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How much of the world isn’t owned by anyone?

Explaining the story behind the un-owned parts of the land and sea

Sometimes world events of massive practical significance lead our minds towards some lovely impractical thoughts. So it was for loyal listener, Nigel.

Pondering the conflict in Iran, and the maritime ownership of the Straits of Hormuz that has become its focus, his mind wandered to an altogether bigger and - honestly - far less important question.

“How much of the world surface actually doesn't belong to anyone?” he wondered.

To try and answer Nigel’s question, we enlisted the help of Mark Cooper-Jones, one half of YouTube duo Map Men.

If you’ve seen a number in the news that you think we should take a look at, or have a interesting statistical question like Nigel, get in touch: moreorless@bbc.co.uk

Presenter: Lizzy McNeill
Producer: Josh McMinn
Series producer: Tom Colls
Production co-ordinator: Brenda Brown
Sound mix: James Beard
Editor: Richard Vadon

9 minutes

On radio

Sat 22 Aug 202605:50
BBC World Service except Australasia, East and Southern Africa, East Asia & South Asia

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Broadcasts

  • Sat 22 Aug 202605:50
    BBC World Service except Australasia, East and Southern Africa, East Asia & South Asia
  • Sun 23 Aug 202600:50
    BBC World Service Australasia
  • Sun 23 Aug 202605:50
    BBC World Service East and Southern Africa, South Asia & East Asia only
  • Sun 23 Aug 202609:50
    BBC World Service Europe and the Middle East & West and Central Africa only
  • Sun 23 Aug 202611:50
    BBC World Service except East and Southern Africa, Europe and the Middle East & West and Central Africa

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