Thursday, April 14, 2016

Iraq Control Map & Report: April 2016 (Subscription)

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

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Detailed map of territorial control in Iraq's ongoing war as of April 14, 2016, including territory held by the so-called Islamic State (ISIS, ISIL), the Baghdad government, and the Kurdistan Peshmerga. Includes recent flashpoints including Ramadi, Hit, Bashir, and more. New: Improved map now includes terrain and major roads!

The past four months have seen two significant victories for Iraqi government forces over the so-called "Islamic State" (ISIS/ISIL), despite floundering attempts to retake the city of Mosul.
 
See all this and more on the latest update to PolGeoNow's concise, professional map of control in Iraq's civil war, including a timeline of changes since our previous Iraq map report in December 2015.

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Detailed map of territorial control in Iraq's ongoing war as of April 14, 2016, including territory held by the so-called Islamic State (ISIS, ISIL), the Baghdad government, and the Kurdistan Peshmerga. Includes recent flashpoints including Ramadi, Hit, Bashir, and more.
  • New since last time: Terrain shading and major highways included on map for geographic context
  • Up-to-date map of current territorial control in Iraq, color-coded for the Iraqi government, "Islamic State" (ISIS/ISIL) extremists, and Kurdistan's Peshmerga forces
  • Detailed indication of town-by-town control, including provincial boundaries, all major cities, and many smaller ones
  • Markers for key areas of recent fighting such as Ramadi, Hit, Bashir, and more
  • Timeline of changes to the situation since December, compiled by our Iraq specialist, with links to sources 
Note: Republishing rights are not included with PDF purchases or basic subscriptions. If you need to use one of our maps in print or online, please contact service@polgeonow.com.

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Thursday, March 31, 2016

Syrian Civil War Control Map: April 2016

There are newer versions of this map available. To see them, view all Syria updates.

Map of fighting and territorial control in Syria's Civil War (Free Syrian Army rebels, Kurdish YPG, Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Al-Nusra Front, Islamic State (ISIS/ISIL), and others), updated for the beginning of April 2016. Now includes terrain and major roads (highways). Highlights recent locations of conflict and territorial control changes, including Palmyra, Qaryatayn, Deir Ez-Zor, and more. (Color blind accessible.)
Base map by Koen Adams of onestopmap.com, with territorial control by Evan Centanni and Djordje Djukic. All rights reserved.
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Timeline by Djordje Djukic

Recapture of Palmyra
Since our previous Syria control map report in early March, the Syrian government of Bashar al-Assad has recaptured the historic city of Palmyra (known in modern Arabic as Tadmur) from the so-called "Islamic State" (IS, formerly known as ISIS/ISIL). The military has also pushed back against IS in Qaryatain, one of the group's westernmost outposts, even as IS is showing an increasingly prominent presence in the southwestern corner of Syria near the Golan Heights. Meanwhile, fighting between government and anti-Assad rebel forces has continued, though at a relatively low level, since the implementation of the UN-brokered ceasefire.

Friday, March 18, 2016

Libya Control Map & Report: March 2016 (Subscription)

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Map by onestopmap.com and Evan Centanni

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Libya control map: Shows detailed territorial control in Libya's civil war as of March 2016, including all major parties (Tobruk government, General Haftar's Operation Dignity forces, and Zintan militias; Tripoli GNC government, Libya Dawn, and Libya Shield Force; Shura Council of Benghazi Revolutionaries and other hardline Islamist groups; and the so-called Islamic State (ISIS/ISIL)). Also file under: Map of Islamic State (ISIS) control in Libya. Now includes terrain and major roads. Color blind accessible. Despite hopes that a UN-backed unity deal might bring Libya's two rival governments back together, fighting in continues against the so-called "Islamic State" (ISIS/ISIL) and other religious hardline groups. Though most of the major cities have stayed in the same hands since last summer, there have still been several important changes to territorial control.
 
See all this and more on the latest update to PolGeoNow's concise, professional Libyan Civil War control map, which comes with a timeline of changes since our previous Libya map report last August.

