The U.N. backs a new world map showing Africa in its true relative size
The U.N. General Assembly has passed a resolution encouraging the use of equal-area map projections, such as Equal Earth, to more accurately represent the size of African nations. The move aims to move away from the traditional Mercator projection, which distorts the size of landmasses near the poles.
Why it matters
This reflects a growing global movement to address historical biases in cartography that have marginalized the perceived importance of the Global South.
Alyson Hurt/NPR LAGOS, Nigeria — The United Nations General Assembly has overwhelmingly backed a resolution aimed at changing the way Africa and other regions are represented on world maps.
The "Correct the Map" resolution , introduced by Togo on behalf of the African Group and supported by the African Union, was adopted on Friday by 164 votes to one, with six countries abstaining.
The United States was the only country to vote against it.
Before the vote, Togo's Foreign Minister Robert Dussey said maps are far more than simple representations of geography.
"Maps shape our understanding of the world. They guide education, nourish the imagination, and influence collective perceptions," Dussey said.
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