Share to ClassroomUN Picks New Map for Africa's Size
The United Nations General Assembly voted on Friday to stop using the Mercator map. This world map was drawn in the 16th century, and schools and phones still use it. Countries chose a new map called Equal Earth. It shows Africa at its true size. In the vote, 164 countries said yes, six abstained and only the United States said no. Togo asked for the change for the African Union. The vote does not force any country to change.
A mapmaker named Gerardus Mercator drew the old map in 1569 to help European sailors cross the oceans. It is impossible to draw a round planet on flat paper without a mistake somewhere. Mercator's map makes land near the poles look too big and land near the equator look too small. On it, Greenland looks as big as Africa. But Africa is fourteen times bigger. People have said for years that this makes northern countries look more important.
France said it will stop using the Mercator map too. The United States called the resolution unnecessary. A US representative said the Assembly should work on peace instead. Togo will hold a meeting next year with the African Union, UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) and companies like Google Maps. They will talk about how to make the change.
