United Kingdom Exports of maps, hydrographic or similar charts (printed) to United States was US$19.82 Million during 2024, according to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade. United Kingdom Exports of maps, hydrographic or similar charts (printed) to United States - data, historical chart and statistics - was last updated on September of 2025.

Layered GeoPDF 7.5 Minute Quadrangle Map. Layers of geospatial data include orthoimagery, roads, grids, geographic names, elevation contours, hydrography, and other selected map features.

National Library of Scotland Historic Maps APIHistorical Maps of Great Britain for use in mashups and ArcGIS Onlinehttps://nls.tileserver.com/https://maps.nls.uk/projects/api/index.htmlThis seamless historic map can be:embedded in your own websiteused for research purposesused as a backdrop for your own markers or geographic dataused to create derivative work (such as OpenStreetMap) from it.The mapping is based on out-of-copyright Ordnance Survey maps, dating from the 1920s to the 1940s.The map can be directly opened in a web browser by opening the Internet address: https://nls.tileserver.com/The map is ready for natural zooming and panning with finger pinching and dragging.How to embed the historic map in your websiteThe easiest way of embedding the historical map in your website is to copy < paste this HTML code into your website page. Simple embedding (try: hello.html):You can automatically position the historic map to open at a particular place or postal address by appending the name as a "q" parameter - for example: ?q=edinburgh Embedding with a zoom to a place (try: placename.html):You can automatically position the historic map to open at particular latitude and longitude coordinates: ?lat=51.5&lng=0&zoom=11. There are many ways of obtaining geographic coordinates. Embedding with a zoom to coordinates (try: coordinates.html):The map can also automatically detect the geographic location of the visitor to display the place where you are right now, with ?q=auto Embedding with a zoom to coordinates (try: auto.html):How to use the map in a mashupThe historic map can be used as a background map for your own data. You can place markers on top of it, or implement any functionality you want. We have prepared a simple to use JavaScript API to access to map from the popular APIs like Google Maps API, Microsoft Bing SDK or open-source OpenLayers or KHTML. To use our map in your mashups based on these tools you should include our API in your webpage: ... ...

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Digital Map Market Size 2025-2029

The digital map market size is forecast to increase by USD 31.95 billion at a CAGR of 31.3% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is driven by the increasing adoption of intelligent Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) and the availability of location-based services. PDAs, such as smartphones and smartwatches, are becoming increasingly integrated with digital map technologies, enabling users to navigate and access real-time information on-the-go. The integration of Internet of Things (IoT) enables remote monitoring of cars and theft recovery. Location-based services, including mapping and navigation apps, are a crucial component of this trend, offering users personalized and convenient solutions for travel and exploration. However, the market also faces significant challenges.
Ensuring the protection of sensitive user information is essential for companies operating in this market, as trust and data security are key factors in driving user adoption and retention. Additionally, the competition in the market is intense, with numerous players vying for market share. Companies must differentiate themselves through innovative features, user experience, and strong branding to stand out in this competitive landscape. Security and privacy concerns continue to be a major obstacle, as the collection and use of location data raises valid concerns among consumers.

What will be the Size of the Digital Map Market during the forecast period?

Explore in-depth regional segment analysis with market size data - historical 2019-2023 and forecasts 2025-2029 - in the full report.
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In the market, cartographic generalization and thematic mapping techniques are utilized to convey complex spatial information, transforming raw data into insightful visualizations. Choropleth maps and dot density maps illustrate distribution patterns of environmental data, economic data, and demographic data, while spatial interpolation and predictive modeling enable the estimation of hydrographic data and terrain data in areas with limited information. Urban planning and land use planning benefit from these tools, facilitating network modeling and location intelligence for public safety and emergency management.

Spatial regression and spatial autocorrelation analyses provide valuable insights into urban development trends and patterns. Network analysis and shortest path algorithms optimize transportation planning and logistics management, enhancing marketing analytics and sales territory optimization. Decision support systems and fleet management incorporate 3D building models and real-time data from street view imagery, enabling effective resource management and disaster response. The market in the US is experiencing robust growth, driven by the integration of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Positioning Systems (GPS), and advanced computer technology into various industries.

