Country Swap (Part 2): The 50 most populous countries
[Background and general findings from this project here.]
A reminder, courtesy of the Flags Mashup Bot account (which you should absolutely follow): “Do not relate any mashup to politics or hate speech or something similar. I did this bot to generate random flags not to create a war about nationalism and politics in the replies Lets just have a good time”
On to the individual country analysis.
China (to Russia)
China maintains a very slim lead on India in terms of population (22 million people, which is only 1.5%) and will likely soon drop to second place. When that happens, the Chinese would get to stay home. For now, they get to move to Russia’s vast territory and further upend geopolitics. China with Russian resources and proximity to both East Asia and Europe would be a force, although its goods exports would suffer from less access to shipping lanes.
The Chinese people would have 74% more space per capita, but that space would be 13 degrees colder on average, 19 degrees colder in winter, with the second-widest range of temperatures in the world. The space would be less elevated by 4800 feet and would only result in a 4% per capita gain in arable land. On day one, the air would be almost 70% cleaner, with a little less rain.
The Chinese would also find themselves lacking 750 million urban spots, trying to move 860 million urban citizens to Russia’s stock that holds 108 million. They’d have to ramp up electricity production and number of mobile phone lines seven-fold each to reach the current Chinese per capita rates. Russian GDP(PPP) per capita is about $10,000 higher than Chinese, but that means little considering the spike in population.
India (to China)
India is within striking distance of first place, but for the moment their 1.38 billion people would go next door to China. This gives the average Indian resident 217% more elbow room, though they’ll wanto huddle: average temperatures are 17.5 degrees lower on average, and 27 degrees colder in winter. Temperature variance also doubles while rainfall drops 40%. The new land also sits at 6000 feet average elevation, way up from India’s 1121. Arable land actually drops by 24% capita.
Chinese GDP per capita is ~$10,000 higher than Indian, so the urban infrastructure will be an upgrade and offer lots of space: 860 million spots for 481 million current Indian city dwellers. The air would be 42% cleaner, of course with vast differences between the east and west. Indians would be moving to 5 times the electricity production and almost 50% more mobile phone lines.
United States (no move)
The United States doesn’t change location, which is true even if we used total area rather than land area. It would have new neighbors: Indonesia to the north and the Philippines to the south. I’d venture that the northern border would become less open and that there would be only minor changes on the southern border, but the economic impact of Indonesia replacing Canada would be huge in both directions.
Indonesia (to Canada)
If we used total area Indonesia would be moving to China, but as it is, they claim the vast lands of Canada. The stats here are a bit misleading because of Canada’s vast northern territories, especially with regard to weather. For example, the 378% gain in per person space is probably much smaller in practice. Then again, the average effective temperature probably doesn’t drop from 26 degrees to -6, either, but on paper it’s a drop from 45th-warmest to coldest country. The coldest month is now 53 degrees colder than before, the hottest a mere 14. Indonesians would be moving from the 2nd-most stable temperature to the 5th-widest temperature range and 90% less rain. The new place would be much less elevated and would offer 86% more arable land per capita. The air would be 61% cleaner on day one.
Canadian GDP (PPP) is four times higher than Indonesian, so the capital stock would be in fine shape. There just wouldn’t be enough of it: Indonesia has 154 million city dwellers, Canada has space for 31 million. Electricity would be fine — Canada makes more than twice what Indonesia does, but Indonesia needs 10 times the mobile phone lines that Canada has now (34 million).
Pakistan (to Brazil)
Though #5 in the world by population, Pakistan is only #4 in Asia. In this scenario, they become the anchor of a new South America and move to Brazil. This results in nearly a tenfold increase in per capita space.
The weather changes are most noticeable in the absence of a cold winter (+15 degrees warmer in the coldest month), lower variance, and three-and-a-half times the rain. The heat remains similar. Elevation drops by two-thirds, and arable land per person goes up 161%, with the concomitant risks to the rain forest. Pakistani air pollution is 78% higher than Brazil’s, which would bode poorly in the long run near the world’s most important forests.
