UN General Assembly adopts ‘Correct the Map’ resolution for equal-area world maps; India votes in favour
Key facts
- The UN General Assembly adopted the 'Correct the Map' resolution on 4 September 2026.
- The vote was 164 in favour and 1 against, the United States. Six countries abstained.
- The African Group, led by Togo, brought the resolution.
- It encourages equal-area map projections, especially the Equal Earth projection. It says the Mercator projection makes Africa look too small.
- India voted in favour, but said the resolution does not endorse any map of national boundaries.
Why it matters
[Geography] The Mercator projection keeps directions correct but enlarges areas near the poles. So Greenland looks almost as big as Africa, though Africa is about 14 times larger.
Test yourself
Question 1 of 1