Interesting Maps That Will Change Your Perspective

The True Size of Greenland

We tend to get the impression from maps like the one you just saw that Greenland is enormous – we’re talking the size of the entire continent of South America enormous. Greenland, on the other hand, is actually smaller than Brazil in terms of land area. In comparison, the entire island of Greenland has a population of just over 56,000 people, whereas So Paulo, Brazil’s largest city, has more than 12 million. Allow that to sink in.

The True Size Of Greenland

Who Every State Hates

Unless you live in New Jersey, where you apparently hate everyone equally, or Hawaii, where you apparently hate no one, each state in America has another state that you can’t stand, according to this Instagram user’s followers. California can’t seem to get a break!

Who Every State Hates

France’s Longest Border is Shared With Brazil

That wasn’t a mistake. France shares its border with 11 other countries, most of which are in Europe proper, as shown on this map. Its longest border, which it shares with Brazil, is in French Guiana in South America.

France’s Longest Border Is Shared With Brazil

The Range of Flamingos

What’s surprising is that flamingos, which we previously thought could only be found in the wild, can now be found in a lot more places around the world. Who doesn’t like flamingos? This is exciting news.

The Range Of Flamingos

An Eagle’s Flight Path

The flight path of an eagle from the Middle East to Central Asia and down through North Africa is depicted on this map over the course of 20 years. The tracker was set up in Russia and followed the eagle all the way to Saudi Arabia, where it died. It’s incredible to think that any living creature could undertake such a journey in its lifetime!

An Eagle’s Flight Path

Land Use Throughout the Nation

This map depicts what each region of the United States is used for in terms of land use. As you can see, a large portion of the country is dedicated to livestock or livestock-related activities (such as their food). Timber, urban housing, and federal wilderness are among the other industries.

Land Use Throughout The Nation

Texas Isn’t as Big as You Thought

They say everything is bigger in Texas, but it appears that Texas isn’t quite as big as we think. At least not when compared to the countries that make up Africa.

Texas Isn’t As Big As You Thought

America’s Population Density

Collectively, to this extent, all of the red areas add up to more than the sum of the area covered by the Gray Area on this map. With this in mind, it’s quite obvious that Americans will almost always favor the coasts!

America’s Population Density

DEA’s Map of Cartel Influence in The United States

The U.S. DEA released its annual National Drug Threat Assessment, which shows which states have been infiltrated by Mexican drug cartels. According to the report, various cartels wield significant power in most US states, with the Sinaloa Cartel and Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion having the most clout. The Sinaloa Cartel, Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación, Cartel del Golfo, Organización de Beltrán-Leyva, and Los Rojos are all represented on this map, in Texas, California, Arizona, New Mexico, Chicago, New York, Florida, Kansas, Colorado, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico.

DEA’s Map Of Cartel Influence In The United States

Light Pollution

This map illustrates which regions of the United States have the lightest pollution, so if you consider yourself a stargazing hobbyist, it may be prudent to avoid the East Coast – or, for that matter, the entire eastern half of the United States.

Light Pollution

Noise Pollution

The eastern half of the United States appears to be not only brighter but also noisier. The moral of the story is to avoid the eastern half of the country and large cities in general if you despise people.

Noise Pollution

A Superhighway

If you’ve ever fantasized about traveling from London to New York City, this map is for you. It was designed as one large superhighway by the former president of Russian Railways. It’s quite strange to consider that approximately half of the trip will be spent in Russia alone!

A Superhighway

Places Mentioned in the Bible

This map is intended for Biblical scholars. However, given that travel was much more difficult in the past than today, it’s quite fascinating to see how much knowledge people had about other parts of the world during the first century AD when the New Testament was written!

Places Mentioned In The Bible

Map of Mars

If you’re sick of Earth (which, let’s face it, we all are), then this map is for you. It would depict Mars’ surface if it were similarly covered in 71 percent water. Doesn’t it appear to be quite mountainous? Indeed, that small island-like structure on the western side of the map resembles a massive volcano…

Map Of Mars

Mons Olympus

… Indeed, it is our solar system’s largest volcano, Mons Olympus. As illustrated above, it is so large that it would not fit inside the state of Arizona and is twice the height of Mount Everest. Can you even fathom the devastation that would result if this thing erupted? Or perhaps we don’t want to know…

Mons Olympus

The US From Alaska’s Point of View

If you look at a United States map, you’ll notice that Alaska is almost always an afterthought. It is typically printed tiny on the back of the map. Alaskan mapmakers apparently got tired of being an afterthought and created their own map in which mainland America is the afterthought!

