This Stunning Map Shows Every Country's Name In Its Own Official Language

Language is an amazing thing, and it’s the many quirks of different languages around the world that make it interesting.

The names of countries is a good example. Why do English speakers refer to Germany as Germany, for example, and not Deutschland as Germans do?

There is an explanation. Extonyms are the common names for geographical regions used only outside the location. Endonyms are the names used within the location. Germany is an extonym and Deutschland is an endonym.

This endonym graphic maps out this phenomenon. It shows every country’s endonym written in the official or national language, or in the case of multiple languages being spoken, the most widely used.

There are so many in English because around a third of all countries have English as an official language. Other frequently spoken languages include Spanish, French and Arabic.

The creator’s website lists all languages used on the map, as well as detailing errors which will be updated in future editions (so if you have a complaint, head there first).

For example, in South Africa, English is the language used in government, but it’s Zulu which is spoken most widely. Thus, the name on the map should have been the Zulu name for the country, iRiphabliki yaseNingizimu Afrika.

Explore the map in high resolution on the website or head to Zazzle where you can purchase prints if you really love it.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.