A new initiative challenges the Mercator map and promotes Africa’s true size
The African Union is supporting a new campaign called “Correct the Map.” The goal is to stop governments and international organizations from using the Mercator map. This map was created in the 16th century and does not show the real size of continents, especially Africa.
The Mercator map was designed to help sailors navigate the oceans. However, it makes countries near the North and South Poles look much bigger. As a result, regions like North America and Greenland appear larger than they are. At the same time, Africa and South America look much smaller.
According to Selma Malika Haddadi from the African Union, this map gives the wrong idea about Africa’s importance. In reality, Africa is the second-largest continent in the world. It has more than one billion people and 55 member countries.
The campaign encourages the use of the Equal Earth map, created in 2018. This map shows the true size of countries and continents. Groups like Africa No Filter and Speak Up Africa lead this initiative.
Experts say maps can affect how children see themselves. Using fair maps can help build identity and pride. The African Union hopes schools, governments, and global organizations will adopt this change and help Africa take its rightful place in the world.