Legacy Worthy Charter: From 58 to 186 UN Countries – A Century’s Growth

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Legacy Worthy Charter: United Nations and the Evolution of World Countries: A Comprehensive Look at the last 100 years

The legacy worthy charter of the UN was established in 1945 in San Francisco (replacing the League of Nations), in the aftermath of World War II. The early years saw a surge in admissions to around 58 UN member countries, and the estimated total number of countries in the world at that time was approximately 74.

This year, 2023, marks the 78th year since the formation of the United Nations, and during this period, there were 28 years during which no new countries were admitted. These periods reflect stability that did not involve significant changes in the composition of the United Nations. The other 50 years had member nations join mainly for geopolitical transitions.

The early 1990s had a subsequent spike influenced by the dissolution of the Soviet Union and Yugoslavia, leading to the emergence of new independent states. The geopolitical realignments during these periods contributed to the increased number of countries seeking recognition within the international community. The estimated total number of countries in the world at that time was approximately 159.

The early 1990s started with 159 member nations that increased to 32 new countries in the United Nations. The increase can be attributed to decolonization, where former colonies gained independence, geopolitical developments, conflicts, and changes in international borders that have led to the establishment of new countries.

The transformation of the global political landscape has been a dynamic and multifaceted journey, shaped by intricate factors such as political changes, decolonization movements, international organizations, and ongoing regional disputes. A closer exploration of key historical milestones offers a nuanced understanding of the evolution of the world’s political map.

Growth in Number of Countries in the World Over A Century

The number of countries in the world has varied significantly over history and specifically the last century. Factors such as political changes, decolonization, and international organizations have all influenced the formation and dissolution of nations. Understanding the evolution of the global political landscape can provide valuable insights into the dynamics of international relations.

This brief overview aims to shed light on the number of countries at different points in history, focusing on key milestones such as the League of Nations, the United Nations, the Cold War era, and the post-1990 period. Non-member United Nations nations as of 2023.

As of 2023, the current number of member countries in the United Nations stands at 186 recognized sovereign states.

*eight non-member nations in the world are: Vatican City, Kosovo, Western Sahara, South Ossetia, Abkhazia, Transnistria, Nagorno-Karabakh, Taiwan (officially the Republic of China).

The Holy See, Vatican City, recognized as a sovereign entity and the spiritual headquarters of the Catholic Church, has chosen to maintain its observer status rather than becoming a full member of the UN.

League of Nations Era: Paving the Way for International Cooperation

How many countries were there at the time of the League of Nations?

The League of Nations, established in 1920, a century ago, marked an early attempt at fostering global cooperation and maintaining peace. With an initial membership of 58 countries across diverse regions—Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas—the League sought to address geopolitical challenges. Notably, the league’s formation hinted at the complexities of achieving universal participation, as certain nations opted for non-membership for various political reasons.

The League of Nations aimed to promote peace and cooperation among its member nations, and its membership expanded over the years. Not all countries in the world were part of the League of Nations. Some nations chose not to join, while others were not given the opportunity due to various political reasons.

The League of Nations played a significant role in shaping international relations during its existence, setting the stage for the formation of the United Nations in 1945.

United Nations Inauguration: Post-WWII Realignment and Decolonization

The United Nations, founded in 1945, witnessed an initial membership consisting of the ‘Permanent Five’ (P5) powers—United States, United Kingdom, Soviet Union, China, and France. These five countries, known as the ‘Permanent Five’ or P5, were given special privileges and responsibilities within the organization. They were granted veto power in the United Nations Security Council, allowing them to block any substantive resolution. This system was designed to ensure a balance of power among the major world powers and prevent any single country from dominating the organization.

The aftermath of World War II spurred decolonization movements, leading to the independence of numerous African and Asian nations. The geopolitical dynamics of this era reflected the quest for self-determination and the complexities of newly formed states navigating the global stage.

The membership of the United Nations at its inception consisted of a diverse array of countries from around the world. This global organization aimed to promote international cooperation and maintain peace and security among nations.

Over time, the United Nations expanded its membership to include a majority of the world’s countries, making it a truly global institution.

Countries during the Cold War Dynamics: Global Struggles and Political Alignments

The Cold War, spanning from the mid-1940s to the early 1990s, brought about a bipolar world order. Countries aligned with either the United States or the Soviet Union, influencing their geopolitical trajectories. The complex interplay of political ideologies, proxy wars, and the division of nations shaped the global political map. Concurrently, European integration movements, including the formation of the European Union, added a layer of complexity to the sovereignty of member states.

