UN approves resolution to adopt true-size world map

The United Nations General Assembly voted on Friday to endorse a shift away from the 16th‑century Mercator projection in favor of a map that more accurately reflects the true size of countries. The resolution, backed by a bloc of African member states, calls on UN bodies to adopt an equal‑area representation for official publications and educational materials.

The Mercator map, originally designed for navigation, enlarges regions at higher latitudes and has long portrayed Africa as significantly smaller than its actual land area. By promoting a projection that preserves relative size, the resolution seeks to counter the perception of the continent as peripheral and to provide a more balanced visual reference for global geography. Implementation will be coordinated through the UN’s Department of Economic and Social Affairs, with member states encouraged to transition to the new format in upcoming reports and conferences.