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.
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Africa gets bigger, North America, Europe smaller as UN adopts realistic new world map, but why is US upset?
The new map, known as the Equal Earth cartographic projection, is designed to provide a more accurate representation of the world's land masses, according to the resolution.
EADaily, September 5, 2026. The United States was the only country to vote against the UN General Assembly draft resolution in support of the Equal Earth map projection.
The UN General Assembly is abandoning the traditional world map that has been used for centuries. It will be replaced by a new map that reflects the true dimensions of the African continent. All eyes are now on the final vote on the draft resolution submitted to the United Nations by the 54 member states of the African Union, which will represent Africa as a world map...
Sydney Morning Herald
Australia 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.
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