Population maps in national atlases

Summary

This paper discusses the principles of compiling population maps in national atlases. The author argues that population, as society's principal productive force, should be mapped from at least four aspects: population numbers and density, settlement geography, socio-economic characteristics, and ethnographic characteristics. Through an analysis of existing atlases, it is noted that most national atlases tend to favor strictly demographic features while neglecting the socio-economic aspects. The article proposes a minimum set of population maps and discusses how their content should vary between countries with different socio-economic systems, such as capitalist and socialist states. It also addresses the logical placement of these maps within the atlas structure. The author emphasizes that a comprehensive and integrated treatment of all population aspects is essential for the scientific and practical value of any national atlas.