During the Cold War, numerous countries aligned themselves with either the United States or the Soviet Union in a global struggle for influence and dominance. The Cold War was a period of geopolitical tension between these two superpowers, which lasted from the mid-1940s to the early 1990s.

The United States led the Western bloc, while the Soviet Union led the Eastern bloc. Many countries were divided and forced to choose sides, while others attempted to remain neutral. The bipolar division of the world during the Cold War resulted in increased militarization, proxy wars, and ideological conflicts. Some countries even experienced direct military interventions from the United States or the Soviet Union.

The Cold War significantly shaped the political landscape of the world during this period.

Countries added from 1990 onward: Reshaping the World Map

The dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 led to the emergence of several new nations, expanding the global landscape of countries. This period witnessed the addition of several countries to the world map. The following are some notable countries that were added from 1990 onward:

Czech Republic: Formed in 1993 after the peaceful separation of Czechoslovakia.
Slovakia: Also formed in 1993 after the peaceful separation of Czechoslovakia.
Eritrea: Gained independence from Ethiopia in 1993 after a long struggle.
South Sudan: Became an independent country in 2011 after a referendum, separating from Sudan.
Timor-Leste: Achieved independence from Indonesia in 2002 after a tumultuous history.

1991 marked a pivotal moment, resulting in the emergence of new nations in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Notable additions included the Czech Republic and Slovakia, formed through the peaceful separation of Czechoslovakia, as well as Eritrea, which gained independence from Ethiopia in 1993. Additionally, South Sudan emerged as an independent nation in 2011 through a referendum, and Timor-Leste achieved independence from Indonesia in 2002.

Efforts toward African unity, exemplified by the African Union (AU), further contributed to regional cooperation and statehood, reflecting the evolving dynamics of global geopolitics.

These new additions reflect the changing dynamics of the world and the aspirations of different regions for self-determination. It is a testament to the evolving nature of geopolitics and the desire of people to have their own sovereign nations.

Ongoing Regional Disputes: Bridging History to the Present – Contemporary Geopolitics

As we bridge history to the present, it is crucial to acknowledge ongoing regional disputes that significantly impact the current global landscape.

To provide a seamless transition from historical events to contemporary challenges, it is essential to briefly touch upon recent geopolitical developments. Tensions in regions like the South China Sea, ongoing conflicts impacting statehood, and diplomatic shifts influencing the recognition of sovereign entities all contribute to the complex tapestry of the current global political landscape.

The more recent conflict between Ukraine and Russia, marked by territorial disputes and geopolitical tensions, underscores the challenges of maintaining stability in Eastern Europe.

Similarly, the persistent complexities in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continue to shape the Middle East, posing diplomatic challenges and influencing the aspirations of the people involved.

On 7 October 2023, Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad launched an attack including thousands of indiscriminate rockets toward Israel and breached through the perimeter fence of Gaza at multiple locations, entering into Israeli towns and killing and capturing Israeli forces and innocent civilian hostages from several countries breaking international humanitarian laws. The Israeli military declared “a state of war alert,” and began striking targets in the Gaza Strip. All told, thousands of people have been killed and more than one million have been displaced in both Israel and Gaza. To date some hostages have been released but many are still held captive.

After a brief ceasefire, Hamas and other armed Palestinian resumed hostilities including rocket fire on Israel. The Secretary-General of the UN reiterates his call for a sustained humanitarian ceasefire and the unconditional and immediate release of all remaining hostages.

Source https://www.un.org website pages and latest statements

Year and Country admitted to the United Nations: by year

1945: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bolivia (Plurinational State of), Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Egypt, El Salvador, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands (Kingdom of the), New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Türkiye, Ukraine, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America, Uruguay, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of), Viet Nam, Yemen

1946: Afghanistan, Iceland, India, Thailand

1947: Pakistan, Yemen

1948: Myanmar

1949: Israel

1950: Indonesia

1955: Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, Finland, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Jordan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Libya, Nepal, Romania

1956: Japan, Morocco, Sudan

1957: Malaysia, Tunisia

1958: Guinea

1960: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Côte D’Ivoire, Cyprus, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Guinea, Madagascar, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Somalia, Togo

