United Nations Decision on Continental Sizes and the Mercator Projection

United Nations member states overwhelmingly approved a resolution promoting map projections that accurately reflect the true sizes of continents. Led by Africa, this campaign addresses the geographical and perceptual distortions created by the 16th-century Mercator projection.

Broad Support from UN Members

United Nations member states signed off on a resolution supporting map projections that more accurately reflect the true sizes of continents. In the vote, 164 votes were cast in favor of the resolution, which came as a result of a long-standing campaign led by Africa.

Objection from the United States of America

In the vote, the United States of America was the only country to cast a dissenting vote against the resolution. The US representative described the initiative as a radical and ideological project, while Estonia, Georgia, Lithuania, Moldova, Serbia, and Ukraine abstained.

History of the Mercator Projection

Developed for navigation in the 16th century by Flemish cartographer Gerardus Mercator, this map makes continents appear much larger as they get closer to the poles. This situation creates a basis for Africa and equatorial regions to be perceived as smaller than they actually are worldwide.

Call for Equal World Maps

The adopted resolution does not ban the Mercator projection, but recommends that governments, schools, and technology companies use maps that accurately proportion areas, such as Equal Earth. Togolese Foreign Minister Robert Dussey emphasized that a fair map will change the way we see the world.

France's Stance and Europe's Approach

Shortly before the vote, France announced that it would abandon the Mercator projection in its official maps. The European Union, while supporting the resolution, stated that this decision would not affect international borders and sovereign rights.