Brazilian GDP per capita is ~$10,000 higher than Pakistan’s, so there’s possibly an upgrade in infrastructure for some people. There is plenty of room in the cities — over 100 million extra spots — though this includes the favelas of variable quality. Brazil generates 4.5 times the electricity that Pakistan does, which should help. There are also 20% more mobile phone lines available for Pakistanis to use.
Brazil (to Australia)
Nine million citizens short of staying home, Brazil claims the Australian continental landmass for an 8% loss in land, the biggest country to lose territory. This comes with slightly cooler summers, much cooler (but still mild) winters, and one-third the rainfall. The elevation drops by 15%, but arable land per capita is reduced by 43% and would pose an immediate challenge. Air pollution is 33% lower in Australia but the risk of fires is probably the same.
Brazil would have to find space for 185 million city dwellers in a country that currently accommodates 22 million. The would also have to more than double electricity production and increase mobile phone lines sevenfold just to get back to pre-move averages.
Nigeria (to India)
The most populous African country, Nigeria moves to India and more than triples its land area. The weather, rain included, stays about the same, with only slightly cooler winters as the major change. Elevation barely changes, but arable land per capita goes up 360%. Air quality is 27% worse on day one, roughly equivalent to how much higher Indian GDP per capita is than Nigerian.
There is room for Nigeria to urbanize quickly, as 107 million current city dwellers move to space for 481 million. Electricity is in place — India outproduces Nigeria 56-fold! There are also six times as many mobile phone lines in place already.
I have to say, I’d like to see how the Nigerian startup scene and movie industry, both on the rise, perform in an upgraded infrastructure.
Bangladesh (to Argentina)
The densest large country and the largest dense country, Bangladesh — formerly known as East Pakistan — joins Pakistan (now in Brazil) in South America when it moves to Argentina. In the process, Bengalis gain over 2000% of personal space, and a significant reduction in risk of extreme weather.
The temperature changes are meaningful, with 10 average temperature drops, slightly colder winters, moderately cooler summers, and a quarter as much rain. Elevation also changes drastically, from 92 feet to over 2300, moving up 140 spots in the elevation ranking. Arable land increases by 405%, though the lack of rain will require some adjustment in agricultural practices. The air is significantly cleaner on day one, another 140-spot change in the rankings.
Bangladesh has 63 million city dwellers, while Argentina has space for 42 million, albeit built with four times higher GDP PPP. Electricity should not be a problem, as Argentina outproduced Bangladesh by 50%, but Bengalis will need to add 110 million mobile phone lines to the existing 57 million to achieve the same connectivity.
Economically, Bangladesh should benefit from increased proximity to the US, except that Indonesia and the Philippines, both in similar economic niches, are both much closer now.
Russia (to Kazakhstan)
Obviously having to downsize, Russia moves to its neighbor and former Soviet republic Kazakhstan. It’s an 84% loss of space and a six-fold increase in density for Russians.
Russian climate stats are thrown off by its northern territories, but we’ll use them anyway. All temperatures are about 10 degrees warmer, moving Russians from the 2nd- to the 3rd-most variable climate. Elevation is virtually the same, but arable land drops by 76% per capita, offset partially by the warmer temperatures and longer summers.
Kazakh GDP PPP is only 10% lower than Russian, but there is a shortage of 96 million urban spots for incoming Russians. Russia also has ten times the electricity production of Kazakhstan, though consumption is likely somewhat closer. There is also a need for 210 million additional mobile phone lines to meet Russian pre-move needs.
Hard to argue that this wouldn’t reduce Russian influence in geopolitics.
Mexico (to Algeria)
The first mover to Africa, Mexico claims the largest territory on the continent, though of course the Atlas mountains and Sahara make the effective territory smaller. The nominal gain is 23% more land, but arable land drops 67% per capita.
Average temperatures are surprisingly steady, although the new hottest month is the tenth-hottest on Earth, up from a medium 99th. Variance doubles as a result, and rain drops significantly: from 758 mm to 89.
Algeria is on average 40% poorer than Mexico, and has air twice as polluted. Only 32 million urban spots await 105 million urban Mexicans, with only a quarter the electricity production and a third the mobile phone lines.
Add to this the increased distance to its richest export market, and Mexico probably takes the biggest hit of movers thus far.
