Togo to ask UN member states to use map showing Africa’s true size
Togo has announced plans to urge United Nations member states to adopt a world map that more accurately represents the true size of Africa, moving away from the centuries-old Mercator projection. The country’s foreign minister said the current map distorts reality by making regions like Greenland appear comparable in size to Africa, even though Africa is about 14 times larger.
Critics argue that such distortions reinforce misleading perceptions of Africa’s global importance, influencing education, media, and policy narratives. In response, the African Union has tasked Togo with leading the “Correct The Map” campaign, which seeks to replace the Mercator projection with the 2018 Equal Earth projection—designed to better reflect actual country sizes.
Originally developed in the 16th century for navigation, the Mercator projection exaggerates areas near the poles while shrinking regions closer to the equator, including Africa and South America. Togo’s Foreign Minister emphasized the need for “scientific truth,” noting that the continent’s size is often inaccurately portrayed.
Although the Mercator map remains widely used in schools and by technology companies, advocacy groups backing the campaign say accurate representation is essential for shaping global perceptions and supporting Africa’s progress.
The African Union has already endorsed the shift and is encouraging its member states to adopt the Equal Earth projection. Togo is now working on a draft resolution to be presented at the United Nations General Assembly, with a potential vote expected in September. According to officials, the outcome could signal where countries stand on the issue.