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Libya control map: Shows detailed territorial control in Libya's civil war as of February 2016, including all major parties (Tobruk government, General Haftar's Operation Dignity forces, and Zintan militias; Tripoli GNC government, Libya Dawn, and Libya Shield Force; Shura Council of Benghazi Revolutionaries and other hardline Islamist groups; and the so-called Islamic State (ISIS/ISIL)). Also file under: Map of Islamic State (ISIS) control in Libya. Now includes terrain and major roads. Color blind accessible.
  • Up-to-date map of current territorial control in Libya, color-coded for the internationally-recognized Tobruk government (supported by General Haftar's Operation Dignity), the rival Tripoli-based GNC government (supported by the Libya Dawn militias), "Islamic State" (ISIS/ISIL) extremists, and other religious hardline groups. 
  • Detailed indication of city-by-city control, highlighting key towns and other locations important to current events.
  • Locations of recent fighting and military operations, including Benghazi, Ajdabiya, Janzur, Bin Jawad, and more.
  • Detailed timeline of important events and changes to territorial control since August 21, 2015, with all sources cited.
  • New in this edition: Major roads are marked on the map for reference

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Wednesday, March 9, 2016

Syrian Civil War Control Map: March 2016 (Subscription)

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

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Map of fighting and territorial control in Syria's Civil War (Free Syrian Army rebels, Kurdish YPG, Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Al-Nusra Front, Islamic State (ISIS/ISIL), and others), updated for March 2016. Now includes terrain and major roads (highways). Highlights recent locations of conflict and territorial control changes, such as Daraa, Khanaser, Tell Rifaat, Shadadi, the Aleppo Power Plant, and more. New: Improved map now includes terrain and major roads!

With Syria's UN-brokered truce partially holding, government, Kurdish, and rebel forces alike have turned their attention to carving away territory from the so-called "Islamic State" (ISIS/ISIL). However, the rebels also sustained some losses to government forces prior to the ceasefire taking effect.
 
See all this and more on the latest update to PolGeoNow's concise, professional Syrian Civil War control map, which includes a timeline of changes since our previous Syria map report in early February.

This map and report are professional subscriber content, available to paid members or for separate purchase. Download PDF (US$14.99) New discounted price!

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Map of fighting and territorial control in Syria's Civil War (Free Syrian Army rebels, Kurdish YPG, Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Al-Nusra Front, Islamic State (ISIS/ISIL), and others), updated for March 2016. Now includes terrain and major roads (highways). Highlights recent locations of conflict and territorial control changes, such as Daraa, Khanaser, Tell Rifaat, Shadadi, the Aleppo Power Plant, and more.
  • New since last year: Terrain shading and major highways included on map for geographic context!
  • Up-to-date map of current territorial control in Syria, color-coded for the Assad government, rebel groups, "Islamic State" (ISIS/ISIL) extremists, and Kurdish/SDF forces. 
  • Special symbols indicate towns dominated by rebels of Al Qaeda affiliate Jabhat al-Nusra (the Nusra Front) and by multi-ethnic anti-ISIS Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
  • Detailed indication of city-by-city control, highlighting key towns and other locations important to current events.
  • Locations of recent fighting and military operations, including Daraa, Khanaser, Tell Rifaat, Shadadi, the Aleppo Power Plant, and more.
  • Detailed timeline of important events and changes to territorial control since February 10, 2016, compiled by our Syria-Iraq expert, with links to sources.

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Thursday, March 3, 2016

Map of Temporary Border Controls in the Schengen Area, March 2016

There are newer versions of this map available. To see them, view all Schengen Area articles.

In the companion to this article, we explain in plain English what the Schengen Area is, and which countries are part of it. Here, we present a map of the area's current crisis, showing where border checks have been reintroduced. Details and explanation in the article below.

Map of Temporarily Reintroduced Border Control in the Schengen Area (the European Union's border-free travel zone), color-coded for EU Schengen countries, non-EU Schengen countries, future Schengen countries, and Schengen-exempt EU countries, as well as microstates unofficially participating in the Schengen agreements (colorblind accessible).

