UN General Assembly endorses new world map that shows more accurately Africa's size
The United Nations General Assembly on Friday endorsed a new world map that represents Africa more accurately in its larger size, a culmination of a recent campaign led by African countries and advocacy groups. Friday’s resolution, which was sponsored by Togo and backed by members of the African Union, was passed with 164 member states voting in favor. Only…
- Why it matters
- Current standard map projections distort Africa's area to appear smaller than it is; this resolution shifts official UN representation toward geographic accuracy and affirms African countries' advocacy for corrected cartography.
- Most affected
- African nations — Gain representation on official UN maps that display their continent at actual geographic scale.
Schools and institutions using UN materials — May adopt maps that show Africa's true size rather than visually diminished versions. - Likely next
- Whether UN departments and member states adopt this map in official materials and communications.