Political Geography Now

Thursday, April 20, 2023

Map: Which Countries are in the European Union in 2023, Which Aren't, and Which Want to Join?

This map and article have been revised and updated to April 2023. No new countries have joined the EU since our last update in 2020, but there are three new candidate countries and one new "potential candidate".

Map of the European Union, including all member countries, official candidate countries, and potential candidate countries, as of April 2023, updated for the recognition of Ukraine, Moldova, and Bosnia as membership candidates, and Georgia as a potential candidate (colorblind accessible). Also file under: Map of European Union Member Countries.

Map by Evan Centanni, from blank map by Ssolbergj. License: CC BY-SA

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Sunday, April 9, 2023

Map: Finland Joins NATO

Map of NATO allies in 2023, with all members color-coded in dark blue including the newest country to join, Finland. Also labels Sweden which hoped to join at the same time as Finland, and Russia, whose invasion of Ukraine led to Finland and Sweden choosing to join. The map is projected to appear as if the viewer is looking at a globe, with the North Atlantic Ocean in the center. The left side is dominated by large NATO members the US and Canada, while on the right side the smaller continent of Europe is mostly made up of blue NATO member countries, with a few noticeable gaps. Finland is located at the far upper-right corner, stretched out north-to-south adjacent to the border of non-member Russia, while just to its left, Sweden forms the largest gap in European NATO, surrounded by member countries Finland, Norway, and (across a narrow strip of sea) Denmark, Germany, Poland, and the Baltic countries (colorblind accessible).

Graphic modified by Evan Centanni from this map by Wikimedia user Addicted04 (CC BY-SA).

New NATO Ally: Finland

The northern European country of Finland has been admitted as a full member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Its membership officially went into effect on Tuesday, April 4 after the final paperwork and exchange of documents was completed. Finland is the 31st country to join NATO.

Last week major news outlets incorrectly reported or implied that Finland wouldn't become a NATO member until July, when the organization hopes to welcome both Finland and Sweden to its annual meeting of the member countries' leaders. (Sweden has also applied to join, but its membership is currently being blocked - see below for details.)

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Wednesday, March 29, 2023

2022: Donetsk & Lugansk People's Republics Stop Claiming Independence

Most of our readers will already have heard of this story last year, but because PolGeoNow is committed to providing a record of all changes to the world's list of countries, and because this aspect of the story hasn't been much discussed, we're still publishing an article about it now. Parts of this article are adapted from our story on Recognition of the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics from one year ago.

Map of territorial control within the claimed borders of the self-declared Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) and Lugansk People's Republic (LPR) as of September 26, 2022, a week before they stopped claiming independence after their claimed merger with Russia (annexation). Map shows that all of the LPR, otherwise known as Ukraine's Luhansk province, was under the control of Russian and LPR forces, while Russian and DPR forces controlled over half of the DPR, or Ukraine's Donetsk province, including the major central and southern cities of Donetsk, Horlivka, Makiyivka, and Mariupol. Colorblind accessible.

Actual military/administrative control within the DPR and LPR's claimed borders just before their governments' agreed merger into Russia. This was also roughly their greatest extent of control during the period they claimed to be independent countries, if including territory held by their close ally the Russian military. This map was originally published as part of our subscriber-exclusive September 2022 Ukraine control map report.

Partial Recognition

For eight years, from 2014 to 2022, the so-called Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) and Lugansk People's Republic (LPR) said they were independent countries, despite most of the world considering them to be parts of Ukraine. Then late last year, they stopped claiming independence, instead saying they had now become part of Russia, after Russia controversially agreed to take them in. Read on for the full story, explained in plain English...

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How Many Countries Are There in the World in 2023?

This article, originally from 2011, has been revised and updated to March 2023. You can view older versions of the article in our archives. The main update from last year is the so-called Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics no longer claiming to be independent countries.

A world political map published by the US government.

