UN adopts new world map reshaping global view of continents

Photo — Magda Ehlers / Pexels

The UN General Assembly has approved a non‑binding resolution endorsing a new cartographic projection that significantly changes how the world will be visually represented in maps used by international institutions, schools and media.[1][5][11] The Equal Earth projection more accurately preserves the relative sizes of landmasses compared with traditional maps like the Mercator, which have historically exaggerated the size of higher‑latitude countries such as the United States and Europe while shrinking equatorial regions, especially Africa and parts of the Global South.[1][5][11] African states pushed for the change as part of a broader effort to address what they describe as centuries‑old visual biases that underpin unequal perceptions of power, wealth and importance in international relations.[1][5][11] Although the resolution is formally non‑binding, its adoption by an overwhelming majority of UN member states is expected to influence future map standards in textbooks, official documents, digital platforms and policy work, with potential implications for debates on development, climate responsibility and geopolitical influence.[1][5][11]

Sources: Anadolu Agency, CNN, The Jakarta Post, The Guardian