UN backs new map showing Africa's true size; US sole dissenter
UN backs new map showing Africa's true relative size with US alone in opposition
The UN General Assembly overwhelmingly adopted a resolution encouraging the use of equal-area world maps like the Equal Earth projection, which show Africa's true relative size, unlike the traditional Mercator projection that distorts it. The vote was 164-1, with the US as the only country voting against. The resolution, introduced by Togo on behalf of the African Group, is non-binding but aims to correct misconceptions about Africa's size and importance.
Maps shape our understanding of the world. They guide education, nourish the imagination, and influence collective perceptions.
- xnx
I'm neutral on the map. If it makes somebody happy, great.
Would've been a lot more interesting of they promoted a population map: https://ourworldindata.org/world-population-cartogram
- krackers
https://map-projections.net/compare.php?p1=equalearth&p2=rob...
- dotancohen
The old map's Africa looks just like Africa on my globe. I understand that the new Africa is bigger, but it no longer looks like the real shape of Africa on planet Earth.
When I look at a map - political or geographic - my primary observation is the shapes of the nations or landforms. Not the size.