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

Borders Re-emerging Inside the Schengen Area

Over the past months, concern has been rising that Europe's border-free travel zone, known as the Schengen Area, is falling apart. As unprecedented numbers of refugees and other migrants enter the Schengen Area, individual member countries have begun to re-start border checks in the places where they abolished them decades ago. Read on to learn the why, how, and where of the Schengen Area's new border controls!

Map of the Schengen Area in March 2016

This is an older version of PolGeoNow's Schengen Area map, preserved for historical reference. To see the latest version, visit our updated Schengen Area explainer article.


Map of the Schengen Area (the European Union's border-free travel zone), color-coded for EU Schengen countries, non-EU Schengen countries, future Schengen countries, and Schengen-exempt EU countries, as well as microstates unofficially participating in the Schengen agreements (colorblind accessible).
Map by Evan Centanni, from blank map by Ssolbergj. License: CC BY-SA

Friday, February 19, 2016

Map of Control in Yemen's Civil War: February 2016 (Subscription)

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Map of territorial control in Yemen as of February 19, 2016, including territory held by the Houthi rebels and former president Saleh's forces, president-in-exile Hadi and his allies in the Saudi-led coalition and Southern Movement, Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), and the so-called Islamic State (ISIS/ISIL). Includes recent areas of Al Qaeda takeovers and locations of other fighting, such as Shuqrah, Azzan, Habban, Ahwar, Misrakh, Fardat Nahm, and more.
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Timeline by Djordje Djukic, with additional reporting by Evan Centanni; map by Louis Martin-Vézian and Evan Centanni

Though it's been less than three weeks since our last Yemen control map update, there have already been several changes to territorial control. Most notably, Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) has rapidly expanded its territory, recapturing most of the towns it held from 2011 to 2012.

Meanwhile, the Saudi-led coalition supporting President Hadi has also made progress against the Houthi rebels over the past weeks.


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 at the end of January.

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Map of territorial control in Yemen as of February 19, 2016, including territory held by the Houthi rebels and former president Saleh's forces, president-in-exile Hadi and his allies in the Saudi-led coalition and Southern Movement, Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), and the so-called Islamic State (ISIS/ISIL). Includes recent areas of Al Qaeda takeovers and locations of other fighting, such as Shuqrah, Azzan, Habban, Ahwar, Misrakh, Fardat Nahm, and more.
  • Up-to-date map of current territorial control in Yemen, color-coded for the pro-Hadi coalition, Houthi/Saleh forces, Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), and "Islamic State" (ISIS/ISIL).
  • Color scheme recently updated for consistency with Syria, Iraq, and Libya map series
  • Detailed indication of town-by-town control, including provincial boundaries, all major cities, and many smaller ones
  • Markers for recent areas of Al Qaeda takeovers and locations of other fighting, such as Shuqrah, Azzan, Habban, Ahwar, Misrakh, Fardat Nahm, and more
  • Timeline of changes to the situation since January 31 2016, with links to sources

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Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Map: Which Countries Recognize Palestine as Independent in 2016?

(Keep up with changes to Palestine's situation: view all Palestine updates.)

Map of countries that recognize the State of Palestine as an independent country, updated for February 2016 with recent addition Saint Lucia highlighted
Click to enlarge. Palestine in magenta (circled). Map by Evan Centanni, modified from public domain graphic (source).
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Thursday, February 11, 2016

Syrian Civil War Control Map: February 2016 (Subscription)

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

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Map of fighting and territorial control in Syria's Civil War (Free Syrian Army rebels, Kurdish YPG, Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Al-Nusra Front, Islamic State (ISIS/ISIL), and others), updated for February 2016. Now includes terrain and major roads (highways). Highlights recent locations of conflict and territorial control changes, such as Menagh airbase, northern Aleppo, Salma, Rabia, Nubl, Baghaliya, Tishrin Dam, and more. New: Improved map now includes terrain and major roads!

As a UN-brokered truce approached, tables were beginning to turn in Syria, with the government's Russian-backed offensive making major breakthroughs against rebel forces in Aleppo, Latakia, and elsewhere. 

Meanwhile, the so-called "Islamic State" (ISIS) continued to hold vast tracts of the country, while Kurdish-led forces gradually expanded their control in victories against ISIS and rebel fighters alike.

