Geographic HistoryWorld map in 1885
148 states share the map in 1885. The largest by mapped area are Russia, United Kingdom and Qing.
Russia is the largest state on the map in 1885, 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. The number of states is about the same as in 1880: 148 against 148.
Largest states in 1885
| State | Mapped area | Provinces |
|---|---|---|
| Russia | 22 million km² | 286 |
| United Kingdom | 15 million km² | 291 |
| Qing | 11 million km² | 173 |
| United States of America | 9.4 million km² | 219 |
| Brazil | 8.1 million km² | 84 |
| Canada | 5.4 million km² | 77 |
| Ottoman Empire | 2.8 million km² | 96 |
| Argentina | 2.6 million km² | 36 |
| France | 2 million km² | 84 |
| Mexico | 1.9 million km² | 57 |
What changed since 1880
- 132 provinces changed hands between 1880 and 1885.
- United Kingdom gained about 4.4 million km², mostly from Ottoman Empire and land with no recorded state.
- Canada gained about 2.1 million km², mostly from United Kingdom.
- German Empire gained about 880 thousand km², mostly from land with no recorded state and Sokoto.
- Argentina gained about 340 thousand km², mostly from land with no recorded state.
- New on the map: Fezzan, South Africa, Shammar, French protectorate of Tunisia and Harar.
- No longer on the map: Loango, Lan Na, Bulungan, Sioux and Zulu.
Battles, 1885 - 1889
- 1885Bang Bo
- 1885Pirot
- 1885Slivnitza
- 1885Tuyen-Quang
- 1885Abu Klea
- 1885Dong Dang
- 1885Hashin
- 1885Hoa Moc
- 1885Kufit
- 1885Lang Son
- 1887Debra Sina
- 1889Gallabat
Empire maps for this period
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