Which is bigger: Ethiopia or Bolivia?

Ethiopia is larger (1,104,300 km²) — about 1.0 times the size of Bolivia (1,098,581 km²).

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

Ethiopia vs Bolivia Size Comparison

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

Surface Area1,104,300 km²

Population109,224,559

TypeCountry

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Bolivia ↗

Surface Area1,098,581 km²

Population11,353,142

TypeCountry

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