World map tattoo on back

World Map Tattoos that will blow your mind. My favorite is the guy who shades in a country when he visits. World Maps. I get all misty eyed over the things, I really do. Ever since I was a small kid, I’ve loved the world and been fascinated by images of it. I always had my nose in an Atlas or spent hours staring wondrously at a globe. World maps were often spread out on my bedroom carpet. You might call me a geek – a lot of people did so you’re not alone – but for my geekiness there was a time when I could name all of the capital cities of the world. Seriously. Of course, I grew up, and chasing girls and drinking booze became more important than the capital of Burkina Faso (Ouagadougou, by the way). Such is the way of the world. I also became interested in getting inked, too. And then it hit me! Why not combine my love of tattoos and maps? A no-brainer, obviously. And so I did, with a small silhouette of my home country on my calf. It’s pretty cool. It’s not a world map tattoo, though, and that’s what we’re discussing here. But what about others with world map tattoos? What are they? Well friends, they’re right here and between them they’ll show you the coolest world map tattoos that you’ll ever see.

The Coolest World Map Tattoos Ever:

Ancient Pirate World Map

This girl’s back looks like an old parchment (no offense to the girl of course… I’m sure it’s a beautiful back… I mean the color) and the map of the world looks like a pirate map. Love that it’s all faded too, making it look old. You have to look closely at her back to study this map, which I suspect is the idea. That makes it a very intimate tattoo, too. Also love the fact that New Zealand isn’t even on her back – it’s on her left arm. How cool is that?

Multicolored World Map Tattoos

This one is not as detailed as the previous map, but still interesting in it’s own right. Sitting on the inside of the forearm, it’s obviously a lot smaller but the colors are intriguing. What do they mean? Or do they mean nothing? And why is there a big splodge of orange off the northeast coast of Brazil. What’s up with that?

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An Even Cooler Multicolored World Map

And talking of colors…. oh my. This is exquisite. You just know that this is one cool chick. Love love LOVE the colors in this one, and also the flowers in Africa and Asia, and that bird, too. Amazingly cool.

Compasses & Postal Stamps World Map

The thing about these world maps is just how original you can make them – how much you can funnel your own vibe and personality into them. I mean anyone who has a world map tattooed onto them obviously conveys some spirit of adventure to start with, but adding the compass and the postal stamps really give you the impression that this girl is a true wondering spirit.

West Is West & East Is East World Map

And here’s another great use of a compass. This time in the middle of the map. Great handy hint here too, telling us which way is west and which way is east. Thanks for that dude!

Half-Finished World Map

This one obviously isn’t finished yet. She’s got the Americas done… the Western Hemisphere… but still need the Old World done. You know, Europe and Africa. Once that’s done this might be one of the greatest full back tattoos ever. Or is that just me?

Compass, Quill & Telescope World Map

You can really only see Europe and Asia here… with some Africa too, but if you follow this sleeve tattoo all the way down to around the elbow, you’ll get a glimpse of the Americas, making this a true world map tattoo. America will wrap around the dude’s arm. Pretty cool.

Super Discreet World Map

Here’s a great idea if you’re looking for something discreet and not flashy. Okay, the wrist isn’t exactly a discreet place, but if you have a map on you, you gonna want a place that you can see yourself on occasion aren’t you? Love the coloring here. My only concern is that Australia appears to be missing. Did this person have a bad experience there maybe?

Wanderlust World Map

What I dig about this one is that little word “wanderlust” sitting right there at the bottom, between the south of South America and South Africa. The word totally sets off this simple, elegant world map.

Walking On The World

Ha ha! Love the location of this one which is why it’s here. Again, just a line tattoo, but the symbolism of having the world at your feet is so fantastic. Judging by the red star I’m guessing that this person is from Japan, but that’s obviously purely speculative. Below, here’s another “world at your feet tattoo” to check out. This time there’s a lot more color in the oceans to set it off nicely:

The Globe

This is more of an old school, traditional, bread-and-butter tattoo here. You know what I mean? Outlines, solid coloring. Could have been done in the 1940s. Not that I’m knocking it at all – no way. I like this tattoo! You know what I like best? That globe right there in the middle. That’s why it’s here on this page.

