Historical & Political Map | From Early Cartography to Modern Nations | Large Wall Format (741 × 578 mm) | Premium Finishes
A remarkable journey through time, Africa — Its Political Development traces the evolution of the continent’s political landscape from early European mapping to the modern era. Published by National Geographic in 1980, this map is anchored by a historic work originally crafted by Flemish cartographer Abraham Ortelius—one of the pioneers of modern atlas-making.
Blending historical cartography with clear explanatory mapping, it offers a concise yet powerful overview of how Africa’s borders, territories, and political identities have transformed over time.
Why This Map Stands Out
Rooted in early cartographic history
Features a foundation based on Ortelius’ classic mapping tradition.
A timeline of political change
Charts the transformation from early territorial concepts to modern nation-states.
Clear and educational
Presents complex historical developments in an accessible visual format.
National Geographic authority
Combines scholarly insight with clean, engaging design.
A compelling historical display
Ideal for those interested in the evolution of nations and borders.
🗺️ What the Map Shows
- Early representations of Africa from historic cartography
- The progression of territorial boundaries and colonial divisions
- The emergence of modern nation-states across the continent
- Key phases in Africa’s political development over time
- A visual comparison between historic and contemporary mapping
- The relationship between geography, exploration, and political change
📐 Size & Format
741 mm (H) × 578 mm (W)
Portrait orientation
A strong, display-ready format ideal for:
- Classrooms and history departments
- Home offices and studies
- Libraries and research environments
- Interiors inspired by historical and political geography
✨ Premium Finishes
| Format |
Description |
| 📜 Paper (160 gsm)
|
Heavyweight matte-coated paper—ideal for framing. Preserves fine detail and historical tone. |
| 🧼 Laminated (Encapsulated)
|
Sealed in 2 × 80-micron gloss laminate. Durable, wipe-clean, and suitable for frequent reference. |
| 🪵 Laminated + Timber Hang Rails
|
Laminated map mounted with lacquered natural timber rails and hanging cord—ready to display. |
| 🖼️ Canvas (395 gsm HP Professional Matte)
|
Printed with archival pigment inks. Rich texture enhances depth and presentation. |
| 🪵 Canvas + Timber Hang Rails
|
Canvas paired with timber rails for a refined, gallery-style display. |
🔨 Please allow up to 10 working days for professionally mounted hang-railed finishes.
📊 Specifications
| Feature |
Detail |
| Title |
Africa — Its Political Development |
| Publisher |
National Geographic |
| Published |
1980 |
| Dimensions |
741 mm × 578 mm |
| Orientation |
Landscape |
| Map Type |
Historical / Political |
| Focus |
Political evolution, borders, cartographic history |
| Collections |
Africa, Historical |
| Materials |
160 gsm matte paper / 2 × 80-micron laminate / 395 gsm HP Professional Matte Canvas |
| Printing |
Pigment-based, fade-resistant inks |
| Origin |
Printed in Australia |
🎯 Ideal For
- Students and educators of history and political geography
- Enthusiasts of African history and colonial-era mapping
- Collectors of National Geographic historical maps
- Interiors seeking a scholarly and visually rich display
- Gift buyers looking for a meaningful historical piece
🌍 A Continent Shaped by Time and Power
Africa’s political landscape reflects centuries of change:
- Early cartographic interpretations of a vast continent
- Colonial boundaries reshaping regions and identities
- The emergence of independent nations in the modern era
- A complex interplay between geography, history, and power
This map captures that evolution—revealing how Africa’s past continues to shape its present.
🤝 Our Commitment
-
Printed in Australia using archival-quality production
- Faithfully reproduced to preserve clarity and historical detail
- Premium materials selected for durability and longevity
- Each map is hand-checked before dispatch
- Carefully packaged for safe delivery
🚚 Delivery
-
Paper, Laminated, Canvas (rolled): Dispatch within 1–2 business days
-
Hang-Railed Maps: Made to order—allow up to 10 working days
-
Packaging: Securely rolled in protective tubing
Trace the evolution of a continent—
a map that brings Africa’s political history into clear perspective.
👉 Order now and add this compelling historical narrative to your wall.