UN approves resolution in support of map that shows Africa's true size
The nonbinding resolution passed 164-1 and urges wider use of Equal Earth, which shows Africa at 14 times Greenland’s size, supporters said.
- 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.
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UN votes to adopt new world map showing every country at true...
The United Nations has voted to adopt a resolution for the world to formally phase out the traditional Mercator map of the globe in favour of one that more accurately displays Africa's size. In a session at its headquarters in New York, the UN general assembly officially retired the 16th-century Mercator projection in favour of one based on the more accurate 2018 Equal Earth design. At the session, 164 countries voted in favour of the resolution…
Is Greenland as big as Africa? African countries have established a new world map with more realistic size ratios at Uno. Much to the trouble of the United States.The United Nations General Assembly has voted in favour of replacing the traditional world map with a new version that is more precise about the size of Africa. For the resolution "Correct the map", tabled by Togo and supported by members of the African Union, 164 states, 6 countries a…
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