One of the most basic questions for map-lovers is "How many countries are there in the world?" But anyone who just gives you a simple number isn't telling the whole truth. It actually depends a lot on how you define a "country". Here are six of the most common answers, each correct in its own way:

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Tuesday, March 28, 2023

Ukraine: Map of Russian Control in March 2023 (Subscription)

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Research by Djordje Djukic. Map by Evan Centanni and Djordje Djukic

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Thumbnail previewing map of Russian-controlled territory in Ukraine on March 26, 2023. In addition to the Crimean peninsula, which Russia had already seized in 2014, and parts of the far eastern Donetsk and Luhansk provinces (the Donbas region) already controlled by Russia-backed separatist rebels (and formerly declared independent as the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics), Russian forces still control a wide belt of territory just north of Crimea, including large parts of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia provinces, as well as large additional areas of Donetsk and Luhansk provinces. Meanwhile, all of those provinces are now claimed by the Russian government as parts of Russia, creating a new claimed international border through what was until recently undisputed eastern Ukraine. Map includes key locations from the news, such as Bakhmut, Marinka, Kupiansk, Potemkin Island, and more. Colorblind accessible.

In the past month almost all territorial changes in Ukraine have been in favor of Russia, and mostly all within the Donetsk region. Though most of Russia's advances have been too small to show up on our maps, it's made major progress towards capturing the small city of Bakhmut.

See all this and more on the latest update to PolGeoNow's concise, professional Ukraine war control map, which includes a detailed chronicle of changes and events since our previous Ukraine map report of February 21, with sources cited, as well as a close-up map of control within the claimed borders of the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics (now claimed to be self-governing regions within Russia).

This map and report are premium content, available to paid subscribers of the PolGeoNow Conflict Mapping Service.

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Up-to-date illustration of current territorial control in Ukraine, color-coded for the Ukrainian government on one side and the Russian military and allied forces on the other side, with areas of uncertainty indicated. Colorblind accessible.
Darker color indicating which areas were already under Russian or allied control before the 2022 invasion began
Lines showing Russia's newly-claimed border after its annexations of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson provinces.
Donbas close-up map
Close-up map of territorial control within the self-proclaimed boundaries of the Donetsk People's Republic and Lugansk People's Republic, which now claim to be part of Russia
Detailed indication of city-by-city control, including key towns and other locations important to current events
Locations of recent control changes and other important events, including Bakhmut, Marinka, Pervomaiske, Torske, Potemkin Island, and many more
Detailed timeline of important events and changes to territorial control since February 21, 2023, with links to sources.

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Saturday, March 11, 2023

Yemen Control Map & Report - March 2023 (Subscription)

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Timeline by Djordje Djukic. Map by Evan Centanni, Djordje Djukic, and onestopmap.com

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The separatist Southern Transitional Council has significantly consolidated its control of the south, driving Al Qaeda forces out of key strongholds and winning battles against rival affiliates of Yemen's internationally-recognized coalition government.

See all this and more on the newest update to PolGeoNow's Yemen territorial control map, which includes a timeline of changes and important events since our previous Yemen map report in April.

This map and report are premium content available to paid subscribers of the PolGeoNow Conflict Mapping Service.

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Up-to-date map of current territorial control in Yemen amid the new outbreak of fighting between factions affiliated to the internationally-recognized government, color-coded for the UAE-backed separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC) and allies, Islah party and other remaining government units, Houthi forces, and major presence of Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)

Detailed indication of town-by-town control, including provincial boundaries, all major cities, and many smaller ones

Markers for recent areas of fighting, including Mudiyah, Mahfad, and the Omaran Valley

Timeline of changes to the situation since September 6, 2022, with links to sources

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Tuesday, February 28, 2023

Ukraine: Map of Russian Control in February 2023

There are newer editions of this map available. To see them, view all Ukraine articles on PolGeoNow. Hidden image for crawlers

Map of Russian-controlled territory in Ukraine on February 21, 2023. In addition to the Crimean peninsula, which Russia had already seized in 2014, and parts of the far eastern Donetsk and Luhansk provinces (the Donbas region) already controlled by Russia-backed separatist rebels (and formerly declared independent as the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics), Russian forces still control a large strip of territory just north of Crimea, including large parts of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia provinces, as well as large additional areas of Donetsk and Luhansk provinces. Meanwhile, all of those provinces are now claimed by the Russian government as parts of Russia, creating a new claimed international border through what was until recently undisputed eastern Ukraine. Map includes key locations from the news, such as Bakhmut, Synkivka, Marinka, Snake Island, and more. Colorblind accessible.

