# World map in 1940

Source page: https://geographichistory.app/map/1940/

77 states share the map in 1940. The largest by mapped area are Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, United Kingdom and France.

Union of Soviet Socialist Republics is the largest state on the map in 1940, a position it has held since 1920 (before that: United Kingdom). It stays in first place until 1991, when Russian Federation takes over. The five largest states hold 50% of all land with a recorded ruler. Nearly all land on the map has a recorded state. There are fewer states than in 1939: 77 against 84.

## Largest states in 1940

| State | Mapped area (km²) | Provinces |
|---|---|---|
| Union of Soviet Socialist Republics | 21,640,000 | 277 |
| United Kingdom | 14,599,000 | 360 |
| France | 11,760,000 | 200 |
| United States of America | 9,697,000 | 235 |
| Brazil | 8,582,000 | 83 |
| Canada | 8,469,000 | 84 |
| Australia | 8,154,000 | 43 |
| Republic of China | 4,942,000 | 79 |
| Italy | 3,698,000 | 95 |
| Argentina | 2,747,000 | 38 |

## Changes since 1939

51 provinces changed hands.
- Union of Soviet Socialist Republics gained about 380 thousand km², mostly from Poland and Latvia.
- Empire of Japan gained about 320 thousand km², mostly from France.
- Nazi Germany gained about 200 thousand km², mostly from Poland and Lithuania.
- Italy gained about 29 thousand km², mostly from Albania.

## Battles 1940 - 1941

- 1940: France (World War II), won by Germany
- 1940: Mannerheim Line (Russo-Finnish War), won by USSR
- 1940: Hundred Regiments Offensive (2nd Sino-Japanese War), won by Japan
- 1940: Ardennes (World War II), won by Germany
- 1940: Belgium (World War II), won by Germany
- 1940: Dyle Line (World War II), won by Germany
- 1941: Bryansk (World War II), won by Germany
- 1941: Rostov (World War II), won by USSR
- 1941: Vyazma (World War II), won by Germany
- 1941: Moscow (World War II), won by USSR
- 1941: Balkans (World War II), won by Germany
- 1941: Chernigovka (World War II), won by USSR