Making Sense Of The World, One Map At A Time
However, the reality is considerably more complicated.
While removing outdoor shoes is an almost universal expectation in countries such as Japan, in many other countries it comes down to personal preference, family traditions, regional customs and even the weather.
The Central European Defence Cooperation (CEDC) is a regional military and security cooperation initiative established in 2010 at the instigation of Austria and Hungary.
It consists of six full member states:
Here are the results for each (using IMF 2026 figures)
The map above shows the most common species of whale spotted in each part of the ocean. More about the data behind the post below:
The map above was created by Matt Shirley and shows the most popular band or solo artist who achieved their peak popularity during the 1990s.
And if you like this sort of thing you may also like his book: A Visual Learner’s Guide to Being a Grown-Up.
Here’s more about each of the bands:
The map shows the flag of the country that is closest to each country that it does not share a land border with. Here is an explanation for each one:
The map above is another one from Matt Shirley showing The Most Famous Person From Each State Named After A Colour. If you like these sorts of maps you should check out his book: A Visual Learner’s Guide to Being a Grown-Up.
Here’s a full list with who they are:
The map above shows an image associated with a strange law in each European country. Here’s a full list including some other strange laws in each country:
Here’s a bit more about them:
The Berlin Conference ran from 15 November 1884 to 26 February 1885. Fourteen states sent delegates: Austria-Hungary, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Sweden-Norway, the Ottoman Empire, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Not one African was in the room.