How is this Digital Map Industry segmented?

The digital map industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Application

  Navigation
  Geocoders
  Others


Type

  Outdoor
  Indoor


Solution

  Software
  Services


Deployment

  On-premises
  Cloud


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    UK


  APAC

    China
    India
    Indonesia
    Japan
    South Korea


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Application Insights

The navigation segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. Digital maps play a pivotal role in various industries, particularly in automotive applications for driver assistance systems. These maps encompass raster data, aerial photography, government data, and commercial data, among others. Open-source data and proprietary data are integrated to ensure map accuracy and up-to-date information. Map production involves the use of GPS technology, map projections, and GIS software, while map maintenance and quality control ensure map accuracy. Location-based services (LBS) and route optimization are integral parts of digital maps, enabling real-time navigation and traffic data.

Data validation and map tiles ensure data security. Cloud computing facilitates map distribution and map customization, allowing users to access maps on various devices, including mobile mapping and indoor mapping. Map design, map printing, and reverse geocoding further enhance the user experience. Spatial analysis and data modeling are essential for data warehousing and real-time navigation. The automotive industry's increasing adoption of connected cars and long-term evolution (LTE) technologies have fueled the demand for digital maps. These maps enable driver assistance app

Depicted on this map is British North America less than one hundred years after the fall of New France. It also shows the emergence of British influence prior to Confederation. British North America circa 1823 was comprised of Lower Canada, Upper Canada, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland (including the Labrador Coast). The Northwest Territories were considered British possessions, while the Hudson’s Bay Company controlled Rupert’s Land. The United States and Britain jointly administered the Oregon Territory. This map along with New France circa 1740 shows the settlement and population in Canada for two important periods in Canadian history prior to Confederation.

United States Exports of maps, hydrographic or similar charts (printed) to United Kingdom was US$551.04 Thousand during 2024, according to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade. United States Exports of maps, hydrographic or similar charts (printed) to United Kingdom - data, historical chart and statistics - was last updated on July of 2025.

The Digital Surficial Geologic-GIS Map of Weir Farm National Historical Park and Vicinity, Connecticut is composed of GIS data layers and GIS tables, and is available in the following GRI-supported GIS data formats: 1.) a 10.1 file geodatabase (wefa_surficial_geology.gdb), a 2.) Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) geopackage, and 3.) 2.2 KMZ/KML file for use in Google Earth, however, this format version of the map is limited in data layers presented and in access to GRI ancillary table information. The file geodatabase format is supported with a 1.) ArcGIS Pro map file (.mapx) file (wefa_surficial_geology.mapx) and individual Pro layer (.lyrx) files (for each GIS data layer), as well as with a 2.) 10.1 ArcMap (.mxd) map document (wefa_surficial_geology.mxd) and individual 10.1 layer (.lyr) files (for each GIS data layer). The OGC geopackage is supported with a QGIS project (.qgz) file. Upon request, the GIS data is also available in ESRI 10.1 shapefile format. Contact Stephanie O'Meara (see contact information below) to acquire the GIS data in these GIS data formats. In addition to the GIS data and supporting GIS files, three additional files comprise a GRI digital geologic-GIS dataset or map: 1.) A GIS readme file (wefa_geology_gis_readme.pdf), 2.) the GRI ancillary map information document (.pdf) file (wefa_geology.pdf) which contains geologic unit descriptions, as well as other ancillary map information and graphics from the source map(s) used by the GRI in the production of the GRI digital geologic-GIS data for the park, and 3.) a user-friendly FAQ PDF version of the metadata (wefa_surficial_geology_metadata_faq.pdf). Please read the wefa_geology_gis_readme.pdf for information pertaining to the proper extraction of the GIS data and other map files. Google Earth software is available for free at: https://www.google.com/earth/versions/. QGIS software is available for free at: https://www.qgis.org/en/site/. Users are encouraged to only use the Google Earth data for basic visualization, and to use the GIS data for any type of data analysis or investigation. The data were completed as a component of the Geologic Resources Inventory (GRI) program, a National Park Service (NPS) Inventory and Monitoring (I&M) Division funded program that is administered by the NPS Geologic Resources Division (GRD). For a complete listing of GRI products visit the GRI publications webpage: For a complete listing of GRI products visit the GRI publications webpage: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/geology/geologic-resources-inventory-products.htm. For more information about the Geologic Resources Inventory Program visit the GRI webpage: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/geology/gri,htm. At the bottom of that webpage is a "Contact Us" link if you need additional information. You may also directly contact the program coordinator, Jason Kenworthy (jason_kenworthy@nps.gov). Source geologic maps and data used to complete this GRI digital dataset were provided by the following: U.S. Geological Survey. Detailed information concerning the sources used and their contribution the GRI product are listed in the Source Citation section(s) of this metadata record (wefa_surficial_geology_metadata.txt or wefa_surficial_geology_metadata_faq.pdf). Users of this data are cautioned about the locational accuracy of features within this dataset. Based on the source map scale of 1:24,000 and United States National Map Accuracy Standards features are within (horizontally) 12.2 meters or 40 feet of their actual location as presented by this dataset. Users of this data should thus not assume the location of features is exactly where they are portrayed in Google Earth, ArcGIS, QGIS or other software used to display this dataset. All GIS and ancillary tables were produced as per the NPS GRI Geology-GIS Geodatabase Data Model v. 2.3. (available at: https://www.nps.gov/articles/gri-geodatabase-model.htm).