Japan (to DRC)
The Japanese are the first to move to sub-Saharan Africa when they move to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This gains them 522% more space per person.
The climate changes are large: average temperature up 13 degrees, coldest temperature up 25(!) degrees, with no real change to the highs. Variance drops from 27.5 to 3.1 degrees, from 36th-most variable to 12th-least variable. Rain doesn’t change much, but this is where I would like to have measures of environmental disease burden. Japan gains 70% in arable land.
The DRC GDP(PPP) is only ~$1130, way down from the Japanese ~$42200. On day one, air quality would be four times worse for the newcomers. DRC cities currently hold 41 million people, while 115 million Japanese are moving from cities. The decline in electrical production is 92%, while the decline in mobile phone lines is 80%.
Ethiopia (to Saudi Arabia)
Another instance of possibly illusory gains, Ethiopia nearly doubles its territory by moving to Saudi Arabia, losing 77% arable land per capita in the process. Rain also drops from 848 mm to a nearly non-existent 59 mm. While average temperatures move up only slightly, Ethiopia’s hottest month is now 9th in the world, up from 115.
Saudi Arabia’s GDP is 19 times that of Ethiopia, and its air twice as polluted — both for the same reason. Ethiopia’s air wasn’t that clean to begin with, but it’s now dropped to the bottom 5. Saudi cities can accommodate 29 million people, enough for Ethiopia’s current 25 million urban residents; it’s the 80 million rural Ethiopians that will need a place to go. There is plenty of electricity in place — 22 times as much, in fact — and only a 2% shortage of mobile phone lines.
Philippines (to Mexico)
The Philippines move to another former Spanish colony, next door to the US whose dominion they temporarily were. Mexico gives Filipinos 552% more space, one-seventh their previous density. There plenty of churches waiting for the incoming 86 million Catholics, left by 100 million departing Mexican Catholics.
The temperatures are cooler across the board, especially at the lower end. Arable land is up 300%, rain is down 67% — a net win for agriculture. Mexican GDP (PPP) is more than double the Philippines’, and its cities can accommodate twice the 52 million Filipino city dwellers. (Air quality is slightly worse in Mexico.)
Filipinos also inherit three times the electrical production but only three-quarters of the mobile phone lines they previously had. Of course, the Philippines win big by joining Indonesia to be a manufacturing center closest to the US.
Egypt (to Indonesia)
The first people to move TO an archipelago on this list, Egyptians inherit Indonesia and nearly double their land mass, though once again not all of their territory is usable.
The average temperature goes up a little, from 23 to 26 degrees. This includes a compression of the coldest month (much warmer) and hottest month (moderately cooler) to the second-narrowest temperature range. Rain goes up 150-fold, from 18 mm to 2702 mm, the second-largest gain in this experiment. Moving away from the Sahara gains Egypt 743% arable land per capita. (I’m resisting a pun involving “Arab” here.)
GDPs between these two are nearly identical, but Indonesian air is 80% cleaner. Indonesian urban infrastructure holds 154 million people, plenty for Egypt’s 44 million city dwellers. (That still includes Jakarta, which may not last much longer as a habitable city.) There is enough electricity (about 25% more) and plenty of connectivity (3.5x the mobile phone lines).
This would be one of the more interesting settings for the social sciences: a culture of centralization made possible by its geography (along the Nile) forced into physical decentralization on an archipelago.
Vietnam (to Sudan)
Vietnam would have six times the land area in Sudan, and arable land would almost triple. Other economic indicators are not as favorable. Vietnam would lose its favorable location near major shipping lanes, even in this rearranged world. The Sudanese GDP is half that of Vietnam, so the host infrastructure would require updates. Sudanese electrical capacity is 4%(!) of Vietnam’s, and over 100 million Vietnamese would lose mobile phone lines until upgrades were made.
Weatherwise, new Vietnam would be slightly hotter and much drier. The air would also be nearly twice as polluted, and 16 million urban spots would await 36 million urban Vietnamese.
