The United Nations General Assembly approves a non-binding resolution supporting a world map that represents Africa’s size more accurately and challenges the long-used Mercator projection. The resolution endorses the Equal Earth map projection, which is designed to show land areas with less distortion than older “square” world maps.
According to multiple outlets, the vote passes by a wide margin. NDTV reports the measure is adopted 164–1, with six abstentions, while the resolution does not change existing legal or practical use of other map projections. It is presented as guidance rather than a requirement.
The sources also note the context for the initiative: critics argue that the Mercator projection makes some regions, including Africa, appear smaller than they are relative to other continents. NDTV adds that the Mercator projection remains valid for navigation, highlighting that the decision focuses on how the world is depicted rather than on replacing navigational charts. The New York Times frames the issue as an African proposal coming to a vote, while The Hindu emphasizes the UN’s backing of a map reflecting “true size.”
