GEOGRAPHICAL MAP SHOWING TRUE SIZE OF CONTINENTS ADOPTED

NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 4 /SRNA-Reuters/ - The UN General Assembly has endorsed a world map that more accurately depicts the actual size of countries.

The adopted projection of the Earth is intended to more accurately represent the surfaced of the continents, particularly those in the Southern Hemisphere, which appear significantly smaller in the Mercator projection than their actual size.

The initiative was launched by members of the African Union, headed by Togo, which have for years pointed out that traditional world maps significantly distort the actual surfaces of continents and countries.

A large number of today's world maps are based on the Mercator projection, developed in the 16th century by European cartographer Gerardus Mercator.

The projection still has significant practical value, particularly for navigation, as it allows directions on a map to be represented in a way that is useful for determining a course.

The problem arises when it is used to represent the actual size of countries and continents.

Togo's Foreign Minister Robert Dussey said that the resolution is not legally binding and that it "in no way calls into question the use of the Mercator projection for maritime and air navigation, for which it remains fully suitable".

The resolution was adopted by the UN General Assembly with 164 countries voting in favour and one against, while six countries abstained.