Which is bigger: Costa Rica or Slovakia?

Costa Rica is larger (51,100 km²) — about 1.0 times the size of Slovakia (49,037 km²).

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

Costa Rica vs Slovakia Size Comparison

Discover the true size difference between Costa Rica and Slovakia. 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.

Loading comparison...

Costa Rica ↗

Surface Area51,100 km²

Population4,999,441

TypeCountry

Loading contour...

Slovakia ↗

Surface Area49,037 km²

Population5,446,771

TypeCountry

Loading contour...