Geologic Map of North America (Southern Sheet). Map published by Geological Society of America; database by U.S. Geological Survey. See Catalogue of Registered Services for more information.

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HD Map For Autonomous Vehicles Market Size 2024-2028

The HD map for autonomous vehicles market size is forecast to increase by USD 14 billion at a CAGR of 40.5% between 2023 and 2029

The market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing adoption of autonomous vehicles and the development of advanced connected infrastructure. The integration of high-definition maps into autonomous systems enables vehicles to navigate complex environments more accurately and efficiently, reducing the risk of accidents and improving overall performance. HD map creation for autonomous vehicles is a complex process involving data acquisition, aggregation, and integration of advanced technologies such as AI and machine learning. However, the high cost associated with the technology remains a significant challenge for market expansion. Manufacturers must continue to innovate and find cost-effective solutions to make HD maps an essential component of autonomous vehicles, rather than a luxury. Companies seeking to capitalize on this market opportunity should focus on collaborating with infrastructure providers, developing scalable and cost-effective HD mapping technologies, and ensuring seamless integration with autonomous systems. By addressing these challenges and leveraging the growing demand for autonomous vehicles and advanced infrastructure, market participants can effectively navigate the strategic landscape and drive long-term success.

What will be the Size of the Market during the forecast period?

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The market is experiencing significant growth as the global push towards advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and fully autonomous vehicles (AVs) continues. HD Maps, which utilize technologies such as Lidar, SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping), and digital cameras, play a crucial role in enabling AVs to navigate roads safely and efficiently. These maps provide real-time, high-precision data to AV systems, allowing them to identify and respond to road conditions, obstacles, and other vehicles in real time. The market is expected to reach a substantial size in the coming years, driven by the increasing demand for shared mobility services, including ride-sharing and robo-taxi services.
The integration of 5G networks is also expected to accelerate the adoption of HD Maps, as they enable faster and more reliable data transmission between vehicles and maps. The market is witnessing continuous innovation, with companies investing heavily in research and development to improve the accuracy and coverage of HD Maps. Additionally, the integration of HD Maps with other technologies, such as sensor fusion and deep learning algorithms, is expected to further enhance the capabilities of AVs. Overall, the HD Map market for autonomous vehicles is a dynamic and rapidly evolving market, poised for significant growth in the coming years.

How is this Industry segmented?

The industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.