See all this and more on the newest update to PolGeoNow's concise, professional Syrian Civil War control map, which includes a timeline of changes since our previous Syria map report in mid-December.

This map and report are professional subscriber content, available to paid members or for separate purchase. Download PDF (US$14.99) New discounted price!

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Exclusive map report includes:
Map of fighting and territorial control in Syria's Civil War (Free Syrian Army rebels, Kurdish YPG, Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Al-Nusra Front, Islamic State (ISIS/ISIL), and others), updated for February 2016. Now includes terrain and major roads (highways). Highlights recent locations of conflict and territorial control changes, such as Menagh airbase, northern Aleppo, Salma, Rabia, Nubl, Baghaliya, Tishrin Dam, and more.
  • New in this edition: Terrain shading and major highways included on map for geographic context!
  • Up-to-date map of current territorial control in Syria, color-coded for the Assad government, rebel groups, "Islamic State" (ISIS/ISIL) extremists, and Kurdish YPG forces. 
  • Special symbols indicate towns dominated by rebels of Al Qaeda affiliate Jabhat al-Nusra (the Nusra Front) and by multi-ethnic anti-ISIS Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
  • Detailed indication of city-by-city control, highlighting key towns and other locations important to current events.
  • Locations of recent fighting and military operations, including Menagh airbase, Aleppo, Salma, Rabia, Nubl, Baghaliya, Tishrin Dam, and more.
  • Detailed timeline of important events and changes to territorial control since December 9, 2015, compiled by our Syria-Iraq expert, with links to sources.

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Sunday, January 31, 2016

Yemen Civil War Control Map: January 2016 (Subscription)

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Map of territorial control in Yemen as of January 31, 2016, including territory held by the Houthi rebels and former president Saleh's forces, president-in-exile Hadi and his allies in the Saudi-led coalition and Southern Movement, Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), and the so-called Islamic State (ISIS/ISIL). Includes recent areas of fighting, such as Aden, the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, Dhubab, Hanish Island, Harad, Maydee, Mukallah, and more.
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Timeline by Djordje Djukic, with additional reporting by Evan Centanni; map by Louis Martin-Vézian and Evan Centanni

In the two months since our previous Yemen control map update, the Saudi-led coalition supporting President Hadi has opened new fronts against both the rival Houthis and Al Qaeda, using its naval forces to capture islands and seaports along Yemen's coast while also advancing across the border from Saudi Arabia for the first time. 

Meanwhile, the so-called "Islamic State" organization (formerly ISIS/ISIL), based in Iraq and Syria, has for the first time been alleged to control territory in Yemen.

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 November.

This map and report are exclusive premium content, available to paid subscribers or for individual purchase. Download PDF (US$19.99)

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Exclusive map report includes:
  • Up-to-date map of current territorial control in Yemen, color-coded for the pro-Hadi coalition, Houthi/Saleh forces, Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), and "Islamic State" (ISIS/ISIL).
  • Color scheme newly updated for consistency with Syria, Iraq, and Libya map series
  • Detailed indication of town-by-town control, including provincial boundaries, all major cities, and many smaller ones
  • Markers for key areas of recent fighting such as Aden, the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, Dhubab, Hanish Island, Harad, Maydee, Mukallah, and more
  • Timeline of changes to the situation since November 2015, with links to sources

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Tuesday, January 19, 2016

2015: The Year in Political Geography Changes

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Libya control relief map: Shows detailed territorial control in Libya's civil war as of August 2015, including all major parties (Tobruk government, General Haftar's Operation Dignity forces, and Zintan militias; Tripoli GNC government, Libya Dawn, and Libya Shield Force; Shura Council of Benghazi Revolutionaries and other hardline Islamist groups; and the so-called Islamic State). Also file under: Map of Islamic State (ISIS) control in Libya.
Rival government and "Islamic State" (ISIS) control in Libya, August 2015 (click for free full-size map and article)

Inside this Review of 2015:

  • New countries, breakaway states, and micronations
  • Country name, capital, and flag changes
  • Border changes and disputed territories
  • Countries joining international organizations
  • Recognition of disputed countries
  • Rebel control in conflict zones
  • Sea borders and seabed claims
  • New states and provinces
  • Currency changes
  • World time zone changes
    It's PolGeoNow's mission to track changes to the world's countries, borders, and territories, whether it's happening formally on the books or unofficially on the ground. When new countries appear, borders change, and territorial disputes arise or are settled, you'll hear about it here. With 2015 now concluded, here's our look back at the events of the year!

