell Powell]]
* [[Israel Russell]]
* [[Winfield Scott Schley]]
* [[Almon Harris Thompson]]
* [[Gilbert Thompson]]
* [[Otto Hilgard Tittmann]]
* [[James Clarke Welling]]
{{div col end}}

Although [[Alexander Graham Bell]] is sometimes discussed as a founder, he was actually the second president, elected on January 7, 1898, and serving until 1903.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.nationalgeographic.org/ngs-celebrates-23rd-founders-day/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160202163557/http://voices.nationalgeographic.com/2011/05/26/ngs-celebrates-23rd-founders-day/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 2, 2016 |title=NGS Celebrates 23rd Founders Day |last=Howley |first=Andrew |date=May 26, 2011 |website=NGS |publisher=National Geographic Society |access-date=January 18, 2016 |quote=Though he wasn't one of the original 33 founders, Bell had a major influence on the Society.}}</ref>

== Activities ==
=== Support for research and projects ===
The Society has helped sponsor many expeditions and research projects over the years.

=== Awards ===
==== Hubbard Medal ====
[[File:Hubbard Gold Medal, Anne Morrow Lindbergh.JPG|thumb|[[Anne Morrow Lindbergh]]'s customized medal detailing her flight route]]

The [[Hubbard Medal]] is awarded by the National Geographic Society for distinction in exploration, discovery, and research. The medal is named for [[Gardiner Greene Hubbard]], the first National Geographic Society president. The Hubbard Medal has been presented 44 times {{as of|2018|lc=y}}, the most recent award going to [[Peter H. Raven]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hubbard Medal |url=https://www.nationalgeographic.org/events/festival/awards/hubbard/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191205222853/https://www.nationalgeographic.org/events/festival/awards/hubbard/ |archive-date=December 5, 2019 |website=National Geographic}}</ref>

==== Alexander Graham Bell Medal ====
{{distinguish|IEEE Alexander Graham Bell Medal}}
The National Geographic Society also awards, rarely, the Alexander Graham Bell Medal, for exceptional contributions to [[geographic]] research. The award is named after [[Alexander Graham Bell]], scientist, inventor of the telephone and the second president of the NGS. Up to mid-2011, the medal has been twice presented:

* 1980: [[Bradford Washburn]] and wife [[Barbara Washburn]]<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.nationalgeographic.org/society/our-explorers/?source=A-to-Z|title = Bradford and Barbara Washburn, Climbers|publisher = National Geographic Society|access-date = June 22, 2011}}</ref>
* 2010: [[Roger Tomlinson]] and [[Jack Dangermond]]<ref>{{cite web|url = http://blog.nationalgeographic.org2010/07/13/nat_geo_awards_alexander_graha/ |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111224232731/http://newswatch.nationalgeographic.com/2010/07/13/nat_geo_awards_alexander_graha/ |url-status = dead |archive-date = December 24, 2011 |title = Nat Geo awards Alexander Graham Bell Medals to GIS pioneers|publisher = National Geographic Society|first = David|last = Braun|date = July 13, 2010|access-date = June 22, 2011}}</ref>

=== National Geographic Museum ===
The Society operates the National Geographic Museum, located at 1145 17th Street, NW (17th and M), in Washington, D.C. The museum features changing exhibitions featuring the work of National Geographic explorers, photographers, and scientists.  There are also changing exhibits related to natural history, culture, history or society. Permanent exhibits include artifacts like the camera [[Robert Peary]] used at the North Pole and pottery that Jacques Cousteau recovered from a shipwreck.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nationalgeographic.org/dc/exhibitions/exploration-starts-here/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170901065702/https://www.nationalgeographic.org/dc/exhibitions/exploration-starts-here/|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 1, 2017|title=National Geographic: Exploration Starts Here|last=National Geographic Society|work=National Geographic Society|access-date=September 1, 2017|language=en}}</ref>

<gallery>
File:National Geographic Museum Washington courtyard 2011 100 0367.jpg | Courtyard entrance to the National Geographic Museum
</gallery>

