The world's real shape(s): see these images...

so informative, a fresh thinking.. excerpts

clipped from www.dailymail.co.uk How the world really shapes up Rather than defining each country by size, these computer-generated modified maps - or cartograms - redraw the globe with each country's size proportionate to its strengths, or weaknesses, in a whole series of categories. For instance, when it comes to military spending, the U.S. appears bloated, but Africa is huge when HIV prevalence is mapped. The cartograms were produced in a unique collaboration between the universities of Michigan in the U.S. and Sheffield. Here are images and more details on some of the most fascinating... Alcohol Consumption (2001) HIV Prevalence House Prices Military Spending War and death Toy Imports Toy Exports Wealth of Nations (1500) Wealth of Nations (2002)