    (For extra coverage of political geography events in 2016, follow us on Twitter!)

    Sunday, January 10, 2016

    How Many Countries Are There in the World in January 2016?

    There are newer editions of this article available. To find the most recent, view all "How Many Countries in the World" updates!

    This article was first published in 2011, and the version below was last updated in January 2016 for South Sudan's admission as an Olympic Nation

    How many countries in the world?
    A world political map published by the U.S. government (public domain)
    One of the most basic questions for map-lovers is, "How many countries are there in the world?" But anyone who replies with a simple number is leaving out part of the story. The fact is, the answer depends heavily on how you define "country".

    Here are six of the most common answers, each correct in its own way:

    Thursday, December 24, 2015

    War in Iraq: Map of "Islamic State" Control in December 2015 (Subscription)

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    There are newer versions of this map available. To see them, view all Iraq updates.

    Detailed map of territorial control in Iraq as of December 23, 2015, including territory held by the so-called Islamic State (ISIS, ISIL), the Baghdad government, and the Kurdistan Peshmerga. Includes recent flashpoints including Ramadi, Baiji, Sinjar, and the Kirkuk-Daquq area.
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    Research and timeline by Djordje Djukic; map and additional reporting by Evan Centanni

    Though Iraq's current war has been proceeding at a less-intense pace than Syria's, there have been several important changes to territorial control in the past half a year, all involving the so-called "Islamic State" (ISIS) losing ground to the Iraqi government and Kurdistan's Peshmerga force.

    See all this and more on the newest update to PolGeoNow's concise, professional-quality Iraq control map, which includes a timeline of changes since our previous Iraq map report in July.

    This map and report are professional subscriber content, accessible to paid members or by separate purchase. Download PDF (US$19.99)

    Want to see before you buy? Check out our most recent FREE SAMPLE Iraq map report!

    Exclusive map report includes:
    • Up-to-date map of current territorial control in Iraq, color-coded for the Iraqi government, "Islamic State" (ISIS/ISIL) extremists, and Kurdistan's Peshmerga forces
    • Detailed indication of town-by-town control, including provincial boundaries, all major cities, and many smaller ones
    • Markers for key areas of recent fighting such as Ramadi, Baiji, Sinjar, and more
    • Timeline of changes to the situation since July, compiled by our Iraq specialist, with links to sources 
    Note: Republishing rights are not included with PDF purchases or basic subscriptions. If you need to use one of our maps in print or online, contact service@polgeonow.com.

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    Thursday, December 10, 2015

    Map: Kazakhstan Joins WTO

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    Map of World Trade Organization (WTO) member and observer countries, updated for December 2015 to include new member Kazakhstan
    Member and observer states of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Map by Evan Centanni, starting from public domain blank map (license: CC BY-NC-SA).

    Wednesday, December 9, 2015

    Syrian Civil War Control Map: December 2015 (Subscription)

    There are newer versions of this map available. To see them, view all Syria updates.

    Map of fighting and territorial control in Syria's Civil War (Free Syrian Army rebels, Kurdish YPG, Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Al-Nusra Front, Islamic State (ISIS/ISIL), and others), updated for December 2015. Highlights recent locations of conflict and territorial control changes, such as Kweires airbase, Hader, Kafrah, Delha, Deir Hanna, Sheikh Meskin, Hawl, and more.
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    Research by Djordje Djukic, with additional reporting by Evan Centanni

    The Syrian government's newly Russian-backed offensive against rebels and the so-called "Islamic State" (IS, formerly ISIS) is beginning to pick up momentum. Meanwhile, Western European countries are increasingly becoming involved in the war on IS as well, with a new Western-backed, multi-ethnic ground coalition making significant gains of its own against the group.

    See all this and more on the newest update to PolGeoNow's concise, professional-quality Syrian Civil War control map, which includes a timeline of changes since our previous Syria map report near the end of October.

