We see what is called a Meractor Projection, this is done so that it is easier to fit a round globe on a square page, nothing more nothing less.
All lines of Longitude (vertical) meet at the top at the poles but are spaced like lines of Latitude on the Equator.
If you look at a good atlas it will have two world maps at the beginning the normal, can't remember whats its called,projection which looks like an orange peel and then a Meractor next to it. All this means is that land nearer the poles gets blown up relative to land near the Equator.
Just ask a sailor.