This week’s Map Monday doesn’t have a specific theme. A number of these maps come from suggestions by generous readers, some of which pointed me to related intriguing maps. Many thanks to Adam, Sharon, and Jeff. I’ll get back to themes in my next Map Monday, I promise. [Remember, you can click on any map to zoom in on more detail.]
A map of the traditional regional carpet patterns in Iran (hence Persian carpets).
A map showing the most iconic artwork of each country in Europe. Can you recognize some of them? All of them?!
A map showing the favourite book from each country.
Where can you find all the cheeses of Europe? This map would make a good travel guide for some people!
How big is Japan? This comparison map might surprise you.
The longest possible route for world train travel stretches from Portugal to Vietnam, a distance of 17,000Km by train(s).
Passenger train networks around the world.
And just to remind you of the effectiveness of cartograms, here’s one that is all too effective: World prison populations and incarceration rates.
My personal advice: enjoy the beautiful spring weather (in the northern hemisphere, at least), continue to stay safe no matter what the official masking advice might be near you, and stay away from prisons!
Robby Robin's Journey 
I love the creativity that went into these maps!
I know. It’s definitely a different way of thinking about how maps can be used. In these cases, used creatively to display global creativity!
Fascinating maps. I so enjoyed this post
Thanks so much, heimdalco. That’s always my hope!
This is very, very cool!
😊
Cool maps this time, Jane. You made me laugh with staying away from prisons — good advice! That comparison map is very cool. – Marty
Thanks, Marty. There’s no-one I’d rather be able to make smile. I now think of you when I’m at my gym exercising with my mask on! 😉
That cheese map looks interesting…though I have only knowledge about Cheddar cheese.
If you only know Cheddar than there is a whole world of cheeses just waiting for you to try them, Anjali. Another of life’s many joys! 🙂
I will definitely do it Jane💗😀. Thank you, love and hugs 🤗.
I need that cheese map 😋
Lol. I don’t think you’re alone with that desire, AP2!
Here is something about France, cheese and Charles de Gaulle.
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The map shows the most known, I presume.
Reference : https://www.nouvelobs.com/societe/contre-debat-sur-l-identite-nationale/20091203.OBS9542/une-certaine-idee-du-fromage.html#:~:text=On%20attribue%20au%20g%C3%A9n%C3%A9ral%20de,%27identit%C3%A9%20r%C3%A9gionale%2C%20voire%20communale.
AP2, this is a good cheese lead from Julien. Yum, yum! Merci, Julien.
The book and the artwork!!love!!
I know. A bit bizarre, and maybe not dead on, but I love the concept and the “implementation”.
It’s so fun!!
Fascinating! That last one is a sad commentary on our country. We imprison more people than Russia does? And “To Kill a Mockingbird” is our favorite book? Really?
I was surprised by the books, too, and not just To Kill a Mockingbird. That’s why I included the link, so the methodology used could be examined. Looking at Canada’s book, it may be more which book is most well known than the favorite. Re prisons, yup. And a map of which countries still use capital punishment would be equally chilling.
I must admit I do love “Anne of Green Gables.” The writer was a troubled soul, but how many books would we read if we only chose grounded, well-adjusted writers?
The funny thing is that, apropos to what you asked earlier about how they were decided, I can’t believe for a moment that Anne of Green Gables is the favorite, but it could well be the most familiar, especially to non-Canadians!
What do you think is the favorite?
Lol. A very good question. Maybe it’s the word “favorite” that’s the stumbling block. There are so many amazing books, as I suggested in my post about Read Canada. https://robbyrobinsjourney.wordpress.com/2021/02/18/so-many-ways-to-spread-the-joy-of-reading/.
But for “familiar” or “representative”, Anne probably fits the bill.