Togo to Revise Geography Books After UN Resolution

Togo has announced its intention to revise school geography materials by the end of 2026 after the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution advocating for maps that accurately depict the size of Africa. Togo's Foreign Minister, Robert Dussey, stated that Togo would be the first nation to implement changes to its geography books, promoting the Equal Earth projection, which preserves the relative surface areas of continents.

The resolution, adopted with 164 votes in favor, was sponsored by Togo on behalf of the African Group, with the United States voting against it and six countries abstaining. Dussey emphasized the need for Togo to lead by example and urged other governments and organizations to move away from the Mercator projection, which distorts land mass sizes.

He plans to engage with African Union member states and mapping technology companies within six months to promote wider adoption. The resolution is not legally binding and does not require countries to abandon the Mercator projection, which remains suitable for navigation.