Which is bigger: Japan or Greenland?

Greenland is larger (2,166,086 km²) — about 5.7 times the size of Japan (377,975 km²).

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

Japan vs Greenland Size Comparison

Discover the true size difference between Japan and Greenland. 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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Japan ↗

Surface Area377,975 km²

Population126,529,100

TypeCountry

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Greenland ↗

Surface Area2,166,086 km²

Population56,025

TypeCountry

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