Democratic Republic of the Congo (to Libya)
The fifth-poorest nation by GDP (PPP) stays on its continent and moves to the Mediterranean coast, replacing Libya. This is a 22% decline in territory and a desert-caused 76% drop in arable land per capita. Combined with winters 11 degrees colder than they’re used to, one-thirtieth the rain, and more polluted air, DRC citizens seem like they’re in trouble. Although Libyan GDP per capita is ten times that of the DRC, there’s only room for 5 million people in Libyan cities, leaving 35 million Congolese citizens scrambling. There much more electricity — 5 times more — initial mobile connectivity would be 85% lower.
Turkey (to Iran)
Another move next door, with Turkey more than doubling in size by moving east into Iran. New Turkey is warmer year-round but loses more than half its rainfall. Arable land per capita also drops by 28%.
Iran’s GDP is less than half that of Turkey, with slightly cleaner air, nearly identical urban populations, and nearly identical electricity production. Iran also leaves 50% more mobile phone lines than Turkey had.
Iran (to Mongolia)
Another 350,000 people and Iran would pass Turkey on the population list and stay in place. As it is, Iran goes to Mongolia for a small loss in territory and big changes in climate. From its mild 18 degrees average temperature, Iran moves to the third-coldest country on Earth; since Russia and Canada get their cold average from its uninhabited territory, Mongolia may be the coldest country based on where people actually live, and the most variable as well. Rainfall doesn’t change, though. Arable land drops by 96%, portending doom.
Although GDP PPP and air quality are very similar, Mongolia’s urban population of 2.3 million laves a gap of over 61 million spots needed for urban Iranians. There is also 96% less electricity and 96% fewer mobile phone lines awaiting the newcomers, who would have some work to do.
Germany (to Peru)
Germany’s stagnating population means it was passed by Iran in 2020, so rather than freeze in Mongolia the Germans go to Peru. They gain 266% in land area, but lose 70% of per capita arable land. Average temperature doubles, but only because the winter months are much warmer — summer highs remain the same. As a result, temperature variance is significantly reduced.
Peruvian air is twice as polluted as German air, and the infrastructure reflects a GDP (PPP) one-fifth of Germany’s. Cities in Peru hold 26 million people while 64 million Germans come from cities. Peruvian electricity output is 9% of Germany’s, and 60% of newcomers wouldn’t have a mobile phone line on day one.
Economically, you have to wonder what Germany’s engineering and management abilities accomplish when placed next to Pakistani and Bangladeshi labor, not far from Indonesian and Filipino labor, and down the coast from the US market.
Thailand to (Niger)
Thailand and Vietnam are separated by one country, and that remains the case in this scenario. Thailand takes the territory of Niger, separated from Vietnam-in-Sudan only by France-in-Chad. Thai territory grows 148% and its arable land remains unchanged. The summers are a bit hotter, the winters are a bit colder, and it rains only 10% as much. The air is 258% dirtier — second-worst on Earth, actually — and the capital stock reflects the world’s 7th-lowest GPD(PPP).
Only 4 million Thai city dwellers have a counterpart in Niger, meaning that 32 million do not. Niger annually produces as much electricity as Thailand does in a little over a day — 0.28%. 92% of Thai residents would also lack mobile connections on day one.
France (to Chad)
In a sort of poetic justice, France is sent to its former colony Chad. France gains 130% more area, but much of it is desert, and arable area drops by almost three-quarters. France’s cool climate gives way to Saharan heat across the board, and rainfall drops by a third. One would have to guess that the French would have to curtail wine production for a bit. Air quality is six times worse in Chad as well.
Chadian GDP (PPP) of $1,600 is much lower than French GDP (PPP) of ~$46,000, and 3.8 million urban spots await 55 million French city dwellers. Electical production in Chad is 0.04% of that in France, the single biggest percentage drop in electrical production on this list. Of new arrivals, 89% would not yet have a mobile phone line.
United Kingdom (to Angola)
The UK is within 200,000 citizens of France, and some sources have them ahead. I don’t, so south to Angola they go. Area increases by 415%, but arable area drops by 19%. The Brits will have to deal with warmer weather: average temperature goes from 9 to 22 degrees, the coldest month from 0 to 18, the hottest from 17 to 24. Rainfall is only mildly less in Angola.
