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Wikipedia, the vast online encyclopedia, is a treasure trove of information that spans countless topics and languages. Since its launch in 2001, Wikipedia has grown exponentially, boasting over 6 million articles in English alone and available in more than 300 languages. This article explores fascinating data and maps that reveal insights into Wikipedia’s global presence and usage. This “atlas” of Wikipedia will help you understand the breadth and depth of this incredible resource.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Wikipedia is its use of geographical coordinates to provide context for its articles. Our first map, which shows 1.2 million coordinates referenced on English Wikipedia, showcases the sheer number of geographical points referenced across the platform. This map highlights the global reach of Wikipedia and the importance of geographic context in understanding our world.
With 6.3 million articles, the English Wikipedia is the largest of the more than three hundred Wikipedia national encyclopedias. The world map above shows about 1.2 million geographical coordinates referenced on English Wikipedia!
2. Word Count by Country
Ever wondered which countries have the most written about them on Wikipedia? The world map below, created by Reddit user DrowNoble, shows ‘Countries by word count on their Wikipedia articles,’ providing a clear picture of where the most content is generated. It’s fascinating to see the disparity in word counts and what it might say about global interests and information availability.
3. Article Length by Country
Not only is the quantity of information important, but so is its depth. The map “Countries by Wikipedia article length (bytes)” illustrates which countries have the most detailed articles.
The map shows the length of articles about every country, including the length of the sub-pages.
This can indicate the level of interest or importance placed on these regions by Wikipedia contributors.
Wikipedia pages about the U.S., UK, China, Russia, Iran, Pakistan, the Philippines, and India are the longest.
4. Wikipedia Page Views by Country
The world map below shows share of English Wikipedia page views in each country. Understanding where the majority of page views come from can provide insight into global patterns of information consumption and digital literacy.
Japan is the only country that has below 5% of the English Wikipedia page views.
5. Common Words on Wikipedia Pages
Every country has its unique attributes, and this is reflected in the most frequently used words on their Wikipedia pages. This map, created by Reddit user Amiantedeluxe shows the most recurrent word on each country’s Wikipedia page.
A small correction: the world map above displays the word that appears most frequently on each country’s English-language Wikipedia page.
6. Language Differences in Wikipedia
Wikipedia exists in multiple languages, and the content can vary significantly between them. The world map below shows differences in information depending on the language version of Wikipedia. It explores discrepancies, illustrating how cultural perspectives shape the information presented in different languages.
Below are official Wikipedia images showing the global wolf range from the same Wikipedia page about the wolf but in different language versions.
Information on the distribution of species can vary significantly from country to country. These differences are related to the accuracy of the information from the scientific community in each country.
The Arabic Wikipedia version of the wolf distribution is more accurate than the Spanish and Japanese versions. The Arab world has a population of over 436 million, and Arabic-speaking countries stretch from the Atlantic to the Indian Ocean. Therefore, it is unsurprising that speakers of this language have more detailed information about wolf distribution in Eurasia and Africa.
7. Censorship of Wikipedia
Not all countries have equal access to Wikipedia. The world m map below highlights where the platform is restricted or censored, offering a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for information freedom around the world.
Widespread censorship of Wikipedia is taking place in China, Iran, Myanmar, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, Uzbekistan, and Venezuela. Some examples of widespread internet censorship include Wikipedia content. Others are expressive of measures to control viewing specific content considered offensive.
8. Wikipedia Article Protection Levels
Lastly, the map below created by Reddit user pur__0_0__ shows the varying levels of protection for country-specific Wikipedia articles. This can indicate how often these pages are targeted for vandalism or require frequent updates.
Fascinating Data About Wikipedia
To give you an idea of Wikipedia’s scale, here are some impressive statistics:
Number of Pages: As of 2024, Wikipedia has over 58 million articles across all languages.
Number of Languages: Wikipedia is available in more than 300 languages.
Daily Visitors: Wikipedia receives around 1.5 billion unique devices per month, making it one of the most visited websites in the world.
Contributors: There are millions of registered users who contribute to Wikipedia, with tens of thousands of active editors who regularly update and create content.
Edits: Wikipedia has seen over 3.8 billion edits since its inception, showcasing the collaborative effort of its user base.
