Memorizing country locations on a world map can be a tedious task, but there are ways that make the process easier. Make sure you use the most up-to-date maps and memorize the names of the countries by continent so the learning process isn't too intimidating. Embed current events to give context to what you are memorizing. Have fun in the process by downloading geography-based apps, visiting educational websites, and hanging world maps at home. Color and test yourself with printed maps and try to solve world map puzzles.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Studying the Map
Step 1. Use up-to-date maps
Make sure you use up-to-date maps for studying. Look for a map from a reputable and frequently updated website, then print the map if you prefer printed maps. You can also buy new maps at a stationery store, bookstore, or online.
For example, visit the National Geographic website at https://maps.nationalgeographic.com/maps for accurate and up-to-date maps
Step 2. Memorize per continent
In order not to feel too overwhelmed, concentrate on one or two continents first. Trying to memorize the entire world map at once will destroy your concentration and make the memorization process more difficult. If necessary, cover areas of the map that are not central to your current learning process to keep your eyes focused.
For example, spend time each day studying one of seven continents: Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America
Step 3. Prioritize countries that are difficult for you to identify
Isolate the countries that are difficult for you to remember and pay more attention to those countries as you study (for example, note the countries and water areas that directly border the country). Make a list containing the names of the countries you guessed wrong several times. When testing yourself, try to identify the countries you can't remember first followed by the ones you recognize easily.
Step 4. Test yourself in alphabetical order
To strengthen your knowledge of country locations on the map, test yourself alphabetically. Choose a continent and try to name countries in alphabetical order. By making the learning process more complicated, you will sharpen your focus on the material and challenge yourself more thoroughly.
Step 5. Embed the country with current events
Use new news and global happenings to give context to the countries whose locations you are memorizing. For example, look for and remember countries that are of media attention to get the geographic context of the stories. If there are countries that you have trouble remembering, search Google News about them for more information and create a stronger mental connection.
Step 6. Use the loci method
Try using the loci method to remember the location of a country on a world map. The loci method was a technique used by Roman orators to memorize long speech material. Imagine a picture of the continents in terms of the buildings you normally see (for example, your home or workplace). Imagine interesting events happening in each room, section, or hallway, and attach the names of the countries with the locations of the events. Create a memorable story and remember the connection between the story/event and the location of the country on the world map.
For example, associate countries in Europe with your friend's seat and imagine a strange story that can help you remember (for example, to remember Portugal and Spain, imagine a friend's work box that shrinks and contains a table and chairs for small children. This box is located at corner of another friend's work box large enough to accommodate flamenco dancers)
Method 2 of 2: Fun with Geography
Step 1. Download the geography app
There are many educational apps that you can download to help memorize the locations of countries on a world map. This app can give you the opportunity to study when you suddenly have free time (for example, while on the bus). Download the apps below to try:
- Learn World Geography, a free app for iPhone and iPad that repeats reading cards for optimal memorization.
- TapQuiz Maps World Edition, a free app for iPhone and iPod that can help you master geography through fun quiz games.
- World Map Quiz, a free app for Android that provides a game of world maps using flag or capital modes.
Step 2. Visit an educational website
There are many geography websites available to help you increase your knowledge of the world's countries in a fun way. The website offers games, quizzes, and trivia that make memorizing easier and interactive. To learn the fun way, visit:
- Seterra Online, a website that offers games using exercises in the form of maps with national boundaries
- Lizard Point, an educational website offering quizzes and trivia
- World Atlas, an interactive website that helps you explore a country-by-country world map with detailed visual aids
Step 3. Decorate the walls with a world map
To build a strong visual memory of the world map and the countries in it, try decorating your walls with a world map. To create an interactive map, hang a large map on a bulletin board so you can pin countries as you study. Look for wall maps (and bulletin boards and pins) at office supply stores or online.
Step 4. Print a map to color and study
To remember countries' locations, print out a world map to color or study. Coloring the continents using different colors will help build a visual connection, and create a fun and relaxing activity. Blind map is useful for learning and testing yourself about the location of countries in the world.
Visit https://mapchart.net/ to create a free world map with colors and descriptions of your choice
Step 5. Play the world map puzzle
Putting together puzzles trains several brain functions at once – the ability to analyze, sort, and solve problems. Once you've trained your brain, incorporate memorizing the world map into the activity. Putting together pieces of a world map puzzle over a long period of time while the brain is in analytical mode will help you remember the location of countries.