=== National Geographic Explorers program ===
The NGS names individuals as "Explorers" for "exceptional individuals in their fields who receive funding and support from the Society to illuminate and protect our world through their work in science, exploration, education, and storytelling."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Our Explorers |url=https://www.nationalgeographic.org/society/national-geographic-explorers/ |access-date=2024-12-12 |website=National Geographic Society |language=en-US}}</ref> They consist of scientists or content producers, such as photographers and filmmakers.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Explorer Home |url=https://explorers.nationalgeographic.org/directory |access-date=2024-12-12 |website=explorers.nationalgeographic.org |language=en}}</ref>
<gallery>
File:Jen Guyton, photographer and scientist.jpg|[[Jen Guyton]], American photographer and ecologist
File:Dubai Future Forum 2024 - Suaad Al Harthi.jpg|Suaad Al Harthi, executive director of the Environment Society of Oman (ESO)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Suaad Al Harthi {{!}} Conservation scientist |url=https://explorers.nationalgeographic.org/directory/suaad-al-harthi |access-date=2024-12-12 |website=explorers.nationalgeographic.org |language=en}}</ref>
</gallery>

=== Commercial ventures ===
{{Main|National Geographic Partners}}

[[National Geographic Partners]], a for-profit joint venture between [[The Walt Disney Company]] (which owns a 73% stake) and the Society (which owns 27%), was established in 2015 to handle commercial activities of the Society, including television channels worldwide (which were already co-owned by the Society and Fox) and magazine publications.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/national-geographic-magazine-shifts-to-for-profit-status-with-fox-partnership/2015/09/09/7c9f034e-56f0-11e5-8bb1-b488d231bba2_story.html|title=National Geographic gives Fox control of media assets in $725 million deal|first=Paul|last=Farhi|date=September 9, 2015|newspaper=Washington Post}}</ref> [[The Walt Disney Company]] [[Acquisition of 21st Century Fox by Disney|assumed]] 21CF's share of National Geographic Partners in March 2019.

Most of National Geographic Partners' businesses predate the establishment in 2015, and even the launch of National Geographic Channel in Asia and Europe by the original [[News Corporation (1980–2013)|News Corporation]] (of which 21st Century Fox is one of the successors) in the late 1990s.

The society formed in October 2007 National Geographic Entertainment division to include Cinema Ventures, Feature Films, Kids Entertainment, Home Entertainment and Music & Radio divisions. Music and Radio division president David Beal was appointed head of Nat Geo Entertainment.<ref name="vty"/>

==== Publications ====
===== ''National Geographic'' =====
{{Main|National Geographic{{!}}''National Geographic''}}
[[File:1915NatGeog.jpg|thumb|Cover of January 1915 ''The National Geographic Magazine'']]

''The National Geographic Magazine'', later shortened to ''National Geographic'', published its first issue in October 1888, nine months after the Society was founded, as the Society's official journal, a benefit for joining the tax-exempt National Geographic Society. Starting with the February 1910 (Vol XXI, No. 2) issue, the magazine began using its now famous trademarked yellow border around the edge of its covers.

There are 12 monthly issues of ''National Geographic'' per year. The magazine contains articles about geography, popular science, world history, culture, current events and photography of places and things all over the world and universe. ''National Geographic'' magazine is currently published in 40 local-language editions in many countries around the world. Combined English and other language circulation is around 6.8 million monthly, with some 60 million readers. The Society has held a minority interest in the magazine since 2015.

===== Other publications =====
In addition to its flagship magazine, the Society publishes several other periodicals:

* ''National Geographic Explorer'': Classroom magazine. The ''National Geographic School Bulletin'' was launched in 1919 and was replaced by the children's magazine ''National Geographic World'' in 1975. ''NG'' ''World'' was separated into the current ''National Geographic Explorer'' and ''National Geographic Kids'' in 2001.
* ''National Geographic History'': Launched in Spring 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://shop.nationalgeographic.com/product/magazines/national-geographic-history/national-geographic-history-magazine-u.s-delivery|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817121222/https://shop.nationalgeographic.com/product/magazines/national-geographic-history/national-geographic-history-magazine-u.s-delivery|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 17, 2016|title=National Geographic History Magazine U.S Delivery|website=National Geographic Store}}</ref>
* ''[[National Geographic Kids]]'': A version of ''National Geographic Magazine'' for children, launched in 1975 under the name ''National Geographic World''. It has a U.S. circulation of over 1.5 million. There are also currently 18 local-language editions of ''NG Kids'', with another half million in circulation. An Arabic edition of the children's magazine was launched in [[Egypt]] in early 2007, and more than 42,000 copies are distributed to all the public schools in Egypt, in addition to another 15,000 single-copy sales. More recently, an [[Albania]]n and [[Poland|Polish]] edition were launched.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://press.nationalgeographic.com/2016/04/04/national-geographic-and-mm-publications-ltd-introduce-local-language-edition-of-national-geographic-kids-magazine-in-india/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160404211023/http://press.nationalgeographic.com/2016/04/04/national-geographic-and-mm-publications-ltd-introduce-local-language-edition-of-national-geographic-kids-magazine-in-india/|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 4, 2016|title=National Geographic and MM Publications Ltd. Introduce Local-Language Edition of National Geographic Kids Magazine in India – National Geographic Partners Press Room|first=National Geographic Press|last=Room|date=April 4, 2016}}</ref>
* ''[[National Geographic Kids#National Geographic Little Kids|National Geographic Little Kids]]'': For younger children aged 3–6
* ''[[National Geographic Traveler]]'': Launched in 1984. There are 18 local-language editions of ''NG Traveler''.