Map by Evan Centanni and Djordje Djukic. Contact us for permission to use this map.

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Timeline by Djordje Djukic

Map of territorial control within the claimed borders of the self-declared Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) and Lugansk People's Republic (LPR), which now consider themselves part of Russia, updated to February 21, 2023. Map shows that the vast majority of the LPR, otherwise known as Ukraine's Luhansk province, is now under the control of Russian, while Russian forces also control over half of the DPR, or Ukraine's Donetsk province, including the major central and southern cities of Donetsk, Horlivka, Makiyivka, and Mariupol. Includes key locations from the news, such as Bakhmut, Krasna Hora, Ivanivske, Klischivka, Marinka, Vulhedar, and many more. Colorblind accessible.

Map showing what parts of the claimed territory of the self-declared Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics - now claimed as part of Russia - are controlled by Russian forces and allies, compared to the Ukrainian government. Click to enlarge.

Russian Advances: Steady, but Slow

In the month following our previous Ukraine war control map report, the advantage has remained with Russia, though not by much.

While Ukraine has made some very small advances, Russian forces have achieved still-small but more-significant gains, nearly cutting off Ukrainian supply lines to the small city of Bakhmut in Donetsk.

Russia has also made small advances in the contested area west of Donetsk city, and in the northeastern corner of mostly-Ukraine-controlled Kharkiv province - the only remaining area of Russian control that it doesn't officially claim as part of Russia.

Meanwhile, Snake Island in the Black Sea is now known to be held by Ukraine, after reports following Russia's mid-2022 withdrawal had left the situation unclear.

This report describes the situation as of one week ago, on February 21, 2023.

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Saturday, February 18, 2023

Somalia Control Map & Timeline: Al Shabaab in Retreat - January 2023 (Subscription) - Final Version

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Map by onestopmap.com, Evan Centanni, and Djordje Djukic

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Thumbnail: Who controls Somalia? Map (January 2023 - final version). With states, regions, and territorial control. Best Somalia control map online, thoroughly researched, detailed but concise. Shows territorial control by Federal Government of Somalia (FGS), Al Shabaab, so-called Islamic State (ISIS/ISIL), separatist Somaliland, autonomous state Puntland, and boundaries of additional federal member states Galmudug, Jubaland, South West, and Hirshabelle. Now labels state capitals and disputed boundaries between Somaliland and Puntland, as well as key towns from recent news, including Bo'o (Booco), Ali Gadud, Masagaway, Harardhere, Eldher, Bahdo (Baxdo), Qayib, and many more. Updated to January 17, 2023. Colorblind accessible.

Pro-federal forces, including local militias and other allies, have made remarkable gains against Al Shabaab in recent months, despite their advances in mid-2022 having been exaggerated. Al Shabaab has recently been driven out of several major towns that it governed unopposed for many years - potentially the biggest achievement of the pro-federal coalition in almost a decade.

See all this and more on the latest update to PolGeoNow's concise, professional Somalia control map, which includes a timeline of territorial changes and key events since our previous Somalia map report of December 2021, with sources cited.

