U.N. to Vote on African Proposal for a New World Map

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Published: 2026-09-04T11:12:07.062Z • Permanent link

African nations are set to vote on a proposal to create a new world map that better reflects the true size and proportions of countries. The Equal Earth projection, developed by a team of cartographers and researchers, is gaining international attention for its potential to redefine the way we think about global geography. At the forefront of this effort is the African Union, which has been working closely with the United Nations to bring the proposal to the table.

Critics of the current Mercator map, which has been in use for centuries, argue that it distorts the size and shape of countries, making Africa appear smaller than it actually is. For example, Greenland, which is roughly the size of Texas, is depicted as being nearly twice as large as Africa on the traditional map. The Equal Earth projection, on the other hand, presents Africa as a significant player on the world stage, with its countries and territories accurately represented in terms of size and scale.

According to sources, the African Union has been working with the UN to refine the proposal and address any concerns that may arise. The proposal is expected to be put to a vote at the UN General Assembly later this month, with representatives from over 100 countries expected to attend. If passed, the new world map would become an official standard for international cartography, marking a significant shift in the way we represent the world on maps.

The proposed new world map has significant implications for companies and research communities that rely on accurate geographic data. Companies such as Google and Apple, which use satellite imagery and mapping technology to power their products, would need to update their systems to reflect the new proportions. Research communities, which rely on accurate data to inform their studies and analyses, would also need to adapt to the new map.

One of the key affected companies is Esri, a leading provider of geographic information systems (GIS) software. Esri's CEO, Jack Dangermond, has been a vocal supporter of the Equal Earth proposal, arguing that it would improve the accuracy and relevance of geographic data for a wide range of applications. "The current map is a relic of the past," Dangermond said in a statement. "The Equal Earth proposal represents a major step forward in the way we represent the world on maps.

The proposed new world map is part of a larger trend towards greater accuracy and inclusivity in international cartography. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the need to address historical biases and inaccuracies in the way we represent the world on maps. The Equal Earth proposal is one of several initiatives aimed at promoting greater accuracy and relevance in geographic data, and it is part of a broader effort to redefine the way we think about global geography.