U.N. General Assembly endorses a new world map that represents Africa more accurately in its larger size. Only the U.S. voted against it
The vote encourages governments and institutions around the world to replace the traditional Mercator map, commonly used since the 16th Century, with the Equal Earth projection.
On Friday, the United Nations General Assembly endorsed a new world map that more accurately represents Africa's larger size, a resolution spearheaded by African nations and advocacy groups. The 164 member states voted in favor, with only the United States casting a dissenting vote and six other countries abstaining. This endorsement encourages governments and institutions worldwide to replace the traditional Mercator map, traditionally used since the 16th century, with the Equal Earth projection.
The Mercator projection, which enlarges regions near the poles such as North America and Greenland, distorts the size of continents. In contrast, the Equal Earth projection maintains the Earth's curvature, showcasing continents in their true proportions. Africa is 14 times larger than Greenland in the Equal Earth projection. While the resolution does not ban the Mercator projection, it merely urges its replacement with the Equal Earth map.
Togo's Foreign Minister Robert Dussey emphasized that maps shape our understanding of the world, influencing education, imagination, and collective perceptions. The new map has been hailed by campaigners like Africa No Filter, which aims to see accurate representations in schools, textbooks, newsrooms, businesses, and digital platforms.
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