Fun with maps: Africa is bigger than it seems
A few weeks, ago, we posted a link to a map called “The True Size of Africa,” an eye-opening infographic with one main message: Africa is HUGE. No wonder it became a worldwide viral sensation. Looking at a regular old map of the world, no one could ever guess that Africa is the size of China, the United States, India, Japan and eight other countries and regions combined.
But of course, the Economist had to fact-check it (and rightly so — I mean, it’s a pretty big statement) in their fittingly titled article last week, “The true true size of Africa.” The publication argues about various cartography methods even tries its hand at making a new version of the map. But the bottom line is still the same: “Africa is much bigger than it looks on most maps.”
Lauren Pfeifer from our policy team wanted to make sure that we included this bit, “Why are we changing maps?” from the West Wing, which is apparently “during the ‘Big Block of Cheese Day’ episode” where “they want to flip the map upside down.” I’ve never watched the show, but I trust that it’s great. Enjoy!
- Previous Post Innovation in the air
- Next Post What We’re Reading: Winner named in Guinea’s Presidential Election
Blog Contributors
Hot Topics
-
The FY2013 Budget: Protect Funding that Saves Lives
As Congress weighs in on the FY2013 budget, they need to protect funding for poverty-fighting programs. -
Big oil. We won't be bullied.
Right now, some of the world's biggest oil companies are fighting to keep some of their deals with foreign governments secret. Let's tell big oil we won't be bullied. -
Canadian Aid
Cuts to poverty-fighting programs won't balance the budget, but they will set back progress on Canada's development priorities and risk jeopardizing existing investments. -
The Beginning of the End of AIDS
2011 marks 30 years since the first cases of AIDS were documented. Take a closer look at the specific, achievable goals we must hit by 2015 to make this year the beginning of the end of AIDS.
From Our Members
-
Sowing the ‘seeds of change’ at Des Moines’ Downtown Farmers Market
May 10th, 2012 | Posted by Libby Crimmings -
Thrivin’ in Pennsylvania with Rep. Charlie Dent
Apr 26th, 2012 | Posted by Brian Sweeney -
Working together as ONE at Loyola Academy
Apr 25th, 2012 | Posted by Field
From Our Partners
-
A human yardstick
May 15th, 2012 | Posted by Guest Blogger -
UN report calls for a realignment of agricultural reform
May 8th, 2012 | Posted by Guest Blogger -
Interview: Ugandan NGO founder on the joys of helping HIV+ children
May 7th, 2012 | Posted by Paulena Papagiannis
November 16, 2010 at 12:07 pm
Wow, I will have to look that up. I took geography throughout high school but never noticed that size relationship between Africa, China, USA and India…this is very interesting.
Now the clip really blew my mind, the difference between the two maps…is that real or fiction? There are a lot of subliminal messages in the current map that are rightfully described in the clip. But is everyone ready for that new map? It is pretty shocking so even it is an accurate representation of the real size of the continents, will it be widely accepted?
Great article, it really opens the dialogue about the historical and cultural place of Africa in the world.
November 16, 2010 at 1:57 pm
This website is also very eye-opening: http://www.worldmapper.org/
All countries relative to their population, industries, health …
You can learn a lot about Global cross-effects etc…
November 16, 2010 at 3:17 pm
Our maps are based on one from from 1539???? Isn’t that a little ancient, we should have adjusted maps a loooong time ago. I’m glad this was brought to my attention.
November 17, 2010 at 12:24 am
sorry don’t understand the link between absolute size of continent and being ‘a worldwide viral sensation’. am I missing something?