InternationalSaturday, 5 September 2026·The Hindu - International
UNGA backs Africa-size map reform; Mercator projection challenged in 2026 vote
The UN General Assembly on 4 September 2026 backed a move away from the Mercator map, with Togo leading a campaign for Equal Earth projections.
Key highlights
Direct fact
On 4 September 2026, the UN General Assembly voted 164 to 1 to support a shift away from the 16th-century Mercator map, with Togo leading an African-backed campaign for the Equal Earth projection.
Key specifics
- The UN General Assembly vote on the map resolution took place on 4 September 2026.
- The resolution passed by 164 votes to 1, with 6 abstentions.
- Togo led the initiative and said it would be the first country to change its geography books by the end of the year.
- The Mercator map makes Greenland appear roughly the same size as Africa, though Africa is about 14 times larger.
- The resolution is not legally binding and does not affect Mercator’s use for maritime and aerial navigation.
Exam lens
Question type: Geography in international affairs, key facts: 16th-century Mercator projection, 164-1 UN vote, Africa about 14 times larger than Greenland, Equal Earth projection, non-binding resolution. TNPSC one-liner: Which map projection was targeted by the UN resolution for distorting Africa’s size?