r/Maps

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What if we rethought the world’s continent map?

I’ve been thinking about how continents are often presented as fixed scientific facts, when in reality they’re partly geographic and partly historical/cultural classifications. Different countries already teach different continent models (5, 6, or 7 continents), so there clearly isn’t one universal system.

My idea would split the oversized category of “Asia” into more coherent regions:

- Asia = East + Southeast Asia

- Indica = South Asia

- Levantia = Middle East

- Siberia = Northern Asia / Russian Asia

The Americas, Africa, Europe, Oceania, and Antarctica would remain.

### Why this makes sense:

## 1. “Asia” is too broad to be one useful category

Right now, Asia includes:

Japan, Indonesia, India, Saudi Arabia, Siberia, Thailand, Korea, Pakistan, China, etc.

That’s an enormous range of climates, histories, languages, religions, and identities. It’s arguably less coherent than any other continent category.

## 2. Europe proves continents are not based only on separate landmasses

A common argument is: “They’re all connected, so they should stay one continent.”

But Europe and Asia are already one continuous landmass. There is no ocean separating them. The Europe/Asia divide is based heavily on history, culture, and convention—not just physical geography.

If Europe can be separated from Asia despite being connected, then it’s fair to argue:

- South Asia can stand as Indica

- The Middle East can stand as Levantia

- Siberia can stand as its own macro-region

## 3. Indica has clear geographic logic

South Asia is strongly defined by:

- the Himalayas to the north

- the Indian Ocean to the south

- seas on both sides

It also sits on the Indian tectonic plate and has long shared historical development across the subcontinent.

## 4. Levantia already functions as a world region

The Middle East is already treated globally as a distinct region in politics, economics, media, and history.

It has deep historical continuity through Mesopotamia, Persia, Ottoman history, trade networks, and shared environmental realities like arid climates and water politics.

## 5. Siberia is distinct in scale and environment

Siberia is massive and unlike either Europe or monsoon Asia:

- taiga

- tundra

- Arctic systems

- low population density

- resource-based strategic identity

It makes sense as a major world region rather than just “part of Asia.”

## 6. East + Southeast Asia have stronger modern cohesion

East and Southeast Asia are deeply linked through:

- trade

- manufacturing

- maritime networks

- migration

- long historical exchange

Calling that region simply “Asia” keeps the familiar name while making the category more coherent.

## Final thought

I’m not saying the current map is “wrong.” I just think continent boundaries are more flexible than people assume, and this model may describe today’s world better than one giant catch-all Asia.

I made this in Freeform from the knowledge that I have, just wanted to make sure it’s correct before I start stating it as fact.

My opinion (a bit based on truth)

Hi everyone, and welcome back to The American Atlas! I've been making hand-drawn & colored maps of every state in the US. Now I’m here sharing them all on one big journey across the country 🗺️🇺🇸

Today, I have Michigan's Upper Peninsula, the frontier of the Great Lakes 🏞️🌳🏠

From the rugged shores of Lake Superior to the deep forests and quiet towns scattered across the Upper Peninsula, this region has such a distinct identity and was very interesting to draw. Surrounded by water and wilderness near the top of the Continental US, the Upper Peninsula feels far removed from the rest of the country.

I’d love to make it up there sometime soon. Northern Michigan in general has always interested me, but the Upper Peninsula especially stands out. Places like Marquette, Pictured Rocks, Tahquamenon Falls, and of course Isle Royale all look like incredible destinations 👀

And if you're interested in my lower Michigan map, go check it out on my profile! I felt the Upper Peninsula deserves its own spotlight, and I’m glad I did because the map came out so well with a lot of detail!

Anyways, if you like this style, feel free to check out my others, and thanks for taking a look at my Upper Peninsula map!! 🇺🇸🗺️ 

I was wondering this. It seems to be a common feature on old nautical charts, the wind rose is depicted somewhere on the map and guide lines emerge from it into all directions. What was the function of this? Did the position of the windrose matter? How were those guide lines helpful if the position they emerge from seems arbitrary?