UN approves resolution in support of map that shows Africa's true size
The 164-1 vote urges governments, schools and tech companies to use equal-area maps that show Africa and other regions in true proportion.
- The UN General Assembly voted 164 to 1 in favor of an African-led resolution to phase out the traditional Mercator map projection in global institutions.
- Sponsored by Togo and supported by the African Union, the non-binding resolution promotes the use of the "Equal Earth" map projection to depict the true geographical proportions of Africa and other equatorial regions.
- Proponents of the "Correct the Map" initiative argued that the 1569 Mercator projection distorts continental sizes by enlarging landmasses near the poles, making Africa appear roughly equal in size to Greenland when it is actually 14 times larger.
- The resolution encourages schools, international organizations, and tech companies to adopt equal-area maps while acknowledging Mercator's continued utility for maritime and aerial navigation.
- The United States cast the sole opposing vote, describing the measure as an unnecessary "ideological agenda" that distracts from core international peacekeeping and diplomatic priorities.
322 Articles
322 Articles
Sydney Morning Herald
Brisbane TimesAustralia and Africa expand, North America and Europe shrink: UN adopts new world map
The US was the only country to vote against the move to limit use of the famous 16th-century Mercator map for the Equal Earth projection, saying it promoted an “ideological agenda”.
On conventional world maps, Africa appears half as big as Russia. In fact, it is twice as big. It has a 500-year history – and is now to change.
UN backs new world map that more accurately shows Africa’s true size and scale, 164 countries vote in favour
The UN General Assembly has backed an African Union-led push for more accurate world maps, with 164 countries voting in favour of the ‘Correct the Map’ resolution. The campaign challenges distortions associated with the widely used Mercator projection.
The UN General Assembly has approved a new world map, which will make Africa appear larger than before, while Europe and the Americas will appear smaller. This has been opposed by the United States.
Sueddeutsche Zeitung
The African Union has long complained that its continent is too small on world maps. Now the UN General Assembly adopts a resolution to change this.
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