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Up-to-date illustration of current territorial control in Somalia, color-coded for the federal government coalition (including ATMIS peacekeepers), autonomous unionist forces, separatist Somaliland, Al Qaeda affiliate Al Shabaab, and fighters aligned with the so-called "Islamic State" (IS; formerly ISIS/ISIL). Areas of mixed or unclear control indicated separately. Colorblind accessible.
Boundaries and labels for Somalia's official regions and states, including the self-proclaimed independent Republic of Somaliland and federal states Puntland, Galmudug, Jubaland, South West, and Hirshabelle. Illustrates the claims of both sides in the Somaliland-Puntland border dispute, as well as actual control.
Detailed indication of city-by-city control, including many relevant smaller towns and villages.
Locations of recent fighting and other important events, including Bo'o (Booco), Ali Gadud, Masagaway, Harardhere, Eldher, Bahdo (Baxdo), Qayib, and many more.
Detailed timeline of territorial control changes and key political and humanitarian developments since December 14, 2021, with sources cited.
Summary of the conflict situation and changes to the map over the past four months.
Chronicle of the self-proclaimed Republic of Somaliland's international relations in its quest for recognition as an independent country (events included as part of timeline)

Thursday, January 26, 2023

Ukraine: Map of Russian Control in January 2023 (Subscription)

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Research by Djordje Djukic. Map by Evan Centanni and Djordje Djukic

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Thumbnail previewing map of Russian-controlled territory in Ukraine on January 24, 2023, after Russia's capture of Soledar. In addition to the Crimean peninsula, which Russia had already seized in 2014, and parts of the far eastern Donetsk and Luhansk provinces (the Donbas region) already controlled by Russia-backed separatist rebels (and formerly declared independent as the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics), Russian forces still control a large strip of territory just north of Crimea, including large parts of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia provinces, as well as large additional areas of Donetsk and Luhansk provinces. Meanwhile, all of those provinces are now claimed by the Russian government as parts of Russia, creating a new claimed international border through what was until recently undisputed eastern Ukraine. Map includes key locations from the news, such as Soledar, Bakhmut, Potemkin Island, Orikhiv, Vodanye, and many more Colorblind accessible.

Russia is again on the offensive in Ukraine, having captured a strategic town in Donetsk and entered a small city nearby - but only after weeks of grueling, bloody ground warfare. Small Ukrainian advances have taken place elsewhere, but are outnumbered by various small Russian ones.

See all this and more on the latest update to PolGeoNow's concise, professional Ukraine war control map, which includes a detailed chronicle of changes and events since our previous Ukraine map report of November 30, with sources cited, as well as a close-up map of control within the claimed borders of the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics (now claimed to be self-governing regions within Russia).

This map and report are premium content, available to paid subscribers of the PolGeoNow Conflict Mapping Service.

Want to see before you subscribe? Check out our most recent FREE SAMPLE Ukraine map!

Exclusive map report includes:

Up-to-date illustration of current territorial control in Ukraine, color-coded for the Ukrainian government on one side and the Russian military and allied forces on the other side, with areas of uncertainty indicated. Colorblind accessible.
Darker color indicating which areas were already under Russian or allied control before the 2022 invasion began
Lines showing Russia's newly-claimed border after its annexations of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson provinces.
Donbas close-up map
Close-up map of territorial control within the self-proclaimed boundaries of the Donetsk People's Republic and Lugansk People's Republic, which now claim to be part of Russia (based on the design of our classic map of rebel control in the Donbas, upgraded to include roads and terrain)
Detailed indication of city-by-city control, including key towns and other locations important to current events
Locations of recent control changes and other important events, including Soledar, Bakhmut, Potemkin Island, Orikhiv, Vodanye, and many more
Detailed timeline of important events and changes to territorial control since November 30, 2022, with links to sources.

Sunday, December 4, 2022

Ukraine: Map of Russian Control After Kherson Retreat - Nov. 30, 2022 (Subscription)

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Thumbnail previewing map of Russian-controlled territory in Ukraine on November 30, 2022, after Russia's withdrawal from Kherson city. In addition to the Crimean peninsula, which Russia had already seized in 2014, and parts of the far eastern Donetsk and Luhansk provinces (the Donbas region) already controlled by Russia-backed separatist rebels (and formerly declared independent as the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics), Russian forces still control a large strip of territory just north of Crimea, including large parts of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia provinces, as well as large additional areas of Donetsk and Luhansk provinces. Meanwhile, all of those provinces are now claimed by the Russian government as parts of Russia, creating a new claimed international border through what was until recently undisputed eastern Ukraine. Map includes key locations from the news, such as Kherson, Snihurivka, Makiivka, the Kinburn Spit, cities hit by Russian airstrikes across Ukraine, and many more Colorblind accessible.

