Throughout history, maps have been vital sources of information. In the past, cartographers traveled to remote corners of the world to precisely plot locations. Today, advanced technology, like the Geographic Information Mapping System, effortlessly generates the maps we use daily, often without us realizing it.
Modern maps serve more than just navigation and locating places; they provide insights into our planet, its population distribution, and animal migration patterns. To explore the world from various perspectives, check out this fascinating collection of maps and infographics.
Greenland Compared To South America
World maps indeed have a tendency to be misleading, as they can distort the actual sizes and proportions of continents and islands.
One significant example of this distortion is Greenland, which often appears massive when placed in the Northern Hemisphere.
However, when accurately compared side by side with South America, it becomes evident that South America is approximately 8.2 times larger, and it could entirely engulf Greenland.
The visual discrepancies on world maps can sometimes lead to misconceptions about the relative sizes of different geographical features
The Actual Population Dispersion Of The United States
The United States has a population of slightly over 300 million people. Despite this large number, population distribution across the country is not evenly dispersed.
By examining the ‘red’ spots on the map, one can observe that a significant concentration of the population is found along the West and East coasts.
These coastal regions attract a large number of people and tend to be more densely populated compared to the interior parts of the country.
The Midwest, for instance, is well-suited for farming and agriculture. It offers an ideal environment for individuals interested in leading a quiet life, focusing on activities such as raising livestock and cultivating crops.
Texas Vs. Africa
As the saying goes, “Everything is bigger in Texas,” referring to items like trucks, belt buckles, and steaks.
However, when it comes to the geographical area, Texas is comparable to an African country but is dwarfed by the entire continent. Africa is a whopping 45 times larger than Texas.
Unfortunately, many maps do not accurately represent the scale of Africa, leading to the misconception that it is much smaller than it actually is.
Stargazing
Gazing up at the Milky Way and witnessing the stars gracefully traverse the night sky is a wonderful experience. However, in bustling cities like New York City and Los Angeles, light pollution hinders the visibility of stars.
For stargazing enthusiasts, the best states to enjoy a clear view of the night sky are those located in the heart of the country.
North Dakota and Wyoming, in particular, offer minimal light pollution, providing an excellent opportunity to admire the celestial spectacle.
On the coasts, such as in cities along the east and west coasts, it may be challenging to observe the twinkling stars due to the higher levels of light pollution.
Welcome To Middle America
To interpret this map, it’s essential to understand the significance of the orange and red sections.
In this case, the population size represented in the red sections is roughly equivalent to the population size depicted in the orange sections. This indicates that there is a nearly equal number of people residing on the coasts as there are in the middle America region.
If you are interested in purchasing land and establishing a homestead, then heading to the Midwest might be a favorable option.
The Midwest is likely to have lower population density and more opportunities for larger plots of land suitable for homesteading.
Air Traffic Control
The continental United States is home to hundreds of airports, but rather than being organized according to state boundaries, they belong to a distinct set of 21 zones.
Unlike traditional naming conventions based on the surrounding states, these airports are named after the major city they primarily serve.
Within each of these 21 zones, each airport has authority over the airspace directly above it, extending approximately five miles in radius.
This arrangement allows for efficient management and control of the airspace within the specified zones, ensuring smooth and safe operations for air traffic.
Understanding Land Use
The United States is blessed with diverse ecosystems and biomes, providing opportunities for various industries and land uses.
Different regions of the country are designated for specific sectors such as agriculture, defense, forestry, and more.
By carefully scrutinizing this map, you can identify the precise locations where flowers for florists are sourced and where biodiesel production is permitted.
The central part of the country is predominantly dedicated to farming, while heavier industries are concentrated along the coasts.
The Mongolian Empire
Throughout history, various empires have experienced both rise and decline.
In 1279, the Mongolian Empire stood as the most extensive empire the world had ever witnessed in terms of immediate landmass, a title it holds to this day.
Unlike empires such as the Roman and Greek, which were significant in size but dispersed across different territories, the Mongolian Empire was characterized by its cohesive and contiguous landmass.
Genghis Khan, the visionary leader, played a crucial role in the expansion and establishment of this vast empire.
The Island Nation Of New Zealand
As we’ve come to understand, the United States of America is a vast country that far surpasses smaller nations in size.
To illustrate this further, New Zealand, a country located in Oceania, has been superimposed over the United States to showcase the stark contrast in size.
Despite its role in providing the breathtaking landscapes for “The Lord of the Rings” movies, New Zealand comfortably fits within the borders of America.
In actuality, New Zealand is approximately 3,558 percent smaller than the United States, making it roughly equivalent in size to the United Kingdom.
Where The Imperial System Is Used
There are two primary systems of measurement used worldwide: the metric system and the imperial system.
The majority of countries, with a few exceptions and one prominent one, have adopted the metric system, which utilizes meters, liters, and grams as its main units of length, volume, and mass, respectively.
The United States is a notable exception, as it continues to use the imperial system, which involves units such as miles, yards, and gallons. Interestingly, the British introduced the imperial system, and it persisted in the United States as a legacy from the colonial period.
