UN to Vote on Africa-Backed Map Showing the Continent’s True Scale

United Nations members are expected to consider an Africa-backed proposal to replace the centuries-old Mercator projection with the Equal Earth map. Togo is leading the campaign after receiving support from the African Union and advocacy groups. Critics say Mercator exaggerates northern territories while making Africa appear smaller than it is; the continent is roughly 14 times larger than Greenland. A draft resolution is being prepared, with a vote likely at the UN General Assembly in September, according to Togo’s minister.