More Compasses

And straight back to a more contemporary vibe. The shading here is great. No need for just a line map or plenty of colors. That shading sets it off totally. And then those compasses and lines between them. Great piece of art, this is.

Henna-Style World Map Tattoos

I’m guessing she (and with henna-style tattoos, 99.9% of the time it’s “she” – that’s just the law) got this in India or after coming back from India or in contemplation of a future trip to India. You just know that.

Triangles

This one is quite confusing at first. What the hell are those triangles doing in this, disrupting the purity of the map? But then you see that the triangles are needed to provide the perspective, for want of a better word. It shows a different view of the world, from the North Pole, with the rest of the planet kind of spreading out from there. The triangles help with that… er, I think.

Counting Countries

The idea behind this one is to color in the country once you’ve been. So this person has been all over Latin America and Western Europe, East and Southeast Asia, and Australia. Pretty well traveled, wouldn’t you say? Never been to Canada though, which is weird…

World On A Turtle

According to the Native American Iroquois Tribe, the world began on a turtle’s back. It’s their creation myth. By getting this tattoo, this woman is giving the Iroquois creation myth story the respect it deserves (go read it – it’s a great story!) plus fulfilling her obligations to Tattoos Beautiful to get a cool world map tattoo.

Old School World Map Tattoos

Check out the edges of this tattoo. Looking like a torn up piece of parchment. That’s what works so well with this world map. Plus the fact that the writing is in Portuguese. The Portuguese were the first European navigators of the modern age, so this is kind of apt somehow. At least to me, anyway. I guess in reality it’s just cos this dude is Brazilian.

Two Circles On The Back

What this tattoo lacks in accuracy (seriously, check out the world there… inaccurate) it makes up for in style. The colors are cool. The imagery is cool. And that compass is cool as well. What more to say? A different take on the theme here, and that’s what it’s all about.

Westeros

And so, to finish, it’s good to know that you don’t have to get a tattoo of THIS world. Why do that when you have a whole new world to ink over yourselves, with “Game Of Thrones”? That’s right, Westeros is out there too, and the map of this continent is totally worth thinking about. Maybe not too much, but worth thinking about anyway. If you have a tattoo like this of Westeros, you can track the Khaleesi’s dragons when she finally invades!

So there you go. Some amazing world maps here. Map tattoos are awesome and there’s so much you can do with them. And if they get that wanderlust and thirst for adventure going for you, then that’s all to the better. Get on a plane somewhere!

Map tattoos are perfect for guys who love an adventure! Do you like to travel? Travelers love to get inked from time to time with some continents, pretty maps, and cool compass ideas. Does this sound like your preference and your country-inspired tattoos? Keep on reading and find your ideal map tattoo!

Top 15 World Map Tattoo Designs

1. World Map Outline Tattoo

Map tattoos and a lighthouse go hand in hand together. If you are always on a search for something, you will relate a lot to this tattoo.

2. World Map Tattoo Over Back

If you want a world map tattoo, place it on your back. People who love bigger maps and unique tattoo designs will love this back-piece.

3. Compass And Map Tattoo

World map tattoo small dimension is amazing for guys who like smaller map tattoos. You can place Europe tattoo ideas on your body, a world map tattoo, or even an Africa tattoo! Anything that suits you is good to go.

4. World Map Tattoo On Forearm 

If you are into smaller ink and you like world map tattoo designs, get this tattoo on your forearm. You can also go for nautical map tattoos and similar ink if you are a fan of petite models.

5. Globe Tattoos World Map Tattoo

World map tattoo or a compass tattoo go and look amazing together. Your search for the perfect colored tattoo can finally be over. Get this cool ink anywhere on your body.

6. Small World Map Tattoo On Foot

You can get a smaller world map tattoo on your foot. This simple design is for people who like adventure, and who want a unique and cool place for their tattoo.

7. Map Tattoo Ideas

Black ink and a map world tattoo can be small and petite. If you are not a fan of pain and you need a unique tattoo, get it quick & easy on your forearm.

8. World Globe Tattoo On Back

Beautiful world map tattoo looks cool once placed over the entire back. If you like antique tattoo designs, pair-up a small compass next to your world map tattoo.

9. World Map Tattoo Arm Placement

Pirate map tattoo, along with a pirate ship, is an awesome design. Get black ink and do the outlines of all the continents.