The US From Alaska’s Point Of View

The Closest Country to Each Part of the US

While the sections of the US closest to Canada and Mexico are self-evident, how strange is it that some sections are closer to Kiribati, the Bahamas, Cuba, and Russia? It just goes to show how massive the United States truly is!

The Closest Country To Each Part Of The US

Fires in the Amazon

This is a sobering map of all active fires in the Amazon rainforest, some of which are natural and human-caused. It’s depressing to watch one of Earth’s natural wonders deteriorate continuously.

Fires In The Amazon

Middle America’s Population

As previously stated, it is no secret that Americans gravitate toward the coasts, but this map puts it into perspective. The orange sections correspond to a population equal to that of the red section in its entirety. So, if you enjoy nature and solitude, the red section (also known as the flyover states or middle America) may be for you!

Middle America’s Population

Route to all of the Springfields

The United States has a LOT of Springfields – 33 to be exact, with five in Wisconsin alone! And that does not include the townships (in which case, there are 36). If you’ve ever wished you could visit all of them in a single trip, this is the map for you! It indicates the shortest route.

Route To All Of The Springfields

Scope of the Mongol Empire

While we are all aware that the Mongol Empire was enormous, this map demonstrates just how enormous it truly was. It is still considered the world’s largest empire, having existed from the 13th to the 14th centuries. This map, in particular, depicts the empire’s extent in 1279. The empire spanned nine million square miles at its height.

Scope Of The Mongol Empire

Lithuanian Magnet Map

To boost tourism, Lithuania devised what is perhaps the most ingenious scheme ever devised to entice people to visit: they created a map of the country entirely made of magnets – but each magnet is only available in specific cities. I’m not sure about you, but that makes us want to visit even more. And how many people can claim to have visited Lithuania? There aren’t many, that’s for certain.

Lithuanian Magnet Map

Places Johnny Cash Has Been in ‘I’ve Been Everywhere.’

The song “I’ve Been Everywhere” by Johnny Cash depicts his claims of having traveled worldwide, along with all of the places shown on this map.

Places Johnny Cash Has Been In ‘I’ve Been Everywhere.’

Metric vs. Imperial

We’re all aware of how little the imperial system is used worldwide, but this map puts it into perspective. The United States, Liberia, and Myanmar are the only countries that currently use it. But, at the end of the day, we can all thank the British for it, as they brought it over with them when they colonized America a few hundred years ago.

Metric Vs. Imperial

Abandoned Railroads in America

The railroad’s invention in 1827 revolutionized transportation. As you can see, most abandoned railroads are in the eastern half of the country, which makes sense given that the country gradually expanded westward in the 1800s. Trains became less popular as planes and automobiles became more popular, and more railroads were abandoned.

Abandoned Railroads In America

Canadians Prefer the South

We all knew that much of Canada was rural, but did you know that half of the country’s population lives south of the line on the map? We imagine that the harsh winters up north deter a lot of people from settling there!

Canadians Prefer The South

Snow Cancellations

Snow was either a blast or a pain, depending on where you grew up in the United States. Even if it snowed a foot the night before, you were pretty much guaranteed to be required to get to school on time in states with harsher winters. However, if you grew up in the south, even a light dusting was enough to keep you out of school for the entire day!

Snow Cancellations

Preferred Coffee Chains

The slogan of Dunkin’ Donuts is “America runs on Dunkin’,” but according to this map of Americans’ preferred coffee chains, that isn’t entirely true. In fact, Starbucks is preferred by the majority of Americans. Minnesotans, on the other hand, prefer Caribou, whatever that is.

Preferred Coffee Chains

China vs. Russia

On most maps, China appears to be a speck of dirt compared to Russia, but this isn’t the case. China gives Russia a run for its money, but Russia is still the bigger country.

China Vs. Russia

All of the Countries That Can Fit Inside the US

The United States is huge, and this map depicts all of the countries that could fit inside it in terms of area, with some room to spare. As you can see, there’s a lot.

All Of The Countries That Can Fit Inside The US

Countries Britain Has Invaded

Britain has a long history of being one of the world’s strongest nations, as seen by this map, which shows that Britain has conquered over 90% of the world at least point.

Only 22 countries have not been touched by Britain, according to the “Telegraph.”