The Society also ran an online daily news outlet called ''National Geographic News''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010223213430/http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 23, 2001 |title=Daily Nature and Science News and Headlines &#124; National Geographic News |publisher=News.nationalgeographic.com |access-date=July 13, 2014}}</ref>

Additionally, the Society publishes [[atlases]], books, and [[map]]s through National Geographic Books and [[National Geographic Maps]], commercial publishing divisions of [[National Geographic Partners]]. It previously published and co-published other magazines, including ''[[National Geographic Adventure]]'', ''National Geographic Research'' (a scientific journal), and others,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ngslis.org/indexes/index.html|title=NG Libraries: NGS Publications Index Home|website=www.ngslis.org|access-date=January 19, 2018|archive-date=September 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926234113/http://www.ngslis.org/indexes/index.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> and continues to publish special issues of various magazines.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://shop.nationalgeographic.com/category/magazines/special-issues|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170217175105/https://shop.nationalgeographic.com/category/magazines/special-issues|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 17, 2017|title=National Geographic Store|website=National Geographic Store|language=en|access-date=January 19, 2018}}</ref>

The Society published a series of books about natural remedies and medicinal herbs. Titles include ''Guide to Medicinal Herbs,'' ''Complete Guide to Natural Home Remedies,'' ''Nature's Best Remedies,'' ''Healing Remedies,'' and ''Natural Home Remedies.'' The books make claims to describe, among other things, plants, herbs, and essential oils purported to help treat diseases and ailments. While giving some appropriate warnings about such concerns as anecdotal evidence and side effects are given, the books have been criticized from a medical perspective for a number of reasons. These include making recommendations that lack scientific evidence, inconsistent claims from one book to the next as well as internal contradictions, and failure to mention effective and safe alternatives. The journal ''[[Skeptical Inquirer]]'' devoted thirty-four pages in 2019 discussing these books. Experts such as [[Harriet Hall]], [[Joe Nickell]], [[Cees Renckens]] and [[Barry Kosmin]] addressed each subject in the series of books. Summing up the series, Hall wrote in a review of the series that, "The author Nancy J. Hajeski is a fiction and nonfiction writer with no medical or scientific credentials. The forward is by Tieraona Low Dog, MD, an integrative medicine specialist. ... which is a marketing term designed to infiltrate quackery into science-based medicine."<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Benson |first=Victor |date=September–October 2019 |title=The Remedies of National Geographic |url=https://skepticalinquirer.org/2019/09/the-remedies-of-national-geographic/ |magazine=[[Skeptical Inquirer]] |publisher=[[Center for Inquiry]] |volume=43 |issue=5 |pages=30–36 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200223150127/https://skepticalinquirer.org/2019/09/unskeptical-indian-scientists-opinions-of-ayurvedic-medicine/ |archive-date=February 23, 2020 |access-date=February 23, 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Hall |first=Harriet |author-link=Harriet Hall |date=September–October 2019 |title=National Geographic Book Is A 'Natural' Disaster |url=https://skepticalinquirer.org/2019/09/national-geographic-book-is-a-natural-disaster/ |magazine=[[Skeptical Inquirer]] |publisher=[[Center for Inquiry]] |volume=43 |issue=5 |pages=37–38 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200223154522/https://skepticalinquirer.org/2019/09/cnn-reporters-awarded-balles-critical-thinking-prize-for-a-deal-with-the-devil/ |archive-date=February 23, 2020 |access-date=February 23, 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== Films and television ====
{{more citations needed|section|date=January 2018}}<!--films section has no citations, TV section only has one-->

===== National Geographic Films =====
{{See also|List of National Geographic documentary films}}

National Geographic Films was a wholly owned taxable subsidiary of the National Geographic Society.

