UN General Assembly to Vote on Phasing Out Mercator World Map

1-Minute Brief

The proposed map change aims to address longstanding concerns about the distorted representation of Africa’s size in global cartography.

Key Facts

• The UN General Assembly is scheduled to vote on a resolution to phase out the Mercator map projection.
• The resolution was sponsored by Togo and is backed by the African Union’s 54 other member states.
• The traditional Mercator map depicts Africa as similar in size to Greenland, despite Africa being much larger.
• Robert Dussey, Togo’s foreign affairs minister, announced the sponsorship and support for the resolution.
• The vote is set to take place on Friday, according to The Guardian.

What Happened

A Togo-sponsored resolution, supported by all African Union member states, will be put to a vote at the UN General Assembly to replace the Mercator map with one that more accurately reflects Africa’s true scale.

Why It Matters

Supporters argue that the Mercator projection has contributed to misconceptions about Africa’s size and global importance. A new map could influence education, geopolitics, and perceptions of the continent’s role in the world.

What's Next

The outcome of the UN General Assembly vote will determine whether member states formally move to adopt a new world map projection. Further discussions on implementation and educational changes may follow.