This is a lovely map.  Big, colorful, and a little bit sturdier then paper (it isn't a thick laminate...they would have to charge 5x's as much, if that were the case.  However, you can put stickerss on it, and they remove easily.  Also, washable markers if washed off gently).  Amazon shipped it in a big box, so there was no damage to the map.  We are VERY happy with it.