Angolan GDP (PPP), buoyed by oil production, is still only a seventh of that in the UK. 54 million British city dwellers would have to fight for 22 million Angolan city places. Angolan electricity is only 1.8% of British production. Angolan infrastructure also supports 81% fewer mobile phone lines than the UK currently uses.
Tanzania (to Mali)
Tanzania recently passed Italy in population and thus moves to Mali. A territorial gain of 38%, a loss of 53% arable land per capita. Not a great start, and it doesn’t get much better. In addition to being landlocked, Tanzania moves from having the median average temperature to having the highest average temperature (23 to 29 degrees), with all gains coming in the summer months (up 10 degrees). Rainfall is also reduced, to a quarter its previous value.
Mali ($2338) is only somewhat poorer than Tanzania ($2780) but its air pollution is worse by 333%. Of 21 million incoming city dwellers, only 9 million will find a place in a city on day one. Tanzanians will also have only 10% the electricity they’re used to, and half as many mobile lines.
Italy (to South Africa)
There’s a good chance that South Africa has actually passed Italy by now and would get to stay home; if not, at current trends it’ll happen soon. In the meantime, Italy moves to South Africa, quadruples its territory, and nearly doubles its arable land per capita. Average temperature goes up from 13 to 18 degrees, with all the changes coming from warmer winters. Rainfall drops by ~40%, but Italian wine will probably do fine here.
Average SA GDP is $12,100, noticeably less than the Italian $41,800, and the air is 50% more polluted. 40 million city spots await 42.3 million city dwellers, creating a small shortage. Electricity should suffice, being produced at 85% of Italy proper, and an extra 20 million mobile lines are available.
South Africa (to Ethiopia)
Still 250,000 people away from passing Italy (as of 2020), South Africa stays in Africa and moves to one of the other African powerhouses. SA loses 7% area in the process (and 2800 miles of coastline), but gains 21% arable area per person. Rainfall goes up, as do average temperatures for all months, especially in the winter, where the coldest month doubles from 10 to 20 degrees.
Average SA GDP is $12,100, but they move to a country left by people with a GDP of $2,400. Day one air pollution is 50% worse and places New South Africa firmly in the bottom quarter along that metric. 25 million urban spots away 40 million urbanites, creating a shortage of 15 million that can be filled by Ethiopia’s more plentiful rural housing. Electricity will be a problem, given Ethiopia’s level of production which is 6.34% of South Africa’s. Ethiopia also supports only 43 million mobile phone lines, short of South Africa’s current use of 98 million.
Myanmar (to Colombia)
Myanmar, currently run by a military junta after engaging in unsavory acts against its Muslim minorities, finds itself on a continent dominated by Asian neighbors Pakistan and Bangladesh, albeit with some buffer nations present.
The 70% gain in territory is more than offset by an 85% drop in arable land. The weather gets warmer in the winter but otherwise just stays more stable, with 50% more rain. Cleaner air, ten times the needed electricity, three times the needed city spots, and just enough phone lines mean that Myanmar will need to deal with housing and food but not most other things.
Kenya (to Bolivia)
Now without a coast in the heart of South America, Kenyans must get used to high elevation and less arable land per capita, although the country’s territory nearly doubles. The weather is twice as wet but also 5 degrees cooler year-round.
While Bolivia is twice as rich on average, there will not be enough city spots, electricity, and especially connectivity from day one.
South Korea (to Mauritania)
In one of the more extreme moves, South Korea moves into northwest Africa. Despite growing its territory tenfold, SK loses more than two-thirds of per capita arable land. The new weather will take some getting used to: average temps rise form 11 to 28, the coldest form -7 to 19, and ottest from 27 to 35, moving SK into the top-ten hottest places from just below average. It’s also very dry now, down 93% from the Korean peninsula.
The economic drop is also drastic, down from $43K in GDP to $5.3K, air that is twice as dirty, cities with room for only 3 of 42 million, 7% the needed phone lines, and 0.16% the current electricity of South Korea.
Colombia (to Egypt)
Colombia moves to the slightly smaller Egyptian territory, where, despite the Sahara, they gain arable land per person. The winter temperatures drop significantly, the summer temps go up slightly. Rain all but disappears. Egyptian GDP is slightly lower so the infrastructure is probably similar, but the air quality in Egypt is more than 5 times worse. There are enough city space, enough phone lines, and enough electricity three times over.
