International Relations

UN approves resolution backing a map that shows Africa's true size

The United Nations approved a resolution supporting a map that depicts Africa's true size. The Togo-led initiative advances an African Union campaign to move away from the 16th-century Mercator projection, which visually shrinks Africa. The West African nation aims to use the Equal Earth map in schools by year-end. The United States was the only country to vote against.

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Map projections and UN resolutions on them are topical geography and IR questions.

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Key facts

  • Initiative led by Togo, backing the African Union's map campaign.
  • Targets the 16th-century Mercator projection, which diminishes Africa's size.
  • Promotes the Equal Earth map, to be used in schools by year-end.
  • The United States was the only country to vote against.

Relevant forState PSC · UPSC

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