Apart from the United States, only two other countries retain the imperial system. Liberia, situated in West Africa, and Myanmar, located in Southeast Asia, also use this system.
Here’s Where American Forests Are
Forestry indeed plays a significant role as an industry, and ensuring its sustainability requires responsible practices such as reforestation.
The United States possesses nearly one-tenth of the world’s forests, making it a significant contributor to the global timber market.
While heavy logging can contribute to the decline of forests, tree-planting programs have proven to be effective in mitigating this impact.
City mayors and local councilors consistently implement tree planting initiatives, contributing to the preservation and expansion of green spaces across America.
Railroad To Nowhere
Taking a train ride and enjoying the passing landscape can be one of the most serene and calming modes of transportation.
During the Industrial Revolution in America, companies held the ambitious belief that connecting every city and town with railroads would become a reality.
However, by 1893, this dream came crashing down during a period known as ‘the Panic’, characterized by severe economic turmoil that led to many businesses and families facing bankruptcy.
As a result, numerous railroads were left incomplete, leading to the existence of “railroads to nowhere” scattered all over the United States.
The Great Flamingo Migration
Flamingoes, known for their striking bright pink color, are found in the wild, but only in specific coastal regions around the world. These elegant birds avoid cold climates and prefer warmer environments, leading them to migrate to the sunny shores of the Southern Hemisphere.
The pink regions on this map indicate the areas where flamingoes are commonly spotted, including South America, Africa, and parts of Asia.
Next time you spot a flamingo gracefully perched on one leg, it’s worth contemplating the remarkable distances these birds have flown during their migratory journeys to reach these beautiful coastal locations.
The State Of California
California is indeed a large and populous state, known for its size, celebrity culture, and sunny beaches. With a population of over 39 million people, it surpasses the entire population of Canada.
To provide further context, California’s land area is approximately 25 percent larger than that of Italy.
However, in terms of population, Italy has an edge, boasting more than 60 million citizens residing within its borders.
Highways To Everywhere
While railroads might have seen a decline in prominence in the United States, highways continue to play a vital role in the country’s transportation system.
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is responsible for overseeing the expansion and management of the extensive highway network.
As of now, there are an impressive 157,724 miles of highways traversing the continental United States, connecting various states, towns, and counties. The maintenance of these highways is essential to keep them safe and efficient for travel.
Interestingly, highway maintenance is not handled at the federal level. Instead, it falls under the responsibility of state authorities.
This decentralized approach means that some highways may receive better maintenance than others, as it varies depending on the priorities and resources of individual states.
Australia And The United States Showdown
Australia holds a unique position as both an island and a continent in the Pacific Ocean. It boasts several remarkable features, including the largest coral reef globally and a wide array of venomous plants and spiders.
When comparing Australia’s land area to that of the United States, it is approximately 27 percent smaller, as shown on the map. Despite its smaller size, Australia supports a much smaller population compared to the United States.
The vast land area of the United States is essential to accommodate its growing population and diverse economic activities.
The Population Of LA County
Los Angeles County, located in California, is densely populated and houses over 10 million people, which is larger than the entire state populations of many states across America, including Georgia, Pennsylvania, and New York.
The high population density in Los Angeles County results in significant housing demand, which in turn drives up housing costs.
Finding decent housing in such a densely populated area can indeed be expensive and challenging, given the demand and limited availability of space.
The cost of living in heavily populated counties like Los Angeles can be quite high, making it a significant consideration for residents and newcomers alike.
Cuba Compared To Hudson Bay
Cuba has long been a popular holiday destination, and with recent openings to the United States, it has seen an increase in American visitors.
While it might seem relatively large on a world map, when compared to Hudson Bay in North America, it appears significantly smaller than many of the provinces surrounding the Bay.
In fact, Cuba is approximately one-twelfth the size of Hudson Bay. Placed in the center of the Bay, it appears as though it is sitting below the water’s surface.
However, there is no need to worry about Cuba sinking like the Maldives; it is not expected to become a mere sandbar anytime soon.
For those looking to escape to sunny shores, Cuba remains a fantastic destination to relax and enjoy a vacation.
Sizing And Population Density
Many states in middle America and the Pacific Northwest are sparsely populated compared to the more densely populated coastal regions and the border with Canada. There are various reasons for this disparity.
In the Pacific area, high living costs can deter people from settling in certain places, making it more challenging for individuals to find affordable housing and maintain a comfortable lifestyle.
In contrast, the Midwest may have fewer job opportunities, particularly in comparison to major cities, leading people to gravitate towards urban centers for better employment prospects.
The population density map indicates higher concentrations of people along the coasts and the border with Canada. This helps people find less crowded areas with affordable living options and a slower-paced lifestyle.
Land Mass Of China And America
China, situated in East Asia, has long held the title of the most populous country in the world. Its substantial landmass supports the ever-growing population.
However, the United States comes close to matching China in terms of land size.
When the two countries are superimposed over each other, the United States slightly edges out and is a bit larger in land size. The land area of the United States measures 9,833,517 square kilometers, while China covers 9,596,961 square kilometers.
