The Omniatlas color scheme reserves a unique color for each of history's far-flung empires, further increasing the distinction between polities by using pure or bright colors for the empires and mixed or brownish colors for the smaller or less imperialistic nations. Where possible, we try to use colors either historically associated with a nation or used in its flag.

Some types of political entity are distinct but so short-lived and/or commonly occurring that it seems counterproductive to give them their own color. Thus many rebel groups share one shade of red, communist groups share another shade and the major international organizations are aqua.

Stateless regions - those either disputed, unorganized, inhabited by tribal societies, of unknown habitation or uninhabited - are colored white. This is intentionally the same color used for non-internationally recognized borders or military fronts, emphasizing that this territory may be of a very confused nature. Note that tribes and factions that are organized enough to control a significant amount of territory do appear colored on the maps.