ADVERTISEMENT

Learning can be fun; but if you don’t want to take my word for it, I will let today’s list do the talking.

Today, we’re focusing on geography and all sorts of maps that ought to bring some perspective into the way you view territories. Ranging from maps that show how many Switzerlands one Brazil can fit or how big Somalia is compared to the East Coast in the US, among other things, the list is a fascinating way to learn more about the world around us. So wait not a second longer, delve deeper into the fascinating maps, and enjoy the journey.

On the list below, you will also find Bored Panda’s interview with an Associate Professor in the Department of English Language and Literatures at the University of British Columbia and an expert in Medieval culture and maps, Dr. Robert Rouse, who was kind enough to answer a few of our questions.

RELATED:

    It’s safe to assume that few people’s hearts start beating faster when they think about maps. Unless you’re a geography enthusiast, you might not be overjoyed by the prospect of staring at one.

    But in addition to a ‘regular one,’ which focuses on the territories of the countries of the world, there’s a plethora of other kinds of maps depicting all sorts of interesting information, which ought to awaken your curiosity. As this list will likely show, maps can be way more exciting than most people think!

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Talking about why it is important to be familiar with maps—at least the one focused on countries’ territories—Dr. Robert Rouse of the University of British Columbia noted that if we don't know the world we live in, it’s hard to be an informed participant in politics or culture. “Maps provide us with a tool for displaying geographical (and other) information in an easily digested, readily readable format,” he said.

    #6

    World map highlighting Xinjiang, China, as the furthest point from the ocean, showcasing perspective-changing geography.

    amazingmap Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    PeepPeep the duck
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I’m dying in Dubbo away from my Pacific Ocean, I cannot imagine being this far from one 😭

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #8

    Illustration showing map distortions with a face and globe, highlighting how maps change perspective.

    tomaspueyo Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa)
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is why Donald Trump keeps trying to buy Greenland BTW. The map makes him think it's bigger than it really is. Yes folks, the incoming POTUSA is an idiot who has no idea how maps work.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT

    Talking about maps and perspective, Dr. Rouse pointed out that many people have little idea that maps are dependent on their technological perspective.

    “The Mercator projection, which is the dominant mode of map-presentation that most people are familiar with, was developed for sea navigation (as it presents longitude and latitude on a familiar x-y grid pattern), and it dramatically distorts the size and area of many countries, exaggerating those towards the poles. This leads to many people underestimating the size of countries towards the equator, and overestimating those of the global north.”

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #11

    Colorful map showing the true size of countries, emphasizing perspective changes.

    amazingmap Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    PeepPeep the duck
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That makes the amount of drives all over Australia I’ve done look so crazy next to looking at Europe and Africa, it’s cool to know I would have the enthusiasm to drive all over Africa’s continent 😂 (always wanted to see Sudan and Ethiopias ancient infrastructure and palace ruins)

    View more commentsArrow down menu

    The aforementioned Mercator projection (a cylindrical map projection) was presented in 1569 by the Flemish geographer and cartographer, Gerardus Mercator. As Dr. Rouse noted, it tends to distort the size of some countries, with a classic example, according to Science Direct, being Greenland—because of the projection, it appears to be much larger than it actually is relative to land masses near the equator. It also looks larger than Australia, for instance, when in reality, the land down under is roughly three and a half times larger than Greenland.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #14

    Map illustrating Anchorage's proximity to major northern hemisphere markets, emphasizing logistics and perspective change.

    tomaspueyo Report

    Even though maps focused on territory lines show exactly where one country ends and another begins, when it comes to cultural issues or such things as language and faith, it’s not all that clearcut.

    Discussing how maps based on social or cultural issues can help people get a better idea of how certain cultures intertwine, Dr. Rouse suggested that most maps are presented using national boundaries, but most things—race, faith, cultural beliefs, and language—largely ignore these borders. In the expert’s opinion, it makes the world “a much messier, and more interesting, place.”

    ADVERTISEMENT

    “We often have much more in common with people across the border than our politicians sometimes suggest,” he told Bored Panda.

    While all sorts of unique maps are quite fun to analyze, according to the expert, there’s more to them than that. “They challenge us to think about the world differently, more complexly. And this is a good thing at a moment when politics seems to be becoming more insular, more nationalistic, in nature,” he said.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #20

    Map comparing the size of Vatican City to Central Park, highlighting perspective change.

    amazingmap Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Deborah
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There are a couple of European countries, like San Marino, which are smaller than Central Park.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #22

    Maps comparing the Netherlands in 1300 and today, illustrating changes in perspective over time.

    amazingmap Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Oerff On Tour
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And as a Dutchman, I can say that the left map is similar to the projected map of 2100

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #25

    Map of Poland highlighting subway absence, altering perspective.

    TerribleMaps Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    StPaul9
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There's a North-South line and an East-West line. Imagine missing your stop.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #27

    Historic 1507 map by Waldseemüller showing America's first appearance, illustrating maps that change perspective.

    amazingmap Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Owen
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I like old maps. They're always wrong, but they're fun.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #28

    World map illustrating countries teaching British vs. American English, highlighting differences that change perspective.

    amazingmap Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Dan Holden
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This isn't exactly accurate. I can only speak about Canada, but we spell things the British way (colour instead of color etc) but the words we use and the way we speak is much closer to our American neighbors than to British English.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #29

    Map showing global penguin distribution with highlighted areas in blue, altering perspective on geographic spread.

    amazingmap Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Sully
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why was the story of a penguin reaching Australia such a big deal? Edit; never mind. First Emperor Penguin. 🤦🏻‍♂️

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #30

    Map showing US-Mexico border distance as a straight line across Europe, highlighting perspective changes.

    amazingmap Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Robin Roper
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Build that wall! Oh, it's how long? Maybe we need to think about it.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #31

    A map showing continents and Greenland placed in the Pacific Ocean, illustrating a change in perspective.

    tomaspueyo Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Owen
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is why I refused to sail across the Pacific. Someone wanted to hire me, and I said nope.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #34

    Map showing size comparison of countries with light and dark blue, illustrating perspective changes.

    theepicmap Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    FreeTheUnicorn
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Relative size not actual size, BP. They are very much to scale. What are these, countries for ants?