    This map and report are professional subscriber content, available to paid members or for separate purchase. Download PDF (US$24.99)

    Want to see before you buy? Check out our most recent FREE SAMPLE Syria map!

    Exclusive map report includes:
    • Up-to-date map of current territorial control in Syria, color-coded for the Assad government, rebel groups, "Islamic State" (ISIS/ISIL) extremists, and Kurdish YPG forces. Special symbol indicates rebel-held towns dominated by Al Qaeda affiliate Jabhat al-Nusra (the Nusra Front).
    • New in this edition: Special symbol indicates towns held by multi-ethnic anti-ISIS Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
    • Detailed indication of city-by-city control, highlighting key towns and other locations important to current events.
    • Locations of recent fighting and military operations, including Kweires airbase, Hader, Kafrah, Delha, Deir Hanna, Sheikh Meskin, Hawl, and more.
    • Detailed timeline of important events and changes to territorial control since October 30, 2015, compiled by our Syria-Iraq expert, with links to sources.

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    Friday, November 20, 2015

    New Zealand Voting on New Flag Design

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    Updated 2015-12-16: Continue to the bottom of the article for the results of the flag referendum!

    Graphic illustrating the five flag designs up for a vote in New Zealand's November-December 2015 flag referendum: Silver Fern (Black and White), Silver Fern (Red, White and Blue), Silver Fern (Black, White, and Blue), Koru (black), and First to the Light (Red Peak)
    The five options for a new flag of New Zealand. Clockwise from top left: Silver Fern (Red, White and Blue) by Kyle Lockwood; Silver Fern (Black, White and Blue) by Kyle Lockwood; Koru (Black) by Andrew Fyfe; Silver Fern (Black and White) by Alofi Kanter; and Red Peak by Aaron Dustin. More information in article below. License: CC BY 3.0 nz

    By Evan Centanni

    A New Flag For New Zealand?
    For decades, New Zealand has debated whether to change its flag, and now the country is finally putting the matter to a vote. A controversial initiative of Prime Minister John Key, the referendum officially began today, November 20. Over the coming three weeks, New Zealanders will choose their favorite from five contending flag designs. A final vote on whether to adopt the winner or stay with the old flag will happen next March. New Zealand's current flag has been in place since 1902, nearly fifty years before the country became fully independent from the UK. Its top left corner is occupied by the so-called "Union Jack", which is still the flag of the UK today.


    Tuesday, November 17, 2015

    Yemen's Civil War: Map of Control in November 2015 (Subscription)

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    Map of territorial control in Yemen as of November 17, 2015, including territory held by the Houthi rebels and former president Saleh's forces, president-in-exile Hadi and his allies in the Saudi-led coalition and Southern Movement, and Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP). Includes recent areas of fighting, such as Taiz, Wadiah, Bayda, Marib, Mukayras, Mocha, Dhubab, and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
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    Timeline by Djordje Djukic, with additional reporting by Evan Centanni; map by Louis Martin-Vézian and Evan Centanni

    Over the past month and a half, all sides in Yemen's civil war have achieved territorial gains. The international coalition backing President Hadi - now including troops from Sudan, as well as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar - has made gains against the Houthis, even as the Houthis have recaptured other areas. Meanwhile, Al Qaeda has taken advantage of the chaos to continue continued its gradual expansion of power.

    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 September.

    This map and report are exclusive premium content, available to paid subscribers or for individual purchase. Download PDF (US$19.99)

    Want to see before you buy? Check out our most recent FREE SAMPLE Yemen map report!

