The U.N. backs a new world map showing Africa in its true relative size

LAGOS, Nigeria — The United Nations General Assembly has overwhelmingly backed a resolution aimed at changing the way Africa and other regions are represented on world maps. The "Correct the Map" resolution, introduced by Togo on behalf of the African Group and supported by the African Union, was adopted on Friday by 164 votes to one, with six countries abstaining. The United States was the only country to vote against it. Before the vote, Togo's Foreign Minister Robert Dussey said maps are far more than simple representations of geography. "Maps shape our understanding of the world. They guide education, nourish the imagination, and influence collective perceptions," Dussey said. The resolution is not legally binding and does not require countries or institutions to abandon the centuries-old Mercator projection, one of the world's most widely used maps. Instead, it encourages wider use of equal-area projections such as Equal Earth, which more accurately show the true relative size of countries and continents, particularly Africa, although their shapes are somewhat distorted. Members of the Correct the Map campaign are encouraging governments, international organizations and educat...