Why Switching to the Equal Earth Map Matters for How We See Continents and Power

The United Nations General Assembly voted to adopt the Equal Earth cartographic projection, replacing the Mercator projection that has been used for centuries.

The resolution was supported by 164 countries, while the United States voted against it and six states chose to abstain.

The Mercator projection, originally created in 1569 for maritime navigation, inflates Europe and North America but shrinks Africa, Latin America and Oceania.

In contrast, the Equal Earth projection preserves the relative surface areas of continents, giving Africa and other southern regions a more accurate size on the map.

The motion was driven by several African countries and co‑sponsored by France, which announced it would abandon the Mercator projection.

Togo’s foreign minister Robert Dussey said that maps "guide education, nourish the imagination, and influence collective perceptions," arguing that a distorted map can perpetuate inaccurate views across generations.

The United States criticised the resolution, saying that debating 16th‑century map projects distracts from genuine problems and harms the UN’s credibility.

While changing the official map does not alter political realities, it can reshape how future generations perceive the size and importance of different regions, influencing education, culture and international dialogue.

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