Why the UN General Assembly voted to adopt a new world map

The United Nations General Assembly has voted to promote a world map that more accurately reflects the size of Africa. Togo sponsored the “Correct the Map” resolution, which received support from 164 countries. The United States was the only country to vote against it, while six countries abstained.

The vote targets the Mercator projection, which has been widely used since the 16th century. On that map, Africa and Greenland appear to be nearly the same size, even though Africa is 14 times larger.

Flemish cartographer Gerardus Mercator designed the projection in 1569 to help European navigators travel around the world. Because a globe cannot be represented perfectly on a flat surface, the projection enlarges areas closer to the poles and makes countries near the equator appear smaller.

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A fair world begins with a fair map.

A team of cartographers created an alternative map in 2018. The 54 members of the African Union adopted it in February, saying it represents the size of the continents, especially Africa, more accurately.

Togo’s foreign minister, Robert Dussey, told a UN briefing that “a fair world begins with a fair map.” He also said, “A map is never neutral. It shapes perceptions and influences how people and continents understand their place in the world.” The General Assembly resolution is not binding, but it is expected to encourage institutions around the world to change the maps they use.

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A map is never neutral. It shapes perceptions and influences how people and continents understand their place in the world.