Continents, Currents & Countries — Africa Wall Map (1980)
A classic late-century portrait of a continent in full definition. Published by National Geographic in February 1980 as a companion to “Africa, Its Political Development,” this sheet blends clean political boundaries, cities and capitals, and broad physical landforms—coasts, rivers, highlands—into the Society’s unmistakable cartographic style. It’s authoritative on the wall and richly rewarding up close.
More Than a Map – A Testament to History
This isn’t just wall art—it’s a reference frame for post-independence Africa. Read nation-states in context, trace trade and travel corridors, and compare physical geography with political organization. Ideal for educators, historians, designers, travellers, and collectors, it stands alone beautifully and pairs perfectly with its 1980 companion sheet.
Hang it in studios, libraries, classrooms, museums, offices, or at home to invite reflection, study, and conversation.
Premium Materials & Finishes
We treat history with the respect it deserves. That’s why we offer multiple formats, each produced using high-quality materials and modern archival printing.
🌟 Archival Paper Print
Printed on heavyweight 160gsm archival-grade paper.
Smooth matte finish reduces glare and preserves fine linework and labels.
Ideal for framing under glass—clean, timeless, and built to last.
💎 Laminated Edition
Encapsulated in two sheets of 80-micron gloss laminate using true thermal bonding—not just surface lamination.
Moisture-resistant, wipe-clean surface—perfect for classrooms and high-traffic reference spaces.
Optional Natural Timber Hang Rails: lacquered rails with a fitted hanging cord—ready to display. (Please allow up to 10 working days for delivery with hang rails.)
🏆 Museum-Quality Canvas
Printed on heavyweight 395gsm HP Professional Matte Canvas for rich texture and exceptional strength.
Pigment-based, fade-resistant inks deliver deep tone and crisp typography that endure for generations.
Optional Natural Timber Hang Rails: lacquered to enhance the wood grain; top cord for effortless hanging—elegant in any setting. (Please allow up to 10 working days for delivery with hang rails.)
Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Africa Wall Map |
| Series | National Geographic single-sheet continental overview |
| Original Publication | 1980 (February) |
| Companion Sheet | “Africa, Its Political Development” (1980) |
| Cartographic Content | Political boundaries; cities & capitals; coasts; rivers; major landforms & networks |
| Map Size | 578 mm (W) × 741 mm (H) |
| Available Formats | Paper, Laminated, Canvas |
| Paper Weight | 160gsm archival-quality |
| Laminate | 2 × 80-micron gloss laminate sheets (encapsulated) |
| Canvas Weight | 395gsm HP Professional Matte Canvas |
| Inks | Pigment-based, fade-resistant |
| Optional Hang Rails | Available on Laminated & Canvas (lead time up to 10 working days) |
| Origin | Made in Australia |
Why Choose This Map
✔ National Geographic Classic: Signature styling with superb clarity.
✔ Decorative & Scholarly: Strong wall presence and serious reference value.
✔ Perfect Pairing: Complements “Africa, Its Political Development” for a two-panel display.
✔ Clarity at Scale: Crisp labels and balanced symbology read beautifully near or far.
✔ Archival Craft: Premium substrates and inks preserve contrast, labels, and linework for decades.
Our Commitment
We believe that preserving history is as important as telling it. Every map is printed locally in Australia using state-of-the-art technology, carefully checked by hand, and packed with care. From the moment it leaves our workshop to the day it hangs on your wall, we ensure quality you can trust and a legacy you’ll be proud to share.
Celebrate cartography at its best. Order the Africa (1980) today—a faithful, beautifully produced sheet that turns a room into a conversation.
