Rare Old Infographic Map of Africa, 1967: Geographical Diversity, Mineral Wealth, Cold War Cartography

The "Africa in Infographics" map, first published in 1967 by the Polish Army Topography Service, is an exemplary piece of historical cartography. This thematic infographic map is centered on the vast and diverse continent of Africa, providing a wealth of knowledge and understanding about this intriguing region of the world. The map's thematic style, which focuses on specific subjects or themes within a geographic area, allows for a comprehensive and detailed examination of Africa's various geographical aspects. The Polish Army Topography Service, renowned for its meticulous and detailed cartographic work, has truly outdone itself with this map, which stands as a testament to the power of well-crafted infographics.

The map is remarkable for its eight separate yet interconnected infographics, each shedding light on a different aspect of Africa's geography. These infographics cover a wide range of topics, from geology and geomorphology to soils, vegetation, and climate. Each infographic is meticulously detailed, providing a wealth of information that allows the viewer to gain a deep understanding of Africa's diverse geographical features. The infographics on annual precipitation and temperature are particularly noteworthy, offering a fascinating glimpse into Africa's varied climate.

In addition to its geographical infographics, the map also features two infographics that focus on Africa's mineral resources and land use. These infographics provide valuable insights into the continent's economic and agricultural activities, painting a vivid picture of Africa's economic potential and the ways in which its natural resources have been utilized. The infographic on mineral resources is especially interesting, offering a comprehensive overview of Africa's rich mineral wealth and its distribution across the continent.

The "Africa in Infographics" map is not just a map, but a historical document that offers a wealth of knowledge about Africa's geography, climate, and resources. Its detailed infographics and thematic style make it a valuable tool for anyone interested in Africa's geography, history, or economy. Furthermore, as a product of the Polish Army Topography Service, it also provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of Cold War-era cartography, when maps were not just tools for navigation, but also instruments of political and military strategy. This map is truly a treasure trove of information, making it a must-have for any collector or enthusiast of historical maps.

• Recent Historical Events: This map, published in 1967, offers a snapshot of Africa during a time of great change and upheaval. The post-colonial era was a period of rapid political, social, and economic transformation for many African nations.
• Mapmaker: The Polish Army Topography Service, the creator of this map, is renowned for its detailed and precise cartographic work. This map exemplifies their meticulous approach to mapmaking.
• Geology and Geomorphology: The map provides detailed infographics on Africa's geology and geomorphology, offering insights into the continent's diverse physical landscape.
• Climate: The map's infographics on annual precipitation and temperature provide a comprehensive overview of Africa's varied climate.
• Soils and Vegetation: Detailed infographics on soils and vegetation offer insights into Africa's diverse ecosystems and their underlying soil structures.
• Mineral Resources: The map provides a comprehensive overview of Africa's rich mineral wealth and its distribution across the continent.
• Land Use: The map's infographic on land use offers valuable insights into the continent's economic and agricultural activities.
• Cold War Era Cartography: As a product of the Polish Army Topography Service, this map provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of Cold War-era cartography, when maps were not just tools for navigation, but also instruments of political and military strategy.
• Educational Value: With its detailed infographics and thematic style, this map serves as a valuable educational tool for anyone interested in Africa's geography, history, or economy.
• Historical Significance: This map is not just a piece of cartography, but a historical document that offers a wealth of knowledge about Africa's geography, climate, and resources during a pivotal time in the continent's history.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is undefined or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your unique map for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your old map. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore my maps that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore the maps. As a result, I guarantee my maps are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.