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UN vote on new world map showing Africa's true scale
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
UN General Assembly votes Friday on Togo-led resolution to phase out Mercator map for Equal Earth. If passed, classrooms and tech could adopt maps showing Africa's true size.
Background
The Mercator projection, created in 1569 for navigation, distorts landmasses near the poles, making Africa appear much smaller than it is. Togo, backed by the African Union, has brought a resolution to the UN to encourage a shift to equal-area maps like Equal Earth, which show Africa's true scale. The vote is scheduled for Friday.
How it unfolded
- 1569Gerardus Mercator introduces his map projection for navigation, which becomes the global standard.
- Sep 3, 2026Togo's Foreign Minister Robert Dussey addresses the UN General Assembly, presenting the 'Correct the Map' campaign.
- Sep 4, 2026UN General Assembly votes on the resolution to phase out Mercator in favor of Equal Earth.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Togo's Foreign Minister Robert Dussey says the initiative is 'a scientific deal,' not political, and asks for member states' support.
- Support
- The African Union backs the resolution, encouraging governments and schools to adopt equal-area maps.