Which is bigger: Mali or South Africa?

Mali is larger (1,240,192 km²) — about 1.0 times the size of South Africa (1,221,037 km²).

Why do Mali and South Africa 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 Mali and South Africa are distorted compared to their true land area.

Mali vs South Africa Size Comparison

Discover the true size difference between Mali and South Africa. 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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Mali ↗

Surface Area1,240,192 km²

Population19,077,690

TypeCountry

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South Africa ↗

Surface Area1,221,037 km²

Population57,779,622

TypeCountry

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