Which is bigger: Norway or Japan?

Norway is larger (385,207 km²) — about 1.0 times the size of Japan (377,975 km²).

Why do Norway and Japan 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 Norway and Japan are distorted compared to their true land area.

Norway vs Japan Size Comparison

Discover the true size difference between Norway and Japan. 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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Norway ↗

Surface Area385,207 km²

Population5,311,916

TypeCountry

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Japan ↗

Surface Area377,975 km²

Population126,529,100

TypeCountry

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