1961: Mauritania, Mongolia, Sierra Leone, United Republic of Tanzania

1962: Algeria, Burundi, Cambodia, Chad, Côte D’Ivoire, Dominican Republic, Rwanda, Trinidad and Tobago

1963: Kuwait, Malaysia

1964: Malawi, Malta, Zambia

1965: Bahrain, Gambia (Republic of The), Singapore

1966: Botswana, Lesotho, Barbados

1968: Equatorial Guinea, Mauritius, Swaziland

1970: Fiji

1971: Oman, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates

1973: Bahamas, Germany

1974: Bangladesh, Grenada, Guinea Bissau

1975: Cape Verde, Comoros, Mozambique, Papua New Guinea, São Tomé and Principe

1976: Angola, Samoa, Seychelles

1977: Djibouti, Vietnam

1978: Dominica, Solomon Islands

1979: Saint Lucia

1980: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

1981: Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Vanuatu

1983: Saint Kitts and Nevis

1984: Brunei Darussalam

1985-1989: None

1990: Namibia, Liechtenstein

1991: Azerbaijan, Belarus, Eritrea, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), North Macedonia, Palau

1992: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Czechia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, San Marino, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan

1993-2010: None

2011: South Sudan

2012-2023: None

Country name and Year admitted to the United Nations: alphabetical

Afghanistan (Joined the UN on November 19, 1946)
Albania (Joined the UN on December 14, 1955)
Algeria (Joined the UN on October 8, 1962)
Andorra (Joined the UN on July 28, 1993)
Angola (Joined the UN on December 1, 1976)
Antigua and Barbuda (Joined the UN on November 11, 1981)
Argentina (Joined the UN on October 24, 1945)
Armenia (Joined the UN on March 2, 1992)
Australia (Joined the UN on November 1, 1945)
Austria (Joined the UN on December 14, 1955)
Azerbaijan (Joined the UN on March 2, 1992)
Bahamas (Joined the UN on September 18, 1973)
Bahrain (Joined the UN on September 21, 1971)
Bangladesh (Joined the UN on September 17, 1974)
Barbados (Joined the UN on December 9, 1966)
Belarus (Joined the UN on March 24, 1945)
Belgium (Joined the UN on December 27, 1945)
Belize (Joined the UN on September 25, 1981)
Benin (Joined the UN on September 20, 1960)
Bhutan (Joined the UN on September 21, 1971)
Bolivia (Joined the UN on November 14, 1945)
Bosnia and Herzegovina (Joined the UN on May 22, 1992)
Botswana (Joined the UN on October 17, 1966)
Brazil (Joined the UN on October 24, 1945)
Brunei (Joined the UN on September 21, 1984)
Bulgaria (Joined the UN on December 14, 1955)
Burkina Faso (Joined the UN on September 20, 1960)
Burundi (Joined the UN on September 18, 1962)
Cabo Verde (Joined the UN on September 16, 1975)
Cambodia (Joined the UN on December 14, 1955)
Cameroon (Joined the UN on September 20, 1960)
Canada (Joined the UN on November 9, 1945)
Central African Republic (Joined the UN on September 20, 1960)
Chad (Joined the UN on September 20, 1960)
Chile (Joined the UN on October 24, 1945)
China (Joined the UN on October 24, 1945)
Colombia (Joined the UN on November 5, 1945)
Comoros (Joined the UN on November 12, 1975)
Congo (Congo-Brazzaville) (Joined the UN on September 20, 1960)
Costa Rica (Joined the UN on November 2, 1945)
Croatia (Joined the UN on May 22, 1992)
Cuba (Joined the UN on October 24, 1945)
Cyprus (Joined the UN on September 20, 1960)
