But some regions of countries have a GDP comparable to that of entire nations. For instance, if California were a sovereign nation, it would rank as the global’s 5h-biggest economy after Germany, Japan, China, and the UK.

An ordinary map doesn’t show the global economy’s subtleties, such as how much particular subdivisions contribute to every nation and world GDP.

Reddit user BerryBlue_Blueberry created the new version of the maps that shows nominal world GDP and GDP adjusted for purchasing power parity. Both maps were normalized to a base number of one thousand to depict a more subdivisions breakdown of economic activity.

Every cartogram’s hexagon on the maps below outlines 0.1 percent of the global’s overall GDP.

The number below subdivisions depicts the number of hexagons embraced by the country. For instance, California represents 37 hexagons, or about 3.4% of world GDP.

The nations that are less than 0.1 percent of GDP are grouped. Cites that account for over 0.25 percent of world GDP are highlighted.

Nominal GPD

On the map, you can see how huge Japan and tiny Africa are. Russia’s GDP is small, too, particularly when compared to the rest of Europe. In Asia, China is the undisputed leader.

India’s GDP ($3 trillion) exceeds the GDP of entire Africa ($2.6 trillion). While South America’s GDP is only insignificantly doing better than Africa’s. Although on a per capita level, the South Americans are doing much better.

Many US states have larger GDPs than entire nations with more substantial populations. In the United Kingdom and France, wealth is unevenly concentrated only in London and Paris, respectively.

Top 10 subdivisions with the highest nominal GDP per capita

1. New York – 90,000$
2. Massachusetts – 86,000$
3. California – 80,000$
3. Washington – 80,000$
3. Emirati of Abu Dhabi – 80,000$
4. Connecticut – 79,000$
4. Wester Australia – 79,000$
5. Greater London – 73,000$
6. Greate Tokyo – 72,000$
6. Illionis – 72,000$
7. Île-de-France – 70,000$
8. Maryland – 69,000$
8. Colorado – 69,000$
9. New Jersey – 68,000$
10. Queensland – 66,000$

Below is the map of the GDP adjusted for purchasing power parity.

GDP adjusted for purchasing power parity

The estimated average GDP per capita of all of the world’s countries is Int$18,381 (2019). Luxembourgers have the highest per capita gross domestic product in the world. According to the International Monetary Fund, in 2021, the GDP per capita in Luxembourg amounted to about US$122,740.

Top 10 countries with the highest GDP per capita

1. Luxebourg – 122,740$
2. Singapore – 102,742$
3. Ireland – 99,239$
4. Quatar 97,262$
5. Switzerland – 75,880$
6. Norway – 69,171$
7. Unites states – 68,309$
8. Brunei – 64,405$
9. San Marino – 61,508$
10. Denmark – 61,478$

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The biggest importers

Around the world, import a total of $19.87 trillion in goods and services every year. The U.S. is the world’s biggest import nation in the world (13.4% share of global imports), with China (13.8% share of global imports) and Germany (6.5% share of global imports) close behind.

The World’s Top 20 Largest Importers ($millions)

1. U.S – $2,612,379
2. China – $2,135,748
3. Germany – $1,285,722
4. Japan – $748,488
5. United Kingdom – $673,965
6. France – $672,549
7. Netherlands – $644,673
8. Hong Kong – $626,616
9. South Korea – $535,202
10. India – $514,464
11. Italy – $500,795
12. Mexico – $476,546
13. Canada – $470,558
14. Belgium – $450,075
15. Spain – $388,044
16. Singapore – $370,881
17. Chinese Taipei – $386,333
18. Switzerland – $279,528
19. Poland – $266,504
20. Unit3d Arab Emiratis – $261,539

The biggest exporters

China is the biggest exporter in the world. The country exported a total of $2.5 trillion worth of goods and services in 2018 (12.8% share of global exports). The United States comes in second place (8.6% share of global exports).

The World’s Top 20 Largest Exporters ($millions)

1. China – $2,486,695
2. United States – $1,665,992
3. Germany – $1,560,648
4. Japan – $738,143
5. Netherlands – $723,752
6. South Korea -$604,860
7. France – $581,872
8. Hong Kong – $568,454
9. Italy – $546,643
10. United Kingdom – $486,850
11. Belgium – 466,724
12. Mexico – 450,685
13. Canada – 450,585
14. Russian Federation – 443,129
15. Singapore – 412,953
16. Spain – 345,166
17. Chinese Taipei – 335,909
18. India – 324,778%
19. United Arab Emirates – 316,896
20. Switzerland – 310,749

The post Who Are the Biggest Importers and Exporters in 2018? appeared first on Vivid Maps.

