UN Adopts New World Map: Africa Expanded, North America Shrunk
The new Equal Earth projection aims to provide a more accurate representation of global landmasses.
The Full Story
In a significant move, the United Nations General Assembly has adopted a new world map that enlarges the African continent while reducing the size of North America and Europe. The resolution, which received support from 164 member countries, was aimed at providing a more accurate representation of continental landmasses and encourages states to use the new Equal Earth cartographic projection instead of the traditional Mercator projection. This shift seeks to address issues where maps distort perceptions, particularly inflating the size of northern regions while compressing equatorial ones.
The proposal was spearheaded by Togo's Foreign Minister, Robert Dussey, who stated that maps help guide education and influence collective perceptions. He emphasized that maps are not neutral; misleading representations can perpetuate inaccuracies through generations. The US, however, opposed the resolution, arguing that it distracts from addressing more pressing global issues.
US representative Yaryna Ferencevych criticized the focus on a map project from the 16th century, questioning its relevance in today’s world. The traditional Mercator projection, designed for maritime navigation, has faced criticism for presenting distorted size relations of landmasses. The Equal Earth map, introduced by a group of cartographers in 2018, seeks to correct this by maintaining relative surface areas and representing shapes closer to how they appear on a globe.
Bojan Savric, one of the cartographers behind this projection, noted its commitment to accuracy and representation. France, a co-sponsor of the resolution, has announced its intention to abandon the Mercator projection in favor of the new map, mentioning the disproportionate prominence given to the United States, Russia, and China in its representation. Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot noted that while changing maps does not inherently change the world, correcting distorted representations is crucial for conveying truth. This resolution comes at a time when France aims to bolster its ties with Africa, especially with its former colonies, where relations have been historically complex.
The adoption of the Equal Earth projection marks a pivotal moment in global cartography and represents an attempt to enhance awareness of geography in a way that respects the integrity of all continents and their people. Amidst political pushback and discussions, the new map signals a shift towards a more equitable view of the world, aiming to redefine how countries are visually represented on a global scale. The long-term impact of this decision remains to be seen, as nations adapt to this new standard of geographic representation, and the ripple effects on education and perception unfold further in international relations and diplomacy. Ultimately, the UN's decision is not just about maps—it's about how the portrayal of land impacts identity, culture, and history across the globe.
Why It Matters
This new map is crucial for addressing historical inaccuracies in global perceptions, reshaping educational narratives, and promoting equity in representation on the world stage. It challenges long-held biases by visually correcting the size disparities between continents.
What's Next
Countries are encouraged to adopt the Equal Earth projection officially, which may lead to a gradual shift in educational materials and political discourse regarding map representations worldwide. Monitoring reactions from the US and other nations will be essential in the coming months.