Social networks and mobile technology have transformed the way people communicate. This week, Facebook announced there are 1 billion active users, who have created 140.3 billion Facebook connections on the eight-year-old platform.
What do all those friendships look like on an interactive map? Watch the video above to see the interactive map shared by Facebook Stories — a site dedicated to telling “thought-provoking stories” about the community.
The interactive map by Stamen Design shows each country’s closest friendships and possible reasons for the proximity. For example, Facebook users in Jordan have the most bonds with residents in the Palestinian Territories, Egypt, Israel, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
The map focuses on the historical, economic, linguistic and cultural binds that tie two countries together. The map can also be sorted by common languages spoken around the world.
“Immigration is one of the strongest links that seems to bind these Facebook neighbors, as thousands of people pour over borders or overseas, seeking jobs or fleeing violence, and making new connections and maintaining old friendships along the way,” wrote Mia Newman, the author of the interactive map post.
What are the most surprising connections between countries that share strong Facebook connections? Tell us in the comments.
Source: Mashable.com