Today, these types of fossil fuels continued to play a dominant role in the world’s energy systems, accounting for around 84 percent of the global energy supply. The United States is the most significant overall producer, producing just under 20 percent of all world’s fossil fuels, followed by Russia and Iran.

Below are the interactive maps created by 911metallurgist that show fossil fuel production by country.

The U.S. is the biggest oil producer, producing 18 percent of the world‘s oil, followed by Saudi Arabia and Russia. Venezuela has the most oil reserves in the world but currently only sits as its 12th biggest producer.

The United States is also the largest natural gas producer, producing nearly 20 percent of all-natural gas. Russia is also a gas powerhouse, with a 17.3 percent share.

China produces a mountainous 45 percent of the world’s coal.

Fossil fuel consumption has grown dramatically over the past half-century, about eight-fold since 1950 and practically doubling since 1980.

Today across the world, the largest consumers use over ten times more fossil energy than some of the smallest consumers.

Top 20 countries by fossil fuel consumption per capita in 2021

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While certain names trended nationally, regional variations persisted due to cultural, ethnic, and linguistic factors unique to each state. For example, states with larger Hispanic populations might have had more Spanish-influenced names in their top rankings.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) keeps track of historical data on baby names by state and year, and here’s a brief summary of how the top baby boy names in U.S. states have changed over time.

Earlier 20th Century (1900s – 1950s): During this period, traditional names were often popular across most states. Names like John, William, James, and Robert were consistently popular choices. Regional variations might have occurred due to cultural influences and local trends.

Mid-20th Century (1960s – 1970s): The mid-century saw the rise of more varied name choices, influenced by pop culture, celebrities, and historical events. Names like Michael, David, and Christopher became widespread. However, there might still have been regional variations reflecting local culture.

Late 20th Century (1980s – 1990s): The late 20th century brought about more diverse influences, resulting in a mix of traditional and contemporary names. Names like Jacob, Matthew, Joshua, and Daniel gained popularity. States might have still exhibited variations due to cultural factors.

Early 21st Century (2000s – early 2020s): This period saw a continuation of diverse naming trends. Names like Liam, Noah, Ethan, and Mason became popular across multiple states. However, some states might have shown stronger preferences for certain names due to cultural and regional factors.

The maps below created by Reddit user BoMcCready show the most popular baby boy names by U.S. state over time.

You can learn more about baby boy names from the following books:

• The Complete Book of Baby Names
• The Best Baby Names for Boys: The Ultimate Resource for Finding the Perfect Boy Name

For other similar maps, have a look at:

• Top Baby Girls Names by U.S. State Over Time

The post Top Baby Boy Names by U.S. State Over Time appeared first on Vivid Maps.

Based on the most recent findings from Coordinated Direct Investment Survey of International Monetary Fund, the leading beneficiaries of foreign direct investment as of the conclusion of 2021 comprised the following nations: the United States, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, China, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong SAR, Singapore, Ireland, Switzerland, and Germany.

The US is now the leading destination worldwide for foreign direct investment (FDI), with China coming in third.

If we look at foreign direct investment as a share of GDP, the ranking is topped by other countries.

Positioned at the forefront, Luxembourg consistently draws considerable FDI as a percentage of GDP. Its allure is rooted in favorable tax policies, a robust financial services sector, and its strategic position within Europe.

To learn more about investing, read:

• The Little Book of Common Sense Investing: The Only Way to Guarantee Your Fair Share of Stock Market Returns
• The Book on Rental Property Investing: How to Create Wealth and Passive Income Through Smart Buy & Hold Real Estate Investing
• Rich Dad’s Guide to Investing: What the Rich Invest In That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not!

The post Countries Receiving the Most Investment from Abroad appeared first on Vivid Maps.

How the Map Was Created

The map was created using data from the World Tourism Organization, a specialized agency of the United Nations. Each country is color-coded according to its continent and its size adjusted to reflect the total annual expenditure by international tourists in 2017 (measured in billions of US dollars). The WTO defines tourist expenditure as any amount spent by an international inbound tourist on transportation, goods, and services, excluding domestic tourism. This approach provides an accurate snapshot of which countries rely most heavily on international tourism.

Key Insights from the Map

A limited number of countries have tourism industries large enough to be featured prominently on this map. The United States, for instance, stands out significantly, accounting for 16% of the world’s total tourist expenditures with an impressive $211 billion. When combined, the top ten countries on this list contribute to a staggering 49% of global tourist spending, amounting to $643 billion.

