We often think of a map as a realistic representation of the world, but it is actually quite the opposite: a neat and idealistic drawing of borders in what are often messy places with no visible ...

It is part of an exhibition drawing attention to the history of South Africa and the way it is perceived around the world. The Chinese map, covering more than 17 square metres, was produced in silk.

LAST month Kai Krause, a computer-graphics guru, caused a stir with a map entitled "The True Size of Africa", which showed the outlines of other countries crammed into the outline of the African ...