Africa Now Bigger In World Map. 164 Countries Backed Resolution, US Opposed
The UN General Assembly has adopted a resolution to use the 'Equal Earth' map projection, which increases the relative size of Africa while shrinking North America and Europe. The United States opposed the move, criticizing the focus on cartographic projects over pressing global issues.
Why it matters
This represents a symbolic shift in global representation and highlights diplomatic friction between the US and the UN regarding institutional priorities.
The United Nations General Assembly voted Friday to adopt a new world map that makes the African continent bigger while shrinking North America and Europe, drawing ire from Washington.Aimed at "a more accurate representation" of continental landmasses, the resolution was supported by 164 countries while the United States voted against it and six other states abstained.The new map -- known as the Equal Earth cartographic projection -- improves "the accuracy of the cartographic representation of the world," the resolution said.It urges member states to use the new map in place of the traditional Mercator projection, which was designed for maritime navigation by Flemish cartographer Gerardus Mercator in 1569.🎉Congratulations to the delegation of Togo 🇹🇬 on the adoption this morning by the #UNGA of resolution A/80/L.104, "Correct the Map", an @_AfricanUnion initiative promoting more accurate and equitable global cartographic representation, particularly of #Africa.A significant...
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