22 maps and charts that will surprise you

[carlfense]

A lot of these are pretty crazy . . . particularly the size of Africa and this map showing the approximate size of countries compared to U.S states:

http://www.vox.com/2014/9/23/6829399/23-maps-and-charts-that-will-surprise-you

[QMany]

Wow! I didn't realize this:

 

 

 

Africa is much bigger than you think

Most maps you see are based on the "Mercator projection," so named for Gerardus Mercator, who came up with it in 1559. The Mercator projection is excellent for sailing, as it shows constant bearing as a straight line. But it’s terrible for estimating the size of large masses of land — particularly when they’re close to poles. Under the Mercator projection, for instance, Africa looks to be about the same size as Greenland; it’s actually 14 times larger. The Economist — building on work by Kai Krause — made this graphic showing Africa’s true size: bigger not just than Greenland, but than China, the United States, India and Western Europe put together.

 

[NUance]

The first U.S. map is pretty cool. But it would have been more interesting to fit for both size and population. Clearly it's only fit for the geographic size (e.g., Japan = Montana).

[Abdullah the Butcher]

[GSG]

I'm not sure that's entirely accurate, Finbray Dullah.

 

Marijuana definitely kills Cheetos and Funyuns supplies

[TGHusker]

I'm surprised by the relative size of Japan (Montana) and New Zealand (Colorado) both much bigger than I thought. Also Burma. The map of Africa was really an eye opener.

 

good job