"40 Maps That Explain the World"

At the Washington Post there was an interesting post a couple of days ago collecting a variety of geopolitical maps that offer insight into the world.  They don't quite "explain the world" -- maps on, say, oil deposits and mineral resources, education levels, locations of armies and missiles, rainfall, etc. -- might offer something more in the way of explanation, but these are fascinating nonetheless.  A few examples via Tim!):

Large image of map below here.

Large image of map below here (different colors).

Large image of map below here.

Large image of map below here.

Large image of map below here.