Maps can be a remarkably powerful tool for understanding the world and how it works, but they show only what you ask them to. Some of these are pretty nerdy, but I think they’re no less fascinating and easily understandable. A majority are original to this blog (see our full maps coverage here), with others from a variety of sources.

Wikimedia Commons

via 40 maps that explain the world  | Washington Post.

You may also like: 40 Maps They Didn’t Teach You In School | Bored Panda