The United Nations made a significant decision on Friday to shift from the traditional Mercator global map to a more accurate representation of countries’ actual sizes. This resolution, championed by African nations, aims to combat the perception that Africa is marginalized on maps.
Togo spearheaded the initiative as part of the African Union’s push to reduce the use of the Mercator map, which distorts the sizes of land masses by exaggerating those closer to the poles. This distortion leads to misconceptions such as Greenland appearing to be similar in size to Africa, despite Africa being approximately 14 times larger.
Togo’s Foreign Minister, Robert Dussey, emphasized the importance of a fair map, stating, “A fair world begins with a fair map.” The resolution endorses the Equal Earth projection, which provides a more precise depiction of continents’ sizes.
Although the resolution is not legally binding, it does not challenge the Mercator projection’s suitability for maritime and aerial navigation. The resolution passed in the UN General Assembly with overwhelming support, receiving 164 votes in favor, one against (from the United States), and six abstentions.
Togo aims to update its school geography materials by the end of the year, becoming the first country to make this change. Dussey expressed the intention to set an example for other nations by shifting away from the outdated Mercator projection towards the Equal Earth representation, which offers a more accurate view of the world.
Furthermore, Togo plans to engage with African Union members and global partners in the next six months to encourage broader adoption of the Equal Earth projection. Dussey emphasized the need to involve companies specializing in mapping, GPS, and location-based technologies in discussions on the transition.
Dussey highlighted that this initiative is part of broader efforts in Africa to address colonial legacies and is not an attack on any specific civilization. He noted that the widespread use of the Mercator map is rooted in historical colonization and emphasized that both Africa and the world are evolving.