In which type of map are states usually colored differently for distinction?

A political map is designed to showcase the boundaries and locations of political entities, such as countries, states, provinces, and cities. In this type of map, states are typically colored differently to clearly distinguish one from another. This color-coding helps users quickly identify political regions and understand their locations relative to one another. Political maps focus on human-made features rather than physical characteristics of the land, making them essential for understanding governance and political divisions.

In contrast, a physical map highlights geographical features such as mountains, rivers, and forests, often using colors to represent elevation and terrain rather than political boundaries. A thematic map focuses on a specific theme or data set such as population density, climate, or economic activities instead of political divisions. A topographic map, while also showing physical features, provides detailed elevation data and contour lines to depict the terrain and is not primarily concerned with political boundaries. Collectively, these differences underscore why the political map is the appropriate choice for distinguishing states through color.