Which is bigger: New Zealand or Gabon?

New Zealand is larger (270,467 km²) — about 1.0 times the size of Gabon (267,668 km²).

Why do New Zealand and Gabon 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 New Zealand and Gabon are distorted compared to their true land area.

New Zealand vs Gabon Size Comparison

Discover the true size difference between New Zealand and Gabon. 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.

Loading comparison...

New Zealand ↗

Surface Area270,467 km²

Population4,841,000

TypeCountry

Loading contour...

Gabon ↗

Surface Area267,668 km²

Population2,119,275

TypeCountry

Loading contour...