Map of Considerable Interest #4

(Source: http://www.princeton.edu/%7Eina/infographics/starbucks.html)

Map of Considerable Interest #4 shows the impact of globalization upon Starbucks and McDonald's and, in turn, their own impact upon the world. The map is actually two smaller maps, one showing Starbucks' penetration into world markets and the sources of the products that go into a cup of its coffee, and the other showing McDonald's market presence worldwide. The maps are well-designed and the graphic quality is high.

The Starbucks map does a fine job of illustrating just how many different countries contribute to its products, though the companion message of its market penetration can be lost in the emphasis of the graphics. The McDonald's map sticks to a single message of its market penetration and illustrates clearly that while it is still first and foremost an American chain, it has considerable market presence around Europe and Asia.

The accompanying charts tell additional stories. The Starbucks chart shows the company's explosive growth, and the McDonald's chart shows how its sales stack up with its competitors as well as the GDP of Afghanistan. The unmistakeable message from both charts is clear: Starbucks and McDonald's are global juggernauts.