cross-posted from: https://hexbear.net/post/9489467

Snip:

The UN General Assembly has adopted a nonbinding resolution promoting world maps that show Africa at its true relative size, following longstanding objections that the 16th-century Mercator projection makes the continent appear disproportionately small.

The “Correct the Map” resolution, sponsored by Togo on behalf of the African Group, passed on Friday by 164 votes. The US voted against it, while Estonia, Georgia, Lithuania, Moldova, Serbia, and Ukraine abstained.

The measure encourages governments, schools, publishers, international institutions, and digital platforms to use Equal Earth or other equal-area projections when comparing the size of countries and continents. It neither bans Mercator nor establishes a single official UN map. The resolution also states that it does not affect international borders or territorial claims.

Togolese Foreign Minister Robert Dussey said correcting the map would restore an accurate understanding of the continent’s true dimensions. “A more faithful representation can help better cover Africa’s real wealth and potential, particularly in global economy and commercial dynamics,” Dussey told reporters.

    • Fushuan [he/him]@lemmy.blahaj.zone
      61·
      1 day ago

      Because thanks to Mercator people think Greenland is as big as Africa. They don’t realise that Greenland is just as big as the Iberian peninsula. Having to explain why accurate information and good geography education is important is quite baffling honestly.

      I was making a joke with physical map representation and minorities representation in the wording tho.

    • benjirenji@slrpnk.net
      14·
      1 day ago

      Trump may not invade Greenland once he realizes how small potatoes it is. And he wouldn’t risk the Suez Canal closing if he knew how large Africa really is to sail around.

      Not electing an idiot would also help, but once you’re stuck with one a good map may save your ass.