Political Maps vs. Physical Maps

There are many kinds of maps. Two of the most common are political maps and physical maps. Political maps show how people have divided the land into countries, states, and cities. Physical maps show natural features like mountains, rivers, and deserts.

Political Maps

Political maps use different colors to show countries or states. They show borders, capital cities, and other important cities. These maps help you learn where different countries are. The borders on political maps can change when countries agree on new boundaries.

Physical Maps

Physical maps use colors and shading to show the shape of the land. Green usually means low, flat land. Brown and tan show higher land and mountains. Blue shows water. These maps help you see where mountains, plains, and bodies of water are located.

Fun Facts

• Some maps combine both political and physical features on one map.
• The colors on a political map do not mean anything special; they just help you tell countries apart.
• Physical maps sometimes use raised bumps to show mountains, which you can feel with your fingers.

Did You Know?

The borders between countries on a political map are made up by people, but the mountains and rivers on a physical map were made by nature!