Togo Pushes UN to Adopt Map Showing Africa's True Size, End Mercator Projection Dominance

Niamey, Togo - Ekhbary News Agency

Togo Leads Efforts to Rectify World Maps

Togo is preparing to launch a significant international initiative, requesting UN member states to adopt a new world map that more accurately reflects the true size of the African continent. This move is part of a broader campaign aimed at phasing out the use of the 'Mercator projection,' a 16th-century mapping system criticized for distorting the relative sizes of continents.

Criticism of Mercator Projection and Its Impact

Critics argue that the Mercator projection, which makes areas like Greenland appear as large as Africa despite the continent being about 14 times larger, contributes to fostering misconceptions about Africa's significance. This distortion, observers note, influences media, educational, and political perceptions of the continent, despite its vast area and large population. The African Union has tasked Togo with spearheading the 'Correct the Map' campaign to end the use of Mercator maps by governments and international organizations.

Calls for Adopting the 'Equal Earth' Projection

The 'Correct the Map' campaign, supported by groups such as 'Africa-Free Filter' and 'Speak Out for Africa,' is advocating for the adoption of the 2018 'Equal Earth' projection. This modern projection aims to provide a more accurate representation of the true sizes of countries and regions. It's important to note that the Mercator projection, originally designed by Gerardus Mercator for navigation purposes, exaggerates areas near the poles while diminishing the size of Africa and South America.

Togo's Foreign Minister Emphasizes 'Scientific Truth'

Togo's Foreign Minister, Robert Dussey, stated in an interview with Reuters that the apparent size of the African continent on current maps is 'geographically inaccurate,' calling for the adoption of 'scientific truth.' Despite the continued widespread use of the Mercator projection in schools and tech companies, the campaign seeks to change this reality. Moki Makura, Executive Director of 'Africa-Free Filter,' emphasizes that accurate map representation extends to the capacity for action and progress, ensuring the world sees Africa as it truly is.

Steps Towards a UN Resolution

Earlier this year, the African Union adopted a draft resolution urging the adoption of the 'Equal Earth' projection and encouraging its member states to abandon Mercator. A draft resolution is currently being prepared for submission to the UN General Assembly in September. Dussey believes that how countries vote will reveal their true stance on this initiative.