UN votes to adopt new world map that reflects Africa's true size
News Source
β’Fri, 04 Sep 2026 19:25:08 +0000
π° What Happened
The United Nations has voted to adopt a new world map that shows countries' true sizes. The 'Correct the Map' resolution was backed by African states. It passed with 164 votes in favour, one against, and six abstentions.
The resolution targets the Mercator map, made in the 16th century by Gerardus Mercator. That map makes land near the poles look bigger than it really is. Africa appears roughly the same size as Greenland. In truth, Africa is about 14 times larger.
Supporters say the old map has shaped how the world sees Africa for 450 years. They argue it shrank the continent in media, education, and policy. 'A fair world begins with a fair map,' said Togo's foreign minister.
π The Backstory
The Mercator map was created in 1569 to help sailors navigate. It kept compass lines straight, which was useful at sea. But it distorts the size of land masses, especially near the poles.
Critics say the map is still widely used because it makes Western nations look bigger and more central. They call this a colonial-era injustice. African leaders have pushed to fix it for years.
The UN vote is a symbolic win for African states. It shows growing support for a fairer picture of the continent. Changing maps in phones and classrooms will take longer.
π― Why It Matters
The way we see the world shapes how we think about it. A fairer map helps people understand Africa's true size and importance. It also challenges old ideas left over from colonial times.
The United Nations has voted to adopt a new world map that shows countries' true sizes. The 'Correct the Map' resolution was backed by African states. It passed with 164 votes in favour, one against, and six abstentions.
The resolution targets the Mercator map, made in the 16th century by Gerardus Mercator. That map makes land near the poles look bigger than it really is. Africa appears roughly the same size as Greenland. In truth, Africa is about 14 times larger.
Supporters say the old map has shaped how the world sees Africa for 450 years. They argue it shrank the continent in media, education, and policy. 'A fair world begins with a fair map,' said Togo's foreign minister.
The Mercator map was created in 1569 to help sailors navigate. It kept compass lines straight, which was useful at sea. But it distorts the size of land masses, especially near the poles.
Critics say the map is still widely used because it makes Western nations look bigger and more central. They call this a colonial-era injustice. African leaders have pushed to fix it for years.
The UN vote is a symbolic win for African states. It shows growing support for a fairer picture of the continent. Changing maps in phones and classrooms will take longer.
The way we see the world shapes how we think about it. A fairer map helps people understand Africa's true size and importance. It also challenges old ideas left over from colonial times.