Which is bigger: Burkina Faso or New Zealand?

Burkina Faso is larger (272,967 km²) — about 1.0 times the size of New Zealand (270,467 km²).

Why do Burkina Faso and New Zealand 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 Burkina Faso and New Zealand are distorted compared to their true land area.

Burkina Faso vs New Zealand Size Comparison

Discover the true size difference between Burkina Faso and New Zealand. 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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Burkina Faso ↗

Surface Area272,967 km²

Population19,751,535

TypeCountry

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New Zealand ↗

Surface Area270,467 km²

Population4,841,000

TypeCountry

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