The United Nations voted on Friday to transition from the Mercator global map, which dates back to the 16th century, to a more accurate representation of countries’ true sizes. This resolution, sponsored by African nations, aims to combat the perception that Africa is marginal. Leading this initiative is Togo, aligning with the African Union’s campaign to reduce the use of the Mercator map, known for distorting the sizes of land masses by exaggerating those closer to the poles. The Mercator projection creates an illusion where Greenland appears comparable in size to Africa, despite Africa being approximately 14 times larger.
Togo’s Foreign Minister Robert Dussey emphasized the importance of a just world starting with an equitable map. The resolution endorses the Equal Earth projection, which provides a truer depiction of continent sizes. While non-binding, the resolution does not challenge the Mercator projection’s suitability for maritime and aerial navigation, according to the Togolese ministry.
The UN General Assembly approved the resolution with 164 votes in favor, one against, and six abstentions. The United States, the sole dissenting vote, criticized the resolution as advancing an ideological agenda and diverting attention from genuine international peace, prosperity, and relations issues.
Togo aims to update its school geography materials by the year’s end, becoming the first country to do so. Dussey expressed Togo’s intention to set an example for other nations by transitioning away from the Mercator projection to the Equal Earth model, which offers a more accurate perspective of the world. Togo plans to engage with African Union members, supporters from other regions, and relevant entities in the coming months to encourage broader adoption of the new mapping approach.
Dussey tied the map transition campaign to broader African initiatives aimed at addressing colonial-era legacies. He clarified that the goal is not to target Europe or any specific civilization but to acknowledge and rectify the historical impacts of colonialism. Dussey highlighted that the Mercator map’s prevalence stems from the colonial past but emphasized that both the world and Africa are evolving.