UN approves new world map showing Africa’s true size

The United Nations General Assembly has voted to adopt a new world map designed to more accurately represent the size of Africa. According to the BBC, the resolution, sponsored by Togo and backed by African Union members, received support from 164 countries.

The United States was the only country to vote against the resolution, while six nations abstained.

The move seeks to address distortions created by the Mercator projection, a map widely used since the 16th century. The projection makes Greenland appear comparable in size to Africa, despite Africa being about 14 times larger.

Supporters say adopting a more accurate map could help improve global understanding of Africa’s actual geographical scale and significance.