In this “competition,” the United States would be the winner in terms of land size.
Favorite Coffee Chains
The United States boasts a plethora of charming bistros and cafes, each offering their carefully crafted brews. Some excel at serving delicious cold brews, while others focus on creating fancy coffees adorned with frothy designs dreamt up by talented baristas.
Amidst these options, three coffee chains reign supreme nationwide.
For most states, Starbucks, which originated in Seattle, Washington, is the top choice for coffee lovers. Along the Eastern seaboard, Dunkin’ Donuts competes for second place, with many East Coast states favoring this chain.
Caribou Coffee in Minnesota receives an honorable mention, as it is the only state where this chain is most popular.
India And The United States
India is the country with the second-largest population in the world, with approximately 1 billion people scattered throughout its borders. While India may not appear very large when looking at a world map, it is, in fact, the seventh-largest country globally.
Superimposing India over the United States offers a reminder of the sheer size of America.
Despite India’s significant land area and massive population, it is still dwarfed by the vastness of the North American giant. India is approximately half the size of the United States, which itself remains a massive country.
Countries With Lower Populations
While maps often highlight the United States and its population size and density, it’s essential to remember that there are numerous other countries around the world that deserve attention.
The map showcasing countries with populations less than 100 million reveals that there are many such nations.
Countries like New Zealand, Canada, and Australia have relatively smaller populations compared to their vast land sizes. The climate plays a significant role in shaping population distribution in these countries.
For instance, the harsh arctic climate in Northern Canada and the arid desert climate in parts of Australia make it challenging for large populations to thrive in those regions.
In contrast, countries with more pleasant and moderate climates tend to support larger populations.
The Mediterranean Sea of America
The stereotype that many Americans have not traveled outside the country often leads to a perspective limited to the United States, including its oceans and Great Lakes.
This can make it challenging for them to comprehend the actual size of other places worldwide. The Mediterranean Sea, in particular, might not be easy to grasp from a regular map.
To help visualize the true scale of the Mediterranean Sea and its surrounding countries, a creative internet user used graphic manipulation and Photoshop skills to overlay it perfectly on the contiguous United States.
This map offers a unique perspective, allowing viewers to bid farewell to the Midwest and envision themselves along the stunning Italian Riviera or other Mediterranean destinations.
The Nearest Country To Everywhere In The US
While Canada and Mexico are the countries most commonly associated with the United States due to their proximity, there are indeed regions within the US that are closer to entirely different countries.
For instance, approximately half of Alaska is closer to Russia than to any other place, including Canada. In the Southeast US, including Florida, the Bahamas are often closer than Mexico.
Moreover, Hawaii is surprisingly close to Kiribati, a country in the central Pacific Ocean.
China Meet Russia
Russia indeed stands out prominently on world maps due to its vast land size, making it the largest country in the world. However, like other countries, it also has areas that are sparsely populated due to its harsh winter climate.
To grasp the true scale of Russia, one can superimpose China over it. While China may not appear as small as it often looks on maps compared to Russia, it is still substantially smaller.
In terms of land size, Russia is an impressive 44 percent larger than China, making it significantly larger in comparison.
All Of Antarctica
Maps often depict Antarctica as a long, snaking continent at the bottom of the world, making it challenging to grasp its true shape without viewing it on a globe.
Unlike the other continents, Antarctica does not have a permanent population. Instead, it is primarily inhabited by scientists, researchers, and support staff who work on a rotational basis.
To understand the actual size of Antarctica, a comparison with all of North America is helpful. While Antarctica may not be as extensive as North America, it still dwarfs Canada in size.
If Antarctica were considered a country, Canada would be approximately 40 percent smaller in comparison, underlining the vast expanse of this icy continent.
Road Tripping Through Springfield
It is intriguing that the name Springfield is so popular for towns in the United States, with a total of 33 towns bearing the same name spread across 25 states.
This has led road trippers to plan routes to visit all these Springfields, making it an exciting and unique adventure.
The map outlines the best route to visit the majority of these Springfields, making it a fantastic road trip opportunity. It’s worth noting that there are also a few townships that share the name.
Population Spikes
A country’s population can grow larger through a combination of natural growth (births exceeding deaths) and immigration.
In the case of Japan, its aging population and limited immigration have contributed to a decline in population size.
The map shows areas in the United States where population growth is happening, and many of these spikes are concentrated in major cities. Major cities tend to experience higher levels of immigration, attracting people from various regions and countries seeking better opportunities.
On the other hand, along the Canadian border, there might not be as many population spikes, and this could be attributed to the fact that there are fewer major cities in the middle America region along the border.
Montana And Mongolia
Montana and Mongolia do share some similarities, such as being sparsely populated, having vast expanses of land for livestock, and a thriving agricultural sector.
However, when it comes to land size, they differ significantly, with Montana being 4.1 times smaller than Mongolia.
It is true that map projections can sometimes exaggerate the size of certain countries, giving the impression that Mongolia is much larger than it actually is.
In reality, Mongolia is a large country in Asia, but it is not as massive as it might appear on some maps.
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.