10. World Map Tattoo Wrist

Small map tattoos are perfect if you are that type of a person who does not like pain, and you want your tattoo to be done quick & easy. Place it on your wrist or your forearm.

11. Map Tattoo Design With Compass Details

World map tattoo sleeve is an awesome design if you like bigger and bolder pieces. Map tattoos sleeve should be your go-to if you have time and patience to get tattoed up.

12. World Map Tattoo On Leg

Your leg is the perfect location for world map tattoos. Decorate it with rose detail, flowers, compass, or black ink details.

13. Map Tattoos On Back

Since world map tattoos are huge, you should place them on your back. You can add some color to the tattoo around your shoulder, or you can leave it all black – per your preference.

14. Map Tattoos Outline Style

Go for a compass and black ink just below your armpit if you need an unusual placement. Geometrical maps are perfect for men who love well-defined and detailed tattoos.

15. World Map Travel Tattoo Sleeve

A giant compass and a world map tattoo forearm go together. Guys who like sleeve tattoos will also fancy this tattoo.

On That Note

A tattoo of a world map stands for freedom, free spirit, as well as will to travel! Are you someone who would want to see the world? Are you into traveling? Either way, world map tattoos can be your go-to if you like detailed and lined pieces. You can also get map tattoos if you love treasure, money, old pirate-ship stories, as well as an endless search!

Need More Inspiration

World map tattoo designs are not popular at all. You will find one or two people in thousands of tattooed boys and girls who will have a world map tattoo on their bodies. World map tattoos are mostly loved by travelers. People who love traveling want to keep track of the number of countries they have visited or stunning locations they have visited.

So a cool tattoo idea for such people would be to have a colorful world map tattoo design where the person would color the country they have visited. Here are 31 amazing world map tattoo design for men and women –

world map tattoo

1. Back in the best place for world map tattoos. This tattoo is more aligned on the shoulder but geographic tattoos look better on just the back. However many boys like to have it on the wrist and surely it can be the best wrist tattoo for men and women.

map tattoo

map of the world tattoo

world map outline tattoo

world tattoo

2. You don’t just need to have a map tattoo. In fact, you can add several other things to it. For example here is a world map tattoo mixed up with a geographic tattoo on the back of this girl.

3. Foot is the second best place for geography tattoos but remember you can not have 3D world map tattoo on it.

4. If you have small feet then you can have world map tattoo on both feet and it will look clear and beautiful.

5. You can add a quote like ‘World Peace’ or ‘Green World’ or something like that to your world map tattoo.

6. This world tattoo design is made beautiful due to its beautiful outline on continent borders.

7. Instead of having a complete world map tattoo you can have a globe tattoo. Here is a mix up of globe tattoo design with a compass tattoo.

8. I would not suggest you add a quote on your world map tattoo art. This is because then the tattoo will lose its look.

9. It’s not easy for a tattoo artist to make a small world map tattoo but if you want one then wrist is the best place.

10. This world map tattoo on the forearm of this guy is a brilliant design because the tattoo artist divided the globe in the form of pie.

11. People look for colorful world map tattoos so that they can count the countries they have visited. I would suggest you to not to have such colored world map tattoo. It can be tried in yin and yang tattoos style. I would also suggest a treasure map tattoo that is made by real pirates.

12. This world map tattoo design on the hand is inspired from a globe and map drawing. It give a 3D impression.

13. A unique world map tattoo idea would be to have the continents shaped in the form of geometric shapes such as polygons and cuboids just like this.

14. Another small world map tattoo design that is inspired from a stencil art.

15. No, this is not a fake world map tattoo design. It is an ideal map for people who love traveling. It is on the shoulder so that you can check how many countries you have visited. Another ideal place would be the chest.

16. Another cool idea for world map tattoo design would be to add a mode of transportation to the tattoo that you used to travel the world.

17. If you have ripped wrist or forearm than you can try a large size world map tattoo design along with a compass and geometric shapes.

18. I don’t think the earth is aligned this much on its axis but I think it is a perfect globe tattoo design for men and women.

19. If you are a tattoo artist then here is a cool world map tattoo idea for your customers. Mix up your map with a tree tattoo and you will have an amazing map tattoo.

