Which is bigger: Costa Rica or Poland?

Poland is larger (312,696 km²) — about 6.1 times the size of Costa Rica (51,100 km²).

Why do Costa Rica and Poland 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 Costa Rica and Poland are distorted compared to their true land area.

Costa Rica vs Poland Size Comparison

Discover the true size difference between Costa Rica and Poland. 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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Costa Rica ↗

Surface Area51,100 km²

Population4,999,441

TypeCountry

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Poland ↗

Surface Area312,696 km²

Population37,974,750

TypeCountry

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