This concentration of tourism spending in a few key destinations reveals a “top-heavy” industry. Western countries, along with East Asian hotspots like Japan, Thailand, and Macao, dominate the list. In contrast, regions such as South America see relatively little in terms of international tourist spending. Notable exceptions in the global south include Australia ($42 billion) and New Zealand ($10 billion), both of which are developed, English-speaking countries.

Top 20 Countries with the Highest International Tourism Receipts in 2017

1. United States – $211B
2. Spain – $68B
3. France – $61B
4. Thailand – $57B
5. United Kingdom – $51B
6. Italy – $44B
7. Australia – $42B
8. Germany – $40B
9. Macao (China) – $36B
10. Japan – $34B
11. China – $33B
12. Hong Kong (China) – $33B
13. India – $27B
14. Turkey – $22B
15. Mexico – $21B
16. UAE – $21B
17. Canada – $20B
18. Austria – $20B
19. Singapore – $20B
20. Malaysia – $18B

The Uneven Distribution of Tourism Spending

The distribution of tourism spending raises interesting questions about the global travel industry. Despite the widespread availability of international flights, the tourism industry remains bifurcated and unequal. This inequality begs the question: how can lesser-known destinations attract more international visitors and boost their tourism revenue?

Conclusion

The world map of top tourism destinations by money spent offers valuable insights into the global tourism industry. It highlights the economic significance of international tourism and the concentration of tourist spending in specific regions. By understanding these patterns, we can explore strategies to promote lesser-known destinations and create a more equitable distribution of tourism revenue worldwide.

Interested in delving deeper into the tourism industry? Here are some recommended books to explore.

• The Exploding Business of Travel and Tourism
• Marketing for Hospitality and Tourism
• Tourism: Principles, Practices, Philosophies

The post The World’s Top Tourism Destinations Ranked by Money Spent appeared first on Vivid Maps.

This isn’t your typical world map. Each tiny square represents 500,000 people, with a total of 12,266 squares depicting our planet’s 7.633 billion inhabitants. It’s mind-blowing to see how this unique visualization reshapes familiar continents and countries.

What immediately stands out is how some nations, like India and China, dramatically expand, while others, such as Russia and Canada, shrink significantly. It’s a stark reminder of just how unevenly distributed our global population is.

But here’s something even more intriguing – if we could somehow gather every person on Earth in one place, standing shoulder to shoulder, how much space would we actually occupy?

If everyone on the world stood this close together they would take up this much space

Surprisingly, we’d all fit within a circle just 50 km in diameter! It’s hard to believe, isn’t it? This puts into perspective how small we are compared to the vast expanse of our planet, yet how significant our impact is on it.

This population-based world map not only offers a fresh take on global demographics but also serves as a powerful tool for understanding international relations, resource distribution, and environmental challenges. It’s a reminder that traditional world maps, while familiar, don’t always tell the whole story.

For those of you who love exploring different map perspectives, I’ve found some interesting world maps available on Amazon:

• Scratch-Off World Map
• 3D Wood World Map Wall Art
• National Geographic World Map (Classic)

The post Population Cartogram Reveals Global Demographics appeared first on Vivid Maps.

This map of the United States created by Reddit user Trepach reveals some striking insights about electoral representation. Following the 2010 census, 12 electoral votes shifted among 18 states, reshaping the political playing field. Eight states saw their electoral influence diminish by one vote each, while New York and Ohio experienced a more significant drop, losing two votes apiece. On the flip side, eight states gained electoral clout – six added one vote to their tally, Florida secured an extra two, and Texas emerged as the big winner with four additional votes.

The total electoral pie consists of 538 slices, mirroring the composition of Congress: 435 representatives and 100 senators, plus three electors allocated to Washington, D.C. When you look at our map of the United States, you’ll notice that electoral power isn’t evenly distributed. The heavyweight contenders are California (55 votes), Texas (38), New York (29), Florida (29), Illinois (20), and Pennsylvania (20). In contrast, the seven least populous states – Alaska, Delaware, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, and Wyoming – each wield just three electoral votes.

But here’s where it gets really interesting. Our map of the United States highlights a stark imbalance in representation. Consider this: California, with its massive population of 39.5 million, commands 55 electoral votes. Now, shift your gaze across the map to find a collection of 23 other states. Together, their combined population matches California’s 39.5 million. Yet, these 23 states collectively hold a whopping 101 electoral votes – nearly double California’s influence!

