Why world maps distort the true size of countries

The Mercator map was devised in 1569 by Flemish cartographer Gerardus Mercator, originally to help European sailors navigate at sea. According to James Cheshire, a cartography professor at University College London, Mercator's key goal was to ensure that a compass bearing followed in real life would appear as a straight line on the map — something the projection still achieves very effectively.

To preserve accurate angles on a flat surface, Mercator had to stretch the map's grid lines increasingly wide as they approached the poles. As a result, countries near the equator appear much smaller than their actual size, while countries closer to the poles look stretched and enlarged. This distortion stems from a basic geometric problem: a curved, three-dimensional globe cannot be perfectly represented on a flat, two-dimensional surface.

Despite this, more than four and a half centuries later, Mercator's projection remains the foundation for many maps seen in classrooms, on television and online, including Google Maps.

A psychological and political effect

Critics argue that how large or small a place appears on a map can shape perception, since people tend to instinctively associate bigger size with greater importance. Kenyan geographer Kioko Muendo says this dynamic has effectively understated Africa's true scale, downplaying its vast natural resources, large population and investment potential.

Muendo argues that maps are not merely tools for travellers — they also influence how regions are viewed politically and economically.