The United Nations made a decision on Friday to move away from using the Mercator global map, which dates back to the 16th century, in favor of a more accurate representation of countries’ actual sizes. The resolution, introduced by African nations, aims to address the misconception that Africa is on the fringes of the world map.
Togo spearheaded the effort to support the African Union’s initiative to reduce the reliance on the Mercator map, known for distorting the sizes of land masses by exaggerating those closer to the poles. As a result, Greenland appears nearly the same size as Africa, even though Africa is approximately 14 times larger.
Togo’s Foreign Minister, Robert Dussey, emphasized the importance of a fair representation of the world, stating that a fair map is the foundation of a fair world. The resolution endorses the Equal Earth projection, which provides a more accurate depiction of continent sizes.
Although the resolution is not legally binding, it does not challenge the use of the Mercator projection for maritime and aerial navigation, for which it remains suitable, according to the Togolese ministry.
The resolution was approved in the UN General Assembly with a vote of 164 in favor, one against, and six abstentions. The United States, the sole dissenting vote, criticized the resolution as promoting an ideological agenda and diverting attention from genuine international issues.
Togo aims to update its school geography materials by the end of the year to reflect the Equal Earth projection, making it the first country to do so. Dussey expressed a hope that this action would set an example for other nations.
In addition to changing its own educational materials, Togo plans to advocate for the transition away from the Mercator projection to other governments, schools, international organizations, and technology companies. Dussey highlighted the Equal Earth projection as offering the most accurate representation of the world.
Looking ahead, Togo intends to collaborate with African Union member states and supporters from various regions to encourage broader adoption of the Equal Earth projection. Dussey emphasized the importance of involving companies that utilize mapping, GPS, and location-based technologies in these discussions.
While linking the map transition initiative to broader efforts to address colonial legacies in Africa, Dussey clarified that it is not intended as an attack on any particular civilization. He noted that the widespread use of the Mercator map is a legacy of colonization and emphasized the evolving nature of the world and Africa.
