Japan seeks change to new UN world map over Russia 'misconception'

A controversial new UN world map has sparked diplomatic tension by altering the proportions of continents—expanding Africa while reducing the size of Europe and North America. The revision has drawn sharp criticism from the U.S., which opposes the depiction of the Kuril Islands as under Russian control, a claim Japan disputes. The map’s adoption by the UN General Assembly follows debates over geographical accuracy and political representation. Critics argue the changes distort traditional cartography, raising questions about global standards in mapping.

The new ‘true-scale’ map shrinks Europe and North America while enlarging Africa – and depicts the disputed Kuril islands as ruled by MoscowJapan has asked for the revision of a new world map adopted by the UN because it said it made the disputed Kuril islands appear to belong to Russia.The UN general assembly voted on Friday to adopt the new map, which makes the African continent larger while also shrinking North America and Europe, drawing condemnation from the US. Continue reading...