Geographic History

World map in 1990

158 states share the map in 1990. The largest by mapped area are Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, United States of America and People's Republic of China.

Union of Soviet Socialist Republics is the largest state on the map in 1990, 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 44% of all land with a recorded ruler. Nearly all land on the map has a recorded state. The number of states is about the same as in 1989: 158 against 157.

Historical map of the world in 1990 showing the borders of states and empires
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The world in 1990, colored by ruling state. Grey land has no state recorded in the dataset.

Largest states in 1990

StateMapped areaProvinces
Union of Soviet Socialist Republics22 million km²270
United States of America9.4 million km²221
People's Republic of China9.4 million km²159
Canada8.9 million km²90
Brazil8.6 million km²83
Australia7.7 million km²37
India3.2 million km²126
Argentina2.7 million km²38
Sudan2.5 million km²25
Dem. Rep. Congo2.3 million km²13

What changed since 1989

  • On the map, Myanmar takes the place of Burma (about 650 thousand km²).
  • On the map, Germany takes the place of West Germany (about 250 thousand km²).
  • On the map, Germany takes the place of East Germany (about 120 thousand km²).
  • Apart from that, 15 provinces changed hands between 1989 and 1990.
  • Lithuania gained about 67 thousand km², mostly from Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.
  • Latvia gained about 62 thousand km², mostly from Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.
  • Estonia gained about 48 thousand km², mostly from Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.
  • New on the map: Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.
  • No longer on the map: Kuwait.

Battles, 1990

  • 1990Dekemhare
    Eritrean War of Independence - won by Eritrean Rebels
  • 1990Kuwait
    1st Gulf War - won by Iraq
  • 1990Massawa
    Eritrean War of Independence - won by Eritrean Rebels
  • 1990Beirut
    Civil War - won by Syria
  • 1990Asosa
    Civil War - won by Oromo Rebels, Eritrea
  • 1990Iriba
    Chad Civil Wars - won by Chadian Government
  • 1990Mogadishu
    Somalian Civil War - won by Somali Rebels
  • 1990Ouaddai
    Chad Civil Wars - won by Chadian Rebels

Empire maps for this period

More world maps

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