In the biggest-yet reversal of fortunes for Russia in its invasion of Ukraine, Ukrainian forces have re-assumed control of Kherson city, while Russia and allies have made much smaller advances along other parts of the frontline.

See all this and more on the latest update to PolGeoNow's concise, professional Ukraine war control map, which includes a detailed chronicle of changes and events since our previous Ukraine map report of November 7, with sources cited, as well as a close-up map of control within the claimed borders of the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics (now claimed to be self-governing regions within Russia).

This map and report are premium content, available to paid subscribers of the PolGeoNow Conflict Mapping Service.

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Exclusive map report includes:

Up-to-date illustration of current territorial control in Ukraine, color-coded for the Ukrainian government on one side and the Russian military and allied rebels on the other side, with areas of uncertainty indicated. Colorblind accessible.
Darker color indicating which areas were already under Russian or allied control before the 2022 invasion began
Lines showing Russia's newly-claimed border after its annexations of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson provinces.
Donbas close-up map
Close-up map of territorial control within the self-proclaimed boundaries of the Donetsk People's Republic and Lugansk People's Republic, which now claim to be part of Russia (based on the design of our classic map of rebel control in the Donbas, upgraded to include roads and terrain)
Detailed indication of city-by-city control, including key towns and other locations important to current events
Locations of recent control changes and other important events, including Kherson, Snihurivka, Makiivka, the Kinburn Spit, cities hit by Russian airstrikes across Ukraine, and many more
Detailed timeline of important events and changes to territorial control since November 7, 2022, with links to sources.

Sunday, November 27, 2022

World Cup 2022: Which Countries Are (and Aren't) Members of FIFA?

This is an updated edition of our FIFA member countries article, revised for the Qatar 2022 World Cup. You can also view past versions of the article from 2014 and 2018.

2022 world map showing the six continental confederations of men's national association football (soccer) teams, including all FIFA national teams and World Cup countries. Colorblind accessible.

The six continental confederations of national football teams associated with FIFA. Most, but not all, confederation members are individually members of FIFA as well. Map by Evan Centanni, based on work by EOZyo (source).

Around the world, fans of association football - also known in many countries as "soccer" - are tuned in for the ongoing, month-long men's FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Not all the world's countries can advance to the cup, but did they all get a shot at it? Which countries were eligible to enter the tournament, and which are excluded? Read on for PolGeoNow's exclusive guide to the roster of FIFA national football teams...

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Saturday, November 12, 2022

Ukraine: Map of Russian Control Before Kherson Retreat - Nov. 2022 (Subscription)

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Thumbnail previewing map of Russian-controlled territory in Ukraine on November 7, 2022, just before Russia's withdrawal from Kherson city. In addition to the Crimean peninsula, which Russia had already seized in 2014, and parts of the far eastern Donetsk and Luhansk provinces (the Donbas region) already controlled by Russia-backed separatist rebels (and now-formerly declared independent as the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics), Russian forces now control a large strip of territory just north of Crimea, including Kherson city and Mariupol, as well as most of Luhansk province and large additional areas of Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk provinces, but have lost most of their territory in Kharkiv province and some of their territory in Luhansk, Donetsk, and Kherson. Map includes key locations from the news, such as Lyman, Kupiansk, Davydiv Brid, Kreminna, the Crimean Bridge, and many more. Colorblind accessible.

(Note: This edition of our Ukraine control map captures the situation in the days prior to Russia's Kherson retreat, while our next report, coming soon, will document the results of the withdrawal itself.)

Despite small gains in Donetsk, Russia and allied forces were already losing major ground in Ukraine prior to this week's Kherson withdrawal. In the month or so leading up to the retreat, Ukraine had already captured significant parts Kherson and Kharkiv provinces, plus bits of Luhansk and other parts of Donetsk.

