Political Geography

Human governments, the borders and subdivisions of political units (as nations or states), and the circumstances of cities are all covered by political geography.

The Diomedes Islands mark the closest point between Russia and the United States.

These Two Countries are Separated by 2.4 Miles and 21 Hours

Caitlin Dempsey

There exists a geographic point where two of the largest countries in the world are only separated by a 2.4 miles but are 21 hours apart.

Map showing the standard time zones for the entire world. PDF with a higher resolution. Map: CIA, 2018, public domain.

Which Country Has the Most Time Zones?

Caitlin Dempsey

Find out which country has the most time zones and how many countries in the world have at least two time zones.

Map showing the six New England states in red and the red of the states in grey for the continental United States.

Which States are Part of New England?

Caitlin Dempsey

New England is a geographic region in the northeastern tip of the United States that contains six states.

Green and white book cover with circular maps.

Geography is Destiny: Britain and the World | Book Review

G.T. Dempsey

Ian Morris provides a most-useful survey history of Britain from geologic time to the present centered around three maps. 

A map with natural shaded relief of the United States with neighboring countries shown with a muted white overlay.

Continental vs. Contiguous United States: Key Differences Explained

Caitlin Dempsey

Continental and contiguous are two geographical words used to describe parts of the United States.

Map showing major rivers in the world that form international borders.

Rivers as Borders

Caitlin Dempsey

23% of international borders are rivers.

Fact sheet with Landsat image for the state of Hawaii.

States in Order of Admission to the United States of America

Caitlin Dempsey

Learn the order in which each state was admitted to the United States as well as some geography facts.

How the 2020 U.S. Census Shifted Congressional Seats

Caitlin Dempsey

With the 2020 Census, seven states lost seats and six states gained seats in the House of Representatives.

Gerrymandering Map Font

Caitlin Dempsey

Designers Ben Doessel and James Lee created a free font that forms the letters of the alphabet using congressional district shapes.

Map provided by Governor Phil Murphy on the counties that make up central New Jersey.

The Politics of Defining Central New Jersey

Geo Contributor

In the state of New Jersey, one of the most contentious arguments its citizens have is the existence of the region ‘central Jersey.’

How Many Countries Are There?

Elizabeth Borneman

The answer to the question of how many countries there are in the world remains a question with many different possible answers.

Changes in Countries and Capital

Caitlin Dempsey

Listed here are more recently formed countries and capitals that have moved and well as some geography news items about some countries.

Map of landlocked countries. There are 42 landlocked (green) and two double-landlocked (purple) countries . Map: NuclearVacuum (Wikipedia)

Landlocked Countries

Caitlin Dempsey

Learn about how many countries are landlocked, which is the largest landlocked country, and which two countries are double landlocked.

How Geography Influences Voting Behavior

Mark Altaweel

Voter turnout in elections is heavily influenced by factors such as geographic proximity to polling places. Voter turnout is influenced by a variety of factors, including race, district size, district redrawing, and even weather. 

A border dispute between Georgia and Russia on Google Maps. Source: Soeller et al., 2016.

MapWatch: Tracking Political Cartography

Elizabeth Borneman

Researchers from Northeastern University have created a database called MapWatch which shows how maps and borders change based on geography.

Map showing the parts that make up the United Kingdom. Map: Caitlin Dempsey using Natural Earth Data, public domain.

What is the Difference Between The United Kingdom and Great Britain?

Caitlin Dempsey

This article outlines the differences between the United Kingdom (also known as the UK), Great Britain, and the British Isles.

The Geography of Gerrymandering in the United States

Elizabeth Borneman

Gerrymandering is the practice of drawing or re-drawing congressional boundaries to benefit a specific political candidate or party. The Washington Post recently took a look at how gerrymandering has affected politics in the United States.

Base map: Equal Earth Physical Map, public domain

What is the Nationality of a Baby Born on an Airplane?

Rebecca Maxwell

It is a question that confounds the most geographically and legally astute: what is the nationality of a baby born on an airplane?

The Treaty of Utrecht. Image: Wikipedia Commons.

Conflict over Gibraltar: Who has control?

Geo Contributor

Gibraltar is a 6.5 square kilometer territory located south of the Spanish border, along the Strait of Gibraltar. The small ...

Atlantic Ocean sunrise as seen from a Florida beach. Photo: Randolph Femmer, USGS. Public domain

Who Owns the Oceans?

Elizabeth Borneman

This article explores some of the international convention on jurisdiction over oceans.

The border between northwestern China around the city of Qoqek and far eastern Kazakhstan near Lake Balqash.

Borders that are Visible on Satellite Imagery

Caitlin Dempsey

Here are international borders that are visible on satellite imagery.

Map showing countries whose passport holders can easily travel with.

Where Can You Travel On Your Passport?

Caitlin Dempsey

How easily you can travel across the world is determined on your passport's listed nationality.

A photo taken from the International Space Station showing the night lights over India and Pakistan.

Five Fun Facts About International Borders

Caitlin Dempsey

Learn about some of the most fascinating international borders in the world.