Which is bigger: South Africa or Colombia?

South Africa is larger (1,221,037 km²) — about 1.1 times the size of Colombia (1,141,748 km²).

Why do South Africa and Colombia 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 South Africa and Colombia are distorted compared to their true land area.

South Africa vs Colombia Size Comparison

Discover the true size difference between South Africa and Colombia. 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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South Africa ↗

Surface Area1,221,037 km²

Population57,779,622

TypeCountry

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Colombia ↗

Surface Area1,141,748 km²

Population49,648,685

TypeCountry

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