Which is bigger: South Africa or Poland?

South Africa is larger (1,221,037 km²) — about 3.9 times the size of Poland (312,696 km²).

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

South Africa vs Poland Size Comparison

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

Surface Area312,696 km²

Population37,974,750

TypeCountry

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