An historical review of how the land borders between Europe and Asia kept changing on maps over the last five centuries. By analyzing the sequence of nine cartographic achievement milestones of their times, we observe how the continental borders became better and better defined. The analysis also includes the progress in the art of cartography by seeing the development in the geographic knowledge of Europeans (more and more accurate seashore delineation of the continent), cartographic graticules, and symbology. Something interesting about, or characteristic for each map, is also brought to the attention of the reader.

Abstract (en): The boundaries of five different geographic areas -- North America, South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia -- are digitally represented in this collection of data files that can be used in the production of computer maps. Each of the five areas is encoded in three distinct files: (1) coastline, islands, and lakes, (2) rivers, and (3) international boundaries. There is an additional file for North America (Part 4: North America: Internal Boundaries) delineating state lines in the United States and provincial boundaries in Canada. The data in each of the files is hierarchically structured into subordinate geographic features and ranks, which may be used for output plotting symbol definition. The mapping scale used to encode the data ranged from 1:1 million to 1:4 million. 2006-01-18 File CB8376.ALL.PDF was removed from any previous datasets and flagged as a study-level file, so that it will accompany all downloads. (1) There are seven variables and an unknown number of cases for each file. The number of records per case varies according to the number of latitude and longitude coordinates needed to display the particular geographic feature. (2) The codebook is provided by ICPSR as a Portable Document Format (PDF) file. The PDF file format was developed by Adobe Systems Incorporated and can be accessed using PDF reader software, such as the Adobe Acrobat Reader. Information on how to obtain a copy of the Acrobat Reader is provided on the ICPSR Web site.

The mission of the Humanitarian Information Unit (HIU) is to serve as a U.S. Government interagency center to identify, collect, analyze, and disseminate all-source information critical to U.S. Government decision-makers and partners in preparation for and response to humanitarian emergencies worldwide, and to promote innovative technologies and best practices for humanitarian information management.

World Continents represents the boundaries for the continents of the world. It provides a basemap layer of the continents, delivering a straightforward method of selecting a small multicountry area for display or study.This layer is best viewed out beyond a scale of 1:3,000,000. The original source was extracted from the ArcWorld Supplement database in 2001 and updated as country boundaries coincident to regional boundaries change. To download the data for this layer as a layer package for use in ArcGIS desktop applications, refer to World Continents.

The vector data set is based on the FAO-UNESCO Soil Map of the World. The Digitized Soil Map of the World, at 1:5.000.000 scale, is in the Geographic projection (Latitude - Longitude) intersected with a template containing water related features (coastlines, lakes, glaciers and double-lined rivers). The Digital Soil Map of the World (except for the continent of Africa) was intersected with the Country Boundaries map from the World Data Bank II (with country boundaries updated to January 1994 at 1:3 000 000 scale), obtained from the US Government. For Africa, the country boundaries are derived from the FAO Country Boundaries on the original FAO/UNESCO Soil Map of the World. Country boundaries in both cases were checked and adjusted in certain places on the basis of FAO and UN conventions. The maps (jpg and pdf) are also available on the FAO soil Portal together with their reports for the following regions : North America, Mexico and Central America, South America, Europe, Asia, South Asia, Nortah and Central Asia, Sourtheast Asia and Australasia. [http://www.fao.org/soils-portal/soil-survey/soil-maps-and-databases/faounesco-soil-map-of-the-world/en/]

World Countries provides a detailed basemap layer for the country boundaries of the world. This layer has been designed to be used as a basemap and includes fields for official names and country codes, along with fields for continent and display. Particularly useful are the fields LAND_TYPE and LAND_RANK that separate polygons based on their size. These fields are helpful for rendering at different scales by providing the ability to turn off small islands that may clutter small-scale views. The data is sourced from Garmin International, Inc. with additional content from the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (The World Factbook), and International Organization for Standardization (ISO). This layer was published in October 2024 and is updated every 12-18 months or as significant changes occur.

A boundary is a division between two places. Sometimes the division is a physical boundary, such as a river or mountain range, other times a boundary is invisible, such as those between countries, linguistic groups, economies, or social groups (e.g., ethnicity, gender, religion). When these invisible boundaries separate cities, counties, provinces, states, or countries we call them political boundaries. Sometimes physical boundaries align with political boundaries, such as the Ural Mountain range separating the continents of Asia and Europe or the Rio Grande River forming part of the boarder between the United States and Mexico. Overtime, political boundaries change when treaties are created, or wars are fought. For example, the Soviet Union dissolved in December 1991 becoming 15 independent countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan.

Not every government agrees with every political boundary, so not all boundaries are clearly defined or peaceful. These contested boundaries are often represented by a dotted line on a map. Some areas in dispute include the East China Sea, Kuril Islands, the Korean peninsula, Western Sahara, Antarctica, Israel/Palestine, Somaliland, Kashmir region, and Taiwan.

This 2020 political boundary data is from Garmin International and the United States Central Intelligence Agency The World Factbook and compiled by Esri. One layer includes the boundary lines for countries and another for states and provinces. These layers do not include contested boundaries and any you see are likely on the basemap you have chosen.