20. Here is a cool temporary world map tattoo design. You can make such design with henna or mehandi.

21. It is hard to get a side world map tattoo because usually map tattoos are large or medium in size. Here is a simple and tiny world map tattoo. It can be restyled as zelda triforce tattoos.

22. Ouch, Africa is torn apart in this world map tattoo design. I will say it’s a brilliant design.

23. It is important to focus on the outline and respective sizes of the continents in a world map tattoo design. It is not necessary to add islands.

24. Personally, I think this is the best world map tattoo I have ever seen. You cannot have such large size tattoo on thigh or ankle.

25. The rib cage is not a popular place to get tattoos like a world map. But if you want a temporary tattoo design then you can try it on the rib.

26. Again after care is necessary if you are having world map tattoo on chest or rib cage, else it will fade away.

27. The only weird thing about this tattoo is the outline of North America and Russia. Overall it is a good tattoo design.

28. Girls rarely like to have world map tattoos on thigh. Here is how it will look if you get one.

29. Another small size map tattoo on the wrist that can be followed by both men and women.

30. A smart choice for world map tattoo placement would be lower back or stomach. Although it will be a bit painful but will give unique.

31. This world map tattoo have a unique alignment on forearm and that is why I included it here.

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So this was our collection of World map tattoo designs. Which map tattoo design you liked the most?

If you’re going to a get a tattoo you might as well get something useful right? Well, that’s probably not what these people had in mind when they sat down for their sessions but depending on the level of detail, one’s geographical prowess might just experience a small bump. But all jokes aside, maps are always fun to look at while daydreaming about your next exotic vacay. So take a few minutes, browse this wonderful list of world map tattoos and before you know it, you might just find yourself on the way to the nearest airport.

This watercolor work.

So simple yet so beautiful. (Photo: Georgia Grey)

These cool tones.

These cool 80’s colors remind me of a particular jacket I use to have. I hope I’m not the only one. (Photo: Pawel Dasior)

The coffee belt.

This creative tattoo highlight the region of the world where most of our coffee comes from. (Photo: Swan Tattoo)

This world of mandala.

Circular mandala designs appear as if they’re radiating out from certain cities. How cool. (Photo: Lenn Awe)

These matching maps.

Nothing says best friends forever like a couple of matching map tattoos. Oh, and anklet’s to match of course. (Photo: Dreamed)

Ever upward.

A beautiful example of blending watercolor ink in Ewa’s trademark style. (Photo: Ewa Sroka)

This wonderful foot tat.

(Photo: Balazs Bercsenyi)

Crossing the Atlantic.

This awesome travel tattoo includes a compass and an airliner making the long flight across the Atlantic ocean. (Photo: Raice Wong)

This fantastic foot piece.

From this view the map appears upside down, but invert the image and everything becomes a little clearer. (Photo: Chae Hwa)

This colorless wrist tat.

I can only think of a few wrist tattoos that are cooler than this. Jon boy is a master of the minimalist tattoo with the majority of his work being even smaller than this.  (Photo: Jon Boy)

This watercolor world map.

Wish we had a better photo but the majesty of this work is still pretty evident. (Photo: Nathalie Chili Rehn)

This Christopher McCandless quote.

For those of you unfamiliar with Christopher McCandles, he was a college graduate who decided to unplug from society and live off the land in an old bus in the Alaskan wilderness. Unfortunately for him it didn’t end well. His story was made into a bestselling book which was later adapted into a movie starring Emile Hirsch titled Into The Wild.  (Photo: Saydy)

Do you like to travel? Maybe you’re planning your trip right now? Well, most of us love doing that once in a while, but some people just can’t stay in one place for more than a month. So as one young man from Louisiana, who got a world map tattoo on his back and every time he visited a particular country, he would then colored it on his body. This guy created a huge trend that spread all over the internet a few years ago. Since then, world map tattoos became a popular choice among many people.

Apart from the obvious relation to exploration and discovery, map tattoo can also have other meanings. If you are thinking about getting it on your body, we invite you to stay with us for a while. In this article, we are going to go over the symbolism of world map tattoos and as always – we have prepared a beautiful selection of ideas.

