Which is bigger: Belize or El Salvador?

Belize is larger (22,966 km²) — about 1.1 times the size of El Salvador (21,041 km²).

Why do Belize and El Salvador look different on the map than in reality?

The common Mercator projection enlarges areas the farther they lie from the equator, so the on-map size proportions of Belize and El Salvador are distorted compared to their true land area.

Belize vs El Salvador Size Comparison

Discover the true size difference between Belize and El Salvador. Compare their overlaid silhouettes and learn how the Mercator projection distorts scale.

Direct Silhouette Overlay (same scale)

Comparison of shapes at the exact same, real geographic scale. Click or tap and drag either silhouette to adjust positioning manually.

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Belize ↗

Surface Area22,966 km²

Population383,071

TypeCountry

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El Salvador ↗

Surface Area21,041 km²

Population6,420,744

TypeCountry

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