This post was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK)
On 15 October 2014, Paul ‘Barbs' Barbato published a video profiling Afghanistan on his YouTube channel, Geography Now. It was the 2nd upload on the page, published after a trailer teasing what was to come: an entry on every UN-recognised nation on the planet, launched in alphabetical order– the very first such geographical encyclopaedia on social networks, to Paul's understanding. A years on and more than 3 million customers later on, he covered the task up in October 2024 with a profile on Zimbabwe. We speak with the host about his program, from the customers who added to its episodes to the power of social networks, and what's next.
Where does your enthusiasm for travel originated from?
I matured in a varied area in Chicago, around kids who spoke various languages. They ‘d inform me about their households, reveal me their home nations on a map. It triggered this intrigue, this awareness of locations outside the bubble where I lived. I'm a visual student, so the atlas became my preferred book. It opened a whole world.
What about the motivation for Geography Now?
Here's an enjoyable anecdote: I truly wished to be on Globe Trekker [a TV show in which different hosts travel and experience a destination's local way of life]I sent out in an audition video and never ever heard back, so I chose to begin my own program. Considering that I didn't have cash to take a trip, I created a format I might movie from my home.
Which subjects does Geography Now cover?
I speak about political location, a nation's separation lines and what's under their sovereignty; physical location, the landscape and resources; demographics, individuals and culture; and what I call ‘the friendzone'– diplomatic relationships. Within these sectors are areas like food, music, sport. I attempt not to throw up realities. What does it imply to be an individual from that nation? That's what I aim to highlight.
Paul ‘Barbs' Barbato started his YouTube channel, Geography Now, in 2014 and has actually generated over 3 million fans.
What's your relationship with the program's customers?
They play a big function in the program. They assist me with preparation and I could not have actually made a few of the episodes without info they shared. They get included, too. The episode on Tuvalu [an island nation in the Pacific Ocean] was co-hosted by regional Keri Ann. She wished to remain in the episode, so I flew her out [to the US]Through Geography Now, I've fulfilled countless individuals from all over the world. To me, that's striking gold.
What's interesting about travel material on social networks?
Social network can be an effective tool. Individuals browse the web to be delighted all the time; why refrain from doing that with education? You can utilize captions, movement graphics and map animations– users like to be captivated,