National Geographic Films appointed Adam Leipzig as president in 2004.<ref name="vty0">{{cite news |last1=McNary |first1=Dave |title=Leipzig leaves National Geographic |url=https://variety.com/2010/biz/markets-festivals/leipzig-leaves-national-geographic-1118013346/ |access-date=June 17, 2020 |work=Variety |date=January 5, 2010 |language=en}}</ref> The society formed in October 2007 National Geographic Entertainment division to include Cinema Ventures and Feature Films.<ref name="vty"/> In 2008, the film division and [[Image Nation]] formed a $100 million fund to develop, produce, finance and acquire over five years 10–15 films. The first film the fund invested in was ''[[The Way Back (2010 film)|The Way Back]]''.<ref name="vty0" />

Leipzig left the company in January 2010.<ref name="vty0" /> On March 15, 2010, former Miramax president Daniel Battsek started as National Geographic Films president.<ref>{{cite news |last1=McNary |first1=Dave |title=Battsek tops National Geographic Films |url=https://variety.com/2010/biz/markets-festivals/battsek-tops-national-geographic-films-1118014043/ |access-date=June 18, 2020 |work=Variety |date=January 20, 2010 |language=en}}</ref> Basttsek ended up also over seeing Nat Geo Cinema Ventures distribution and big screen production before he left in 2012 becoming president of [[Cohen Media Group]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Siegel |first1=Tatiana |title=Daniel Battsek Named President of Cohen Media Group |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/daniel-battsek-named-president-cohen-401488 |access-date=June 23, 2020 |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |date=December 12, 2012 |language=en}}</ref>

Films it has produced include:

* ''[[K-19: The Widowmaker]]'' (2002), a feature film, submarine thriller based on the diary of a Russian submarine commander, starring [[Harrison Ford]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2002-07-25-0207250170-story.html|title='K-19' uses fraction of the truth|last=Kilian|first=Michael|work=Chicago Tribune.com|language=en-US|access-date=February 11, 2019}}</ref>
* ''[[Forces of Nature (2004 film)|Forces of Nature]]'' (2004)
* ''[[March of the Penguins]]'' (2005) grossed more than $125 million worldwide, distributed by National Geographic Films and [[Warner Independent]]<ref name="vty0" />
* ''[[God Grew Tired of Us]]'' (2006)
* ''[[Arctic Tale]]'' (2007), a feature film documenting the story of two families of walrus and polar bears, narrated by [[Queen Latifah]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/25/movies/25arct.html|title=Arctic Tale - Movies - Review|last=Catsoulis|first=Jeannette|date=July 25, 2007|work=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=February 11, 2019|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref>
* ''[[Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure|Sea Monsters]]'' (2007), inspired by a ''National Geographic Magazine'' article, is a 3-D large format and reality film, with a musical score by Peter Gabriel.
* ''[[Amreeka]]'' (2009)<ref name="vty0" />
* ''[[The Way Back (2010 film)|The Way Back]]'' (2010) <ref name="vty0" />
* ''[[The First Grader]]'' (2010)
* ''[[The Wildest Dream]]'' (2010)<ref name="vty1">{{cite news |last1=McNary |first1=Dave |title=National Geographic nabs 'Restrepo' |url=https://variety.com/2010/film/markets-festivals/national-geographic-nabs-restrepo-1118016972/ |access-date=June 18, 2020 |work=Variety |date=March 26, 2010 |language=en}}</ref>
* ''[[Restrepo (film)|Restrepo]]'' (July 2, 2010) Outpost Films Production; domestic rights, Sundance documentary grand jury prize winner<ref name="vty1"/>
* ''[[Life in a Day (2011 film)|Life in a Day]]'' (2011)
* ''[[The Last Lions]]'' (2011)
* ''Mysteries of the Unseen World'' (2013)
* ''[[Jerusalem (2013 film)|Jerusalem]]'' (2013)
* ''Pandas: The Journey Home'' (2014)
* ''City of Life and Death''<ref name="vty0" />
*''Undaunted Courage: [[Meriwether Lewis]], [[Thomas Jefferson]] and the Opening of the American West'', a co-production for [[HBO]] by National Geographic Films,<ref name="vty0" /> [[Edward Norton]], and [[Brad Pitt]], is a 10-hour mini-series of [[Steven Ambrose]]'s award-winning book.
* ''Blue Man Group: Mind Blast''<ref name="vty1"/>

