Why use a map for country selection?

Country selection in web forms is usually via a dropdown box or an autocomplete-enabled text box. There are several problems with that approach.

The benefits of using a map:

• It's easier to use a map on mobile than a dropdown list of 150 countries, especially to choose large countries where a majority of Internet users live.
• Educate your users. They need it.
• The map reminds users that they are surrounded by neighboring countries in a global village. This will give them a more global outlook in life.

The disadvantages:

• Google Maps will download an additional ~100 KB of data.
• For smaller countries, it may be a little harder to get to the right country because you have to zoom.
• Users may get distracted from their task and start playing with the map.