{ "story_id": "51c48b269b908e7006b6af09fbb97fa5", "desk": "drm3", "revision": 1, "published_at": "2026-09-05T05:19:17.000Z", "content_hash": "b690833119acccf305857b2e57605c659e4fd292480233cbcbe227935a990ed7", "hash_basis": "sha256 over `headline\\ndek\\nprose`, plus `\\n` + the canonical citations JSON when any source is placed, plus `\\n#blog` for blogs", "basis": { "headline": "UN adopts non-binding resolution urging move away from Mercator map to reflect Africa's size", "dek": "UN General Assembly voted 164-1-6 to adopt a Togo-led, African Union-backed resolution urging replacement of the Mercator map projection.", "prose": "The UN General Assembly adopted a non-binding resolution with 164 votes in favor, the United States voting against, and six abstentions. [^1]\n\nThe UN General Assembly is scheduled to vote on a resolution urging member states to phase out the Mercator projection. [^2]\n\nThe United Nations is voting on a new world map design intended to display the actual size of the African continent. [^3]\n\nThe UN General Assembly voted on Friday to adopt a new world map that makes the African continent appear larger while making North America and Europe appear smaller. [^4]\n\nThe resolution urges governments, international organizations, and educational institutions to stop using the Mercator map projection in favor of maps that better reflect Africa's size compared with the rest of the world. [^5]\n\nThe resolution was led by Togo and backed by the African Union (UA). [^6]\n\nThe resolution was proposed by Togo and supported by members of the African Union. [^7]\n\nThe United States rejected the resolution, describing the initiative as part of a radical ideological project. [^8]\n\nThe vote is non-binding but is expected to change world maps globally. [^9]\n\nAfrica is highlighted as the continent most affected by the Mercator projection's distortion, appearing much smaller than its actual size. [^10]\n\nThe resolution specifically calls for countries worldwide to stop using the Mercator projection in favor of maps showing Africa's true size. [^11]\n\nThe new map projection is intended to correct the visual distortion caused by the traditional Mercator projection, which exaggerates the size of landmasses near the poles. 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