UN approves resolution in support of map that shows Africa's true size

The United Nations General Assembly approved a resolution on Friday to adopt a global map projection that more accurately reflects the true sizes of countries, moving away from the 16th-century Mercator map. Sponsored by African states and led by Togo, the initiative aims to counter perceptions that Africa is peripheral, as the Mercator projection distorts landmass sizes, making areas near the poles appear larger than they are. Togo's Foreign Minister Robert Dussey stated, "A fair world begins with a fair map." The resolution, passed 164 to 1 with 6 abstentions (the US voted against), promotes the Equal Earth projection. While not legally binding and not challenging Mercator's use for navigation, Togo plans to update its school geography materials this year and will advocate for wider international adoption of the new map.