See all this and more on the latest update to PolGeoNow's concise, professional Ukraine war control map, which includes a detailed chronicle of changes and events since our previous Ukraine map report of September 26, with sources cited, as well as a close-up map of control within the claimed borders of the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics (now claimed to be self-governing regions within Russia).

This map and report are premium content, available to paid subscribers of the PolGeoNow Conflict Mapping Service.

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Exclusive map report includes:

Up-to-date illustration of current territorial control in Ukraine, color-coded for the Ukrainian government on one side and the Russian military and allied rebels on the other side, with areas of uncertainty indicated. Colorblind accessible.
Darker color indicating which areas were already under Russian or allied control before the 2022 invasion began
Lines showing Russia's newly-claimed border after its annexations of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson provinces.
Donbas close-up map
Close-up map of territorial control within the self-proclaimed boundaries of the Donetsk People's Republic and Lugansk People's Republic, which now claim to be part of Russia (based on the design of our classic map of rebel control in the Donbas, upgraded to include roads and terrain)
Detailed indication of city-by-city control, including key towns and other locations important to current events
Locations of recent control changes and other important events, including Lyman, Kupiansk, Davydiv Brid, Kreminna, the Crimean Bridge, and many more
Detailed timeline of important events and changes to territorial control since September 26, 2022, with links to sources.

Thursday, November 3, 2022

Ethiopia Control Map: Tigray War Revival & New Truce - Nov. 2022 (Subscription)

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Research by Djordje Djukic. Map by Evan Centanni and Djordje Djukic.

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Thumbnail preview of Ethiopia war map for November 2022, at the signing of the new truce, showing Tigray rebel control as well as areas claimed to be controlled by the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA/OLF-Shane) in western and central Ethiopia (Oromia). Also labels key areas in the Benishangul-Gumuz insurgency. Colorblind accessible.

Since the breakdown of Ethiopia's April ceasefire, and with intensified Eritrean involvement, many of the northern state's major towns have come back under the control of the Ethiopian government and its allies. Now, a new truce claims it will bring an end to the Tigray war.

However, the wide-ranging insurgency in Oromia state, and a smaller one in Benishangul Gumuz state, continue elsewhere in the country.

See all this and more on the latest update to PolGeoNow's concise, professional northern Ethiopia control map, which includes a timeline of changes since our previous Ethiopia map report of April 22, with sources cited.

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Up-to-date illustration of current territorial control in northern Ethiopia (southern Ethiopia not shown), color-coded for the Ethiopian government and allies on one side and the Tigray Defense Forces (aka TPLF) on the other side, with areas of uncertainty indicated. Colorblind accessible.
Symbols showing where Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) rebels (aka OLF-Shane) have plausible - but unproven - claims of territorial control, and labels for important sites in the neighboring Benishangul-Gumuz state insurgency
Detailed indication of city-by-city control, including key towns and other locations important to current events
Locations of recent control changes and other important events, including Sheraro, Adi Awala, Mai Tsebri, Alamata, Mizyiga, Mandura, and more
Detailed timeline of important events and changes to territorial control since April 22, 2022, with links to sources.

Saturday, October 22, 2022

Armenia-Azerbaijan Control Map: Nagorno-Karabakh & Border Clashes - October 2022 (Subscription)

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Map by Evan Centanni, Djordje Djukic, Bourrichon, and Lesqual; article by Djordje Djukic and Evan Centanni

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Preview thumbnail of map of territorial control in Azerbaijan and Armenia, including the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region and the self-proclaimed Republic of Artsakh as well as clashes along the two countries' official border. Updated to October 2022, showing Azerbaijan's apparent territorial incursions into Armenia proper, as well as still-contested sites in Nagorno-Karabakh and the new location of the replacement for the Lachin corridor. Now includes terrain. Colorblind accessible.

