Africa's true size revealed after 500 years
The United Nations General Assembly is preparing to vote on a draft resolution calling for a gradual move away from the traditional Mercator projection map of the world and the adoption of more accurate maps, especially to fairly represent Africa's area. The initiative is led by Togo and has the approval of the African Union, aiming to correct misconceptions created by the Mercator projection centuries ago, which makes Africa appear smaller than its actual size—its true area is about 14 times larger than Greenland’s. The proposal relies on the "Equal Earth" map, which presents land areas more accurately. African countries hope this will enhance their influence and understanding in international and educational contexts. While the UN’s decision is not legally binding, it could lead to changes in mapping and educational curricula, as part of efforts to reconsider how the world is represented to better reflect Africa’s true importance.
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