Abstract: Statistical information on the size and characteristics of a population can be cartographically illustrated by the so-called value-by-area cartogram. Although geographical details and relationships must mostly be ignored, it is practical to keep to certain fixed points to help orientation. The paper presents a population cartogram of the USA with particular regard to the SMSA-population. The tendency has been to retain both the rough placings of cities and states and some features typical of the USA map. Examples are given of the practical utilization of the cartogram.