The United Nations voted on Friday to move away from the traditional Mercator global map in favor of one that more accurately depicts the true size of countries. The resolution was proposed by African nations to address the misperception that Africa is marginalized.
Togo spearheaded the initiative as part of the African Union’s campaign to reduce the use of the Mercator map, which distorts the sizes of land masses, particularly those near the poles. This distortion makes Greenland appear similar in size to Africa, even though Africa is significantly larger.
Togo’s Foreign Minister, Robert Dussey, emphasized the importance of using a fair map for a fair world. The resolution endorses the Equal Earth projection, which provides a more precise representation of continent sizes.
Although the resolution is not legally binding, the Togolese ministry clarified that it does not challenge the Mercator projection’s suitability for maritime and aerial navigation. The resolution was approved by the UN General Assembly with 164 votes in favor, one against (from the United States), and six abstentions.
Togo aims to update its school geography materials by the end of the year, becoming the first country to do so. Dussey expressed the intention to encourage other countries, schools, international bodies, and tech firms to transition away from the outdated Mercator projection in favor of the Equal Earth projection, which offers a more accurate view of the world.
Dussey plans to engage with African Union members and supporters globally to facilitate broader adoption of the new map. He emphasized that the campaign is part of broader African initiatives to address colonial legacies and is not intended as an affront to any specific civilization.
The widespread use of the Mercator map is seen as a relic of colonization, and Dussey highlighted the evolving nature of the world and Africa’s role in it.