World

UN General Assembly Votes to Replace Mercator World Map Projection

AI SUMMARY

The United Nations General Assembly voted to replace the traditional Mercator world map projection with the more accurate Equal Earth projection.

The UN General Assembly approved a non-binding resolution to discontinue using the 16th-century "Mercator" world map.
The resolution recommends replacing it with the "Equal Earth" projection, developed in 2018, which more accurately reflects the true size of landmasses.
Backed by the African Union and led by Niger, the resolution argues that the Mercator projection significantly shrinks equatorial regions, including Africa, while enlarging northern areas like Europe.
The measure passed with 164 votes in favor and six abstentions, with the United States being the sole country to vote against it.