diff --git a/README b/README
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+++ b/README
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 See INSTALL file for installation instructions
+
+Mapnik is an OpenSource C++/Python toolkit for developing 
+GIS (Geographic Information Systems) applications. At the core is a C++ shared 
+library providing algorithms/patterns for spatial data access and visualization.
+
+Essentially a collection of geographic objects (map, layer, datasource, feature, geometry), 
+the library doesn't rely on "windowing systems" and can be deployed in any server environment. 
+It is intended to play fair in a multi-threaded environment and is aimed primarily, 
+but not exclusively, at web-based development.
+
+High-level Python bindings (boost.python) facilitate rapid application development, 
+targeting zope3, django etc.
+
+Mapnik is a free software and is released under GPL (General Public Licence) (see COPYING)