Which is bigger: Russia or Antarctica?

Russia is larger (17,098,246 km²) — about 1.2 times the size of Antarctica (14,200,000 km²).

Why do Russia and Antarctica 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 Russia and Antarctica are distorted compared to their true land area.

Russia vs Antarctica Size Comparison

Discover the true size difference between Russia and Antarctica. 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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Russia ↗

Surface Area17,098,246 km²

Population144,478,050

TypeCountry

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❄️

Antarctica

Surface Area14,200,000 km²

Population1,000

TypeContinent

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