Countries Britain Has Invaded

Europe’s Most Popular Last Names

How did Europe’s most popular surnames come to be? A profession is the source of many surnames. The surname Smith is derived from an Old English phrase that means “one who works in metal” in England. Gruber is an Austrian word that means “miner.” Other names are derived from the surname of a father, such as Ivanov, which means “Ivan’s” (as in, Ivan’s child), or Dimitrov, which means “son of Dimitar.”

Europe’s Most Popular Last Names

Alcohol Consumption Around the World

Ireland, Russia, France, and Germany are among the countries that consume the most alcohol, which should come as no surprise.

However, you might be shocked to learn that Belarus consumes the most alcohol of all, with an annual average of 17.5 liters of pure alcohol per capita.

Alcohol Consumption Around The World

Drink of Choice Around the World

North and South Americans, as well as Australians, appear to enjoy beer, whereas Asia, the Caribbean, and Russia prefer spirits.

Maybe rice wine, rum, and vodka?

Drink Of Choice Around The World

Who Spends the Most on Booze

This one is rather interesting to see… There are several countries where data is hard to come by, while there are some where consumption is slow or average. However… Ireland really needs to take a look at itself! Come on guys, lay off the Guinness.

Who Spends The Most On Booze

Rivers Flowing Into the Mississippi River

You may have heard that the Mississippi River is powerful, but if you have any doubts, consider this.

You’ll see that a large number of rivers and tributaries in the United States flow into the Mighty Miss.

Rivers Flowing Into The Mississippi River

Coffee Consumption Around the World

Can’t imagine starting your day without a cup of Joe? It appears that you are not alone!

Each person in some places, such as (colder) Scandinavia, consumes up to 26 pounds of coffee each year.

Coffee Consumption Around The World

Historic and Present Distribution of Lions

Once upon a time, lions truly reigned supreme in Africa.

This map depicts where the once-dominant felines once roamed in Africa and Asia, as well as how few places they still occupy now.

Historic And Present Distribution Of Lions

Predominant U.S. Ancestry

It is so interesting seeing where citizens of The U.S. originate from! Furthermore, it is interesting to see where groups of immigrants tend to settle! As you can see, many African Americans settle more south-east, whereas Mexicans settle more south-west. Who knew German ancestry was so prominent in the United States?

Predominant U.S. Ancestry

How Many Hours Americans Need to Work to Pay Their Mortgage

How long do you have to work each month to make ends meet and pay your mortgage? Are you within the median range for your state? Miami residents need to work around 109 hours, whereas those in Wichita, Kansas only need to work 25 hours. Those in Memphis, Tennessee only need to work 18!

How Many Hours Americans Need To Work To Pay Their Mortgage

The Highest-Paid Job in Every State

Where have all the journalists gone? After seeing these income disparities, we may be considering a career shift! It seems that every job on the map here is somewhere within the healthcare realm, however.

The Highest Paid Job In Every State

The World’s Billionaires

There are a lot more billionaires than you might think – 585 in the United States alone.

Asia-Pacific is the richest region, with roughly 38% of billionaires living there. Israel has the most in the Middle East with 20, while Germany dominates western Europe with 123.

The World’s Billionaires

Where Tourists Spend the Most Money

Use this resource to check out tourist expenses if you wish to go somewhere off the usual route. Instead of spending money on Spain ($68 billion) or France ($61 billion), consider Montenegro ($1 billion) or Cyprus ($3 billion).

Where Tourists Spend The Most Money

The Best (and Worst) Places for Millennials to Make a Living

If you’re a millennial who isn’t making as much as your contemporaries, it’s time to ask for a raise. Alternatively, you may relocate to Minnesota, North Dakota, or Massachusetts!

The Best (and Worst) Places For Millennials To Make A Living

Least and Most Peaceful Countries in the World

You should choose to avoid the world’s most conflict-ridden countries and instead look into safer options. There are definitely enough peaceful countries to visit before you take a visit to a red one!

Least And Most Peaceful Countries In The World

A Political Map Of The World

circa 200 A.D.- How much has changed in the past 1,800 years, a significant portion of human civilization’s history, or how many of the divisions shown on this map still exist today?

A Political Map Of The World

Most/Least Welcoming Countries To Foreigners

Although there are some major surprises in the findings, this can be helpful as you plan your upcoming holiday. Europe might be a safe bet, it might seem. We can assume countries like Australia might just be grateful to anyone that actually makes that lengthy journey, to be honest.

Most&Least Welcoming Countries To Foreigners

Major Writing Systems

This map serves as a reminder that there are many more similarities and differences among nations than there are between them. It also helps to tell the tales of a few significant historical occurrences that continue to influence the world today, the echoes of which can be seen in almost every map on this page: European colonialism, the 7th-century Islamic conquests by Arabic-speaking people, the 19th- and 20th-century Russian expansions, and the (still-progressing!) unification of India and China.

