AU Backs Global Push to “Correct the Map” and Show Africa’s True Size

The African Union has endorsed the Correct The Map campaign to replace the 16th-century Mercator world map, which shrinks Africa’s true size, with the more accurate Equal Earth projection. The AU argues the Mercator distortion perpetuates harmful stereotypes, making the world’s second-largest continent appear small despite its 54 nations and 1.4 billion people. Advocacy groups Africa No Filter and Speak Up Africa are pushing schools and global institutions, including the UN and World Bank, to adopt the 2018 Equal Earth map, which fairly represents landmasses. Supporters, including Caribbean leaders, frame the shift as part of reclaiming Africa’s rightful place on the world stage, amid broader calls for decolonization and reparations.

Reuters