The UN General Assembly has approved a new world map designed to more accurately depict the relative size of the world’s continents, enlarging Africa while reducing the apparent size of North America and Europe. Lithuania was in a minority of not supporting the resolution.
The resolution, introduced by Togo and backed by members of the African Union, was approved by 164 countries. The United States was the only country to vote against it, while six countries – Estonia, Georgia, Moldova, Serbia, Ukraine and Lithuania – abstained.
The resolution, titled Correct the Map, promotes the use of the Equal Earth projection, which more accurately represents the relative land areas of continents.
The United States criticised the resolution, saying such initiatives contribute to the United Nations losing credibility.
“Instead of focusing on genuine problems of international peace, prosperity, or good relations, this body is debating map projects from the 16th century, and their role in promoting reparations and cognitive justice,” US representative Yaryna Ferencevych said.