Czech Republic (Joined the UN on January 19, 1993)
Democratic Republic of the Congo (Congo-Kinshasa) (Joined the UN on September 20, 1960)
Denmark (Joined the UN on October 24, 1945)
Djibouti (Joined the UN on September 20, 1977)
Dominica (Joined the UN on November 18, 1978)
Dominican Republic (Joined the UN on October 24, 1945)
East Timor (Joined the UN on September 27, 2002)
Ecuador (Joined the UN on December 21, 1945)
Egypt (Joined the UN on February 24, 1945)
El Salvador (Joined the UN on November 14, 1945)
Equatorial Guinea (Joined the UN on November 12, 1968)
Eritrea (Joined the UN on May 28, 1993)
Estonia (Joined the UN on September 17, 1991)
Eswatini (Joined the UN on September 24, 1968)
Ethiopia (Joined the UN on November 13, 1945)
Fiji (Joined the UN on October 13, 1970)
Finland (Joined the UN on December 14, 1955)
France (Joined the UN on October 24, 1945)
Gabon (Joined the UN on September 20, 1960)
Gambia (Joined the UN on September 21, 1965)
Georgia (Joined the UN on July 31, 1992)
Germany (Joined the UN on October 18, 1973)
Ghana (Joined the UN on March 8, 1957)
Greece (Joined the UN on October 25, 1945)
Grenada (Joined the UN on September 17, 1974)
Guatemala (Joined the UN on November 21, 1945)
Guinea (Joined the UN on September 12, 1958)
Guinea-Bissau (Joined the UN on September 24, 1974)
Guyana (Joined the UN on September 20, 1966)
Haiti (Joined the UN on October 24, 1945)
Honduras (Joined the UN on December 17, 1945)
Hungary (Joined the UN on December 14, 1955)
Iceland (Joined the UN on November 19, 1946)
India (Joined the UN on October 30, 1945)
Indonesia (Joined the UN on September 28, 1950)
Iran (Joined the UN on October 24, 1945)
Iraq (Joined the UN on December 21, 1945)
Ireland (Joined the UN on December 14, 1955)
Israel (Joined the UN on May 11, 1949)
Italy (Joined the UN on December 14, 1955)
Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire) (Joined the UN on September 20, 1960)
Jamaica (Joined the UN on September 18, 1962)
Japan (Joined the UN on December 18, 1956)
Jordan (Joined the UN on December 14, 1955)
Kazakhstan (Joined the UN on March 2, 1992)
Kenya (Joined the UN on December 16, 1963)
Kiribati (Joined the UN on September 14, 1999)
Kuwait (Joined the UN on May 14, 1963)
Kyrgyzstan (Joined the UN on March 2, 1992)
Laos (Joined the UN on December 14, 1955)
Latvia (Joined the UN on September 17, 1991)
Lebanon (Joined the UN on October 24, 1945)
Lesotho (Joined the UN on October 17, 1966)
Liberia (Joined the UN on November 2, 1945)
Libya (Joined the UN on December 14, 1955)
Liechtenstein (Joined the UN on September 18, 1990)
Lithuania (Joined the UN on September 17, 1991)
Luxembourg (Joined the UN on December 29, 1945)
Madagascar (Joined the UN on September 20, 1960)
Malawi (Joined the UN on September 1, 1964)
Malaysia (Joined the UN on September 17, 1957)
Maldives (Joined the UN on September 21, 1965)
Mali (Joined the UN on September 28, 1960)
Malta (Joined the UN on December 1, 1964)
Marshall Islands (Joined the UN on September 17, 1991)
Mauritania (Joined the UN on October 27, 1961)
Mauritius (Joined the UN on April 24, 1968)
Mexico (Joined the UN on November 7, 1945)
Micronesia (Joined the UN on September 17, 1991)
Moldova (Joined the UN on March 2, 1992)
Monaco (Joined the UN on May 28, 1993)
Mongolia (Joined the UN on October 27, 1961)
Montenegro (Joined the UN on June 28, 2006)