Solution

  Cloud-based
  Embedded


Vehicle Type

  Passenger
  Commercial


Geography

  North America

    US


  Europe

    Germany
    UK


  APAC

    China
    Japan


  Middle East and Africa



  South America

By Solution Insights

The cloud-based segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. HD maps are a critical component in the advancement of autonomous vehicles. These high-definition maps offer enhanced accuracy and precision for navigation, while their cloud-based infrastructure ensures accessibility and ease of updates. This enables autonomous vehicles to navigate complex and unfamiliar environments more effectively. Notable industry players, such as NavInfo Co. Ltd. (Navinfo), HERE Global BV (HERE), TomTom NV (TomTom), and NVIDIA Corp. (NVIDIA), prioritize cloud-based solutions and real-time services for their HD mapping offerings. The integration of 5G networks further enhances the capabilities of HD maps, contributing to the growth of autonomous driving technology in passenger and commercial vehicles.

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The cloud-based segment was valued at USD 1047.3 million in 2019 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Regional Analysis

North America is estimated to contribute 40% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.

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The market in North America is primarily driven by the United States, where the increasing deployment of semi-au

At Driver Technologies, we specialize in collecting high-quality, highly-anonymized, driving data crowdsourced using our dash cam app. Our Traffic Light Map Video Data is built from the millions of miles of driving data captured and is optimized to be trained for whatever computer vision models you need and enhancing various applications in transportation and safety.

What Makes Our Data Unique? What sets our Traffic Light Map Video Data apart is its comprehensive approach to road object detection. By leveraging advanced computer vision models, we analyze the captured video to identify and classify various road objects encountered during an end user's trip. This includes road signs, pedestrians, vehicles, traffic signs, and road conditions, resulting in rich, annotated datasets that can be used for a range of applications.

How Is the Data Generally Sourced? Our data is sourced directly from users who utilize our dash cam app, which harnesses the smartphone’s camera and sensors to record during a trip. This direct sourcing method ensures that our data is unbiased and represents a wide variety of conditions and environments. The data is not only authentic and reflective of current road conditions but is also abundant in volume, offering millions of miles of recorded trips that cover diverse scenarios.

Primary Use-Cases and Verticals The Traffic Light Map Video Data is tailored for various sectors, particularly those involved in transportation, urban planning, and autonomous vehicle development. Key use cases include:

Training Computer Vision Models: Clients can utilize our annotated data to develop and refine their own computer vision models for applications in autonomous vehicles, ensuring better object detection and decision-making capabilities in complex road environments.

Urban Planning and Infrastructure Development: Our data helps municipalities understand road usage patterns, enabling them to make informed decisions regarding infrastructure improvements, safety measures, and traffic light placement. Our data can also aid in making sure municipalities have an accurate count of signs in their area.

Integration with Our Broader Data Offering The Traffic Light Map Video Data is a crucial component of our broader data offerings at Driver Technologies. It complements our extensive library of driving data collected from various vehicles and road users, creating a comprehensive data ecosystem that supports multiple verticals, including insurance, automotive technology, and computer vision models.

In summary, Driver Technologies' Traffic Light Map Video Data provides a unique opportunity for data buyers to access high-quality, actionable insights that drive innovation across mobility. By integrating our Traffic Light Map Video Data with other datasets, clients can gain a holistic view of transportation dynamics, enhancing their analytical capabilities and decision-making processes.

Historical Map of South / Central America from the David Rumsey Historical Map Collection

Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) maps are an integral component in oil-spill contingency planning and assessment. They serve as a source of information in the event of an oil spill incident. ESI maps contain three types of information: shoreline habitats (classified according to their sensitivity to oiling), sensitive biological resources, and human-use resources. Most often, this information is plotted on 7.5 minute USGS quadrangles, although in the Alaska ESI maps, USGS topographic maps at scales of 1:63,360 and 1:250,000 are used, and in other ESI maps, NOAA charts have been used as the base map. Collections of these maps, grouped by state or a logical geographic area, are published as ESI atlases. Digital data have been published for most of the U.S. shoreline, including Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico.

Link to the ScienceBase Item Summary page for the item described by this metadata record. Service Protocol: Link to the ScienceBase Item Summary page for the item described by this metadata record. Application Profile: Web Browser. Link Function: information

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Overview

Empower your location data visualizations with our edge-matched polygons, even in difficult geographies.

Our self-hosted geospatial data cover administrative and postal divisions with up to 5 precision levels. All levels follow a seamless hierarchical structure with no gaps or overlaps.

The geospatial data shapes are offered in high-precision and visualization resolution and are easily customized on-premise.

