UN to vote on adopting new map that would make our world look very different
CNN
Last updated: September 5, 2026
The United Nations General Assembly is set to vote on adopting a new world map that accurately depicts the relative sizes of countries. This initiative is driven by African nations seeking to correct historical geographical misrepresentations. The proposed map aims to present a more truthful visual representation of the planet's landmasses.
- African nations have been advocating for this change, arguing that existing maps, which have been in use for centuries, distort the true scale of continents and countries. The current Mercator projection, widely used, significantly enlarges areas near the poles while shrinking those closer to the equator, leading to a disproportionate representation. For instance, Africa, which is the largest continent, appears smaller than it is relative to continents like North America and Europe.
- The adoption of a new map would rectify this visual imbalance and provide a more accurate geographical understanding. This move is seen as an effort to address historical inaccuracies and promote a more equitable representation of the world's nations. The vote is expected to bring about a significant shift in how the world is visually perceived and understood, reflecting a commitment to greater accuracy and fairness in global cartography.
