UN to vote on adopting new world map that shows Africa’s true scale
Togo-sponsored resolution calls to phase out traditional map that depicts continent as similar size to Greenland
TL;DR
- The UN General Assembly will vote on a resolution to phase out the Mercator map in favor of a more accurate representation of Africa's size.
- Togo is spearheading the resolution, which is supported by the African Union.
- The Mercator map, created in 1569, distorts the size of continents, making Africa appear similar in size to Greenland when it is 14 times larger.
- Critics argue the Mercator map perpetuates western stereotypes and 'cartographic colonialism,' influencing global power dynamics and reinforcing biases.
- The resolution promotes the use of more accurate maps like the Equal Earth design.
- A successful vote could lead to updates in educational materials and technology.