United Nations Decision on Equal-Area Map Projection
The UN General Assembly adopted the Fix the Map resolution aimed at accurately depicting the true surface areas of continents.
The United Nations General Assembly approved the Fix the Map resolution, prepared to address historical distortions of Africa on maps and encouraging the use of equal-area projections.
Details of the Vote
The resolution, submitted by Togo on behalf of member states of the African Union and co-sponsored by the Bahamas, was adopted with 164 votes in favor, 1 against, and 6 abstentions.
Mercator Map
The widely used map developed by Gerardus Mercator in the 16th century enlarges regions close to the poles, centralizing Western nations and perpetuating colonial-era perceptions.
Equal Earth Projection
The resolution supports the use of the Equal Earth projection developed in 2018 by Tom Patterson, Bojan Šavrič, and Bernie Jenny.
Legal Bindingness
This adopted resolution is not legally binding and does not prohibit the use of the Mercator projection in marine and air navigation.
US Stance
The United States, which was the only country to vote against the resolution, criticized this step as an ideological agenda that distracts from real international challenges.