What exactly is this map?
The Cooperative World Map (CWM) is an interactive and up-to-date digital map that aspires to unite and showcase all cooperative entities in the world. The CWM is an up-to-date visual representation of all cooperative enterprises in the world who have voluntarily shared their data to be part of this accessible and open digital platform. This platform is powered by the Cooperative World Data Project, an initiative that developed the open-source mapping and sharing technology. Here, cooperatives have a common digital hub to connect, share information, promote the strength of the cooperative model, and increase awareness on the benefits of cooperation.
Where exactly is this map?
You can find the map here! The CWM was launched at the November ICA Conference in India, celebrating the beginning of the International Year of Cooperatives 2025.
What can the CWM be used for? And how is it useful?
The map’s value is limited only by your aspirations and goals!
- For the 2025 International Year of Cooperatives — and beyond, cooperatives can examine, celebrate and reflect on our collective work and contributions, all from one location!
- Data! The research and academic community can easily find cohesive data on cooperatives to conduct different analyses on trends, issues, challenges and more.
- Creating GOOD digital products and services to benefit the cooperative movement is now much easier. Cooperative federations and organizations can use the cohesive and up-to-date data on this platform to create online marketplaces, communities of practice, closed communications groups, and much more.
- Find each other: Cooperatives across all regions and sectors can easily find each other to collaborate. Exercising Principle #6 in the digital era has never been easier!
- Stories and ideas: Explore CWM and find examples and stories of how cooperatives have impacted their local and global communities. This can help promote the cooperative model AND help advocate for policies and regulations that support cooperatives.
Who owns this data?
The data provided by each partner to the project remains the property of the contributing partner – in this case contributing partner means those organizations that agree to share their information for publishing on the Cooperative World Map. For more information, send an email to: data@worldmap.coop
How is this different from the .coop global directory and map?
It’s a step up! The .coop global directory displays the community of cooperatives who use the .coop domain. This is a small subset of the CWM, which aims to merge the data and information of ALL cooperatives worldwide.
How often is the data updated?
Currently, the data is no more than 3 months old – with work continuing to automate the update process at regular intervals.
Is there a cost? And how do I get on the map?
There is no direct fee to join the Cooperative World Map. Here’s how to join:
- If you are a primary cooperative, apply for a .coop domain to automatically get included on the map.
- If you are a federation, and want to contribute data, contact data@worldmap.coop.
I have more questions!
No problem – send us an email at support@worldmap.coop, we’ll respond as soon as possible.