Archive · 15 Aug 2025
AU Backs Campaign for Correct World Map to Show Africa's True Size
The African Union wants the world to use a different map that shows Africa's true size.
The current map, called Mercator, makes Africa look much smaller than it is.
The AU supports the Equal Earth map, which shows sizes more accurately.
They believe Mercator creates a wrong idea about Africa.
Groups like Africa No Filter are working to get organizations like the UN to use the new map.
The goal is for Africa to be fairly represented and take its rightful place.
The African Union (AU) is campaigning for the worldwide adoption of the Equal Earth projection map.
The Mercator map distorts continent sizes, particularly shrinking Africa.
Advocacy groups like Africa No Filter and Speak Up Africa are leading the 'Correct The Map' campaign.
The AU believes the Mercator map fosters a false impression of Africa.
The campaign seeks to influence organizations like the UN and World Bank to adopt the Equal Earth map.
- Who
- The African Union, advocacy groups such as Africa No Filter and Speak Up Africa.
- What
- The African Union is advocating for the adoption of the Equal Earth projection map to replace the Mercator projection.
- When
- The campaign is ongoing.
- Where
- Global, with a focus on Africa and international organizations.
- Why
- To correct the distortion of Africa's size and combat stereotypes.
Proponents of Equal Earth Projection
Existing Map Users
Map Accuracy and Representation
Proponents of Equal Earth Projection
The Mercator map distorts Africa's true size, fostering negative perceptions and marginalization.
Existing Map Users
No explicit opposing views are presented in the articles.
- Organization Leading Campaign
- Africa No Filter, Speak Up Africa
- Map in Question
- Mercator projection
- Preferred Map
- Equal Earth projection
- AU's Stance
- Supports the campaign
- Key Argument
- Mercator map misrepresents Africa's size
- Goal
- Accurate representation and reclaiming Africa's place
Sources
African Union urges adoption of world map showing continent’s true size
African Union urges adoption of world map showing continent’s true size
African Union Urges Adoption Of World Map Showing Continent's True Size