World Map Showing Real Size Of Africa

Introduction

For centuries, the world map has been used to represent the size and shape of different countries and continents. However, these maps have been criticized for their inaccurate representation of the actual size of countries, especially Africa. The conventional world map, also known as the Mercator projection, exaggerates the size of countries in the northern hemisphere and minimizes those in the southern hemisphere. This has led to the misconception that Africa is smaller than it actually is. In this article, we will explore the world map showing the real size of Africa.

The Real Size of Africa

The true size of Africa is often underestimated because of the conventional world map. Africa is the second-largest continent in terms of land area, covering approximately 30.2 million square kilometers. In comparison, the United States, China, India, and most of Europe can fit comfortably inside Africa. However, on the conventional world map, Africa appears much smaller than it really is.

Why is the Conventional World Map Inaccurate?

The Mercator projection, which is the most commonly used world map, was designed in the 16th century for navigational purposes. However, it distorts the size and shape of land masses, especially those in the southern hemisphere. This is because the map is based on a cylinder that wraps around the Earth and stretches out the areas closer to the poles. As a result, countries near the equator, such as those in Africa, appear smaller than they really are.

What is the Alternative Map?

The alternative map that shows the real size of Africa is the Gall-Peters projection. This map was created in the 19th century by James Gall and Arno Peters to represent the true size of countries. The Gall-Peters projection accurately represents the size of land masses without distorting their shapes. On this map, Africa appears much larger than it does on the conventional world map.

Benefits of the Alternative Map

The alternative map that shows the real size of Africa has several benefits. Firstly, it provides a more accurate representation of the size of countries and continents. This helps to eliminate the misconception that Africa is smaller than it really is. Secondly, it promotes cultural awareness and appreciation by highlighting the importance of Africa's size and diversity. Finally, it encourages people to think critically about the information they receive and to question the accuracy of conventional sources.

Conclusion

The world map showing the real size of Africa is a more accurate representation of the continent's size and shape. It is important to use this map to promote cultural awareness and to eliminate misconceptions about Africa's size. By questioning the accuracy of conventional sources, we can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the world around us.

Question and Answer

Q: Why is the conventional world map inaccurate?

A: The conventional world map, also known as the Mercator projection, is inaccurate because it distorts the size and shape of land masses, especially those in the southern hemisphere. This is because the map is based on a cylinder that wraps around the Earth and stretches out the areas closer to the poles.

Q: What is the alternative map that shows the real size of Africa?

A: The alternative map that shows the real size of Africa is the Gall-Peters projection. This map was created in the 19th century by James Gall and Arno Peters to represent the true size of countries. The Gall-Peters projection accurately represents the size of land masses without distorting their shapes.