Political Geography Now

Wednesday, July 12, 2023

Ukraine: Map of Russian Control Amid Ukrainian Counteroffensive - June 2023 (Subscription)

SUBSCRIBERS CLICK HERE TO VIEW FULL ARTICLE AND MAP:
Old Portal (members.polgeonow.com) | New Portal (controlmaps.polgeonow.com)

There are newer versions of this map available. To see them, view all Ukraine articles on PolGeoNow.

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

Subscribe Now!

Subscribe for full access to all conflict map reports!

Thumbnail previewing map of Russian-controlled territory in Ukraine on June 30, 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. Ukraine has recently made small advances southward in Zaporizhzhia and western Donetsk. 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 Orikhiv, Velyka Novosilka, Piatykhatky, the Kakhovka Dam, and more. Colorblind accessible.

Ukraine's long-anticipated counteroffensive has resulted in significant, but limited, territorial gains, while apparently falling short of its hoped-for goals so far. Meanwhile, the short-lived rebellion of Russia's paramilitary Wagner Group hasn't made any obvious differences to the territorial situation.

(The maps in this report show the situation as of June 30, about two weeks ago. Territorial changes since that time have been minor, and will be covered in the next report.)

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 May 27, 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
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 Orikhiv, Velyka Novosilka, Piatykhatky, Makarivka, the Kakhovka Dam, and more
Detailed timeline of important events and changes to territorial control since May 27, 2023, with links to sources.

SUBSCRIBERS CLICK HERE TO VIEW FULL ARTICLE AND MAP:
Old Portal (members.polgeonow.com) | New Portal (controlmaps.polgeonow.com)

Not signed up yet? Click here to learn more about our professional subscription service!

Can I purchase just this map?
This map and report are not available for automated purchase to non-subscribers. If you need access or republication rights for only this map report, contact service@polgeonow.com for options.

Monday, June 5, 2023

Jan. 2023: Croatia Switches to Euro Currency, Joining Eurozone (Map)

This article covers the latest changes to PolGeoNow's map of which countries use the euro.

Map of the Eurozone (euro area), showing which countries use the euro as their currency. Includes members, pre-members (ERM II or ERM-2 waiting area), EU non-members using the euro, and other EU countries. Color blind accessible. Updated to June 2023 with the recent entry of Croatia into the Eurozone.

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

Croatia Joins Eurozone, Leaves ERM II

On January 1, 2023, Croatia retired the Croatian kuna currency as the country's official money, replacing it with the shared European currency known as the "euro". By doing this, the country became the 20th official member of the "euro area", better known as the Eurozone - not to be confused with the European Union (EU), a closely-related organization that the Eurozone basically part of. On the same day, Croatia also joined Europe's free-travel Schengen Area, another EU-connected grouping of countries.

Full article (free) »

Which Countries Use the Euro in 2023? (Map of the Eurozone)

This map and explainer article, originally from 2016, have been updated to June 2023 to cover the recent addition of Croatia to the Eurozone. You can see previous versions of the map by viewing all Eurozone articles on PolGeoNow.

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

Article by Caleb Centanni and Staff Writer

What is the Eurozone?

Officially called the "euro area", the Eurozone is a nickname for the group of countries in Europe that share a single currency, called the euro, as their official money. The euro currency is managed by the European Union (EU), but many countries in the EU don't use the euro, and some countries outside the EU do use it. The European Central Bank, headquartered in Frankfurt, Germany, is in charge of regulating the currency and making euro coins and bills (bank notes).

Full article (free) »

Saturday, June 3, 2023

Ukraine: Map of Russian Control After Capture of Bakhmut - May 2023 (Subscription)

Subscribe Now!

Subscribe for full access to all conflict map reports!

Thumbnail previewing map of Russian-controlled territory in Ukraine on May 27, 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 (the small city recently captured by Russia), Synkivka, Uman, Pavlohrad, and more. Colorblind accessible.

Russia and its allies have completed their control of Bakhmut in Donetsk province after ten months of bloody battles for the small city. Fighting continues at many other places along the frontlines, including advances for both sides, though more of them in favor of Russia than Ukraine.

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 March 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.

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
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, Synkivka, Uman, Pavlohrad, and more
Detailed timeline of important events and changes to territorial control since April 21, 2023, with links to sources.

Monday, April 24, 2023

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

SUBSCRIBERS CLICK HERE TO VIEW FULL ARTICLE AND MAP:
Old Portal (members.polgeonow.com) | New Portal (controlmaps.polgeonow.com)

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

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

Subscribe Now!

Subscribe for full access to all conflict map reports!

Thumbnail previewing map of Russian-controlled territory in Ukraine on April 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 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, Synkivka, Orikhiv, and more. Colorblind accessible.

In recent weeks Russia has continued to slowly advance within the town of Bakhmut, with both sides making small gains in other parts of Donetsk and Luhansk. We've also made some small corrections to the map in Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia provinces based on new information.

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 March 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.

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
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, Avdiivka, Bilohorivka, and many more
Detailed timeline of important events and changes to territorial control since March 26, 2023, with links to sources.

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

Full article (free) »

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.)

Full article (free) »

Wednesday, March 29, 2023

How Many Countries Were There in the World in 2023?

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

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:

Full article (free) »

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...

Full article (free) »

Tuesday, March 28, 2023

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

Subscribe Now!

Subscribe for full access to all conflict map reports!

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.

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
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.

Saturday, March 11, 2023

Yemen Control Map & Report - March 2023 (Subscription)

SUBSCRIBERS CLICK HERE TO VIEW FULL ARTICLE AND MAP:
Old Portal (members.polgeonow.com) | New Portal (controlmaps.polgeonow.com)

(To see other maps in this series, view all Yemen articles on PolGeoNow.)

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

Subscribe Now!

Subscribe for full access to all conflict map reports!

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.

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

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 Mudiyah, Mahfad, and the Omaran Valley

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

SUBSCRIBERS CLICK HERE TO VIEW FULL ARTICLE AND MAP:
Old Portal (members.polgeonow.com) | New Portal (controlmaps.polgeonow.com)

Not a member yet? Click here to learn more about our professional subscription service!

Can I purchase just this map?
This map and report are not available for automated purchase to non-subscribers. If you need access or republication rights for only this map report, contact service@polgeonow.com for options.

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.

VIEW THIS ARTICLE IN THE MEMBER AREA:
Old Portal (members.polgeonow.com) | New Portal (controlmaps.polgeonow.com)

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.

Full article (free) »

Saturday, February 18, 2023

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

SUBSCRIBERS CLICK HERE TO VIEW FULL ARTICLE AND MAP:
Old Portal (members.polgeonow.com) | New Portal (controlmaps.polgeonow.com)

(To see other maps in this series, view all Somalia updates.)

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

Subscribe Now!

Subscribe for full access to all conflict map reports!

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.

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 Somalia map!

Exclusive map report includes:

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)

Subscribe Now!

Subscribe for full access to all conflict map reports!

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)

Subscribe Now!

Subscribe for full access to all conflict map reports!

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.

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
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...

Full article (free) »

Saturday, November 12, 2022

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

Subscribe Now!

Subscribe for full access to all conflict map reports!

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.

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
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)

SUBSCRIBERS CLICK HERE TO VIEW FULL ARTICLE AND MAP:
Old Portal (members.polgeonow.com) | New Portal (controlmaps.polgeonow.com)

(To see other maps of this conflict, view all Ethiopia articles on PolGeoNow.)

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

Subscribe Now!

Subscribe for full access to all conflict map reports!

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.

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 Ethiopia map!

Exclusive map report includes:

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.