Which is bigger: Libya or Iran?

Libya is larger (1,759,540 km²) — about 1.1 times the size of Iran (1,648,195 km²).

Why do Libya and Iran 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 Libya and Iran are distorted compared to their true land area.

Libya vs Iran Size Comparison

Discover the true size difference between Libya and Iran. 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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Libya ↗

Surface Area1,759,540 km²

Population6,678,567

TypeCountry

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Iran ↗

Surface Area1,648,195 km²

Population81,800,269

TypeCountry

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