UN Backs New World Map to Correct Historical Distortions of Africa

On Friday, September 6, 2026, a resolution was endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly to support a new world map that represents Africa's size more accurately. The campaign for this change was led by African nations and advocacy groups, including the organization Africa No Filter. Togo sponsored the resolution, which was supported by members of the African Union and passed with 164 votes in favor.

The United States was the sole country to vote against the resolution, whereas six other nations—Serbia, Estonia, Georgia, Lithuania, Moldova, and Ukraine—chose to abstain. The resolution encourages global institutions and governments to replace the traditional Mercator map with the 2018 Equal Earth projection. However, officials clarified that the resolution did not ban the Mercator map, nor did it impose a mandatory replacement.

The Mercator projection, designed in the 16th century by Flemish cartographer Gerardus Mercator, was created to assist European sailors with sea navigation. Although it remains useful for that specific purpose, it severely distorts landmasses by shrinking South America and Africa while enlarging regions near the poles. Consequently, Greenland and Africa appear to be the same size on a Mercator map, even though Africa is actually 14 times larger.

In contrast, the Equal Earth projection accounts for the Earth's curvature and displays continents in their true proportions. Togo’s Foreign Minister, Robert Dussey, emphasized the power of cartography before the vote, stating that maps shape our understanding of the world, guide education, and influence collective perceptions. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot also welcomed the decision, noting on social media that correcting a distorted representation of the world is "an act of truth."