Which is bigger: France or Somalia?

France is larger (643,801 km²) — about 1.0 times the size of Somalia (637,657 km²).

Why do France and Somalia 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 France and Somalia are distorted compared to their true land area.

France vs Somalia Size Comparison

Discover the true size difference between France and Somalia. 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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France ↗

Surface Area643,801 km²

Population66,977,107

TypeCountry

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Somalia ↗

Surface Area637,657 km²

Population15,008,154

TypeCountry

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