Full Breakdown
UN General Assembly Endorses Use of the Equal Earth Map Projection
9/5/2026, 4:04:47 AM
Core Decision
On Friday, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution encouraging the replacement of the long-used Mercator projection with the Equal Earth projection. The measure, sponsored by Togo and supported by the African Union, received affirmative votes from 164 of the 193 member states. The United States cast the sole “no” vote, while Serbia, Estonia, Georgia, Lithuania, Moldova and Ukraine abstained. The resolution does not forbid the Mercator map but urges governments, schools and businesses to adopt the more proportionally accurate Equal Earth version.
Background and Campaign
The push for a new world map stems from a multi-year campaign led by African nations and advocacy groups such as Africa No Filter. Critics of the Mercator projection argue that its 16th-century design, intended for navigation, inflates regions near the poles—making Greenland appear comparable in size to Africa—while shrinking continents like Africa and South America. The Equal Earth projection, introduced in 2018, follows the Earth’s curvature and displays continents in true proportion.
Key Figures and Groups
- Robert Dussey – Foreign Minister of Togo, sponsor of the resolution.
- African Union – Regional bloc backing the initiative.
- Africa No Filter – Advocacy organization promoting accurate maps in education and media.
- Jean-Noël Barrot – French Foreign Minister, supporter of the change.
- Mark Monmonier – Professor of geography at Syracuse University, commentator on map utility.
Data and Statistics
- Vote tally: 164 in favor, 1 against, 6 abstentions.
- In the Equal Earth projection, Africa appears roughly 14 times larger than Greenland, correcting the distortion seen on Mercator maps.
Impact and Reactions
Togo’s foreign minister emphasized that maps shape collective perception, influencing education and imagination. France’s foreign minister described the correction as “an act of truth,” noting that adjusting representation does not alter reality but improves accuracy. Geographers, including Professor Monmonier, argue that outside narrow navigation purposes, the Mercator map offers little value. Advocates hope the resolution will lead to updated textbooks, digital platforms and public displays, fostering a more realistic view of global geography.
