World map Peg board

A world map is a visual representation of Earth’s entire surface, showing the continents, oceans, and countries in their relative positions. Because the Earth is a sphere and a map is flat, world maps always involve some distortion in shape, area, distance, or direction, depending on the map projection used.

Here’s a detailed description:

🌍 Main Elements of a World Map

1. Continents:

   • Asia – The largest continent, occupying the eastern and northern hemispheres; includes countries like China, India, and Russia.

   • Africa – South of Europe and bordered by the Atlantic and Indian Oceans; notable for its large landmass and diverse geography.

   • North America – Lies entirely in the Northern and Western Hemispheres; includes the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

   • South America – Extends mostly in the Southern Hemisphere; home to the Amazon rainforest and Andes Mountains.

   • Europe – West of Asia and north of Africa; smaller but densely populated.

   • Australia (Oceania) – The smallest continent, including Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific islands.

   • Antarctica – The southernmost continent, covered almost entirely in ice.

2. Oceans:

   • Pacific Ocean – The largest and deepest, between Asia/Australia and the Americas.

   • Atlantic Ocean – Between the Americas and Europe/Africa.

   • Indian Ocean – Between Africa, Asia, and Australia.

   • Southern Ocean – Surrounds Antarctica.

   • Arctic Ocean – Around the North Pole.

3. Lines and Coordinates:

   • Equator (0° latitude): Divides the Earth into Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

   • Prime Meridian (0° longitude): Passes through Greenwich, England; divides Eastern and Western Hemispheres.

   • Tropics: Tropic of Cancer (north) and Tropic of Capricorn (south) mark the limits of the tropics.

   • Polar Circles: Arctic and Antarctic Circles mark the cold regions near the poles.

4. Projections (Map Types):

   • Mercator Projection: Preserves shape but distorts size near poles (Greenland looks huge).

   • Robinson Projection: Balances shape and size—often used in classrooms.

   • Peters Projection: Keeps area accurate but distorts shapes.

5. Other Features:

   • Political boundaries (countries, capitals)

   • Physical features (mountain ranges, rivers, deserts)

   • Latitude/longitude grid

   • Scale and compass rose for orientation