Which is bigger: Malta or Maldives?

Malta is larger (316 km²) — about 1.1 times the size of Maldives (298 km²).

Why do Malta and Maldives 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 Malta and Maldives are distorted compared to their true land area.

Malta vs Maldives Size Comparison

Discover the true size difference between Malta and Maldives. 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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Malta ↗

Surface Area316 km²

Population515,000

TypeCountry

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Maldives ↗

Surface Area298 km²

Population540,000

TypeCountry

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