Maps that help put the last 12 months in some context
-by Ian Wright
I’m honoured that Brilliant Maps An Atlas for Curious Minds has been selected for Stanfords December book of the month. I really enjoyed writing it and hope you’ll enjoy reading it just as much.
Since December is the last month of the year, I thought I’d choose a few maps that help put the last 12 months in some context. And given Christmas is coming I can’t resist including a couple of Christmas themed maps too.
2021, like 2020 was a year of closed borders and reduced international travel.
Travel Time From London In 1914 vs 2016
The map above shows how much faster international travel is now compared to a century ago. When we first published the book, I assumed that this was unquestionably a positive thing. However, the past two years have shown there is also a dark side to this because things like can pandemics can spread more quickly as well.
Open Borders of the World
With so many borders closed over the past two years and countries constantly being added and removed from the red list, it can be difficult to remember how many countries worldwide have open borders agreements with their neighbours. Hopefully, the massively successful vaccine roll-out will mean all of these borders will stay open in 2022.
Map of The Entire Internet In 1969
If there is one thing that has defined the past two years for office workers, it’s been the massive shift to working from home. This was of course only made possible by the internet. The map above shows the humble origins of the internet from 1969. In some ways it’s lucky the world ended up with COVID-19 and not COVID-69.
Probability of a White Christmas Across Europe
If you’re in London dreaming of a White Christmas, you probably shouldn’t hold your breath. There is only a 4% chance of it happening in any given year. However head to Rovaniemi in Finish Lapland and you can be almost certain of having one.
Christmas gift-bringers In Europe
Finally, who brings your Christmas presents very much depends on where you live in Europe. In Western Europe you mostly have Father Christmas, but go further East and North and you’ll find everything from Old Man Frost to Christmas Gnome to baby Jesus and everyone’s favorite the Christmas Goat. And of course who could forget the Catalan Christmas Log who defecate presents on Christmas Day (I’m not making this up).
You can find many more maps like these in the book. And if you’d like to follow along on what I’m currently up to have a look at my website https://brilliantmaps.com.
Brilliant Maps: An Atlas for Curious Minds by Ian Wright is available now for £12.99