A push to correct how Africa is represented on global maps has secured overwhelming backing at the United Nations.
Nigeria was among 164 countries that voted in favour of an African-led resolution seeking more accurate representations of the size of continents.
The “Correct the Map” resolution was opposed only by the United States, while six countries abstained.
Togo led negotiations for the African Group, with support from the African Union.
The resolution promotes the use of equal-area projections such as the Equal Earth map, which gives a more proportionate representation of Africa.
Africa covers about 30 million square kilometres but appears significantly smaller on the widely used Mercator projection because it enlarges regions closer to the poles.
Togolese Foreign Minister Robert Dussey said maps influence how people perceive the world.
“Maps shape our understanding of the world. They guide education, nourish the imagination and influence collective perceptions,” he said.
France also backed the resolution and announced plans to move away from the Mercator projection in its official maps.
