Critique of usual representation: UN votes in Togo's request for reform of the world map
The African Union has long been complaining that its continent is not being represented realistically on world maps. Now the UN General Assembly is adopting a resolution that aims to change this.
The UN General Assembly has voted to replace the traditional world map with a new version that more accurately represents the size of Africa. The resolution, introduced by Togo and supported by African Union members, was approved by 164 countries, with 6 abstaining and the US voting against. The non-binding vote is expected to lead to changes in maps worldwide, with the current Mercator projection, developed in 1569, being replaced by more accurate maps such as the "Equal Earth" projection.
The Mercator projection has been criticized for distorting the size of countries, with Africa appearing much smaller than it actually is, and the new resolution encourages governments, schools, and technology companies to use more accurate maps.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's report — not a translation of it. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
