InternationalSunday, 6 September 2026·Hindu Tamil Thisai
UN approves new world map proposal: Africa shown larger, 164 countries support resolution
The UN adopted a resolution supporting a new world map that reflects Africa’s actual size, with 164 countries voting in favour.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In September 2026, the UN adopted a resolution in New York supporting a new world map that shows Africa larger than North America and Europe, with 164 countries voting in favour.
Key specifics
- The vote was held at the UN in New York in 2026.
- India and 164 countries voted in favour of the resolution.
- The United States was the only country that voted against it.
- Gerardus Mercator created the world map in 1569.
- Africa is about 14 times larger than Greenland, but Mercator’s map showed them as similar in size.
Exam lens
Question type: International organisations and map projection, key facts: UN, New York, 1569 Mercator map, 164 votes, Africa’s actual size. TNPSC may ask why the Mercator projection is criticised.