Spain (to Nigeria)
Spain doubles its territory and triples its arable land in Nigeria, but they’ll have to get used to some heat. Average temperatures double, winter lows go up six-fold, and the summer highs go up 7 degrees, all amid twice the rain. Meanwhile, Nigerian GDP PPP is 7 times lower than Spanish GDP PPP, and air is more than seven times more polluted. While there is plenty of room in Nigerian cities, there is only 10% the electricity, which powers 3.5 times the phone lines.
Uganda (to Tanzania)
Uganda moves to its neighbor Tanzania and retains a coast on Lake Victoria while gaining one on the Indian Ocean. Area more than quadruples, arable area doubles, the air is cleaner, and the weather barely changes. Slightly richer Tanzania is probably a small upgrade and leaves twice the needed urban space, electricity, and phone lines.
Argentina (to Venezuela)
Moving closer to the equator and suddenly a religious minority on its continent, Argentina downgrades to one-third its previous territory and 7% arable land per capita. Temperatures and rainfall go way up. GDP is almost two-thirds lower, but probably deceptive: a competent government, which Argentina occasionally has, can take advantage of Venezuela’s oil reserves better. It’ll need to, to create more city space and make up big shortfalls in electricity and connectivity.
Ukraine (to Namibia)
Trading the fertile flatlands of Eastern Europe for the deserts of Namibia, Ukraine gains a bit of land but loses 98% of its arable land per capita. Temperatures double, including a 23 degree gain in winter. While Namibia’s GDP PPP is only a quarter lower than Ukraine’s, and the air only slightly more polluted, Ukrainians will need almost 30 million city spots, will lack almost 99% of their previous electricity, and 95% of their phone lines.
Algeria (to Mozambique)
Flipping to the other side of the equator, Algeria loses lots of territory and some arable land. Temperatures compress — warmer winters, colder summers — but rain goes up 1200%. GDP is 90% lower in Mozambique, but the air is better. Otherwise, Algerians will need to triple city space and phone lines and quintuple electricity.
Sudan (to Pakistan)
Sudan loses total territory but gets more useful land. Temperatures will be lower across the board, but with more rain Sudan will be able to feed itself. GDP and air quality are similar, but There are 67 million extra city places for the Sudanese. There is also 15 times the needed electricity, and four times the phone lines.
Iraq (to Turkey)
Iraq doesn’t go far, but gains slightly more and much better land, plus plenty of mosques. The weather is much cooler & wetter, especially in the summer. Recipient GDP was three times as high and the air somewhat cleaner, so basically an upgrade across the board. There are also twice the city spots, electricity, and phone lines.
Afghanistan (to Chile)
Keeping the neighborhood intact, Afghanistan joins Pakistan and Bangladesh in South America and takes over Chile. Big drop in arable land doesn’t bode well for food security. Winters are warmer, summers much colder, and rain five times more plentiful. Chile was also 12 times richer with significantly cleaner air, plenty of urban space, and 100 times the electricity. (Oddly, about the same number of phone lines.)
Canada (to Zambia)
A drastic move, as the vast coastal expanses of Canada are traded for the landlocked heat in southern Africa. A 90% loss in territory and much hotter temperatures — the largest absolute gains in this experiment. A 90% lower GDP PPP, four times dirtier air, one-third the needed urban spots, less than half the needed phone lines, and less than 2% the electricity will require some adjustments.
Poland (to Afghanistan)
If I had found a good measure of elevation variance, I’d guess this would be among the biggest changes, as Poland trades its fertile plains for mountainous Afghanistan. Land area more than doubles, but the useful gains are much smaller. Temperatures are mildly warmer and drier across the board, but the air is three times more polluted. Afghanis have a GDP 17 times lower than Poland, produce 0.5% the electricity, and leave behind half the needed city spots and phone lines. Another rough adjustment.
Morocco (to Myanmar)
Morocco moves east and gets to spread out a little. The weather gets much warmer in the winter and rainier overall. The electricity is 80% less available, and city spots are missing, but otherwise the downgrade is fairly small.
