One of the most common criticisms of the Mercator map is that it exaggerates the size of countries nearer the poles (US, Russia, Europe), while downplaying the size of those near the equator (the African Continent). With this tool, you can play around and compare the actual size of countries: https://www.thetruesize.com/
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@stephaniewalter also, the map is not centred on the equator. I have family from Portugal come and visit me in Perth, Western Australia. We travelled the South-West corner of the state and drove 3 to 4 times the length of Portugal. They thought we drove to the centre of the state. Not even close! With modern digital tools we need better projections.