    Exclusive map report includes:
    • Up-to-date map of current territorial control in Yemen, color-coded for the pro-Hadi coalition, Houthi/Saleh forces, and 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 key areas of recent fighting such as Taiz, Marib, Bayda, Mukayras, the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, and more
    • Timeline of changes to the situation since late September, with links to sources

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    Friday, November 6, 2015

    The Death of a Currency: Zimbabwe Dollar Demonetized

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    $100 trillion dollar bill in Zimbabwe dollars, front side, from Zimbabwe's worst period of hyperinflation in 2008

    By Olga Rodriguez-Walmisley, with additional reporting by Evan Centanni

    The End of the Zimbabwe Dollar
    As of last month, the Zimbabwe dollar (Z$) no longer has any monetary value: After more than a decade of extreme inflation, it has been permanently retired. It was the official currency of Zimbabwe for 29 years, from 1980 to 2009, and continued to be circulated until this past September. Today, the government of Zimbabwe uses US dollars, while at least seven other foreign currencies are also accepted as legal tender: the South African rand, Botswana pula, British pound, Indian rupee, Chinese yuan, Japanese yen, and Australian dollar.

    Saturday, October 31, 2015

    Syrian Civil War Control Map: October 2015 (Subscription)

    There are newer versions of this map available. To see them, view all Syria updates.

    Map of fighting and territorial control in Syria's Civil War (Free Syrian Army rebels, Kurdish YPG, Al-Nusra Front, Islamic State (ISIS/ISIL), and others), updated for late October 2015. Highlights recent locations of conflict and territorial control changes, such as Kweires airbase, Kafr Nabudah, Aleppo area, Hama province towns, and more.
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    Research by Djordje Djukic, with additional reporting by Evan Centanni

    A month into Russia's military intervention in Syria, the Assad government and Iranian troops have made a number of small advances against both the rebels and the so-called "Islamic State" (formerly ISIS/ISIL).

    See all this and more on the newest update to PolGeoNow's concise, professional-quality Syrian Civil War control map, which includes a timeline of changes since our previous Syria map report last month.

    This map and report are professional subscriber content, available to paid members or for separate purchase. Download PDF (US$24.99)

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    Exclusive map report includes:
    • Up-to-date map of current territorial control in Syria, color-coded for the Assad government, rebel groups, "Islamic State" (ISIS/ISIL) extremists, and Kurdish YPG forces. Special symbol indicates rebel-held towns dominated by Al Qaeda affiliate Jabhat al-Nusra (the Nusra Front).
    • Detailed indication of city-by-city control, highlighting key towns and other locations important to current events.
    • Locations of recent fighting and military operations, including Kweires airbase, Kafr Nabudah, the southern Aleppo countryside, northern Hama province, and more.
    • Detailed timeline of important events and changes to territorial control since September 14, 2015, compiled by our Syria-Iraq expert, with links to sources.

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    Friday, October 16, 2015

    Map of Boko Haram/"Islamic State" Control in Nigeria: October 2015

    (To see other maps in this series, view all Boko Haram updates on PolGeoNow.)

    Detailed map of Boko Haram (Islamic State West Africa Province - ISWAP) territorial control in its war with Nigeria, marking each town reportedly under the group's control. Includes key recent locations, including Dikwa, Banki, the Sambisa Forest, and targeted areas on Lake Chad and the borders of Cameroon and Niger.
    Map by Evan Centanni. All rights reserved.
    (Subscribers click here to view this article in the member area) 

    By Evan Centanni

    The "Islamic State" in Nigeria
    Northeastern Nigeria's Boko Haram rebels, despite being pushed out of most of the territory they held last year, are still a major force in the region.

    After becoming an official affiliate of Iraq and Syria's so-called "Islamic State" (IS, a.k.a ISIS/ISIL) last March, they have now taken to calling themselves the Islamic State's West Africa Province (ISWAP).

    Friday, October 9, 2015

    African Union Suspends Burkina Faso, Then Reinstates it Again (Map)

    Map of the African Union, including active and suspended member countries, updated for the September 2015 suspension and reinstatement of Burkina Faso (colorblind accessible).
    Map by Evan Centanni, from this blank map by Eric Gaba. License: CC BY-SA
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    Article by Evan Centanni

    Coup Crisis
    On September 18, Burkina Faso was suspended from the African Union (AU) by the organization's Peace and Security Council. The action was in response to a government takeover by soldiers loyal to the country's former president Blaise Compaore, who was pushed out in a popular uprising a year ago.

    Saturday, September 26, 2015

    Yemen's Civil War: Map of Control in September 2015 (Subscription)

    There are newer versions of this map available. To see them, view all Yemen updates.

