Ethnic Groups, Territories & Cultural Landscapes | Thematic Wall Map | 939 × 579 mm | Premium Finishes

A striking exploration of one of the most diverse regions on Earth, Peoples of the Soviet Union maps the cultural and ethnic complexity of the former Soviet Union across Europe and Asia. Published by National Geographic in February 1976, this map blends geography, anthropology, and illustration to reveal a vast mosaic of identities.

Issued as half of a two-map set alongside the Soviet Union map, it offers a rare and detailed look at the peoples who lived across this immense territory during the late 20th century.

Why This Map Stands Out

A map of remarkable diversity
Highlights 24 major ethnic groups across the Soviet Union.

Territory and identity combined
Shows approximate geographic extents of each group.

Richly illustrated
Includes artwork and cultural notes for deeper understanding.

Part of a complementary set
Pairs with the Soviet Union map for full regional context.

A historical snapshot
Captures the cultural landscape of a nation that no longer exists.

🗺️ What the Map Shows

🧑🤝🧑 Ethnic Groups & Territories

• Distribution of 24 key ethnic groups across the region
• Approximate territorial extents of each group
• A visual framework linking culture, language, and geography

🌍 A Transcontinental Region

• Coverage spanning:
  • Eastern Europe
  • Siberia and Central Asia
  • The Caucasus and Far East
• A sense of the immense scale and regional variation

🎨 Illustrations & Cultural Insight

• Artistic depictions reflecting traditional dress and lifestyles
• Informative notes on customs, heritage, and identity
• A blend of education and visual storytelling

🌐 A Union of Many Peoples

The Soviet Union was defined by:

• A vast geographic expanse across two continents
• Dozens of ethnic groups with distinct languages and traditions
• Regional identities shaped by landscape, climate, and history
• A complex relationship between unity and diversity

This map captures that reality—offering a clear and compelling view of a region where many cultures coexisted within a single political framework.

📐 Size & Format

939 mm (W) × 579 mm (H)
Landscape orientation (large format)

A strong, wall-ready size ideal for:

• Classrooms and historical studies
• Universities and research environments
• Offices and educational spaces
• Feature walls and collections

✨ Premium Finishes & Display Options

Every Peoples of the Soviet Union (1976) map is produced using archival-grade materials and precision colour management, ensuring clarity across text, illustration, and thematic detail.

📜 Heavyweight Paper (160 gsm Matte)

Classic. Refined. Frame-ready.

• Premium 160 gsm matte-coated archival paper
• Smooth, low-glare surface for readability
• Ideal for framing under glass

💡 Best for: traditional display and detailed study.

🧼 Laminated (True Encapsulation — 2 × 80 Micron Gloss)

Durable. Practical. Built to last.

• Fully sealed with 2 × 80-micron laminate
• Edge-to-edge protection against wear and moisture
• Wipe-clean surface for annotation

💡 Best for: classrooms and interactive environments.

🪵 Laminated + Timber Hang Rails

Ready to hang. Clean lines. Contemporary feel.

• Natural timber rails (top & bottom), lacquered finish
• Includes hanging cord for immediate display
• Keeps map flat without framing

🔨 Please allow up to 10 working days.

💡 Best for: modern, ready-to-hang presentation.

🖼️ Archival Canvas (395 gsm HP Professional Matte)

Textured. Elegant. Gallery-quality.

• Printed on 395 gsm HP Professional Matte Canvas
• Pigment-based inks for long-term colour stability
• Subtle texture enhances visual depth

💡 Best for: feature walls and premium interiors.

🪵 Canvas + Timber Hang Rails

Gallery-ready. Warm. Architectural.

• Canvas paired with natural timber rails
• Clean, balanced presentation

🔨 Please allow up to 10 working days.

💡 Best for: statement display spaces.

📊 Specifications

🎯 Ideal For

• Students and educators of history, geography, and cultural studies
• Researchers exploring ethnic diversity and regional identity
• Collectors of National Geographic thematic maps
• Interiors seeking a thoughtful, historically rich display piece
• Gift buyers looking for a map with depth and historical significance

🌍 A Map of Diversity Across a Vast Land

This map reveals:

• The scale and diversity of a transcontinental nation
• The relationship between land, culture, and identity
• A historical moment preserved through cartography
• A region where many voices formed a single state

It’s a map that goes beyond borders—offering a clear and compelling view of the peoples who shaped the Soviet Union.

🤝 Our Commitment

• Printed in Australia using archival-quality materials
• Faithfully reproduced to preserve clarity and colour
• Premium finishes designed for long-term display
• Each map is hand-checked and carefully packed

🚚 Delivery

• Rolled (Paper, Laminated, Canvas): Dispatch within 1–2 business days
• Hang-Railed Finishes: Made to order — allow up to 10 working days

Explore a nation of many cultures—
a map that brings the peoples of the Soviet Union into clear, historical focus.