UN to Vote on Accurate Map Representation for Africa
The United Nations General Assembly is set to vote on August 4, 2026, on a resolution to phase out the Mercator world map in favor of a projection that accurately represents Africa's size. This resolution, sponsored by Togo and supported by all 54 African Union member states, aims to address the scientific inaccuracies of the Mercator projection, which distorts equatorial regions.
Togo's Foreign Affairs Minister, Robert Dussey, emphasized that the discussion is scientific, not political. The Mercator projection, created in 1569, inaccurately depicts Africa as the same size as Greenland, despite Africa being 14 times larger.
The resolution promotes the Equal Earth projection, developed in 2018. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has publicly supported the resolution, stating France will adopt the Eckert IV projection, aligned with the Equal Earth design.
A favorable vote could lead to updates in educational materials and digital tools. Togolese authorities plan an event in Lomé in early 2027 with UNESCO and the African Union.
Plus234Feed summary based on reporting from Legit.ng. Read the original report below.
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