UN General Assembly to Vote on Resolution Replacing Mercator Map to Correct Africa's Scale
Quick Brief
The United Nations General Assembly is scheduled to vote on a resolution backing a new world map that accurately depicts the size of Africa. Sponsored by Togo and supported by the African Union's member states, the measure aims to phase out the traditional Mercator projection. Proponents argue the classic map severely distorts the continent's true scale relative to regions like Greenland.
What Happened?
A resolution sponsored by Togo will face a vote before the UN General Assembly on Friday. The measure calls for the global community to formally phase out the traditional Mercator map in favor of an alternative cartographic model that correctly illustrates Africa's actual size. According to Togo’s foreign affairs minister, Robert Dussey, the initiative is backed by the 54 other member states of the African Union.
Why It Matters
The traditional Mercator map projection has long been criticized by geographers and diplomats for distorting geographical proportions, notably making Africa appear comparable in size to Greenland when it is actually fourteen times larger. Adopting a new standard could reshape educational materials and international cartographic representations to reflect geographical reality more accurately.
Key Facts
- The UN General Assembly is voting on the map resolution on Friday.
- The resolution was sponsored by Togo.
- The initiative is backed by the African Union's 54 other member states.
- The measure aims to phase out the traditional Mercator map.
Compiled from 1 outlet
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