Morocco (Joined the UN on November 12, 1956)
Mozambique (Joined the UN on September 16, 1975)
Myanmar (Burma) (Joined the UN on January 19, 1948)
Namibia (Joined the UN on April 23, 1990)
Nauru (Joined the UN on September 14, 1999)
Nepal (Joined the UN on December 14, 1955)
Netherlands (Joined the UN on December 10, 1945)
New Zealand (Joined the UN on October 24, 1945)
Nicaragua (Joined the UN on November 24, 1945)
Niger (Joined the UN on September 20, 1960)
Nigeria (Joined the UN on October 7, 1960)
North Korea (DPRK) (Joined the UN on September 17, 1991)
North Macedonia (Joined the UN on April 8, 1993)
Norway (Joined the UN on November 27, 1945)
Oman (Joined the UN on October 7, 1971)
Pakistan (Joined the UN on September 30, 1947)
Palau (Joined the UN on December 15, 1994)
Panama (Joined the UN on November 13, 1945)
Papua New Guinea (Joined the UN on October 10, 1975)
Paraguay (Joined the UN on October 24, 1945)
Peru (Joined the UN on October 31, 1945)
Philippines (Joined the UN on October 24, 1945)
Poland (Joined the UN on October 24, 1945)
Portugal (Joined the UN on December 14, 1955)
Qatar (Joined the UN on September 21, 1971)
Romania (Joined the UN on December 14, 1955)
Russia (Joined the UN on October 24, 1945)
Rwanda (Joined the UN on September 18, 1962)
Saint Kitts and Nevis (Joined the UN on September 23, 1983)
Saint Lucia (Joined the UN on September 18, 1979)
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (Joined the UN on September 16, 1980)
Samoa (Joined the UN on December 15, 1976)
San Marino (Joined the UN on March 2, 1992)
Sao Tome and Principe (Joined the UN on September 16, 1975)
Saudi Arabia (Joined the UN on October 24, 1945)
Senegal (Joined the UN on September 28, 1960)
Serbia (Joined the UN on November 1, 2000)
Seychelles (Joined the UN on September 21, 1976)
Sierra Leone (Joined the UN on September 27, 1961)
Singapore (Joined the UN on September 21, 1965)
Slovakia (Joined the UN on January 19, 1993)
Slovenia (Joined the UN on May 22, 1992)
Solomon Islands (Joined the UN on September 19, 1978)
Somalia (Joined the UN on September 20, 1960)
South Africa (Joined the UN on November 7, 1945)
South Korea (ROK) (Joined the UN on September 17, 1991)
South Sudan (Joined the UN on July 14, 2011)
Spain (Joined the UN on December 14, 1955)
Sri Lanka (Joined the UN on December 14, 1955)
Sudan (Joined the UN on November 12, 1956)
Suriname (Joined the UN on December 4, 1975)
Sweden (Joined the UN on November 19, 1946)
Switzerland (Joined the UN on September 10, 2002)
Syria (Joined the UN on October 24, 1945)
Tajikistan (Joined the UN on March 2, 1992)
Tanzania (Joined the UN on December 14, 1961)
Thailand (Joined the UN on December 16, 1946)
Togo (Joined the UN on September 20, 1960)
Tonga (Joined the UN on September 14, 1999)
Trinidad and Tobago (Joined the UN on September 18, 1962)
Tunisia (Joined the UN on November 12, 1956)
Turkey (Joined the UN on October 24, 1945)
Turkmenistan (Joined the UN on March 2, 1992)
Tuvalu (Joined the UN on September 5, 2000)
Uganda (Joined the UN on October 25, 1962)
Ukraine (Joined the UN on October 24, 1962)
Palau (Joined the UN on December 15, 1994)
Nauru (Joined the UN on September 14, 1999)
Marshall Islands (Joined the UN on September 17, 1991)
Micronesia (Joined the UN on September 17, 1991)
Tuvalu (Joined the UN on September 5, 2000)

