UN adopts new world map showing Western Sahara separately from Morocco
The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution encouraging the use of equal-area map projections, such as Equal Earth, to better represent the size of African and equatorial regions. The resolution maintains the separate status of Western Sahara from Morocco.
Why it matters
The resolution addresses long-standing criticisms of the Mercator projection's Eurocentric bias while reinforcing the UN's diplomatic stance on the status of Western Sahara.
Sat, 09/05/2026 - 21:01 New York (United Nations), September 5, 2026 (SPS) – The United Nations General Assembly on Friday adopted a resolution promoting more accurate world maps, including the Equal Earth projection, in a move that maintains the separate representation of Western Sahara from Morocco.
The resolution, titled “Correct the map: rebalancing global cartographic representation and promoting equitable representation of the world’s regions, particularly Africa,” was adopted by an overwhelming majority of 164 votes in favor, one against and six abstentions. The United States was the only country to vote against.
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