In North America, license plate requirements vary significantly between jurisdictions. While some require vehicles to display plates on both the front and rear, others mandate only rear plates. This patchwork of regulations creates an interesting geographical pattern across the continent. United States: A Nation Divided On Plates Of the 50 U.S. states, 31 require both … Read more
The map above shows the Sahara Desert, when it was void of sand 8,000 years ago, reconstructed in a map named “Ancient Lakes of the Sahara” by Carl Churchill. A Vastly Different Landscape The Sahara Desert we know today—a vast, arid expanse of sand and rock stretching across northern Africa—was once a lush, green landscape … Read more
The map above highlights the primary blue cheese-producing regions of France, each home to a cheese with protected designation of origin (PDO) status. France’s gastronomic landscape is as diverse as its geography, with blue cheese production representing one of its most distinctive culinary traditions. These pungent, veined cheeses—beloved by connoisseurs and casual cheese enthusiasts alike—are … Read more
The map above tracks the presence of nine major American fast food chains across European countries: KFC, McDonald’s, Subway, Burger King, Domino’s, Starbucks, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and Dunkin’. In the decades following World War II, American fast food chains have expanded their reach across the globe, becoming some of the most recognizable brands worldwide. … Read more
The map above illustrates Europe’s busiest railway stations by annual passenger numbers. Europe’s railway network stands as one of the most extensive and heavily utilized transportation systems in the world. From historic terminals dating back to the 19th century to modern transit hubs handling millions of passengers yearly, European train stations reflect both the continent’s … Read more
The map above shows the countries of Europe, with its language names translated into their very own language. Have you ever wondered what different European languages call themselves? While English speakers refer to the language spoken in Germany as “German,” Germans themselves call it “Deutsch.” This fascinating linguistic phenomenon occurs across Europe, where language names … Read more
This map of the United States above shows what are the most common self-reported ancestry or ethnic origin of white Americans of each county, based on data from the 2020 U.S. Census. English & Mormon Heritage As seen on the map, a sea of yellow dominates the nation, meaning English heritage is the country’s most … Read more
The map above describes how various agricultural products were spread from the Middle East (Asia) through Europe between the years 9,600 to 3,800 BC. The transition from hunting and gathering to farming represents one of humanity’s most significant developments. This neolithic revolution began in the Fertile Crescent of the Middle East and gradually spread across … Read more
The map above show Europe’s monarchies and republics, and how they evolved over several centuries, from the 18th century up to the present day. The Initial Landscape: Monarchical Dominance The political landscape of Europe has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past three centuries, with a dramatic shift from monarchical rule to republican governance. This … Read more
The map below shows the percentage of land in each U.S. state that is planted with principal crops, based on data from GrainStats and the USDA’s Prospective Plantings report. Principal crops include corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton, oats, barley, sorghum, rice, and other field crops that form the foundation of American agriculture. The Corn Belt Dominance … Read more