Which is bigger: Romania or Laos?

Romania is larger (238,391 km²) — about 1.0 times the size of Laos (236,800 km²).

Why do Romania and Laos 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 Romania and Laos are distorted compared to their true land area.

Romania vs Laos Size Comparison

Discover the true size difference between Romania and Laos. 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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Romania ↗

Surface Area238,391 km²

Population19,466,145

TypeCountry

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Laos ↗

Surface Area236,800 km²

Population7,061,507

TypeCountry

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