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Africa, Its Political Development - Published 1980 by National Geographic — historic National Geographic map print

Africa, Its Political Development - Published 1980 by National Geographic

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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.



Frequently Asked Questions

What are the dimensions of the Africa, Its Political Development - Published 1980 by National Geograp?

Mapworld wall maps range from standard 700×1000mm to large-format 1000×1430mm Supermaps. The exact dimensions for this map are shown in the product title. Where multiple sizes are available, select your preferred size when adding to cart.

Is this wall map available laminated?

Many Mapworld wall maps are available in paper, laminated, or framed finishes. Check the product options when adding to cart. Laminated maps are wipe-clean and more durable.

Is this the latest edition?

Mapworld stocks the most current editions available from all publishers. Edition year is shown in the product title where applicable. Mapworld updates its catalogue as new editions are released.

Can I write on or pin this wall map?

Laminated wall maps can be written on with whiteboard markers and wiped clean. Paper maps can be pinned on a corkboard. Choose a laminated option for a writeable surface.

Does Mapworld ship the Africa, Its Political Development - Published 1980 by National Geograp across Australia?

Yes, Mapworld ships Australia-wide. Standard shipping is a flat $7 rate, with free standard shipping on orders over $75. Express options are available at checkout. Most orders placed before 2pm AEST on weekdays are dispatched same day.



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