By Baindu Kallon, Global Post,
The True Size of Africa by Kai Krause
Ever notice how huge Greenland looks on a map? It’s because most maps use the Mercator Projection. On it, Greenland looks to be the same size as Africa. In reality, Africa is actually 14 times larger. Replicating the globe onto a flat surface distorts the sizes of the countries yet many have no idea.
Computer graphics designer Kai Krause created the illustration above showing the true size of Africa. Yes, we know Africa is a continent being compared to countries but it’s fascinating to see its sheer size next to common references.
Writers at The Economist created a similar map below using Gall’s Stereographic Cylindrical Projection. Even though the result is different, they still draw a similar conclusion. Africa is much bigger than we thought.
via The Economist
http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/131028/africa-its-bigger-it-looks
Tags: Africa, Gall's Stereographic Cylindrical Projection, map of africa compared to other countries around the world