Japan, India, Ukraine dispute UN's new world map
Japan, India and Ukraine raised concerns about how the Equal Earth map shows disputed territories.
Last week, the UN General Assembly voted to promote the Equal Earth map. The map shows continents more accurately than Mercator.
A total of 164 countries voted in favour. Six abstained.
The United States was the only country opposing. Three nations immediately objected to the map.
They cited concerns about disputed territories. Ukraine objected because Crimea appears in a lighter shade.
This implies separation from mainland. India raised unspecified concerns about its territory.
Japan made no statement reported by the article. The resolution encourages Equal Earth.
It does not ban Mercator.
- 164
- Votes in favour
- 6
- Abstentions
- United States only
- Countries opposing
- 2018 by three researchers
- Equal Earth created
Why it mattersHow disputed lands appear on official maps carries diplomatic weight. These territories are actively contested by multiple nations.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect yet, but similar territorial disputes around Australia (Timor Sea, EEZ boundaries) could eventually face the same mapping questions.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 49 min ago
