UN adopts new world map highlighting Africa’s true scale

Photo — Yan Krukau / Pexels

According to multiple major outlets, the UN General Assembly has approved a resolution to phase out the use of traditional world maps, such as Mercator-style projections, in its official materials and adopt a new cartographic standard that shows Africa’s landmass at its true relative size.[6][8][10] African countries led the effort, arguing that long‑standing maps dramatically shrink the continent while inflating Europe and North America, reinforcing historical power imbalances in education, diplomacy and global policy debates.[8][10] The new map is intended to be progressively introduced across UN publications, classrooms and diplomatic venues, and is being framed by supporters as both a technical correction and a symbolic step toward rectifying centuries-old distortions in how the world is visually represented.[6][8][10] While it does not directly change borders or legal status, the decision is expected to influence perceptions of African economic potential, resource distribution and strategic importance in international negotiations, and could spur wider adoption of alternative projections by governments and institutions worldwide.[8][10]

Sources: CNN, The Guardian, BBC