Africa: New World Map Makes Africa Look Bigger - What's the Fuss About? Cartographers Explain

The United Nations has passed a non-binding resolution endorsing the Equal Earth Projection, a new map designed to more fairly represent the true size of the Earth's landmasses. The decision brings renewed attention to the cartographic debate surrounding world maps, specifically addressing how the commonly used Mercator Projection heavily exaggerates landmasses located further away from the equator.

Cartographers and experts have explained the significance of the shift, noting that the traditional Mercator map visually distorts the proportions of continents. By adopting the Equal Earth Projection, the UN aims to provide a more accurate visual depiction of the globe, prompting broader discussions about geographic representation and the perception of land sizes, particularly regarding the continent of Africa.