Not Stupid There's something wrong with the world map
Jan 7, 2026
Explore the intriguing world of map projections and their political implications. Discover why the Mercator map dominates classrooms despite its distortions. Learn about the African Union's push for fairer maps and alternative projections like Peters and Equal Earth. Dive into how map orientation shapes geopolitical views, including an ocean-centric approach. Plus, hear about a quirky legal battle over Vegemite bans in prisons and a unique program restoring oyster reefs for a healthier ecosystem!
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Map Choice Shapes Worldview
- The Mercator map was created for navigation and distorts continent sizes when flattening a sphere.
- This distortion inflates polar regions and shrinks Africa, shaping long-term perceptions of global importance.
Africa's Campaign To 'Correct The Map'
- The African Union and advocacy groups campaign to replace the Mercator map with alternatives like the Equal Earth projection.
- They argue current maps foster a false impression of Africa as marginal despite its vast size and population.
Size Versus Shape Trade-Off
- No flat map can preserve both true size and accurate shapes; choices force trade-offs.
- Using a globe remains the most accurate way to represent Earth's proportions and relationships.
