The African Union is championing a campaign to replace the outdated Mercator map with a more accurate representation of Africa’s size. This initiative, announced on 2025-08-15 17:32:00, aims to correct long-standing misconceptions that have marginalized the continent. By advocating for the Equal Earth projection, the AU seeks to reshape perceptions and promote a more equitable view of Africa on the global stage.
- African Union supports ending Mercator map use.
- Mercator distorts continent sizes, misrepresenting Africa.
- Campaign promotes Equal Earth projection for accuracy.
- Mercator affects African identity and education.
- Global institutions urged to adopt Equal Earth.
- Other regions support AU's mapping efforts.
Selma Malika Haddadi, deputy chair of the African Union Commission, emphasized that the Mercator map distorts reality, inflating the size of northern continents while minimizing Africa’s significance. This misrepresentation not only impacts education and policy but also influences how Africans perceive their identity and place in the world.
This campaign raises an essential question: how do maps influence our understanding of global geography? The Mercator projection has perpetuated stereotypes that affect media narratives and educational content. Key points include:
- The Mercator map distorts Africa’s true size, affecting perceptions.
- Advocacy groups are pushing for a curriculum change in schools.
- Global institutions are urged to adopt the Equal Earth projection.
- Other regions, such as the Caribbean, support the AU’s initiative.
As the conversation around map accuracy gains momentum, it’s crucial for educational institutions and global organizations to embrace this change. Will you support the call for a more equitable representation of Africa?
