{
  "id": 6103694,
  "title": "Correcting the map distortions",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/07/correcting-the-map-distortions",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-07T05:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/news/opinion/correcting-the-map-distortions/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The United Nations officially adopted a fairer map of Africa on Friday, marking an important step towards more accurate representation of the continent. The shift comes after 457 years of the problematic Mercator projection, which distorted the size of Africa to fit on a flat map. However, the United States was notably absent from the unanimous vote, with a representative expressing disapproval.\n\nUS representative Yaryna Ferencevych criticized the adoption of the new map, stating that it was merely replacing old maps from the 16th century instead of addressing genuine international issues. This criticism is ironic, considering the US itself recently changed the name of Lake Ontario to Lake America, a move that ignores historical facts.\n\nThe US has a history of manipulating maps for political gain. For instance, during the Trump administration, President Trump used a Sharpie to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America. Despite the absurdity of such actions, the UN and the US both acknowledge that representation matters and misrepresentation can have serious consequences.\n\nA fair map of Africa is essential for several reasons. First, Africa accounts for roughly 20% of the Earth's landmass, making it a significant player on the global stage. However, the Mercator projection, once considered the standard for world maps, shows Africa as only slightly larger than Greenland. In reality, Africa could fit Greenland's landmass inside 14 times. This misrepresentation can lead to a lack of understanding and respect among nations.\n\nCartographers had long recognized the flaws in the Mercator projection, but it gained widespread acceptance through the adoption of Google Maps and other digital mapping services. Now, with the UN's resolution to correct the map, the hope is that a fairer representation will pave the way for greater understanding, respect, and peace among nations.",
  "summary": "'A fair map does not change the geography of the world; it changes how we see the world.'",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "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."
}