A short history of maps

Not so long ago, when people didn’t have smartphones and Google Maps, the only navigation tool was a map and a compass. People were using them for tens of thousands of years. So, the history of maps is quite old. We can see that from the paintings in the caves that seem to resemble maps; we also have ancient maps of Greece or Asia. It’s interesting that the oldest map is not of the earth, but of the sky, and dates back to 16,500 BC. These maps are on the walls of the Lascaux caves, France. Similar sky maps that depict constellations appear in the drawings in the caves of Castle Cantabria (Spain).

The oldest map of the world is the map of Babylon which is dated 600 BC. Babylonians purposely didn’t include Persia and Egypt in their clay table, and the map only represented the world of their civilization. One of the first geographers who divided the earth into five zones was Pompano Mela who lived in the Roman Empire in 43 AD. However, it was still very far from being at least somewhat similar to the modern world map. Later, in the year 1570, cartographer Abraham Ortelius published the first modern atlas which was very close to the world map we know today.

World map tattoo meaning

– Passion for travel. Traveling is one of the main reasons why people get it. It’s a perfect way to represent your passion and to mark each country that you’ve visited. But keep in mind that you have to get a more prominent tattoo if you want to label all the countries because some of them are very tiny. Another way to express your love for travels can also be an airplane tattoo.

– Open and unique personality. If you love to travel, you are probably also an open-minded person. You’re excited to meet new people, see new places, and try exotic foods. A tattoo of a world map also shows your interest in other cultures and says a lot about your personality.

– Freedom and human rights. Also, a world map tattoo shows that you’re a citizen of the world. Even for those who do not travel often, a world map tattoo will remind that all humans are equal and that humanness is above the nationality. It will represent your views about the world and tell others that you are a loving and calm person.

World map tattoos

As we have gone through lots of tattoo ideas, we can say with confidence that the most favorite choice is a linear silhouette of the world map. Usually, for this tattoo girls choose their feet or wrists, while guys prefer chest, legs or shoulder blades. Although this kind of tattoo looks very simple, it requires a lot of work and experience since the silhouette must be very detailed. If you want an accurate map – remember to choose an experienced and professional tattooist.

The size of the map tattoo depends on the body part on which you want to place it. We don’t recommend getting a large piece because it will be too stretched. Ideally, it should fit on your wrist, thigh, foot, one side of the chest or one shoulder blade. The best option for a tattoo of a world map is to use a thick black line for the contours. If you are going to colorize each country after you visit it, we’d recommend using monochrome flat colors.

Who should get a world map tattoo?

As we’ve said before, people get tats for many different reasons. And as there are various meanings of world map tattoos, so there are many reasons to get it. The first and the most obvious thing that comes in mind – traveling. If you consider yourself a traveler and enjoy being in a different country and see the world – this is a perfect choice for you.

Others link their world map tattoos to the experiences or stages of life between the borders of each country. Another common reason for getting a world map tattoo is to symbolize your respect between different cultures. So, if you are a peaceful person and you truly wish the world to be a better place – this tattoo is also an excellent option for you.

Whatever is your cause for a tattoo – don’t limit yourself only to these. If you don’t like the existing symbolism – create your new one! Only by creating new things and experimenting we can find new ideas. Also, if you don’t want your tattoo to mean anything – that’s completely okay. If you like the design – that’s a pretty good reason to get it.

World map tattoo ideas

Most of us feel sympathy or some special bond with a particular territory of our planet. If you look from a bigger perspective, you can see how insignificant our imaginable lines between the countries are. A tattoo of a world map can symbolize the importance of the unity and togetherness. It is a perfect way to show that above every nation, culture, and tradition stands a human. Whichever thing inspires you, make sure to check out our impressive selection of world map tattoos below!

 A world map tattoo is extremely cool and a perfect design for those who want to travel. A map inked on your skin is a testimony towards your passion for traveling that will always arouse the desire for adventure and exploration.

Although the designs of world map tattoos are generally the same, depicting the shapes of continents and countries, they can be a metaphor through which the tattoo wearer wants to express different feelings.

A world map tattoo could be portrayed either minimalist, depicting only the shapes of the continents, or more intricate and colored in varieties of styles, you have just to use your creativity to the fullest!

For travel and tattoo lovers, we have selected the best world map tattoo designs that we hope will reach your heart and fit your tastes.

#1 World Map Tattoo With Geometric ElementsPhoto: Guy Levi