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50 Curious Maps That May Not Keep You From Getting Lost, But Can Still Teach You Something

50 Curious Maps That May Not Keep You From Getting Lost, But Can Still Teach You Something

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Ever wondered which US states are the best and worst in terms of people's well-being? Or the European regions with the most significant number of willing organ donors? 
These may not be the questions you ask yourself daily, but these bits of information, at the very least, help us better understand the different regions of the world. This refreshing approach to geography is thanks to a massive and still-growing subreddit that features maps from around the globe. 
It’s always nice to learn something new, and scrolling through this list may do just that for you today.

#1 Map Of India, Hand-Drawn With Pen And Ink By Myself In The Style Of Tolkien's Fold-Out Maps

Map Of India, Hand-Drawn With Pen And Ink By Myself In The Style Of Tolkien's Fold-Out Maps
86points

#2 A Logarithmic Map Of The Entire Observable Universe

A Logarithmic Map Of The Entire Observable Universe
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68points

#3 Map Of The Ocean Floors, As Published By National Geographic (1967 - 1971)

Map Of The Ocean Floors, As Published By National Geographic (1967 - 1971)
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54points

Many of you likely clicked on this article for the interesting trivia, so here are a few more. Did you know that the tallest mountain in the world isn’t Mount Everest?

It is actually Hawaii’s Mauna Kea, which stands 33,500 feet (10,210 meters) above sea level when measured from the seafloor. It is technically taller by 4,471 feet, but since measurements are done above sea level, its official height is 13,796 (4,205 meters). Mount Everest stands at 29,029 feet (8,848 meters).

#4 Map Of (Almost) Every Bus Route In The UK And Ireland

Map Of (Almost) Every Bus Route In The UK And Ireland
44points

#5 Indonesia Laid Out Over Russia

Indonesia Laid Out Over Russia
43points

#6 All The Roads In Canada (Posted By Col. Chris Hadfield On Fb)

All The Roads In Canada (Posted By Col. Chris Hadfield On Fb)
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41points

The Vatican may be referred to as a city, but it is actually the country in the world. It became a sovereign state in 1929 and is approximately one-eighth the size of NYC’s Central Park, with a total area of around 0.17 square miles (0.49 square kilometers). 

As of 2025, the population in the Vatican is 764. It is also one of the last two countries (along with the Philippines) where divorce is illegal.

#7 The Most Common Occupational Related Surnames In Europe

The Most Common Occupational Related Surnames In Europe
35points

#8 Africa Is Humongous

Africa Is Humongous
34points

#9 Great Wall Of South America

Great Wall Of South America
33points

Los Angeles, as we all know it today, had a much longer name. Back in its founding in 1781, the “City of Angels” was called “El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles de Porciúncula.” 

In English, it means “The Town of Our Lady the Queen of the Angels of Porciúncula.” Los Angeles became the city’s official name in 1850, which became much easier to say.

#10 Australia Mapped By Its 1.3 Million Rivers, Streams, Tributaries

Australia Mapped By Its 1.3 Million Rivers, Streams, Tributaries
32points

#11 Range Of European Bison (2020)

Range Of European Bison (2020)
29points

#12 The World Divided In 2 Equal Parts Of Population

The World Divided In 2 Equal Parts Of Population
28points

Global franchises like McDonald’s and Starbucks are both American-born, which makes it easy to assume that every corner in the country has at least one branch. However, there is actually one city where neither of these two franchises is present. 

That place is the city of Montpelier, the capital of the state of Vermont. It is also the smallest US capital.

#13 Soil Quality In Europe

Soil Quality In Europe
27points

#14 Europe’s Metal Powerhouses

Europe’s Metal Powerhouses
26points

#15 Aldi Equator In Germany

Aldi Equator In Germany
25points

There was a time in history when Canada’s population was smaller than that of California. In 2016, Canada reached a population of 36 million, a first in the country’s history. Meanwhile, California’s population at the time was 38.9 million. 

Canada has since surpassed “The Golden State” in terms of residents, as recent statistics reveal an estimated population of over 40 million. California’s current estimated population, on the other hand, is 39.6 million.

#16 Countries Where Dinosaur Fossils Have Been Found

Countries Where Dinosaur Fossils Have Been Found
24points

#17 This Area Has Produced Every Waterpolo Olympic Champion Since 2000

This Area Has Produced Every Waterpolo Olympic Champion Since 2000
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24points

#18 The Red Area Is Home To Around 60% Of Icelanders, Despite Covering Just 1% Of The Land

The Red Area Is Home To Around 60% Of Icelanders, Despite Covering Just 1% Of The Land
24points

#19 Countries Not Self Identified As Democratic

Countries Not Self Identified As Democratic
23points

#20 Norway Overlaid On The Us

Norway Overlaid On The Us
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23points
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