Use cases for the Global Administrative Boundaries Database (Geospatial data, Map data)

• In-depth spatial analysis

• Clustering

• Geofencing

• Reverse Geocoding

• Reporting and Business Intelligence (BI)

Product Features

• Coherence and precision at every level

• Edge-matched polygons

• High-precision shapes for spatial analysis

• Fast-loading polygons for reporting and BI

• Multi-language support

For additional insights, you can combine the map data with:

• Population data: Historical and future trends

• UNLOCODE and IATA codes

• Time zones and Daylight Saving Time (DST)

Data export methodology

Our location data packages are offered in variable formats, including - .shp - .gpkg - .kml - .shp - .gpkg - .kml - .geojson

All geospatial data are optimized for seamless integration with popular systems like Esri ArcGIS, Snowflake, QGIS, and more.

Why companies choose our map data

• Precision at every level

• Coverage of difficult geographies

• No gaps, nor overlaps

Note: Custom geospatial data packages are available. Please submit a request via the above contact button for more details.

This data set comprises an update of the Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) data for the Virgin Islands. ESI data characterize estuarine environments and wildlife by their sensitivity to spilled oil. The ESI data include information for three main components: shoreline habitats, sensitive biological resources, and human-use resources. The ESI data were collected, mapped, and digitized to provide environmental data for oil spill planning and response. The Clean Water Act with amendments by the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 requires response plans for immediate and effective protection of sensitive resources. This digital data re-release includes shoreline, hydrological, and biological data in formats for GIS systems and as Adobe Acrobat maps with extensive documentation. These data were originally distributed as a DVD product.

SafeGraph Places provides baseline information for every record in the SafeGraph product suite via the Places schema and polygon information when applicable via the Geometry schema. The current scope of a place is defined as any location humans can visit with the exception of single-family homes. This definition encompasses a diverse set of places ranging from restaurants, grocery stores, and malls; to parks, hospitals, museums, offices, and industrial parks. Premium sets of Places include apartment buildings, Parking Lots, and Point POIs (such as ATMs or transit stations).

SafeGraph Places is a point of interest (POI) data offering with varying coverage depending on the country. Note that address conventions and formatting vary across countries. SafeGraph has coalesced these fields into the Places schema.

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Geographic Information System Analytics Market Size 2024-2028

The geographic information system analytics market size is forecast to increase by USD 12 billion at a CAGR of 12.41% between 2023 and 2028.

The GIS Analytics Market analysis is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing need for efficient land management and emerging methods in data collection and generation. The defense industry's reliance on geospatial technology for situational awareness and real-time location monitoring is a major factor fueling market expansion. Additionally, the oil and gas industry's adoption of GIS for resource exploration and management is a key trend. Building Information Modeling (BIM) and smart city initiatives are also contributing to market growth, as they require multiple layered maps for effective planning and implementation. The Internet of Things (IoT) and Software as a Service (SaaS) are transforming GIS analytics by enabling real-time data processing and analysis.
Augmented reality is another emerging trend, as it enhances the user experience and provides valuable insights through visual overlays. Overall, heavy investments are required for setting up GIS stations and accessing data sources, making this a promising market for technology innovators and investors alike.

What will be the Size of the GIS Analytics Market during the forecast period?

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The geographic information system analytics market encompasses various industries, including government sectors, agriculture, and infrastructure development. Smart city projects, building information modeling, and infrastructure development are key areas driving market growth. Spatial data plays a crucial role in sectors such as transportation, mining, and oil and gas. Cloud technology is transforming GIS analytics by enabling real-time data access and analysis. Startups are disrupting traditional GIS markets with innovative location-based services and smart city planning solutions. Infrastructure development in sectors like construction and green buildings relies on modern GIS solutions for efficient planning and management. Smart utilities and telematics navigation are also leveraging GIS analytics for improved operational efficiency.
GIS technology is essential for zoning and land use management, enabling data-driven decision-making. Smart public works and urban planning projects utilize mapping and geospatial technology for effective implementation. Surveying is another sector that benefits from advanced GIS solutions. Overall, the GIS analytics market is evolving, with a focus on providing actionable insights to businesses and organizations.

