First issue, 1888
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The National Geographic Magazine was first published in 1888, being the official journal of the National Geographic Society (founded just 9 months prior to the magazine's first release). According to Wikipedia, the magazine has a worldwide circulation in 32 languages of almost 9 million. The cover's iconic yellow border emerged only gradually over the years. The first illustrated cover appeared in July 1942, showing the US flag, though regularly illustrated covers didn't appear until 1959.
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