National Geographic Society (U.S.)

What do a successful executive from suburban Malaysia, a religious radio commentator from rural South Africa and an Irish-born college professor from the United States have in common? They're all about to embark on the spiritual journey of a lifetime--the sacred Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca known as the hajj. One out of every five people on Earth--some 1.3 billion--practice Islam. Over 80 percent of these Muslims live outside the Middle East, but they...

The tropical rain forests of the world are home to nearly half the animal species on earth - an estimated five million different life forms. More than 100 inches of rainfall each year sustain this lush environment, where some of the most fascinating examples of natural adaptation can be found. Journey to the dense rain forests of Costa Rica and watch as leaf-cutting ants carry sections of leaves many times their weight to underground fungus gardens,...

This video explores the complex loving relationship between cats and humans and provides insight into the behavior of cats, which is never far removed from that of their cousins in the wild.

Fabled Romanovs, led by Nicholas II and Empress Alexandra, ruled imperial Russia in high splendor, despite the disintegration of their divided, war-torn country. In 1918 the rise of Communism violently collided with the rule of royalty when the tsar, his beloved wife, and their children were murdered and buried in a secret grave. Story is told from newly discovered photographs and archival film.