UN votes to endorse new map projection that shows Africa's size more accurately
The UN General Assembly has endorsed the 'Equal Earth' map projection, which provides a more accurate representation of Africa's size compared to the traditional Mercator map. While not mandatory, the resolution encourages institutions to adopt the new projection to correct historical distortions.
Why it matters
This represents a symbolic and educational shift in how global geography is taught and perceived, addressing long-standing criticisms of Eurocentric map projections.
The United Nations General Assembly on Friday endorsed a new world map that represents Africa more accurately in its larger size, a culmination of a recent campaign led by African countries and advocacy groups.Friday's resolution, which was sponsored by Togo and backed by members of the African Union, was passed with 164 member states voting in favor. Only the U.S. voted against it while six other countries - Serbia, Estonia, Georgia, Lithuania, Moldova and Ukraine - abstained.The vote encourages governments and institutions around the world to replace the traditional Mercator map, commonly used since the 16th Century, with the Equal Earth projection that advocates and geographers say shows locations more accurately.The Mercator projection shows Greenland and Africa as appearing to be about the same size whereas in the Equal Earth projection that shows continents in their true proportions, Africa is 14 times larger than Greenland.Friday's resolution does not ban the…
Also covering this story
11 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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