In 2005, the National Geographic Society acquired the film distribution arm of Destination Cinema and entered the film distribution business.<ref>{{Cite web| last1 = Favorite| first1 = Crowd| title = National Geographic Creates New Distribution Arm For Giant-Screen Films – National Geographic Partners Press Room| access-date = January 6, 2019| date = November 29, 2005| url = http://press.nationalgeographic.com/2005/11/29/new-distribution-arm-for-giant-screen-films/| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121023122539/http://press.nationalgeographic.com/2005/11/29/new-distribution-arm-for-giant-screen-films/| url-status = dead| archive-date = October 23, 2012}}</ref>

During the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], National Geographic partnered with pharmaceutical company [[Pfizer]] to produce a sponsored documentary chronicling the development of Pfizer and [[BioNTech]]'s [[Pfizer–BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine|COVID-19 vaccine]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bulik |first=Beth Snyder |date=2021-02-24 |title='Mission Possible': Pfizer and BioNTech star in their own vaccine discovery movie |url=https://www.fiercepharma.com/marketing/mission-possible-pfizer-and-biontech-star-vaccine-discovery-movie |access-date=2022-05-10 |website=Fierce Pharma |language=en}}</ref>

===== Cinema Ventures =====
National Geographic Cinema Ventures (NGCV) was a giant-screen, 3D and specialty films production and distribution company operated under National Geographic Entertainment.<ref name="bl">{{cite news |title=National Geographic Cinema Ventures to Release 'Giant Pandas 3D' on Feb. 14, 2014 Blooloop |url=https://blooloop.com/news/national-geographic-cinema-ventures-to-release-giant-pandas-3d-on-feb-14-2014/ |access-date=June 18, 2020 |work=Blooloop |date=September 27, 2013}}</ref>

At the late 2011 American Alliance of Museums conference, National Geographic Cinema Ventures launched the Museum Partnership Program as museums want a brand for their giant screen theaters.<ref name="ipm">{{cite news |last1=Kleiman |first1=Joe |title=Can you DIGSS it? |url=https://www.inparkmagazine.com/can-you-digss-it-2/ |access-date=June 18, 2020 |work=InPark Magazine |issue=44 |date=2012}}</ref> Starting on February 1, 2018, Cosmic Pictures gained distribution rights to a number of the NGCV library.<ref name="gsca">{{cite news |title=Cosmic Picture Launches Distribution Arm, Secures Rights to Nat Geo GS Film Library |url=https://www.giantscreencinema.com/Newsroom/cosmic-picture-launches-distribution-arm-secures-rights-to-nat-geo-gs-film-library |access-date=June 18, 2020 |work=Giant Screen Cinema Association |date=February 1, 2018}}</ref>

===== Museum Partnership Program =====
The Museum Partnership Program is the branding and content program of National Geographic Cinema Ventures. Partner museums would receive immediate market exclusivity on their 2 new digital 3D films per year and gain access to the National Geographic organization from members to exhibition to television.<ref name="ipm"/>

There were nine partner museums as of 2012:

* Putnam Museum in Davenport, Iowa<ref name="ipm"/>

===== Films =====
* ''[[Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure|Sea Monsters]]'' (2007)<ref name="gsca"/>
* ''Extreme Weather''<ref name="gsca"/>
* ''Mysteries of the Unseen World'' (2013)<ref name="gsca"/>
* ''Jerusalem'' (2013) - produced by Cosmic Pictures; distribution; Cosmic Pictures gain rights to distribute<ref name="gsca"/>
* ''Pandas: The Journey Home'' (2014) 40-minute, Oxford Scientific Films Production for Sky3D and NGCV, in association with the Chinese Wildlife Conservation Association, Wolong Panda Conservation Centre, CCTV9, Nat Geo WILD; international distributor<ref name="bl"/>

===== Television programs =====
Television programs produced by the National Geographic Society are also broadcast on television. National Geographic [[television specials]] and series have been aired on [[Public Broadcasting Service|PBS]] and other networks in the United States and globally for many years. The ''Geographic'' series in the U.S. started on [[CBS]] in 1964, moved to [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] in 1973, shifted to PBS (produced by [[WQED (TV)|WQED]], [[Pittsburgh]]) in 1975, shifted to [[NBC]] in 1995, and returned to PBS in 2000. It moved to [[National Geographic (American TV channel)|National Geographic Channel]] in 2005.

It has featured stories on numerous scientific figures such as [[Jacques Cousteau]], [[Jane Goodall]], and [[Louis Leakey]] that not only featured their work but as well helped make them world-famous and accessible to millions. Most of the specials were narrated by various actors, including [[Glenn Close]], [[Linda Hunt]], [[Stacy Keach]], [[Richard Kiley]], [[Burgess Meredith]], [[Susan Sarandon]], [[Alexander Scourby]], [[Martin Sheen]], and [[Peter Strauss]]. The specials' theme music, by [[Elmer Bernstein]], was also adopted by the National Geographic Channel.

