New York: (RightNow) The United Nations General Assembly has approved a resolution to change the world map. The resolution was supported by 164 countries, while the United States opposed it.

The new map reflects the true size of Africa, Latin America, and South Asia. This resolution was approved under the ‘Equal Earth’ map initiative.

The UN has encouraged member states to adopt the new map instead of the Mercator projection. France has announced its support for this resolution.

The map change will impact education and public perceptions. Togo’s Foreign Minister stated that maps hold more educational importance than just geography.

It is noteworthy that the Mercator map was created in 1569, showing northern areas larger and equatorial regions smaller.