What in the World Are we using the wrong world map?
Sep 9, 2025
Explore the surprising distortions of the Mercator projection and its impact on the perception of Africa's true size. Discover how this 450-year-old map exaggerates land masses far from the equator. Advocates for the Equal Earth map argue for a more accurate representation to correct global misconceptions. Learn about the African Union's endorsement of the 'Correct the Map' campaign and its aims for educational reform. Dive into why the Mercator projection remains prevalent and the need for a shift towards maps that reflect true geographic equality.
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Mercator Distorts Global Size
- The Mercator projection distorts land size, stretching areas farther from the equator.
- This makes regions like Europe and Greenland appear much larger than Africa and South America.
Campaign Pushed By African Advocacy Groups
- Campaigners Correct the Map pushed the African Union to endorse the Equal Earth map.
- Makuochi says advocacy groups Africa No Filter and Speak Up Africa led the campaign to influence the AU.
Adopt Equal Earth Widely
- Use the Equal Earth projection in textbooks, online platforms and templates to show Africa at correct scale.
- Replace Mercator defaults in education and design so audiences internalise accurate geography.