Another long-running show is ''[[National Geographic Explorer]]''.

===== Television channels =====
{{Main|National Geographic Global Networks}}

The original [[News Corporation (1980–2013)|News Corporation]] launched National Geographic Channel in Asia and Europe in the late 1990s, in partnership with the Society. The Society provides programming to the National Geographic-branded channels worldwide, while, as of March 2019, [[The Walt Disney Company]]'s subsidiaries ([[Walt Disney Television]] in the United States and [[Fox Networks Group]] outside the United States) handle distribution of the channels and advertisement sales. The National Geographic Channel has begun to launch a number of sub-branded channels in international markets, such as [[Nat Geo Wild]], [[Nat Geo People]] and Nat Geo Kids.

The U.S. domestic version of [[National Geographic (TV network)|National Geographic Channel]] was launched in January 2001 as a joint venture of National Geographic and [[Fox Cable Networks]].

==== Music and radio ====
{{Update section|date=March 2019}}

National Geographic Music and Radio (NGMR) is the music and radio division of National Geographic Ventures. The scope of the division includes National Geographic Live! events, digital music distribution, music publishing, radio content, [[Nat Geo Music]] TV channel (closed; formerly available in parts of Asia and Europe) and film and TV music.<ref name="c21m">{{cite news |last1=Crook |first1=Antony Reeve |title=Nat Geo Music tunes up for Italian debut |url=https://www.c21media.net/news/nat-geo-music-tunes-up-for-italian-debut/ |access-date=September 13, 2018 |work=C21media |date=August 3, 2007 |language=en-us}}</ref><ref name="c21m0">{{cite news |last1=Ed Waller |title=Nat Geo confirms move into music |url=https://www.c21media.net/news/nat-geo-confirms-move-into-music/ |access-date=September 13, 2018 |work=C21media |date=August 3, 2007 |language=en-us}}</ref> [[Clear Channel Communications|Clear Channel]], [[Salem Communications]] and NPR were distribution partners.<ref name="c21m0"/>

In early August 2007, National Geographic Ventures announced the existence of the then-recently formed division. The division was already creating music for its feature film and kids units. Initially hired to run the division were Mark Bauman, executive vice president of radio and video production, and David Beal, head of music labels, publishing and radio operations.<ref name="c21m0"/> With National Geographic Channels, Music and Radio on October 15, 2007, launched the Nat Geo Music channel in Italy.<ref name="c21m"/>

The society formed in October 2007 National Geographic Entertainment division to include the Music & Radio division and promoted the division president David Beal was appointed head of Nat Geo Entertainment.<ref name="vty" /> In 2009, the division became a full-service record label as Nat Geo Music with Mat Whittington appointed as president.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Stableford |first1=Dylan |title=National Geographic to Launch Record Label |url=https://www.foliomag.com/national-geographic-launch-record-label/ |access-date=June 22, 2020 |work=Folio |date=January 27, 2009}}</ref>

More recently, [[NGMR]] has leaned into the digital landscape with the rise of streaming services, maintaining an active presence on platforms such as [[Spotify]], Apple Music and YouTube, showcasing soundtracks, artist collaborations, and music related to National Geographic’s programming.

== See also ==
* [[American Geographical Society]]
* [[Genographic Project]]
* [[Maps of the United States]]
* [[National Geographic Bee]]
* [[Nicholas DeVore III]]
* ''[[The Photo Ark]]''
* [[Royal Canadian Geographical Society]]
* [[Royal Geographical Society]]

== References ==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

== Further reading ==
* {{cite book |last=Poole |first=Robert M. |title=Explorers House: National Geographic and the World it Made |location=New York |publisher=Penguin |year=2004 |isbn=1-59420-032-7 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/explorershousena00pool|ref=none }}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
* {{Official website}}
* {{Internet Archive author |sname=National Geographic Society |sopt=t}}
* {{Librivox author |id=2909}}

{{National Geographic}}
{{Alexander Graham Bell}}
{{Prince of Asturias Award for Communication and Humanities}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:National Geographic Society| ]]
[[Category:1888 establishments in the United States]]
[[Category:Educational organizations based in the United States]]
[[Category:Geographic societies]]
[[Category:Magazine publishing companies of the United States]]
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[[Category:Publishing companies established in 1888]]