Almost two years after the two countries' war ended in a ceasefire, continued clashes have seen Azerbaijan capture several areas apparently within Armenia, while the Russia-enforced corridor from Armenia to Nagorno-Karabakh has moved to a different location.

This subscriber-exclusive report goes in-depth on territorial issues and conflict-related developments since our previous Nagorno-Karabakh map report in early 2021, with increased focus on the contested border between Azerbaijan and Armenia proper.

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Up-to-date illustration of current territorial control in Azerbaijan, Armenia, and the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region, including the self-proclaimed Republic of Artsakh and the apparent Azerbaijani incursions into Armenia proper. Colorblind accessible.
Claimed borders of the Republic of Artsakh, as well as the former extent of the Soviet-era Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast (NKAO).
NEW: Terrain shading on map to give a better idea of the physical geography context
Key locations of conflict and contention, including Parukh, Lake Sev, Jermuk, Lachin, and more.
Detailed timeline of territorial changes and conflict events since January 28, 2021, as well as key military/political developments, with sources cited.

Tuesday, September 27, 2022

Ukraine: Map of Russian Control - September 2022 (Subscription)

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Thumbnail previewing map of Russian-controlled territory in Ukraine on September 26, 2022. In addition to the Crimean peninsula, which Russia had already seized in 2014, and parts of the far eastern Donetsk and Luhansk provinces (the Donbass region) already controlled by Russia-backed separatist rebels (and declared independent as the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics), Russian forces now control a large strip of territory just north of Crimea, including Kherson city and parts of Mariupol, as well as all of Luhansk province and large additional areas of Donetsk provinces, but have lost most of their territory in Kharkiv province after a recent Ukrainian offensive. Map includes key locations from the news, such as Izium, Vysokopillia, Lyman, Pisky, Krasnohorivka, and many more. Colorblind accessible.

Though slow Russian advances have continued in some areas, recent weeks have also seen a string of major Ukrainian victories, which have pushed Russian forces out of most of the areas they had controlled in Kharkiv province.

See all this and more on the latest update to PolGeoNow's concise, professional Ukraine war control map, which includes a detailed chronicle of changes and events since our previous Ukraine map report of August 22, with sources cited, as well as a close-up map of control within the claimed borders of the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics.

This map and report are premium content, available to paid subscribers of the PolGeoNow Conflict Mapping Service.

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Exclusive map report includes:

Up-to-date illustration of current territorial control in Ukraine, color-coded for the Ukrainian government on one side and the Russian military and allied rebels on the other side, with areas of uncertainty indicated. Colorblind accessible.
Darker color indicating which areas were already under Russian or allied control before the 2022 invasion began
Donbas close-up map
Close-up map of territorial control within the self-proclaimed borders of the Donetsk People's Republic and Lugansk People's Republic (based on the design of our classic map of rebel control in the Donbas, upgraded to include roads and terrain)
Detailed indication of city-by-city control, including key towns and other locations important to current events
Locations of recent control changes and other important events, including Izium, Vysokopillia, Lyman, Pisky, Krasnohorivka, and many more
Detailed timeline of important events and changes to territorial control since August 22, 2022, with links to sources.

Saturday, September 10, 2022

Yemen Control Map & Report: Separatists vs. al-Islah - September 2022

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Timeline by Djordje Djukic. Map by Evan Centanni, Djordje Djukic, and onestopmap.com

Thumbnail preview of map of what's happening in Yemen as of September 2022, showing territorial control in the PLC government infighting between Saudi-backed al-Islah and the UAE-backed STC southern separatists, as well as control by the unrecognized Houthi government and major areas of operations of Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP). Includes recent locations of fighting and other events, including Ataq, Shuqra (Shuqrah), Arma, Al Wadhea, al-Abr, and more.

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While the ceasefire between the Houthis and Yemen's internationally-recognized PLC unity government continues to hold, a major conflict has broken out within the PLC, with UAE-backed southern separatists and their allies seemingly bent on defeating the Saudi-backed al-Islah religious party once and for all, seizing control of key oil fields along the way.

