UN Backs Move Away from Mercator World Maps

The UN General Assembly has backed a move away from the 16th-century Mercator map projection, which distorts the relative size of landmasses by enlarging those closer to the poles. Togo led the initiative as part of a broader African Union campaign. The resolution was supported by 164 countries.

The US was the only country to vote against the resolution, while six nations abstained. The resolution promotes the Equal Earth projection, which more accurately represents the relative sizes of continents and countries.

The difference is particularly striking when comparing Africa and Greenland. On Mercator maps, they appear roughly the same size, although Africa is actually about 14 times larger.

The resolution is not legally binding and does not challenge the use of the Mercator projection for maritime or aerial navigation.

Togo plans to change its school geography materials by the end of the year and will urge other governments, schools, international organizations and technology companies to move away from Mercator maps.

(Reuters, mja)