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UN approves resolution in support of map that shows Africa's true size
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.
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…