Non-UN areas of the world
Kosovo – not a UN member
Western Sahara – not a UN member
South Ossetia – not a UN member
Abkhazia – not a UN member
Transnistria – not a UN member
Nagorno-Karabakh – not a UN member
Taiwan (officially the Republic of China) – not a UN member
Vatican City – not a UN member

Member Nations of the United Nations on Wikipedia

Over the past century, the United Nations (UN) has played a pivotal role in the everchaning dynamics of international relations and the evolution of world countries. Established in 1945 in the aftermath of World War II, the UN aimed to foster global cooperation, prevent conflicts, and promote development. This comprehensive look at the last 100 years examines the UN’s impact on the world stage.

The UN has been instrumental in facilitating dialogue among nations, providing a platform for diplomatic efforts, and addressing global challenges such as poverty, disease, and climate change. Its specialized agencies, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), have worked towards improving healthcare and socio-economic conditions worldwide.

Throughout its history, the UN has navigated geopolitical shifts, the Cold War, decolonization, and the emergence of new nations. The organization’s peacekeeping missions have sought to resolve conflicts and maintain stability in various regions. Additionally, the UN has championed human rights through initiatives like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, striving to uphold fundamental freedoms for all.

The evolving nature of international relations is reflected in the expansion of the UN’s membership from 58 to 186 member nation states. As the global landscape continues to transform, the UN faces contemporary challenges, including cyber threats, pandemics, and geopolitical tensions. Efforts to reform and adapt to these challenges are ongoing, with discussions on the restructuring of the Security Council and other institutional reforms.

The United Nations has been a central player in the unfolding narrative of the last century expansion in numbers of world countries. Its contributions to diplomacy, peacekeeping, development, and human rights have left a lasting imprint on the international stage. As the world progresses into the future, the UN remains a crucial forum for addressing the multifaceted challenges that affect the destiny of nations worldwide.

National Geographic Concise Atlas of the World [5th Edition]

National Geographic’s maps and atlases are critically acclaimed and world-renowned for their accuracy, originality, authoritative content, and clean design.

Expert, up-to-date maps of the world, every continent, and the United States include physical and political details and boundaries, key data for each continent, plus flags and facts for every country, enhanced with representative photographs portraying themes and regions. Additionally, maps and data-based graphics visualize the timely issues of our day, such as population trends, climatic conditions, health, and economics. A special section on space includes maps of Earth’s moon and Mars, as well as diagrams of the solar system, the universe, and exploratory missions. Large-format pages allow for copious detail; a sturdy softcover format promises a long shelf life; and a comprehensive place-name index enables quick and easy searches.

All maps are newly researched and updated. Other enhancements include a new physical world map reflecting the latest cartographic techniques, plus world and continental coverage of population, climate, land cover, fresh water, and natural hazards such as earthquakes, volcanoes, and tsunamis. Superb overall readability, engaging design, and navigational ease allow the reader to quickly retrieve information.

https://www.natgeomaps.com

A Mosaic of Global Politics

In tracing the number of countries throughout history, we observe the dynamic nature of global politics. From the League of Nations to the United Nations, and the complexities of the Cold War era, the world witnessed the emergence and dissolution of nations. The post-1990 period witnessed an influx of new countries. Yet, even as we analyze the evolving map of nations, we must remain cognizant of the non-member UN nations.

The history of the number of countries reflects the intricate and ever-evolving nature of global politics and changing world map. From the League of Nations’ early attempts at cooperation to the complex dynamics of the Cold War, the reshaping of the world map post-1990, and the persistent challenges of statehood and recognition, the narrative underscores the diversity and complexity within the global community. Recognizing these nuances, including ongoing regional disputes, entities have emerged, dissolved, and reshaped the world order over time. The atlas books and paper maps are a thing of the past as the digital maps scramble to keep up with the changing borders.

Google Maps

Google Maps is available in over 220 countries and territories. It also displays the borders of 32 countries differently than the other 187 members of the United Nations. Many of these countries have disputed borders or are currently facing military conflicts.

Google Maps is a web service that provides detailed information about geographical regions and sites worldwide. It offers conventional road maps, aerial views, and satellite views of many locations.

Google Maps began as a C++ desktop program developed by brothers Lars and Jens Rasmussen at Where 2 Technologies. In October 2004, Google acquired the company and converted it into a web application.

As of 2020, Google Maps was being used by over one billion people every month around the world.^[1]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Maps

google.com/maps

Digital map applications

In addition to Google Maps:

Apple Maps: Apple’s native mapping application, available on iOS devices, with features like turn-by-turn navigation and integration with other Apple services.
Waze: Known for its real-time traffic updates and crowd-sourced information, Waze is particularly popular for navigation and route planning.
MapQuest: Offers mapping and navigation services with features like live traffic updates, route planning, and local business search.
Here WeGo: A mapping and navigation app that provides offline maps, public transportation information, and real-time traffic updates.
OpenStreetMap (OSM): While not a traditional app, OpenStreetMap is a collaborative project that provides map data freely available for various applications and platforms. Several apps use OSM data for their maps.
TomTom GO Navigation: TomTom offers a navigation app with offline maps, real-time traffic information, and advanced routing features.

Links:

Google Maps: Google Play Store (Android) / Apple App Store (iOS)
Waze: Google Play Store (Android) / Apple App Store (iOS)
MapQuest: Google Play Store (Android) / Apple App Store (iOS)
Here WeGo: Google Play Store (Android) / Apple App Store (iOS)
TomTom GO Navigation: Google Play Store (Android) / Apple App Store (iOS)

For OpenStreetMap, you can explore the map data on the official website: OpenStreetMap.