United Nations General Assembly Adopts New Map Showing Africa's True Size
The UN General Assembly approved the new Equal Earth projection map, presented under Togo's leadership, which depicts continental proportions accurately.
The United Nations General Assembly has approved a new world map featuring the Equal Earth projection, which reflects Africa's size much more accurately compared to the traditional Mercator map.
Background of the General Assembly Decision
The United Nations General Assembly took a historic step by approving a new world map that more accurately reflects the true size of the African continent.
This decision emerged as a significant result of campaigns recently conducted by African countries and various advocacy groups.
Voting Results and Country Stances
The draft resolution presented by Togo and supported by African Union members was adopted with 164 member states voting in favor.
Only the United States cast a dissenting vote, while six countries abstained.
Equal Earth and Mercator Maps
The vote encourages governments and institutions worldwide to abandon the traditional Mercator map, which has been in use since the 16th century.
The newly adopted Equal Earth projection provides geographical accuracy by showing continents in their true proportions.
Significant Differences in Continental Sizes
While Greenland and Africa appear almost equal in size on the Mercator projection, the Equal Earth map shows that Africa is 14 times larger than Greenland.
Experts note that the traditional map enlarges regions near the poles while shrinking areas like Africa and South America.
Advisory Nature of the Decision
According to a United Nations report, this decision does not ban the Mercator projection or impose a mandatory change.
The resolution merely aims to encourage the use of the Equal Earth projection on a global scale.
International Statements and Reactions
Togo's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Robert Dussey, emphasized prior to the vote that maps shape our understanding of the world and influence collective perceptions.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot also stated in a social media post that correcting a distorted representation is an act of reality.