Which is bigger: Bolivia or Mauritania?

Bolivia is larger (1,098,581 km²) — about 1.1 times the size of Mauritania (1,030,700 km²).

Why do Bolivia and Mauritania 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 Bolivia and Mauritania are distorted compared to their true land area.

Bolivia vs Mauritania Size Comparison

Discover the true size difference between Bolivia and Mauritania. 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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Bolivia ↗

Surface Area1,098,581 km²

Population11,353,142

TypeCountry

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Mauritania ↗

Surface Area1,030,700 km²

Population4,403,319

TypeCountry

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