This comparison brings into sharp focus the ongoing debate about fair representation in the Electoral College system. It prompts us to question whether the current map of the United States truly reflects the principle of “one person, one vote” or if it gives disproportionate power to less populous states.

As you explore this captivating map of the United States, consider how these electoral imbalances might influence presidential campaigns, policy decisions, and ultimately, the future direction of the country. It’s a visual reminder that in American politics, where you live can significantly impact the weight of your vote.

Whether you’re a political junkie, a history buff, or simply curious about how our democracy functions, this electoral map of the United States offers a wealth of insights. It’s a powerful tool for understanding the complex interplay between population, geography, and political representation in our diverse nation.

Here are some links to maps of the United States available on Amazon:

• National Geographic: United States Classic Wall Map
• Rand McNally Classic United States Wall Map

The post Map of the US with electoral college power in mind appeared first on Vivid Maps.

To put this in perspective: California has more people than all of Canada. It’s home to 11 million more people than Texas and nearly twice as many as Florida. If California were its own country, it would have a bigger population than 190 other nations.

What California Looks Like Now

Take a walk through any California city, and you’ll see what makes this state unique. Unlike most other places in America, no single group makes up a majority here. Look at the numbers:

• 4 in 10 Californians are Latino
• About a third are white
• 16% are Asian American or Pacific Islander
• 6% are Black
• 3% identify as multiracial

The age differences tell an interesting story too. Most young Californians (51.4% of those under 24) are Latino, while most seniors (53% of those over 65) are white. More than 1 in 4 residents were born outside the U.S. – that’s over 10 million people who chose California as their new home.

How Did We Get Here?

The numbers from the 1900s are staggering:

• In 1900, fewer people lived in all of California than live in San Diego today
• By 1950, the state hit 10 million residents
• By 2000, the population had soared to 34 million

But something changed in the 21st century. Growth started slowing down, then stopped, and recently did something completely unexpected:

• Between 2020 and 2023, California lost 412,000 residents
• We’ve just started growing again, but barely – adding 49,000 people (0.13%) in 2023-2024

Where Is Everyone Going?

The recent numbers tell an interesting story:

• Fewer people are leaving for other states now than during the pandemic (197,000 in 2024 compared to 343,000 in 2021)
• International migration is picking up again, with 134,000 people moving here from other countries in 2024
• Within California, some areas are growing while others shrink:
  • Growing: Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento, Riverside, and San Joaquin
  • Shrinking: Ventura, Marin, and San Francisco

Why These Changes Matter

These shifts are already changing California in significant ways:

• The State lost a congressional seat for the first time ever after the 2020 census
• Inland areas are gaining political influence as coastal populations shrink
• Fewer babies are being born – birth rates dropped 20% since 2015
• By 2050, almost a quarter of Californians will be 65 or older

What’s Next for California?

The California of tomorrow might look very different from what we’re used to. While some coastal cities are seeing people leave, inland regions keep growing. Young families are increasingly choosing places like Sacramento and Riverside over San Francisco and Los Angeles. International newcomers are helping offset the loss of residents to other states.

This raises some fascinating questions: Will the next boom happen in California’s inland regions? How will our cities change as the population ages? What happens as younger, more diverse generations shape the state’s future?

Have you noticed these changes in your neighborhood? Are you seeing different patterns where you live? Share your story in the comments below – we’d love to hear how California is changing in your corner of the state.

The post California’s Population Story Is Changing – Here’s What the Maps Tell Us appeared first on Vivid Maps.

Below best and worst U.S. states by GDP, GDP change, and employment change.

Five Best U.S. States
1. California ($2,301B GDP, 3.2% GDP change, 2.8% employment change)
2. Texas ($1,499B GDP, 3.9% GDP change, 2.5% employment change)
3. Florida ($815B GDP, 2.4% GDP change, 2.9% employment change)
4. Georgia ($461B GDP, 2.2% GDP change, 2.4% employment change)
5. North Carolina ($450B GDP, 1.5% GDP change, 2.1% employment change)

Five Worst U.S. States
1.  Wyoming ($34B GDP, -1.0% GDP change, -0.2% employment change)
2. Alaska ($47B GDP, 0.8% GDP change, 1.1% employment change)
3. West Virginia ($67B GDP, -0.1% GDP change, -0.5% employment change)
4. Louisiana ($206B GDP, -0.3% GDP change, .06% employment change)
5. New Mexico ($86B GDP, 0.6% GDP change, 0.7% employment change)

Source: howmuch.net

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