Which is bigger: Madagascar or Botswana?

Madagascar is larger (587,041 km²) — about 1.0 times the size of Botswana (582,000 km²).

Why do Madagascar and Botswana 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 Madagascar and Botswana are distorted compared to their true land area.

Madagascar vs Botswana Size Comparison

Discover the true size difference between Madagascar and Botswana. 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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Madagascar ↗

Surface Area587,041 km²

Population26,262,368

TypeCountry

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Botswana ↗

Surface Area582,000 km²

Population2,254,126

TypeCountry

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