Right-sizing the map of Africa
AI Executive Briefing
Gemini Flash AI~45s readThe UN General Assembly has passed a resolution to move away from the 1569 Mercator map projection, which visually shrinks equatorial regions like Africa. This initiative, led by Togo and the African Union, seeks to correct a centuries-old visual bias that misrepresents the continent's true size.
Context & Background
- ✦The Mercator projection was designed for maritime navigation, causing landmasses near the poles to appear larger than those near the equator.
- ✦The resolution argues that this visual distortion contributes to the symbolic minimization of Africa in global imagination and geopolitical perception.
Key Figures & Named Entities
•The African Group and African Union spearheaded the resolution, which passed with 164 votes in favor.•Gerardus Mercator, the Flemish cartographer who created the original projection in 1569.
Outlook & Next Steps
The resolution calls for the adoption of equal-area projections, but emphasizes that this must be accompanied by structural reforms in security, economic transparency, and global governance, such as seeking permanent African seats at the UN Security Council.
Key Takeaways
AI Summary- The UN General Assembly has formally endorsed a shift away from the Mercator map projection to address the systematic visual minimization of Africa.
- The 'Correct the Map' resolution passed with 164 votes, encouraging the adoption of equal-area projections like the Equal Earth map.
- The resolution highlights that while map reform is a necessary symbolic correction, it must be paired with structural actions regarding security, governance, and economic exploitation.
Key Facts:1569: The Mercator projection was originally devised for maritime navigation.30.3 million square kilometres: Africa covers approximately 30.3 million square kilometres, making it 14 times larger than Greenland.
Editorial Excerpt
The United Nations General Assembly has, for the first time, formally endorsed a global shift away from the centuries-old Mercator map in favour of projections that show Africa—and other equatorial regions—in their true relative size.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Story
What is the primary goal of the 'Correct the Map' resolution?
The resolution aims to shift global reliance away from the Mercator map toward equal-area projections that accurately represent the relative size of Africa and other equatorial regions.
Is the UN resolution legally binding?
No, the resolution is non-binding, but it encourages governments, schools, media, and technology companies to adopt more accurate map projections.
