Why are so few nations shown on the cartogram?
The reason why so few nations are shown on a cartogram depends on the specific cartogram you are referring to. A cartogram is a map in which the sizes of the regions (usually countries or other political units) are distorted, based on a particular variable, such as population or GDP. The purpose of a cartogram is to visually represent data in a way that emphasizes the variable being measured.
The number of nations shown on a cartogram often depends on the scale and focus of the map. Some cartograms may aim to show a global or continental perspective, whereas others may zoom in on a specific region or theme. Therefore, the cartographer or the creator of the cartogram determines the extent to which they want to portray nations on the map.
Typically, cartograms will prioritize the inclusion of larger or more populous countries or regions, as they have a greater impact on the variable being mapped. Smaller countries may be omitted or combined with neighboring countries in order to maintain clarity and avoid overcrowding. This selection process is usually based on the data being represented and the overall purpose of the cartogram.
To understand why specific nations are shown or omitted on a particular cartogram, it is important to examine the methodology and criteria used by the cartographer. This information is usually provided along with the cartogram itself.