Monmonier Talks to the AP About the UN Endorsing New World Map Representing Africa More Accurately

September 4, 2026

The Associated Press

Mark Monmonier

Geography & the Environment Department

Africa (Sub-Saharan)

International Affairs

International Governmental Organizations

Maps

The Associated Press

Mark Monmonier

The UN General Assembly passed a resolution, sponsored by Togo and backed by the African Union, encouraging replacement of the Mercator map, designed to help European navigators at sea, with the Equal Earth projection, which shows continents in true proportion.

The vote passed 164-1 and does not ban the Mercator map, only encourages adoption of the more accurate alternative.

“Outside of that very narrow navigation application, there is no point in using it [the traditional Mercator map],” says Mark Monmonier, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Geography and the Environment.

Read more in the Associated Press article, “UN General Assembly endorses a new world map that shows more accurately Africa’s size.”