Which is bigger: South Africa or Greenland?

Greenland is larger (2,166,086 km²) — about 1.8 times the size of South Africa (1,221,037 km²).

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

South Africa vs Greenland Size Comparison

Discover the true size difference between South Africa and Greenland. 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.

Loading comparison...

South Africa ↗

Surface Area1,221,037 km²

Population57,779,622

TypeCountry

Loading contour...

Greenland ↗

Surface Area2,166,086 km²

Population56,025

TypeCountry

Loading contour...