WORLD · VERIFIED DEVELOPMENT
UN Adopts New World Map Correcting Africa’s Size Distortion
WHY IT MATTERS
The new map will standardize geographic data for UN publications, ensuring accurate representation of African landmass in global statistics and policy documents.
What happened
The United Nations has adopted a new world map that accurately represents Africa’s true size, addressing long‑standing distortions in traditional projections. The change follows criticism that conventional maps exaggerate the continent’s relative scale.
The new map will replace older versions in UN publications and educational materials, providing a more realistic visual reference for global audiences.
The decision reflects a growing push for geographic accuracy in international documents and may influence how other organizations update their cartographic resources.
PRIMARY SOURCES
What different world maps get right - and what they get wrong
BBC News · Discovery only; BBC syndication and copyright terms apply