Over 1.2 million refugees from Ukraine due to the Russian invasion fled to Germany as of April 2025. Furthermore, the second-highest number was recorded in Poland. In total, around 5.1 million Ukrainian refugees were registered across Europe and 5.6 million worldwide as of May 2025. Most of them fled the country by crossing the border with Poland. Ukrainian refugees in Germany The first increases in the number of Ukrainian refugees in Germany were registered in March and April 2022. The figure exceeded one million refugees in September of that year. Germany had the highest monthly financial allowance for Ukrainians who fled the war compared to other European countries as of June 2022. Temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees in the EU European Union (EU) members implemented the Temporary Protection Directive (TPD), which guaranteed access to accommodation, welfare, and healthcare to refugees from Ukraine. People fleeing the war had a right to a residence permit in the EU, enter the labor market, and enroll children in educational institutions. The protection is granted until March 4, 2026, but it can be extended in the future depending on the situation in the country.

Language Offline Map App Market Outlook

According to our latest research, the global Language Offline Map App market size reached USD 3.2 billion in 2024, reflecting robust growth driven by the increasing demand for reliable navigation solutions that function without internet connectivity. The market is projected to expand at a CAGR of 12.4% during the forecast period, reaching USD 9.1 billion by 2033. This significant growth is fueled by heightened global travel, digital transformation across sectors, and rising smartphone penetration, which collectively drive the adoption of language-enabled offline map applications.

The growth trajectory of the Language Offline Map App market is strongly influenced by the increasing reliance on smartphones and mobile devices for navigation, particularly in regions where internet connectivity is unreliable or costly. Offline map apps, equipped with multilingual capabilities, have become essential tools for travelers, expatriates, and professionals operating in foreign environments. Language support not only improves accessibility but also enhances user experience by providing localized content and instructions, which is crucial for navigation in unfamiliar territories. The integration of advanced features such as voice-guided navigation, real-time updates, and augmented reality overlays further propels market growth by making these apps indispensable for everyday commuting and travel.

Another key driver is the expanding use of offline map applications in sectors beyond travel, such as education, business, and government. Educational institutions leverage these apps for language learning and cultural exchange programs, while businesses utilize them for logistics, field operations, and workforce mobility. Governments, especially in developing countries, are increasingly adopting offline map solutions to improve public services, disaster management, and urban planning. The versatility of these apps, combined with their ability to function independently of network connectivity, positions them as vital tools for a wide range of end-users, thereby broadening the market’s addressable base and accelerating adoption rates globally.

Technological advancements and the proliferation of app distribution channels also play a pivotal role in the market’s expansion. The emergence of app stores, direct downloads, and third-party platforms has made it easier for users to access and update offline map applications. Additionally, the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning for language processing, route optimization, and personalized recommendations has significantly enhanced app functionality. These innovations not only attract tech-savvy consumers but also create opportunities for developers to differentiate their offerings in an increasingly competitive marketplace. As a result, the Language Offline Map App market is poised for sustained growth, driven by continuous innovation and expanding application areas.

From a regional perspective, Asia Pacific leads the market in terms of adoption and revenue generation, followed closely by North America and Europe. The rapid urbanization, increasing cross-border travel, and rising smartphone usage in Asia Pacific create a fertile environment for offline map apps with language support. Meanwhile, North America and Europe benefit from advanced digital infrastructure and a high concentration of tech-savvy consumers. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are also witnessing steady growth, albeit from a smaller base, as governments and enterprises in these regions increasingly recognize the value of offline navigation solutions. Overall, the global outlook for the Language Offline Map App market remains highly positive, with strong growth anticipated across all major regions.

Platform Analysis

The Platform segment of the Language Offline Map App market is categorized into Android, iOS, Windows, and Others. Android dominates the market, accounting for the largest share due to its widespread adoption and the affordability of Android devices, particularly in emerging economies. The open-source nature of Android allows developers to create and distribute offline map apps with ease, leading to a diverse ecosystem of applications catering to various language preferences and user needs. The availability of these apps on the Google Play Store ensures broad accessibility, further fueling market penetration, especially in Asia P

Note: The data in this layer may not reflect National Geographic's current map policy.A boundary is a division between two places. Sometimes the division is a physical boundary, such as a river or mountain range, other times a boundary is invisible, such as those between countries, linguistic groups, economies, or social groups (e.g., ethnicity, gender, religion). When these invisible boundaries separate cities, counties, provinces, states, or countries we call them political boundaries. Sometimes physical boundaries align with political boundaries, such as the Ural Mountain range separating the continents of Asia and Europe or the Rio Grande River forming part of the boarder between the United States and Mexico. Overtime, political boundaries change when treaties are created, or wars are fought. For example, the Soviet Union dissolved in December 1991 becoming 15 independent countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan.

Not every government agrees with every political boundary, so not all boundaries are clearly defined or peaceful. These contested boundaries are often represented by a dotted line on a map. Some areas in dispute include the East China Sea, Kuril Islands, the Korean peninsula, Western Sahara, Antarctica, Israel/Palestine, Somaliland, Kashmir region, and Taiwan.

This 2020 political boundary data is from Garmin International and the United States Central Intelligence Agency The World Factbook and compiled by Esri. One layer includes the boundary lines for countries and another for states and provinces. These layers do not include contested boundaries and any you see are likely on the basemap you have chosen.