    Map of territorial control in Yemen as of September 25, 2015, including territory held by the Houthi rebels and former president Saleh's forces, president-in-exile Hadi and his allies in the Saudi-led coalition and Southern Movement, and Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP). Includes recent areas of fighting, such as Aden, Ibb, Taiz, Bayda, Marib, Mukayras, and more.
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    Timeline by Djordje Djukic, with additional reporting by Evan Centanni; map by Louis Martin-Vézian and Evan Centanni

    Forces loyal to Yemen's exiled President Hadi, backed by troops from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and now Qatar, have advanced rapidly against the Houthi rebels over the summer. However, with the offensive now losing momentum, battle lines are solidifying and groups such as Al Qaeda are moving to fill in the power vacuum left in the coalition's wake.

    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 August.

    This map and report are exclusive premium content, available to paid subscribers or for individual purchase.
    Download PDF (US$19.99)

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    Exclusive map report includes:
    • Up-to-date map of current territorial control in Yemen, color-coded for the pro-Hadi coalition, Houthi/Saleh forces, and 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 key areas of recent fighting such as Marib, Aden, Ibb, Bayda, Mukayras, and more
    • Timeline of changes to the situation since mid-August, with links to sources

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    Monday, September 14, 2015

    Syrian Civil War Control Map: September 2015 (Subscription)

    There are newer versions of this map available. To see them, view all Syria updates.

    Map of fighting and territorial control in Syria's Civil War (Free Syrian Army rebels, Kurdish YPG, Al-Nusra Front, Islamic State (ISIS/ISIL), and others), updated for September 2015. Highlights recent locations of conflict and territorial control changes, such as Abu Duhur airbase, Qadam district, Mansoura, Marea, and more.
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    Research by Djordje Djukic, with additional reporting by Evan Centanni

    Anti-government rebels in Syria, including fighters from the Al Qaeda-affiliated Nusra Front, have further consolidated their control of Idlib province in the country's northwest. Meanwhile, forces of the "Islamic State" are again occupying parts of the capital city, Damascus, even as they besiege several other locations in Syria.

    See all this and more on the newest update to PolGeoNow's concise, professional-quality Syrian Civil War control map, which includes a timeline of changes since our previous Syria map report last month.

    This map and report are professional subscriber content, available to paid members or for separate purchase. Download PDF (US$19.99)

    Want to see before you buy? Check out our most recent FREE SAMPLE Syria map!

    Exclusive map report includes:
    • Up-to-date map of current territorial control in Syria, color-coded for the Assad government, rebel groups, "Islamic State" (ISIS/ISIL) extremists, and Kurdish YPG forces. Special symbol indicates rebel-held towns dominated by Al Qaeda affiliate Jabhat al-Nusra (the Nusra Front).
    • Detailed indication of city-by-city control, highlighting key towns and other locations important to current events.
    • Locations of recent fighting and military operations, including Abu Duhur airbase, Marea, Qadam district, Mansoura, and more.
    • Detailed timeline of important events and changes to territorial control since August 20, 2015, compiled by our Syria-Iraq expert, with links to sources.

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    Saturday, August 22, 2015

    War in Libya: Map of Control in August 2015

    There are newer versions of this map available. To see them, view all Libya updates.

    This is the first of a series of professional Libya control maps. Secure your access to future updates: sign up now for our conflict map subscription service!

    Libya control relief map: Shows detailed territorial control in Libya's civil war as of August 2015, including all major parties (Tobruk government, General Haftar's Operation Dignity forces, and Zintan militias; Tripoli GNC government, Libya Dawn, and Libya Shield Force; Shura Council of Benghazi Revolutionaries and other hardline Islamist groups; and the so-called Islamic State). Also file under: Map of Islamic State (ISIS) control in Libya.
    Base map by Koen Adams of onestopmap.com, with territorial control by Evan Centanni. All rights reserved.

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    Background summary by Djordje Djukic; timeline by Evan Centanni and T.H.

    Included in this free article:
    • Concise summary of events in Libya since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011
    • Detailed timeline of conflict, changes to territorial control, and political events since 2011, with each mentioned location illustrated on the map above