Which is bigger: Japan or Germany?

Japan is larger (377,975 km²) — about 1.1 times the size of Germany (357,022 km²).

Why do Japan and Germany 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 Japan and Germany are distorted compared to their true land area.

Japan vs Germany Size Comparison

Discover the true size difference between Japan and Germany. 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...

Japan ↗

Surface Area377,975 km²

Population126,529,100

TypeCountry

Loading contour...

Germany ↗

Surface Area357,022 km²

Population82,905,782

TypeCountry

Loading contour...