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An infographic on the "United Nations’ efforts to promote maps that more accurately represent Africa" created in Ankara, Turkiye on September 8, 2026. [AFP]
Japan said on Thursday it had asked for the revision of a new world map adopted by the United Nations because it made the disputed Kuril islands appear to belong to Russia.
The UN General Assembly voted on Friday to adopt the new map, which makes the African continent larger while also shrinking North America and Europe, drawing condemnation from the United States.
Japan was among the 164 UN members that supported the resolution but has now taken issue with it because it shows the Kurils, known in Japan as the Northern Territories, in the same colour as Russia.
