The aim of these maps is to show global data in a way that is more representative than land-area based maps. A conventional map gives focus to big sparsely-populated countries such as Canada, Greenland, Russia, Australia and Mongolia. Densely-populated countries such as India, the Netherlands or Bangladesh are underemphasised and sometimes almost invisible.
For example, compare the relative area allocated to Australia (population 25 million) and Bangladesh (population 160 million) on each style of map:
On the World Scaled by Population map, the area allocated to each country is proportional to its area according to latest CIA World Factbook estimates as at July 2020.
On the World Scaled by Wealth map, the area is proportional to annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) according to World Bank estimates for 2019, supplemented by various sources for territories not included in World Bank figures.
Islands and exclaves are shown, with the appropriate area, where their population is greater than 1 million according to Wikipedia. GDP for islands and exclaves is assumed to be proportional to population. Countries and islands with a population below one million (or $25bn GDP) are not shown. Sorry, Iceland.
Hong Kong, Palestine, Puerto Rico, Taiwan and Western Sahara as shown as separate territories, with their own statistics where these are available.
Each graph provides a link to the data source. Mouseover provides detailed territory data.
The "Map centre" dropdown swaps between centring the map on Europe/Africa, or on Asia.
The "Colour scheme" dropdown swaps between the default map colouring, and a palette based on IBM's palette which I believe provides a viable spectrum for users with most forms of colourblindness.
This site is provided under CC BY-NC licencing. You may share and adapt the maps for non-commercial use, provided that you provide attribution to this site and indicate any changes that you have made. Please use the email link if you would like to use the maps commercially.
Use the "email us" link for feedback, questions and suggestions for new variables.