Which is bigger: Sierra Leone or Ireland?

Sierra Leone is larger (71,740 km²) — about 1.0 times the size of Ireland (70,273 km²).

Why do Sierra Leone and Ireland 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 Sierra Leone and Ireland are distorted compared to their true land area.

Sierra Leone vs Ireland Size Comparison

Discover the true size difference between Sierra Leone and Ireland. 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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Sierra Leone ↗

Surface Area71,740 km²

Population7,650,154

TypeCountry

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Ireland ↗

Surface Area70,273 km²

Population4,867,309

TypeCountry

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