• “Europe and North America pumped up, Africa deflated “

By Fortune Madondo

 A Geographical Lie

The current standard world map is wildly misleading, a tool of miseducation, and perpetuates a geographical lie. And mostly Mother Africa (the Continent of Africa) is the victim, presented as much smaller than her actual gigantic landmass size.

Africa Map Size Conspiracy

A map is a representation of the Earth on a flat surface. Current world maps are not only incorrect but unfair when it comes to representing the actual size of Mother Africa. This phenomenon of misrepresentation of Africa on the world map is termed the Africa Map Size Conspiracy.

“Africa Map Size Conspiracy” is a common misrepresentation of Africa’s size on many world maps that use the Mercator projection (MP).

What is the Mercator Projection?

The 1569 Mercator Projection (MP) was designed by a European cartographer (a person who draws or produces maps), Geert de Kremer, known as Mercator. Gerardus Mercator’s 1569 map projection, developed in the late 16th century, became the standard template for modern world maps, shaping how global geography is commonly represented today

How Mercator’s Projection Distorts the Size of Africa?

Mercator Projection (MP) distorts the actual sizes of landmasses by making countries closer to the poles appear much larger than they actually are, while at the same time making smaller (shrinking) those closer to the equator. As a result, Africa, a massive continent, appears much smaller than its actual size.

Common Examples of Misrepresentation

Firstly, for example, in most standard world maps, Africa appears to be almost the same size as Greenland (which, of course, is a lie); in reality, Africa is 14 times larger and much bigger than Greenland.

Secondly, Africa appears to be almost the same size as South America, when in fact Africa is far larger than South America.

Thirdly, Canada on the world map appears a vast nation, but in reality, three (3) Canadas would comfortably fit inside Africa.

The Reality -Three Times Bigger

Africa’s land area is 30,37 million km². China’s area is 9,6 km². The United States of America (US) is 9,8 km². Europe is 10,18 km².

Let this sink in for a while. Africa is three times bigger than the area of the US. Three times bigger than the area of Europe. Three times bigger than the area of China. Africa is also bigger than all of the US, Europe, and China combined. But in most world maps, Africa is downsized.

 CONSEQUENCES

 a) Perception/s

Definitely, a downsized Africa has an impact on perception. This distortion can affect how people perceive Africa’s size, influence, and importance on the global stage. This distortion can create a skewed perception of Africa, not only in terms of size and importance.

It also creates an impression that Africa is smaller, weaker, and less significant than it is.

 b) Psychological Consequences

Why is Africa downsized and represented as smaller on world maps? This is deliberately done to create the visual effect of a small Africa. Why? To easily manipulate, brainwash, and deceive Africans wherever they are.

 c) A Political Tool

Menno-Jan Kraak, President of the International Cartographic Association & Professor of Cartography at the University of Twente, Netherlands, in an interview with CNN, said:

“The World maps that prevail today have been embedded in Western imaginations since the British Empire. They continue to prevail despite many challenges to their fairness and accuracy. They underpin the ongoing Anglo-Euro-American presumption that the world belongs to them and pivots around these geo-cultural axes “.

 d) Propaganda Map

Is it a coincidence that Canada, the United States of America (US), and Europe look bigger and massive on most widely used maps? Critics of the Mercator projection point out that current misleading world maps reflect a Eurocentric bias, prioritizing the representation of Europe and North America while minimizing the size of countries closer to the equator, which are often in the Global South (Africa).

Moving Towards an Alternative World View

There is a growing need to develop alternative world maps that more accurately represent the true sizes of countries and continents. This effort aims to reduce geographic bias in educational materials and promote a more balanced global perspective.

“By incorporating the Peters Projection (an equal area representation map) into classrooms, we are opening the door for students to view the world in a different light.”

Natacha Scott, social studies director at Boston Public Schools.

Lesson

Africa should produce its own knowledge in every aspect of learning, not to always and completely rely on knowledge produced by others for their motives.

Africa should have its own maps, its own cartographers, geographers, technicians, scientists, etc. Africa, produce your own knowledge!!!

 F. Madondo (African Teacher) fortmada123@gmail.com