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The U.N. General Assembly has backed a move away from the widely used Mercator map towards the Equal Earth projection, which shows the relative size of continents more accurately.
The non-binding resolution, led by Togo and supported by the African Union, passed with 164 votes in favor, one against, and six abstentions.
The Mercator projection was designed for navigation in the 16th century, but it stretches countries closer to the poles. As a result, Greenland appears almost as large as Africa, although Africa is actually about 14 times bigger.
For Cypriots, the change could eventually mean a very different-looking world map in classrooms, atlases and online. Africa, Cyprus’ vast neighbor across the Mediterranean, would finally appear closer to its true scale, while Europe, Russia and Greenland would look considerably smaller.
The vote does not force countries, schools or technology companies to change their maps, and Mercator will continue to be used for sea and air navigation. However, supporters hope the decision will encourage wider use of more accurate maps in education and public institutions.
*Source: BBC