Saudi Arabia (to South Sudan)
The loss of territory per se (-71%) and massive gain in arable land (+721%) probably won’t matter to Saudi Arabia as much as the loss of its oil fields. Temperatures go up slightly, and rainfall goes up a lot, but the Saudis coming from an average GDP PPP of $47,000 enter an infrastructure servicing a GDP PPP of $1,235. SA will have to construct city housing for 27 million more people, generate the 99.88% missing electricity, and add 20 times more phone lines. I doubt they consider the half as polluted air a good trade.
Uzbekistan (to Somalia)
Doubly landlocked Uzbekistan acquires 3,333 km of coastline in eastern Africa. It’s more land, much less of it useful, and much hotter weather: the winter lows are 36 degrees higher. Summer highs slightly lower; wouldn’t have guessed that, but it really narrows the new temp range. Somalia’s measured GDP is third-lowest in the world and one-ninth Uzbekistan’s, so Uzbekistan is likely to inherit little in terms of quality capital stock. There’s room for half the urbanites, but only 0.5% the necessary electricity and a quarter of phone lines. Given the important location, however, we should all be rooting for Uzbekistan.
Peru (to Central African Republic)
Peru loses its coastline, half its area, and its mild weather for a hot spot in the African interior. Twice the air pollution and a host with the fourth-lowest GDP PPP per capita also don’t bode well. Peru will need to get 13 times more city spots, 300 times more energy, and 25 times more phone lines to restore its living standards. With other South American nations now in Africa, they will have to resurrect those trade ties quickly.
Angola (to Madagascar)
Angola downgrades territory but trades a desert for an island. Weather doesn’t change, though it will rain more, and of course, there’s a lot of work to do with the vanilla harvest. Madagascar’s GDP is a quarter of Angola’s, and the city population half as big. (Air’s not bad.) Angola will need to quadruple electrical production quickly and a few more phone lines to return to normal.
Malaysia (to Ukraine)
From islands to landlocked, Malaysia gains some land but its arable area grows by 3600%. The weather gets significantly colder and drier, especially in the winter (-34 degrees), and weather variance goes from 14th-lowest to 10th-highest. Everything else is either surprisingly similar.
Mozambique (to Kenya)
Mozambique moves slightly north. Everything is pretty similar — a tad cooler and drier, less electricity, more phones, a bit denser, but this is not a particularly drastic move.
Ghana (to Botswana)
A rhyming move gains Ghana territory but loses a coastline. (Diamonds could make up for it.) Arable land per person all but disappears, and it’s colder across the board and with less rain, so a rough start, foodwise. Cleaner air and infrastructure of a three times richer country help, but 90% of city places and phone lines are missing, as is most electricity.
Yemen (to France)
A really nice move for Yemen, who should thank their high (but rapidly falling) birth rate which moved them past Nepal recently. Otherwise they’d stay home. Instead they go from a desert with rapidly disappearing freshwater reserves to lush France. Land area rises by 4%, but useful area per capita rises 1400%. Temperatures drop a lot — cut in half, on average — but there will be five times more rain. Yemenis also inherit four times cleaner air and 38 times higher GDP PPP.
There is 9000% of necessary electricity, four times the phone lines, and and 43 million excess city spots. Yemenis will be fine. Perhaps the extra space and wealth can end the violence there.
Nepal (to Yemen)
One of the more extreme overall moves, high-altitude Nepal moves to coastal desert Yemen. Temperatures nearly double, rain drops to a tenth, and there is less arable land. Air half as polluted, though, despite the lower GDP PPP in Yemen. There is plenty of city space and electricity, though fewer phone lines.
Venezuela (to Thailand)
Venezuela squeezes into a smaller space but quintuples arable land per person without changing the climate much. The extra food should go a long way alleviating recent shortages, although Venezuelans will have to rebuild an economy without oil reserves. A lot of papers on the resource curse would be written here. The Thai GDP PPP is 2.5 times Venezuela’s, air is twice as clean, cities 50% more spacious, electricity & connectivity much more plentiful.
Continue to Countries 51–100 (expected September 13 2021)