Major Writing Systems

The Countries Where People Are The Most And Least Emotional

People in yellow-colored nations are the least likely to report any emotional experiences, whether they be good or bad. People report feeling the most strongly in purple-colored countries. The United States is one of the nations with the highest levels of emotional arousal, which may come as a surprise to some.

The Countries Where People Are The Most And Least Emotional

A European Missionary’s Map Of Africa, circa 1908

This map showcases its appeal as a historic document (the borders are tellingly rough) but also as a reminder of the colonial legacy in Africa, which European powers divided up a century ago with little respect for how actual Africans wanted to be grouped. Those arbitrary borders are still with us today, in part because African leaders agreed not to dispute them when they won independence. The borders contribute significantly to conflict and unrest on the continent because there are so many diverse communities forced together.

A European Missionary’s Map Of Africa, Circa 1908

The Areas Where People Are The Most and Least Racially Tolerant

People who live in blue nations are more likely to say that they would be comfortable having a neighbor who is a different race. Less people live in red countries. The map raises some significant and perhaps unexpected lessons regarding how race is viewed globally. To learn more about the map and what it tells us, read these five observations from an expert on ethnic conflict since it’s an imperfect (and debatable) metric.

The Areas Where People Are The Most And Least Racially Tolerant

A Russian Professor Hypothesis Of The Future Of The U.S.

When Professor Igor Panarin originally revealed his pessimistic forecast for the future of the United States, which was extensively covered by Russian official media and considered reliable, he briefly rose to minor superstar status in Russia. According to Panarin, the United States would split into four separate nations under internal pressure, with only one remaining completely autonomous while the others came under foreign influence or control. I’ve included it to offer readers from the United States a flavor of how their country is occasionally viewed outside and to give Americans a sense of what it could be like to have the world view your country so grossly incorrectly.

A Russian Professor Hypothesis Of The Future Of The U.S.

Who Loves and Hates America

People in red countries are more likely to have a negative opinion of the United States than they are in blue countries. The implications of the map for America’s place in the globe are significant.

Who Loves And Hates America

China’s Disastrous Passport

Geopolitical events can often be sparked by maps rather than just reflected by them, as China demonstrated when it issued new passports with this map. Why all the fuss? On the map, the regions I’ve highlighted in red are labeled as Chinese but are actually disputed or under the control of another nation. This was not well received.

China’s Disastrous Passport

Languages And Dialects Of The Middle East and Central Asia

The striking diversity in one of the oldest and most legendary regions of the globe, from Iraq in the west all the way to China in the east and Russia in the north, is the first thing this map reveals to you. There are a hundred other storylines woven throughout this one, including Iran’s expansion outside its Persian-speaking population, the disintegration of Afghanistan and Pakistan, and the astounding diversity of the Caucasus, which includes the unrest-ridden Russian provinces of Chechnya and Dagestan.

Languages And Dialects Of The Middle East And Central Asia

Where People Smoke The Most (And Least) Cigarettes Per Person

Read more about the other smoking trends shown on the map and on Russia’s cigarette problem, which is projected to cost the nation $48 billion annually.

Where People Smoke The Most (And Least) Cigarettes Per Person

Economic Inequality Around The World

The gini coefficient, which gauges economic inequality, is displayed for each nation on this map. According to the statistic, the green countries are the ones that are the closest to having national economic equality, and the red countries are the most unequal. Read more here.

Economic Inequality Around The World

How The U.S. Compares To The World On Economic Inequality

Red countries are less equal than the United States, whereas blue countries are more equal. You can see from this map how extreme economic inequality is in the US, which is significantly higher than in any other industrialized nation and most poor nations combined.

Economic Inequality Around The World

Global Crop Yields Are Stagnating

A recent study from the University of Minnesota indicated that a sizable portion of the world’s crop-growing regions are seeing growth that is stagnant, slow, or even collapsing. They also released three other maps; view them here to learn more about why they believe it’s so crucial to “sound the alert.”

Global Crop Yields Are Stagnating

Legal Systems Of The World

This map’s depiction of how British colonization expanded the English “common law” legal system, which was once almost unique in the globe, over every continent is one of the many reasons I find it intriguing. You can also see that, although it wasn’t always the case, religious law is specific to Islamic nations, and that customary law, which was previously almost universal, is now all but extinct.

Legal Systems Of The World