See all this and more on the newest update to PolGeoNow's Yemen territorial control map, which includes a timeline of changes and important events since our previous Yemen map report in April.

This map and report are premium content available to paid subscribers of the PolGeoNow Conflict Mapping Service.

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Exclusive report includes:

Up-to-date map of current territorial control in Yemen amid the new outbreak of fighting between factions affiliated to the internationally-recognized government, color-coded for the UAE-backed separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC) and allies, Islah party and other remaining government units, Houthi forces, and major presence of Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)

Detailed indication of town-by-town control, including provincial boundaries, all major cities, and many smaller ones

Markers for recent areas of fighting, including Ataq, Shuqra, Arma, Al Wadhea, al-Abr, and more

Timeline of changes to the situation since April 11, 2022, with links to sources

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Friday, September 9, 2022

King Charles's 15 Countries: The Commonwealth Realms

Did you know the new King Charles III isn't just the King of England and the larger UK, but of 14 other independent countries? If that statement just raises more questions for you, read on for all the answers...

Map of countries with King Charles III as head of state, which are known as the Commonwealth realms. Includes the UK, Canada, Australia, and a number of small countries in Oceania and the Caribbean. Also shows former Commonwealth realms, including large parts of Africa and South Asia. Colorblind accessible.

Map of the Commonwealth realms (independent countries that share the monarchy with Britain). Click to enlarge. Contact us for permission to use this map.

This article, originally written during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, has been revised and updated to for the passing of the throne to her son, King Charles III.

Which countries does King Charles reign over?

You might be surprised to learn that King Charles III is the official king of 15 different independent countries. Those countries are together known as the "Commonwealth realms" - a smaller subset of the Commonwealth of Nations, which also includes many kingless republics. Every one of the 15 Commonwealth realms is considered a fully-fledged independent country and a member of the UN, despite sharing the same monarch.

Full article (free) »

Friday, August 26, 2022

Ukraine: Map of Russian Control - August 2022 (Subscription)

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Thumbnail previewing map of Russian-controlled territory in Ukraine on August 22, 2022. In addition to the Crimean peninsula, which Russia had already seized in 2014, and parts of the far eastern Donetsk and Luhansk provinces (the Donbass region) already controlled by Russia-backed separatist rebels (and declared independent as the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics), Russian forces now control a large strip of territory just north of Crimea, including Kherson city and parts of Mariupol, as well as all of Luhansk province and large additional areas of Donetsk and Kharkiv provinces. Map includes key locations from the news, such as Bakhmut, Marinka, Balakleya, the location of explosions in Crimea, and more. Colorblind accessible.

Since last month, Russia and its local allies have continued advances in the east, but at a relatively slow pace. Ukraine's military, meanwhile, has made some smaller advances of its own, but plans to retake Kherson in the south haven't yet materialized.

See all this and more on the latest update to PolGeoNow's concise, professional Ukraine war control map, which includes a detailed chronicle of changes and events since our previous Ukraine map report of July 9, with sources cited, as well as a close-up map of control within the claimed borders of the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics.

This map and report are premium content, available to paid subscribers of the PolGeoNow Conflict Mapping Service.

Want to see before you subscribe? Check out our most recent FREE SAMPLE Ukraine map!

Exclusive map report includes:

Up-to-date illustration of current territorial control in Ukraine, color-coded for the Ukrainian government on one side and the Russian military and allied rebels on the other side, with areas of uncertainty indicated. Colorblind accessible.
Darker color indicating which areas were already under Russian or allied control before the 2022 invasion began
Donbas close-up map
Close-up map of territorial control within the self-proclaimed borders of the Donetsk People's Republic and Lugansk People's Republic (based on the design of our classic map of rebel control in the Donbas, upgraded to include roads and terrain)
Detailed indication of city-by-city control, including key towns and other locations important to current events
Locations of recent control changes and other important events, including Bakhmut, Soledar, Siversk, the location of explosions in Crimea, and more
Detailed timeline of important events and changes to territorial control since July 9, 2022, with links to sources.