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UN approves resolution in support of map that shows Africa's true size
The nonbinding vote passed 164-1 and could push schools, governments and tech companies to adopt maps that show Africa at its true scale.
- 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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97 Articles
97 Articles
AU backs campaign to replace distorted Mercator map
The ‘Correct The Map’ campaign, led by advocacy groups Africa No Filter and Speak Up Africa, is calling for adoption of the 2018 Equal Earth projection, which more accurately shows countries’ true proportions
·Pointe-Noire, Congo (the)
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Africa is bigger than you think: UN votes to correct 'distorted' world map
Led by Togo and supported by the Africa Group, the initiative promotes the Equal Earth projection. Its sponsors argue that the continued use of the 16th-century Mercator map makes Africa appear smaller and more peripheral than it is.
·Noida, India
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Widely spread today, Mercator's 16th-century world map could well be gradually replaced by a version that would make certain countries, including those on the continent,
·France
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Total News Sources97
Leaning Left20Leaning Right16Center11Last UpdatedBias Distribution43% Left
Bias Distribution
- 43% of the sources lean Left
43% Left
L 43%
C 23%
R 34%
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