Which is bigger: Gabon or Western Sahara?

Gabon is larger (267,668 km²) — about 1.0 times the size of Western Sahara (266,000 km²).

Why do Gabon and Western Sahara 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 Gabon and Western Sahara are distorted compared to their true land area.

Gabon vs Western Sahara Size Comparison

Discover the true size difference between Gabon and Western Sahara. 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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Gabon ↗

Surface Area267,668 km²

Population2,119,275

TypeCountry

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Western Sahara ↗

Surface Area266,000 km²

Population652,271

TypeCountry

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