The United Nations voted on Friday to transition from the traditional Mercator global map to a more accurate representation of countries’ actual sizes. The resolution, driven by African nations, aims to combat the perception that Africa is marginalized.
Togo spearheaded the effort as part of the African Union’s push to reduce the use of the Mercator map, which distorts the sizes of land masses by exaggerating those closer to the poles. This distortion makes Greenland appear similar in size to Africa, despite Africa being significantly larger.
“A just world begins with an equitable map,” stated Togo’s Foreign Minister Robert Dussey in anticipation of the vote. The resolution endorses the Equal Earth projection, which provides a more precise depiction of continents’ sizes.
Although not legally binding, the resolution does not challenge the Mercator projection’s suitability for maritime and aerial navigation, as confirmed by the Togolese ministry.
Passed by a vote of 164 to one, with six abstentions in the UN General Assembly, the resolution faced opposition from the United States, which criticized it as advancing an ideological agenda and diverting attention from genuine international issues.
Togo aims to update its school geography materials by the year’s end, becoming the first country to do so. The country plans to advocate for a broader shift away from the Mercator projection among governments, schools, international bodies, and tech companies, emphasizing the Equal Earth projection as offering the most accurate representation of the world.
Dussey disclosed plans to engage with African Union member states and global supporters in the coming months to foster wider adoption of the new map. He underscored the initiative as part of broader African endeavors to address colonial legacies, clarifying that it is not an assault on any particular civilization but a step toward a more contemporary and equitable world.