How is this Geographic Information System Analytics Industry segmented?

The geographic information system analytics industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.

End-user

  Retail and Real Estate
  Government
  Utilities
  Telecom
  Manufacturing and Automotive
  Agriculture
  Construction
  Mining
  Transportation
  Healthcare
  Defense and Intelligence
  Energy
  Education and Research
  BFSI


Components

  Software
  Services


Deployment Modes

  On-Premises
  Cloud-Based


Applications

  Urban and Regional Planning
  Disaster Management
  Environmental Monitoring Asset Management
  Surveying and Mapping
  Location-Based Services
  Geospatial Business Intelligence
  Natural Resource Management


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    UK


  APAC

    China
    India
    South Korea


  Middle East and Africa

    UAE


  South America

    Brazil


  Rest of World

By End-user Insights

The retail and real estate segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The GIS analytics market analysis is witnessing significant growth due to the increasing demand for advanced technologies in various industries. In the retail sector, for instance, retailers are utilizing GIS analytics to gain a competitive edge by analyzing customer demographics and buying patterns through real-time location monitoring and multiple layered maps. The retail industry's success relies heavily on these insights for effective marketing strategies. Moreover, the defense industries are integrating GIS analytics into their operations for infrastructure development, permitting, and public safety. Building Information Modeling (BIM) and 4D GIS software are increasingly being adopted for construction project workflows, while urban planning and designing require geospatial data for smart city planning and site selection.

The oil and gas industry is leveraging satellite imaging and IoT devices for land acquisition and mining operations. In the public sector, gover

In the century between Napoleon's defeat and the outbreak of the First World War (known as the "Pax Britannica"), the British Empire grew to become the largest and most powerful empire in the world. At its peak in the 1910s and 1920s, it encompassed almost one quarter of both the world's population and its land surface, and was known as "the empire on which the sun never sets". The empire's influence could be felt across the globe, as Britain could use its position to affect trade and economies in all areas of the world, including many regions that were not part of the formal empire (for example, Britain was able to affect trading policy in China for over a century, due to its control of Hong Kong and the neighboring colonies of India and Burma). Some historians argue that because of its economic, military, political and cultural influence, nineteenth century Britain was the closest thing to a hegemonic superpower that the world ever had, and possibly ever will have. "Rule Britannia" Due to the technological and logistical restrictions of the past, we will never know the exact borders of the British Empire each year, nor the full extent of its power. However, by using historical sources in conjunction with modern political borders, we can gain new perspectives and insights on just how large and influential the British Empire actually was. If we transpose a map of all former British colonies, dominions, mandates, protectorates and territories, as well as secure territories of the East India Trading Company (EIC) (who acted as the precursor to the British Empire) onto a current map of the world, we can see that Britain had a significant presence in at least 94 present-day countries (approximately 48 percent). This included large territories such as Australia, the Indian subcontinent, most of North America and roughly one third of the African continent, as well as a strategic network of small enclaves (such as Gibraltar and Hong Kong) and islands around the globe that helped Britain to maintain and protect its trade routes. The sun sets... Although the data in this graph does not show the annual population or size of the British Empire, it does give some context to how Britain has impacted and controlled the development of the world over the past four centuries. From 1600 until 1920, Britain's Empire expanded from a small colony in Newfoundland, a failing conquest in Ireland, and early ventures by the EIC in India, to Britain having some level of formal control in almost half of all present-day countries. The English language is an official language in all inhabited continents, its political and bureaucratic systems are used all over the globe, and empirical expansion helped Christianity to become the most practiced major religion worldwide. In the second half of the twentieth century, imperial and colonial empires were eventually replaced by global enterprises. The United States and Soviet Union emerged from the Second World War as the new global superpowers, and the independence movements in longstanding colonies, particularly Britain, France and Portugal, gradually succeeded. The British Empire finally ended in 1997 when it seceded control of Hong Kong to China, after more than 150 years in charge. Today, the United Kingdom consists of four constituent countries, and it is responsible for three crown dependencies and fourteen overseas territories, although the legacy of the British Empire can still be seen, and it's impact will be felt for centuries to come.