The administrative map of Europe. Continuity and change (1850-2000)

Abstract

The digital map reflects the evolution of the administrative frontiers in Central and Western Europe since 1850. It is of use for our investigation on the socio-economical imbalances in Europe, and we hope that other researchers might also benefit from it. This prior work allowed us to reflect on the reasons that explain an administrative organization differing profoundly between neighbouring countries. The search for guide lines in the regional planning processes spread throwghout Europe stimulates this work. In this sense, we distinguish between two models: the rational one and the historical one. Although in reality each state has its own dynamics, we will explain the similarities and differences between the most significant states.