Africa calls for map to show continent's true size
The African Union (AU) has called for an end to a widely used map that shrinks the African continent. The map is called the Mercator projection. It was created by mapmaker Gerardus Mercator in 1569. In the 18th century, it became the international standard for sailors. It is now the world's most widely used map. However, it does not show the true size of different nations. Countries farther away from the Equator look larger than they really are, whereas countries closer to the Equator appear smaller. The AU is supporting a campaign called Correct the Map. It is also calling for a design that shows the correct size of Africa, and of other continents and countries.
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