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #35

    Map highlighting Bouvet Island, showing its remote location in the Southern Ocean, emphasizing change in perspective.

    amazingmap Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    pebs
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    On September 22, 1979, a nuclear test is believed to have been conducted between Bouvet Island and the Prince Edward Islands. The test was detected by artificial satellites, which detected a brief but intense flash of light; radioactive dust was also detected by scientists in the Australian Antarctic Territory. No nation has ever admitted responsibility for the test, although it is widely believed that it was carried out by South Africa or Israel. The episode is known as the Vela incident.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    Continue reading with Bored Panda Premium
    Unlimited content
    Ad-free browsing
    Dark mode
    #37

    World map highlighting countries where cheek kissing is a common greeting, illustrating cultural perspective changes.

    amazingmap Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Oerff On Tour
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Post Covid19, that has diminished a lot in Europe. We couldn't for 2 years, and most people rethought it. It's invasive to personal space, serves no purpose and makes people uncomfortable. ( think #METOO)So they simply dropped the habit.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #38

    Vintage 1802 map labeled "New Holland," representing historical perspectives on Australia.

    amazingmap Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    JoNo
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Chuckles to myself that the city I live in doesn't exist, therefore, I don't exist.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #39

    Maps showing Poland's borders pre-1990 vs. post-1993, highlighting perspective changes in neighboring countries.

    amazingmap Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Say No to Downvoting
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No, hang on - what’s on the west side? I feel like this is relevant to prove their point.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #44

    Map showing Chile's length compared to Europe, highlighting perspective change.

    tomaspueyo Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #47

    Map showing a 149-hour drive across Russia from Klintsy to Omsukchan, illustrating vast distances.

    amazingmap Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Blue Bunny of Happiness
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Whereas you can drive for 149 minutes on the M6 and it feels like you’ve driven for 149 years and still haven’t got past Birmingham….

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #48

    World map highlighting regions that constitute 50% of global GDP, illustrating maps that change perspective.

    amazingmap Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Owen
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm suprised that California and Russia aren't in there. But Russia probably doesn't share its statistics.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #50

    Comparison map showing Africa's size relative to other countries and regions, illustrating maps that change perspective.

    tomaspueyo Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Glen Ellyn
    Community Member
    Premium
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Be careful. This will confuse geography ignoramuses - you'll never convince them that Africa is not a country.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #51

    World map highlighting countries that once hosted the largest city, showing changing perspectives.

    IFckingLoveMaps Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #52

    Map illustrating supermarket hours in Europe with color codes for open, closed, and limited hours, changing perspective on shopping.

    amazingmap Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #54

    Map showing population density in China, highlighting 94% live in the east and 6% in the west, changing perspective.

    amazingmap Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #56

    Map showing varying percentages of light hair across Europe, highlighting how maps change perspective.

    amazingmap Report

    #57

    World map showing birth density in last 30 minutes; highlights changing perspective on global population distribution.

    theepicmap Report

    #58

    World map highlighting countries lacking basic sanitation access, showing statistics and percentages. Maps-That-Change-Perspective.

    IFckingLoveMaps Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Penelope
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Alaska should have many more people on this map. (I live in a dry cabin in the middle of AK, myself.)

    #59

    Map highlighting blue and red areas with equal populations, illustrating changing perspectives.

    amazingmap Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Owen
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I know exactly which one I would choose to live in. Finnland is the happiest country in the world, and then there's Russia which treats its people as disposable. For no apparent reason. Look up Russian jails and Finnish jails on YouTube. The difference is both scary and enormous.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #60

    Map highlighting countries mentioned in the Bible, showcasing regions that change perspective.

    theepicmap Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Owen
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's... almost as though... the US isn't God's country? And maybe Jesus wasn't white?

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #64

    Map highlighting European countries with smaller populations than London's metro area.

    amazingmap Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Pernille
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I grew up thinking I was living in a big city (København) when I moved to London I felt a bit like a country bumpkin moving to town, even living in Paris in the nineties hadn't prepared me.

    #65

    Map highlighting cities with the highest cost of living in 2021, showcasing how maps change perspective globally.

    IFckingLoveMaps Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    El Dee
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Genuinely shocked that Tel Aviv is the most expensive place on the planet..

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #66

    Map comparing the size of Poland and Texas, highlighting how Poland fits within Texas. Maps that change perspective.

    amazingmap Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    JoNo
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My state (South Australia) is 45% larger than Texas ... and we aren't the largest state in Australia!

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #67

    Map of Chile compared to the moon, highlighting changes in perspective.

    amazingmap Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Fishpanda (fish/panda/it)
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I looked this up as I was skeptical, and yes, this is true. Chile is around 4300 km (2700 mi) long while the moon's diameter is around 3475 km (2150 mi). Estimates between different sites and data sources vary, but land around there.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #69

    Map illustrating train speed variations across Europe, highlighting perspective changes with color-coded regions.

    theepicmap Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Eric C.
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Must be average speed or something. The ICE in Germany regularly exceeds 200 km/h. I've seen them approach 300

    View more commentsArrow down menu