Geographic HistoryWorld map in 1878
150 states share the map in 1878. The largest by mapped area are Russia, United Kingdom and Qing.
Russia is the largest state on the map in 1878, a position it has held since 1633 (before that: Spanish Empire). It stays in first place until 1917, when United Kingdom takes over. The five largest states hold 57% of all land with a recorded ruler. 14% of the land on the map has no recorded state. There are fewer states than in 1871: 150 against 170.
Largest states in 1878
| State | Mapped area | Provinces |
|---|---|---|
| Russia | 21 million km² | 277 |
| United Kingdom | 16 million km² | 263 |
| Qing | 11 million km² | 173 |
| United States of America | 9.3 million km² | 218 |
| Brazil | 8.1 million km² | 84 |
| Ottoman Empire | 6.2 million km² | 161 |
| Canada | 3.3 million km² | 60 |
| Argentina | 2.3 million km² | 32 |
| Mexico | 1.9 million km² | 57 |
| Colombia | 1.7 million km² | 22 |
What changed since 1871
- 120 provinces changed hands between 1871 and 1878.
- United Kingdom gained about 1.4 million km², mostly from land with no recorded state and South Africa.
- Ottoman Empire gained about 1.4 million km², mostly from land with no recorded state and Darfur.
- German Empire gained about 530 thousand km², mostly from Prussia and Bavaria.
- Canada gained about 280 thousand km², mostly from United Kingdom.
- New on the map: Serbia.
- No longer on the map: Darfur, Prussia, South Africa, Jolof and Kokand.
Battles, 1878 - 1879
- 1878Sarajevo
- 1878Senova
- 1878Tashkessan
- 1878Peiwar Kotal
- 1878Plovdiv
- 1879Sherpur, Afghanistan
- 1879Charasia
- 1879Eshowe
- 1879Geok Tepe
- 1879Gingindlovu
- 1879Hlobane
- 1879Isandhlwana
Empire maps for this period
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