UN Votes to Replace Mercator World Map with Equal Earth Projection
-
Post By
Emmie
- September 7, 2026
The United Nations General Assembly has passed a non-binding resolution calling on global institutions, schools, and governments to phase out the traditional Mercator world map in favor of the Equal Earth projection, which accurately depicts the true proportions of continental landmasses.
Spearheaded by Togo alongside member states of the African Union and co-sponsored by France, the "Correct the Map" resolution passed with 164 votes in favor. Six nations abstained, while the United States cast the only opposing vote.
Designed in 1569 by Flemish cartographer Gerardus Mercator for ocean navigation, the Mercator projection preserves shapes and directions but heavily distorts land area on a flat surface. By expanding regions nearer to the poles while compressing equatorial zones, it depicts Africa, a continent spanning 30.3 million square kilometers that can fit the U.S., China, India, Japan, and most of Europe combined, as roughly equal in area to Greenland.
Critics argue this centuries-old visual imbalance creates a misleading narrative that minimizes the economic potential, natural resources, and development requirements of equatorial nations.
Addressing the General Assembly, Togolese Foreign Minister Robert Dussey emphasized the political and educational weight carried by world maps:
"A map is never neutral. It shapes perceptions, influences how the place of peoples and continents in the world is understood…A fair world begins with a fair map."
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot backed the resolution, confirming that his ministry would discontinue using Mercator maps:
"Changing the map obviously doesn't change the world. But correcting a representation that distorts it is already an act of truth."
The United States stood alone in opposing the measure, criticizing the assembly for spending time on cartographic debates rather than pressing geopolitical crises.
U.S. representative Yaryna Ferencevych argued during proceedings that the resolution is "the reason this institution is losing its credibility".
"Instead of focusing on genuine problems of international peace, prosperity, or good relations, this body is debating map projects from the 16th Century, and their role in promoting reparations and 'cognitive justice'."
Created in 2018 by cartographers Bojan Šavrič, Tom Patterson, and Bernhard Jenny, the Equal Earth projection maintains accurate continental surface ratios while preserving recognizable land shapes.
While the UN decision is not legally binding and does not restrict Mercator's continued use for maritime or air navigation, African Union representatives plan to meet with regional partners over the next six months to coordinate global promotion. Togo announced it will lead by example, updating all national school textbooks to reflect the Equal Earth projection.
