![Illustration via Credit Card Compare.](http://superminimaps.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Mapa-Literal-Small.jpg)
Yes, thanks to the lovely interactive map that shows the historical meanings of each country’s name, as far back as their earliest literary translation (and that I saw in Matador Network) I’ve found out that I’m living in Spain (Iberia), the land of many rabbits… although I might have seen just a couple in the wild. I’ll pay more attention when in the countryside from now on 😉
In Europe I especially enjoy finding out that Poland is called “People of the fields”, Macedonia is “Land of tall people”, Luxembourg is “Little Castle”, and Hungary “10 Arrows”.
![Illustration via Credit Card Compare.](http://superminimaps.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Europe.jpg)
From South America that is where I come from I knew a bit more the origin of some countries names, like Venezuela, Colombia and Argentina, but still managed to surprised me. I had no idea that Perú was “Land of the River” or Uruguay was “River of Shellfish”. Again, no sign of abundant shellfish when I visited Uruguay… just chivitos.
![Illustration via Credit Card Compare.](http://superminimaps.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/South-America.jpg)
This is how Africa looks like. Look for “Our Canoe”, the “River of Praws” and the poetic “Those Who Went Away”.
![Illustration via Credit Card Compare.](http://superminimaps.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Africa.jpg)
A bit of Asia and the Middle East. There’s a land “Protected by Fire” and another one that is the “Land of the Wanderers” and yet another one that claims to be specially “High and Beautiful”.
![Illustration via Credit Card Compare.](http://superminimaps.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Asia.jpg)
Here, you can have a look at the full interactive map and find out what’s the literal meaning of the name of the country you’re living in or you’re planning to go next!
I absolutely adored all the information and the stories that this lovely map entails. And, or course, the illustration is absolutely beautiful. I couldn’t find out who is it from. If you have a clue or if it belongs to you, please let me know!
Enjoy!