{
  "id": 5973953,
  "title": "UN General Assembly endorses new world map that shows more accurately Africa's size",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/06/un-general-assembly-endorses-new-world-map-that-shows-more-accurately-5973953",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-06T12:37:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times-koreatimes",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/world/20260906/un-general-assembly-endorses-new-world-map-that-shows-more-accurately-africas-size"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On Friday, the United Nations General Assembly endorsed a new world map that more accurately depicts the size of Africa. This decision was the result of a campaign spearheaded by African nations and advocacy organizations. The resolution, sponsored by Togo and supported by African Union members, was adopted by 164 member states. The United States was the only country to vote against it, while six other countries - Serbia, Estonia, Georgia, Lithuania, Moldova, and Ukraine - abstained. The move encourages nations and institutions globally to replace the traditional Mercator map, which has been in use since the 16th century, with the Equal Earth projection. This projection is favored by advocates and geographers as it presents locations more accurately. According to the Equal Earth projection, Africa is 14 times larger than Greenland, unlike the Mercator map which makes Greenland and Africa appear to be of similar size. The resolution does not outright ban the Mercator projection, nor does it mandate the use of the Equal Earth projection. However, it does encourage their adoption.",
  "summary": "The United Nations General Assembly on Friday endorsed a new world map that represents Africa more accurately in its larger size, a culmination of a recent campaign led by African countries and advocacy groups. Friday’s resolution, which was sponsored by Togo and backed by members of the African Union, was passed with 164 member states voting in favor. Only the U.S. voted against it while six…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "CBS News",
        "title": "U.N. backs new world map showing Africa's true size",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/06/u-n-backs-new-world-map-showing-africas-true-size",
        "published": "2026-09-06T12:08:08.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Korea Times",
        "title": "UN General Assembly endorses new world map that shows more accurately Africa's size",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/06/un-general-assembly-endorses-new-world-map-that-shows-more-accurately",
        "published": "2026-09-06T12:27:03.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}