UN approves resolution in support of map that shows Africa's true size - Reuters

The United Nations General Assembly voted on Friday to adopt a resolution that endorses the use of a map that more accurately reflects the true size of African countries. The resolution, which was sponsored by a coalition of African member states, calls for a shift away from the traditional 16th‑century Mercator projection that has long been the standard for world maps.

The Mercator map, originally created for navigation, distorts the relative size of landmasses, making regions such as Europe and North America appear larger while reducing the apparent size of Africa and other equatorial continents. The new resolution seeks to promote a map that presents Africa’s geographic dimensions without such distortion, aiming to counter the perception that the continent is peripheral on the global stage.

In the resolution, member states emphasized that the adoption of a more proportionate map would help improve public understanding of Africa’s true scale and its role in the world. The resolution also encourages the United Nations and its agencies to use the revised map in official publications, educational materials, and communications.

The vote reflects growing recognition among UN members of the symbolic and practical importance of accurate cartographic representation. While the specific vote count was not disclosed, the resolution was passed with sufficient support to become an official UN endorsement.

The move is expected to influence how maps are produced and displayed by international organizations, governments, and educational institutions, fostering a more balanced visual portrayal of global geography.