International
• 1 hour ago• Lim_Rothanaksambath
UN Approves New Map to Show Africa's True Size
PHNOM PENH, September 7, 2026 – After more than 450 years of being shown too small on world maps, Africa has won a victory at the United Nations.
The "Correct the Map" resolution, led by Togo and backed by African nations, was passed by the UN General Assembly. The vote was 164 in favour, 1 against, and 6 abstentions. The United States was the only country to vote no.
For centuries, the Mercator map has been used around the world. But it distorts the size of continents. It makes Africa look about the same size as Greenland, even though Africa is actually 14 times larger.
Photo: BBC
"Map is never neutral," said Togolese Foreign Minister Robert Dussey. "A fair world begins with a fair map." France's Foreign Minister announced that France would stop using the Mercator map, saying that "distortions affect how we see the world."
The United States criticised the resolution, saying the UN should focus on real problems rather than old maps.
The resolution is not legally binding, but it encourages countries and institutions to use more accurate maps in the future.
— Sources: BBC News,
UN News
Reported by The Khmer Daily Network
The "Correct the Map" resolution, led by Togo and backed by African nations, was passed by the UN General Assembly. The vote was 164 in favour, 1 against, and 6 abstentions. The United States was the only country to vote no.
For centuries, the Mercator map has been used around the world. But it distorts the size of continents. It makes Africa look about the same size as Greenland, even though Africa is actually 14 times larger.
Photo: BBC"Map is never neutral," said Togolese Foreign Minister Robert Dussey. "A fair world begins with a fair map." France's Foreign Minister announced that France would stop using the Mercator map, saying that "distortions affect how we see the world."
The United States criticised the resolution, saying the UN should focus on real problems rather than old maps.
The resolution is not legally binding, but it encourages countries and institutions to use more accurate maps in the future.
— Sources: BBC News,
UN News
Reported by The Khmer Daily Network
