News Maps

The first thing I noticed about the news maps that I viewed is that they are rather simple maps that have a few key features. First of these features is that the all have a background of simplified geological mountains, such as the ranges you see to the right. They usually don't have an over-bearing existence and are more of a backdrop to what is being shown.
Next in line is that news maps also show the surrounding countries, which gives the average viewer a look at the names off these countries such as Turkmenistan, not a commonly seen country. Now if people really paid attention to these little details they would soon be able to know what countries surround said country and hopefully know the generally location on a globe. What I like most about this particular map is how the bordering countries names are in a smaller font than the country we are focused on. It makes the main country more important, but also allows you to see who borders this country.
The last item that I found about most news maps is that they always have the capital off the country listed in a prominent font, with all the other cities in a slightly smaller font. The one thing I would like to see are that the bordering countries have their capitals listed as well. They would not have to be in a large font as the main country, but to have them there may give the average viewer a better geographical lesson than they would otherwise get. The do list the bordering seas and gulfs of the countries they focus in on, but maybe they could also put major mountain ranges since they find the oceans important? Just a thought that I would like put out there and see what others think about it.